Short Hairstyles To Snip Off The Damage

When you’re after a big change, you can’t bypass short hairstyles. They can be, and often are, more than just a hairstyle choice, but the markers of bigger changes in your life. From breakups to promotions to seasonal segues, opting for the big chop is often life’s exclamation mark. It not only makes you feel brand new, but also refreshes your tresses. Your hair is healthy, fresh and, if you choose the right cut, a big on-trend hairstyle move. So, we asked Creative Director of Bondi Beach go-to salon, Hair Cartel, Belle Jackson, to give us the low down on the cuts that will be shaping your next big change…

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @JULESHOUGH

THE ‘DALLAS BABY’

In what could be the most shocking announcement of all time, the perm has found it’s way back on to the trend list, after a twenty-something year hiatus. And, it’s working hand-in-hand with one of this season’s hottest cuts: the curly lob. Hair is cut bluntly at the nape of the neck, working with curls (natural or otherwise) to achieve body, without the need for layers. “Yes, the perm, and naturally curly hair, is back,” says Belle. “[And] cut in bangs [for] this hair trend.” Mary suggests that if you aren’t ready for something as permanent as the perm, and aren’t blessed with a natural curl, you can achieve the look with a set of tongs. “Prep your hair with thickening hair spray starting from back,” she says. “Tong your hair in small sections in tight curls, then shake it out. Finish with a light spray to hold.”

THE FLIP

Too often short hairstyles are wrongly considered the low-maintenance ‘do in the hair length repertoire, but in reality they can be hard to manage due to, let’s be honest, the lack of top-knot options. However, believe us when we say this is the easiest, most versatile short hairstyle we’ve seen in a long time. The cut straight, but with texture and body created by ‘the flip’ of newly just-touching-the-shoulder length hair. “[The look is to] flip either side of the hair to recreate an asymmetrical look,” says Belle. “Start by prepping the hair with a setting spray into slightly damp hair, blow drying in the opposite direction you want to part. Then flip it over and voila! If you don’t need volume, tip your head upside down and shake in R+Co’s Mannequin and flip away all day.”

THE ‘BANG BANG’

Another win for the low-maintenance lovers among us, this is a twist on an old classic. “[It’s the] bob, with added bangs and texture for effortless beachy hair,” explains Belle. And, hence the name, with the addition of bangs. “Prep the hair with R+Co’s One Spray using a GHD in small sections,” explains Belle. “Put a slight bend in the mid lengths leaving the ends straight. Shake out and finish with sea salt spray.” Remember to keep bangs quite long, skimming the brow and tapering down the face – you want to frame the curves of you face, not create a blunt or sharp ‘square’ shape. This is perfect for those of us with a natural wave in the hair.

THE COLOUR BOMB

This is a great way to add vibrant colour to chopped lengths that won’t undo the cut’s healthy intentions. Moving away from the once stand-alone stop-traffic tone of block icey blondes, a rainbow of soft pastels are becoming highly sought after for those wanting to move away from natural shades. “Bring out your playful side by adding a pastel colour to your [newly short] ‘do,” says Belle. “[With] a dose of pink toners, you style with a loose tonged wave finish on dry hair, using R+Co Aircraft to add waxy separation.” To keep the cut-colour duo on trend, ask for choppy ends that fall around the chin.