The twittersphere went berserk this week as news spread of Miley Cyrus’s punky pixie cut. Perhaps she was inspired by our dissemination of Mia Farrow’s iconic crop, how it changed perceptions of beauty and propelled Mia to stardom. Or maybe modern movie stars have shown Miley the way to Hollywood’s heart. The likes of Emma Watson and Ginnifer Goodwin revamped their image by going short; Anne Hathaway got back in the paparazzi gaze with the provocative opposite to her typical cut; and Carey Mulligan became the most recognizable of a new wave of British actresses when a short style uncovered her elfin charm. Read on for notes on making these celebrity styles work for you…
Step: Strong cheekbones and doll-like features help Emma Watson stand out in a short style. If you wear a similar look, make sure there is texture on top to give femininity and visual interest. Styling should be kept simple. Use texture paste to muss the shape; or use cream wax to create contrast and separation.
Step: Ginnifer Goodwin’s face shape is rounded; that great for this tight graduation. It pronounces her beautiful head shape, while the side-swept bang draws attention to her piercing eyes. Another easy look to style: Comb a nickel-size of hair creme through hair for even distribution, create head-hugging curvature, and make a polished side-part.
Step: With noticeably thick hair texture, Anne Hathaway will be feeling fresher, lighter this summer –– long, heavy hair is a bind in the heat. Her short, textured layers add definition to the face, and are easier to manage than bushy long locks. A quick blowdryer blast perfects this look. Cocktail hair creme and texture paste in palms, run through hair, and blast dry while tousling and perfecting the shape with hands.
Step: Carey Mulligan rose to prominence with a signature short look; she’s been wearing a crop for years. What keeps it fresh is the bit of length she keeps on top. It allows her to do lots of different things, from disheveled ‘dos to pompadours to slicked backed looks and even inventive interpretations of updos. For styling, if you want control and structure, use hair gel or styling creme; if you want it wispy and light and free, use hair creme; if you want a lived-in, textured finish use dry shampoo.
