Heidi's Chopped Crop

Going from long to short doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. Robyn Hill, owner of Stellenbosch-based salon, strangelove, lays down exactly what you need to tell your hairdresser before the snipping begins.

This style will work with almost every face shape, says Hill. However, if your face is square, be wary, she warns. 'A bob might add heaviness to your jaw line.

'Ask for a collarbone-grazing, layered bob with an eyebrow-dusting, full, side-swept fringe,' advises Hill. In order to get a subtle blend from blunt to feathered, make sure your stylist cuts blunt layers through the jaw line section and lightly razors your hair throughout the top layers, no higher than your cheekbone, she says. Your fringe should be full, yet softly textured to avoid it looking too heavy.

Once you've got the bob, you'll want to be able to maintain Heidi's just-styled look without the fuss. Here, Hill shows you how to keep your bob looking fabulous in five, easy steps.

1. Run your fingers through your hair to separate the strands and dry it a little before flatironing. Make sure you use a good hair protector. (TRY: FHI Hot Sauce, R150).
2. While flatironing, polish out the top few layers and allow for a soft tousle below your jaw line.
3. Cool your hair with your hairdryer from above, in order to flatten your new fringe.
4. From the front, blow cool air into your face so you gently blow hair away from your face for effect.
5. Finally, run a coin-sized blob of wax through the ends and tweak into place. (TRY: Joico's Crème Wax Shine, R185 per 50ml).

Author: Lindi Brownell