'Adding any kind of face-framing pieces to the style you have makes it much more flattering to your features and a whole lot sexier,' says Oscar Blandi, NYC stylist and salon owner. And what's great about both these mane effects is that they don't require losing lots of length or making a dramatic change.
Can't decide which one is best for you? See which of the statements you agree with below. Then read on to find out how to wear your chosen style.
| LAYERS |
BANGS |
| They're right for you if... |
They're right for you if... |
| You have thin, fine hair and want more texture and body all over. |
You have small eyes and want to make them look bigger. |
| You have very thick hair that you want thinned out. |
You have a large forehead that you'd like to minimise. |
| You have a curly coif that tends to get poufy, frizzy, or undefined. |
You want a flirtier, more modern do that looks just as sexy pulled up as it does when it's down. |
| You're bored with your all-one-length locks but don't want to go shorter. |
You don't mind spending an extra five minutes styling them every morning. |
| You have no problem committing to using heat-protecting stylers and a weekly deep conditioner. |
You're willing to get monthly maintenance trims. |
TO LAYER YOUR LOCKS:
All-one-length strands may have looked good on Marcia Brady, but today's hottest stars are all about alluring, swinging hair that has tons of body. And the good news is, you don't have to be as tress-blessed as Courteney Cox Arquette to work this style. 'Anyone can wear layers, and incorporating some into your existing cut is the easiest way to give it a sexy, more modern look,' says Blandi. But not all layers are created equal. 'You have to match them to your natural hair texture,' he says. Here's how to know which kind is right for your mane type.
• If you have a curly coif, go for long, graduated layers all over your head to give your spirals definition so they are less frizz-prone.
• If your strands are superfine, make some of your layers around ear-length to get volume at the roots.
• If your mane is straight or kind of wavy and you want to make it look more shapely, add layers in the underneath section of your hair for a shaggy, bedhead look.
• If your locks are ultra-thick and you need to thin them out, ask your stylist to hold the scissors vertically while cutting the layers to take away the bulk.
TO BRING ON THE BANGS:
The newest bangs range from long and blunt to side-swept and wispy, which means every girl can find a style that's perfect for her. 'Bangs will look good on just about anyone. The key is determining the type that best complements your face shape,' says Blandi. Here is his guide for figuring out which fringe is ideal for you:
• If your face is round, the most flattering effect is long, feathery bangs that curve into your face to minimize your full cheeks and add contour to your features.
• If your face is long, go for blunt brow-level bangs that cover your forehead and create the illusion of a more oval-shaped face. Also, ask your stylist to add longer layers at the sides.
• If your face is square, check out long, side-swept bangs that taper into layers near your jaw. This style will help soften the angles of your face.
• Snip tip: Make sure your stylist sees your locks when they're dry first, since hair is longer when it's wet. You don't want the stylist to screw up and snip off too much.