Lots of celebs are going short with their hair - including our own Lorraine Downes! It’s chic and on-trend. But is it likely to suit you? And will it be difficult to maintain?
Jock Robson of Auckland’s Dharma Salon was the Supreme Award runner-up at this year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy Awards. He shares his short-hair wisdom below.
Who suits short hair?
Most people will suit a shorter style if it’s cut according to their face shape. It has everything to do with where the weight (width) of the cut sits. Extremely thick, coarse hair requires a bit more effort from both the stylist and client, and often an in-salon treatment too.
Who shouldn’t get a short haircut?
People who prefer not to visit their salon every four to six weeks should maybe consider a longer style. Even if cut well, the texture will need attention after that amount of time. The same goes for those who aren't keen on styling their hair daily – even though it often takes very little time.
What’s an under-cut?
An under-cut is where the hair on top of your head hangs over shorter lengths on the sides and back of your head. In its most exaggerated form, the under-cut will have shaved sides with a longer, bob-type shape on top. In its modern form, it’s used to increase movement and texture and is noticeable only to the client and a trained eye.
Define ‘the pixie’?
This is like defining the bob! There are many interpretations of a pixie cut, so it’s important for your stylist to explain their version so you’re both on the same page before cutting starts. For me, a pixie cut is a short style with a soft, textured finish around the face, ears and nape. As with all styles, it needs to be adjusted to suit a client’s face shape and hair type.
What's the best way to style your hair?
This varies from person to person. I believe people enjoy their cut and receive the most compliments when it looks effortless and not over-styled. This is achieved through technique, so discuss with your stylist what this would involve.
What are the best products for texture?
At the moment, I’m a big fan of dry texture sprays applied to towel-dried hair and worked with a blowdryer. These sprays never weigh the hair down. Thick, coarse and unruly hair still benefits from clay-type waxes. These work well when heated with a blowdryer after being applied to the hair.
How much product is the right amount?
Experiment to find out what works with your hair. You can almost never over-do dry texture sprays, which allow you to rework the hair until you get it right. However, it can be easy to over-apply a wax product and once this is done, all you can do is wash and start again.
Which female stars do you think have the best short cuts?
Jennifer Lawrence is an obvious one, Rita Ora with her blonde bob, and Charlize Theron.
What's the best short hairstyle for a more mature woman?
I’m not a big subscriber to a cut being based on age. At Dharma, we cut to make you the most beautiful you. A person’s face, body and hair are in a constant state of change – sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it happens quickly. As this happens, a stylist should make slight adjustments to make sure all the elements of your hair – direction, shape, texture and silhouette – enhance your best features and play down your least favourite ones.
Five of the best products
1. For fine hair: Fudge Fat Head $22 bulks up hair for chunky, textured styles.
2. A soft, beachy look: Eleven Australia Sea Salt Texture Spray $32 creates shine and delivers a tousled, beachy look.
3. Long-lasting shine: Joico Texture Boost Dry Spray Wax $29.90 for textured, movable cuts.
4. For definition: Rusk Paste Define & Separate $34.95 for a textured, “piecey” look.
5. Matte effect: L’Oréal Tecni.Art Wild Stylers CrÉpage de Chignon $34 for texture, volume and root lift.
