Some haircuts never go out of fashion. Generations of women have worn the classic bob, the pixie and the choppy layered look. We asked top stylist Amber Evans, from Auckland salon Bettjemans, to tell us why these styles are so timeless, who should wear them and how.
The pixie
As worn by Twiggy, Emma Watson, Helen Mirren, Michelle Williams.
A super-sexy, androgynous style like this screams sleek sophistication and will always be in fashion.
It suits…
Feminine women with fine features. It really highlights the eyes and exposes the nape, and looks best on women with petite frames. It’s very suitable for medium to fine hair textures.
Stay away if… You have a round, fuller face as it will only accentuate this shape. If you have curly or unruly hair it can be difficult to manage and will take a lot of maintenance to achieve the right look.
Modernise it by… Introducing some strong colours to add texture and movement, and experimenting with sharper edges in the cut. At the moment we’re seeing versions of this cut where it’s much shorter at the back, and the front fringe is long and swept.
It’s easy to maintain if… You have regular trims to retain its shape. It will definitely cut down on blow-drying time!
**The choppy
**As worn by Meg Ryan, Jane Fonda, Halle Berry.
So feminine and sexy it will never go out of date, this is a soft shape and very natural- looking. It has the bonus of being a style almost any woman can wear.
It suits…
This choppy, textured look can be adapted to suit all faces. It’s particularly great for wavy hair as it becomes a “wash and wear” style.
Stay away if… You have frizzy, unruly hair as it won’t cope well with the messy nature of this look. Super-straight hair will need the help of curling tongs.
oodernise it by… Having a sleeker look with lots of layering – think Alexa Chung.
It’s easy to maintain if…You have regular cuts and experiment with texturising products in order to play up the layers.
The bob
As worn by Katie Holmes, Kirsten Dunst, Paris Hilton.
This style is being constantly reinvented which is what makes it such a classic. It’s feminine, while still having strength and blunt lines.
It suits…
Women with strong facial features, particularly strong eyes and prominent cheekbones. It’s most suited to an oval face shape, and can work on any hair type.
Stay away if… You have a square jaw and fuller face shape as it won’t flatter these features. You can always ask your stylist to adapt the style in a way that will suit you.
oodernise it by… Lifting the back with graduation and chopping into the fringe as a way of creating softness. Another option would be to take the length below the chin and try a sweeping fringe.
It’s easy to maintain if… You have soft, silky hair. If it’s more rebellious and full you’ll need straightening irons to keep it manageable.
MY BEAUTY SECRETS
Actress Amelia Reid (25) plays Shortland Street’s Bella Cooper.
My beauty philosophy is… It’s how you feel on the inside. If I’m not being good to myself it definitely shows in my skin. I’m not sure if all the products I use will really make me beautiful or keep me looking young but I do think that putting the effort into a regime means you’re putting love into your skin – perhaps that’s what works!
The skincare products I can’t live without are… I like to take my makeup off in the shower so a good foaming cleanser is perfect for this. Then I apply Estée Lauder Daywear moisturiser – it’s heaven and smells so fresh! And The Body Shop Mango Whip Body Lotion, which always makes me feel like I’ve just stepped off a tropical island.
My hair-care secret is… Almonds and linseed for breakfast. Apparently they’re good for your hair and skin – and they taste delicious too so no harm done!
The products I always have in my makeup bag are… I use MAC Select Cover- Up Concealer for, unexpected spots and tired eyes. L’oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes mascara because otherwise my lashes are invisible. I also don’t leave home without Lucas Papaw ointment – it’s the best thing ever!
My favourite beauty treat is… Putting on a mud mask. Not only does it feel good but it makes those around you have a giggle – that must be good for you!
My biggest beauty sin is… Stress, which leads to a couple of glasses of red wine, which leads to chocolate, which results in spots!
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… Have a routine: cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day. She started with a regime young and got me onto one at around 11 years old. My mother’s skin is incredible – fingers crossed it’s hereditary!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
