Got the beauty blahs? Changing your hairstyle is a simple cure. When you're on your way to reaching your weight-loss goal, a new hairdo is a quick and easy way to freshen up your look — and boost your confidence.
"I hear all the time from clients, 'I want to cut my hair but I should lose weight first,'" says Luke O'Connor, a hair stylist and owner of Lukaro Salon in Beverly Hills. "But no, it's the other way around." So how do you know what hairstyle will flatter you the most? A few of the top stylists from around the country reveal their secrets for the 'do for you.
Fringe benefit
Add layers to your hair. "It softens a round or square face," says Ellen Lawlor, a New York hair stylist. Layers add movement and shape to hair. "A shag shape flatters any face because it breaks up the hair." Everyone can wear this style. The key lies in where the layers are cut. "If someone has glasses, for example, I wouldn't fringe at the edge of the eye but further back at the temple." But shorter layers near the cheekbone line will highlight your natural bone structure.
Go shorter
Think you want long tresses? Think again. Shorter hair looks best on fuller faces. "When it's too long, it can drag your face down and actually bring attention to the features you don't want to emphasize," says Guy Riggio, a celebrity hair stylist at John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles. How short is too short? That depends on the length of your neck. The longer the neck, the shorter you can go. Otherwise, stick to Riggio's collarbone rule. "I like to cut hair at the collarbone, then put layers in between the nose and lips to pop it up." This style, says Riggio, shows off your lips, making you look sleeker.
Add colour
Subtle highlights brighten up any face. "I'm a firm believer in colour," says O'Connor who's worked on the famous tresses of Debra Messing and Brooke Shields. If you're a brunette, don't be afraid to add a touch of a lighter, but complementary, hue. Just wear the highlights further back, away from your face, says Lawlor. Colour instantly brings dimension to flat hair.
Stay clear of bangs
Thick bangs come and go, fashion-wise, but even wispy bangs are hard to wear. They cut into the frame of your face, says O'Connor. Instead, pull your hair away from your face and even add more height. It will elongate your face.
Pay attention to that part
Stylists agree that you should go with your natural part (where your hair falls on its own). But, depending on your face's shape, you can fuss with Mother Nature. A heart-shaped face should steer away from a centre part. A rounder, fuller face too can wear it to the side, for a more elegant look. And if you want height? Part it on the side opposite your natural part.
"Pick a stylist who's knowledgeable and whose opinion you trust," says Lawlor. Then have fun with the new style.