1.
Perm it
With a great perm, height, volume and curl combine to hair
as soft and easy-going as can be. Some of the best hairstylists
recommend a perm to transform a graduated cut into a fabulous
new shape.
When
a short hair style is highly graduated, it rounds into a delicate
halo; you can pull down side tendrils as desired.
Because
interior texture comes from a perm, hair is wash-and-wear!
If you have a very short crop, a root or pin curl perm adds
texture; for a short bob, get a perm for volume or root lift.
2.
Get a New Angle
Sleek and smooth styles look business-like cut to bob length,
but when a sharp angle is added at the sides, hair frames
the face beautifully. Then, consider asking your stylist for
softening details like a razored nape and shimmering highlights.
Remember,
angled sides can move from short to long (when cut along a
diagonal-forward line) or from long to short (when cut along
a diagonal-back line).
3.
Think Six-Tease
Back before unisex, no one thought short hair was androgynous.
The '60s way to make any shorter cut fabulous was to tease
the crown and flip the ends.
To
bring the look into the '90s, Sabrina Dorey of Salon Visage
in Knoxville, TN, suggests tucking hair behind your ears and
leaving a single piece free at the side to frame the face.
4. Add Layers
When you add lots of layers to your short cut, style possibilities
are endless. When layers get progressively longer from the
exterior to the top, you can roller set the interior for soft,
feminine curl.
Direct
hair back and spiral wrap most the front pieces for maximum
movement. After rollers have cooled, finger style hair, backcomb
select pieces and detail the ends.
5.
Pin Curl It!
Lots of uniform layers take on angelic appeal when hair is
set in pin curls. For body, create large loops; for end curl,
make curls tighter.
Set
hair when it's damp, diffuse dry, then finger comb from roots
to ends. For a shorter crop, pin curl just the front or the
top. If you have a short bob, try a single side pin curl to
create a wave.
6.
Try out a Wedge
A super-graduated wedge paired with lots of layers controls
hair with a strong exterior shape, but gives you soft femininity
via interior layers. For an update on a Dorothy Hamill wedge,
iron curl medium-sized pieces in the interior, then break
up curls with your fingers or a vent brush. If your short
cut has sideburns, touch them up with pomade or gel.
7.
Think Razor's Edge
When you want to soften any cut, get the razor treatment.
When hair is cut with a razor, each end is tapered, as opposed
to being blunt cut.
Super-short
hair takes on new mobility and a short bob is softened via
fringy ends. This works best for straight hair; very curly
hair is less controllable when razor cut.
8. Keep it Close
Fine hair can look too harsh in a geometric cut and lots of
volume is too difficult to get. For a soft, easy style, keep
hair close to your head. What helps: A cut that follows your
natural head shape by tapering inward at the nape and rounding
out at the top.
When
you wear your short cut smooth and sleek, add surface shine
with a spray-on silicone product or slip in a jeweled clip
for instant femininity.
