Go short and chic!

The Shortest of Them All

Inspiration: Natalie Portman
Portman lopped off her hair for her latest flick, V for Vendetta, and caused a frenzy for fresh, short dos. “The shorter, more polished hair you’re seeing is being created by hairstylists for celebrities, not models,” says Tim Rogers, editorial spokesperson for Charles Worthington London. “It’s now up to celebrities to set the trend, which is interesting and cool.” What makes this cropped look even fresher? Pair it with a girlie lace blouse, as shown here. (Top by Morales)

Style tip: “Start using things you haven’t used before, such as a pomade,” says Harwin. Rub it between your fingers until it softens up and melts, then run it through your hair to give it texture and definition. His pick: Pantene Pro-V Texture & Shine Defining Pomade, 50 g, $6.49.

Just do it: Ask your hairstylist for a pro opinion. “The best haircut in the world could be the worst haircut if you put it on the wrong person,” cautions Harwin.

Scissor sisters:

Star example: Natalie Portman		Model citizen: Mariacarla Boscono		Past perfection: Halle Berry circa 2003

Just Short Enough

Inspiration: Nicole Richie
“The girl who gets her hair cut now is somebody who is looking toward the next trend,” says Rogers, a mane man backstage at runway shows for Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui. Be the “it” girl he’s talking about with this nouveau-chic bob. “To make it modern, we’re cutting it with a razor. We’re disconnecting layers throughout.” The final effect is a do with more oomph than the perfectly boring blunt cut of the ’90s. Rogers attributes this lively evolution to the “blayer,” or the soft, long, layered bang that opens up the hair away from your face, giving the style swing and kick. (Dress, Robert Rodriguez, Holt Renfrew)

Style tip: Define the layers and your “blayer” with a wax used just on the ends. Rogers advises gals with thin hair to use a lightweight hair polish instead. FLARE’s picks: Phyto Pro Ultra Gloss Wax, 75 g, $29, and Citré Shine Shine Miracle Extra Strength Polishing Serum, 118 mL, $8.

Just do it: Below the chin is the ideal length for round or square faces. Got wavy hair? You’ll have to find the time—and a blowout—to look sleek and polished.

Scissor sisters:

Star example: Nicole Richie		Model citizen: Katia Korkoreva		Past perfection: Penélope Cruz circa 2005

The Noncommitment Cut

Inspiration: Sienna Miller
Scared to go too short? Try this in-between style. “You still have longer lengths in the hair, as opposed to cropping the hair completely off,” says Gavin Harwin, celebrity hairstylist for Pantene Pro-V and A-list hair guru. He agrees that layers energize the new crop of short cuts. “If you have a layer around your face and a layer through the sides, it gives your hair more bounce.” (Top, Diane von Furstenberg, Holt Renfrew)

Style tip: The key to this do? Make it look pretty and carefree. Nix the flatiron and use a diffuser with your blow dryer for a casual finish. “You also want to use something that’s going to give volume,” adds Rogers. His pick: Charles Worthington Smart Fixx Mega Volumising Foam, 145 g, $10.

Just do it: Rogers says this cut suits a heart-shaped face and wide-set eyes like Miller’s. Straight-to-slightly wavy hair will wear this style best.

Scissor sisters:

Star example: Sienna Miller		Model citizen: Jacquetta Wheeler		Past perfection: Linda Evangelista circa 1997