Dare to Get Bangs

Have you experimented with bangs yet? Some try out a fringe for just a little while, while others (like Zooey Deschanel) wear bangs as part of their signature style. “Bangs can add a youthful, fun, and edgy look to almost all haircuts,” says New Jersey-based hairstylist, Michelle Cleveland. Changing your fringe may be just the ticket to a fun new hairstyle.

Bangs, when done right, are stylish—however, they’re also a lot of work to take care of. “Since bangs typically lose their style and shape around four weeks post-haircut, they can be a bit high maintenance for some. Additionally, if you decide you aren’t feeling the look and you want to grow them out, they can become quite frustrating,” Cleveland adds.

Play with Layering

People make big mistakes by telling their stylists not to cut in layers. “Layers provide movement and texture to an otherwise flat look; however, you have to be careful that your hair texture is right for layers,” says Cleveland. “For example, cutting naturally curly hair with layers can create a very round shape so if that is not your desired look, you may be left with a mess.”

When done right, though, layers can frame the face in a way that’s complementary and will create depth, enhance body, and give your hair a desirable shape. Layers can also make thick hair easier to manage and give thin hair a fuller appearance.

Get Some Passion Twists

Enhance the look of your natural locks with some passion twists. These can either be worn up or down. “I love the versatility [of this look] and how it gives off a curly look at the same time. Passion twists are a curlier way to wear a two-strand twist for a more bohemian look,” explains celebrity hairstylist, Cheryl Bergamy. “This method is usually done using curly crochet hair or loose natural non-synthetic water wave braiding hair,” she adds.

Rock a Bob

The bob haircut isn’t going anywhere, and it can be styled to be as edgy or as elegant as your personal style. “Bob haircuts can be very flattering if cut to accent your face shape. For example, if you have a prominent jawline, you may want to avoid having the weight line of a bob haircut fall just above that area as it will draw attention to it,” notes Cleveland. It’s also a great style to consider when you want to try something shorter, but don’t want to commit to “too short.”

Try Some Coily/Afro French Rolls

Calling all air-drying hair fans: Try styling your hair with some coily Afro French rolls. “This can be done with little to no heat (no blow drying) if you are a person who loves to air dry… the versatility is endless,” Bergamy says.

When creating this look, she says moisturizing your mane and paying close attention to the braiding technique are important. “Make sure the hair is well moisturized. To do this, I use Contents Skin & Scalp Conditioning Cream ($25), so the hair is moisturized from roots to ends. [Then,] pin one side toward the middle of the head, and [create] a twist [to] meet with the other side.”

Spice Up Your ‘Do With a Scrunchie

Instead of opting for a ponytail, why not mix it up with a beloved hair accessory from the ’90s: the scrunchie. The number of looks that you can create with a statement hair tie is endless. When getting acquainted with a scrunchie, hairstylist, Senada Ceka, says messy buns, top knots, and side ponytails are some great starting points.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Short hair can be sexy, edgy, romantic, and beautiful. When you’re ready for something easy to style with a lot of personality, a short haircut is often a great answer, especially if you’ve always had long hair. There are also tons of different ways to cut your hair short, so make sure you discuss your ideas with your stylist. Ask them to help you decide what type of short haircut will best complement your face shape, hair type, and individual style.

Create a Two-Strand Bun

Bergamy recommends amping up your bun game with a two-strand bun. To do so, she says to begin by putting the hair into a ponytail. When creating the ponytail, make sure to use edge control. Her go-to is Hicks Edges ($15). After putting your hair up in a ponytail, make some braids with your natural hair. Then, fold each braid on top of one another and place them down with a pin. Utilize loose braiding hair or pre-stretched braiding hair, and tie it to the braid. Then, create a two-strand twist while simultaneously making the bun. Finally, secure it with some hairpins.

Make Some Loose Waves

To add some texture and volume to your ‘do, add some loose waves. “For those with naturally wavy, textured hair, it’s super easy to create loose waves using a curling iron or a flat iron. With a curling wand, wrap the middle of the hair twice around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, and pull quickly through the ends,” explains Ceka. However, don’t be discouraged from creating this look if you don’t have wavy hair—loose waves can add some definition to thin and straight hair, too.

Pull Your Hair Back With a Messy Bun

Update your traditional bun by making it a little messy. In four easy steps, you’ll take your bun to a whole new level. First, Ceka says to spray your hair with a texture spray. Then, use a curling wand to create some waves. Once you’re done, put your hair in a bun and let some pieces of hair fall out for an effortless look. You can pull a few face-framing strands free, too, for even more of an undone vibe.

Enhance Your Look With Crochet Braids

Change things up with some crochet braids. Not only do they add some volume to your hair, but Bergamy says they “give the hair a rest while protecting the ends [from] any breakage.” If you’re not sure which crochet braids to go for, she recommends opting for crochet twists or butterfly locs.

Switch Up Your Hair Color

Nothing can change your looks like a fresh new color, some face-brightening highlights, or a lowlight to add depth. “Even subtle chocolate tones can be added to basic brown hair to enrich the tone and make it pop. Warm tones reflect more light and enhance the pop factor. You can also opt for something more dramatic and add some bold, high-fashion colors,” Ceka explains.

Make it clear to your stylist what tones and colors you love, and which ones you don’t. Do you like red? How red? Does the thought of blonde hair make your stomach churn? Define dark. Make sure that you and your stylist are speaking the same language when choosing your color. Their definition of copper and yours could be very different. Bringing reference pictures can be helpful to ensure you’re on the same page.

Try a Fishtail Braid

Trade a ponytail for a fishtail braid for a little more flair. To do one, Ceka says to begin by dividing hair into two equal-sized sections. Then, separate a half-inch section of hair from the outside of the left section and pull this piece over to the right side. Once that’s done, do the same thing on the opposite side. Repeat this back and forth until you finish the braid, then secure it with an elastic.

Refresh Your Product Stash

Maintaining your new look could mean the difference between getting something you love and something you hate. Talk to your stylist about regular cut and color maintenance to keep your look fresh. Is this new look budget-friendly? Do you have the products and tools necessary to style your new look?

When you completely change your look, it can take some getting used to—particularly if you’ve had the same hairstyle for a long time. Work with and adjust to your new style, and try not to go back to the same habits that pushed you to crave a makeover to begin with. Take note of the things you like about your new style and if there are things that aren’t working for you, and keep communicating with your hairstylist. It could easily take a few appointments to get every detail right, but it’s better than staying bored. Above all, enjoy your new, fresh look. Show it off, have fun, and let your new hairstyle inspire you. Experiment with new makeup colors, maybe some different outfits. You’ll find that a new hairstyle can just be the beginning of a brand-new you.

Throw on a Headband

One of the easiest ways to refresh your look is by throwing a hair accessory into the mix. Out of all of the options, headbands seemingly make the most impact without much effort, freshening up your look in just a few seconds. Opt for a zig-zag headband to get a ’90s throwback feel or a padded velvet style for more of a Blair Waldorf vibe.

Have Fun With Hair Stamps

Another Y2K beauty trend that has found its way back into the current trend cycle is hair stamps. They’re exactly what they sound like—stamps for your hair. They come in different patterns, prints, sizes, and colors, so the world is your oyster when it comes to hair stamping.

Experiment With Curtain Bangs

If you’re not ready for a full-on fringe but want to dip your toes in the water, ask your hairstylist for a pair of curtain bangs instead. Since they’re meant to be long and swoopy, you can pin them back if you don’t like them, making them perfect for people who are on the fence about switching up their hairstyle too much.

Get Box Braids

Box braids have cemented themselves as one of the most popular protective styles, and for good reason. The three-stranded plaits are comfortable, versatile, and stay intact for as long as you keep them in. (No flyaways here!) What’s more, you can add extensions into the mix for more volume, length, and protection.

Play With Hair Bows

Few hair accessories have had the renaissance that hair bows have. The ultra-feminine adornments come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you tie a slim pink ribbon on your ponytail or clip a statement bow on the back of your half-up half-down hairstyle, your look is sure to reach a new level.