After years and years of the same standard ‘do, isn’t it time to make your mantra “new hair, don’t care”? Celebrities and style gurus across the world are making it clear that the hottest new trend is getting edgy with your cut—forget play-it-safe waves. If you’re ready to stop living in the past with standard long locks, we’re here with five risky hairstyles and how to pull them off. Hairstylist and designer Medo Bajramoski of Roy Teeluck salon in New York City shared his secrets for the best new edgy ‘dos and how to make them work for your face shape.
1. Pixie cut
Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting have all been rocking the pixie cut recently. While many collegiettes fear chopping off their hair, this look is easier to pull off than you’d think. Plus, because pixie cuts are so easy to maintain, you can say goodbye to the lengthy morning prep routine your hair probably requires and say hello to quick and easy styling.
Round
The pixie cut is especially great for people with round faces because it helps to draw attention to your strong features, which can get lost with a soft jawline. Add a little more length to this cut and make sure you’re trimming length, but not volume.
Oval
For an oval-shaped face, Bajramoski recommends a bit more width to add dimension to the look to enhance your face in the best way possible. If you have a longer face, a pixie cut can make the length of your face stand out more than you may want. To avoid this, steer clear of middle parts and try adding waves to soften the look.
Heart-shaped
Bajramoski says that the pixie is perfect for a heart-shaped face because, like with a round face, it can help highlight your bone structure. He recommends trying more of a square pixie to enhance your jawline. If you’re looking for a slightly less dramatic version, try a pixie with the addition of short, sideswept bangs to tone down the look and still elongate your face.
Square
If your jawline is clearly defined, you may fear making it stand out too much with no hair to fall around it. However, Bajramoski says that people with square faces can rock the pixie as well as anyone else—as long as the cut is done correctly. “You want to create that softness, so a rounder cut would be perfect because it will pull out the cheekbone area and soften the square jawline,” he says.
2. Bangin’ bangs
Who knew the hairstyle that dominated the elementary-school playground would make a massive comeback? That’s right, bangs are back, and you can pull this look off just like Nicole Richie and Jessica Biel!
Round
While bangs can often make a round face look fuller, the right cut can help elongate your features. Bajramoski says that when cutting hair for a round face, it’s important to have dimension in order to define the structure of your face. Having bangs that are a bit longer on the sides can actually make your face appear slimmer while giving a modern twist on a classic cut.
Oval
If your face is longer, you have the option for thinner, wispier bangs. Because standard bangs naturally shorten the look of your face, people with longer or oval-shaped faces can be a bit more flexible in their bang choice, so don’t be afraid to take a risk!
Heart-shaped
A heart-shaped face can often mean a super defined chin. If you’re looking for a style to draw attention to your other gorgeous features, try long, slightly sideswept bangs. If you’re set on blunt bangs that go directly across the forehead, make sure to go for a subtly curved shape to highlight your features.
Square
To soften the strong lines of a square face, opt for longer, straight bangs that go slightly below your eyebrows. If you want to switch up the standard look, opt for longer, sideswept bangs, but either way, keep them light!
3. Blunt bob
What’s old is new again—and the bob is no exception. Try the classic ‘20s look of a clearly defined cut with bold bangs, or make it more current by adding length or layers.
Round
To avoid enhancing the roundness of your face, Bajramoski recommends a mid-lengthbob with a more square shape and defined cut.
Oval
Because Bajramoski recommends adding a bit more width to longer faces, adding layers is the perfect way to rock this look. You can go for a more classic version or opt for choppy pieces to make this cut more edgy.
Heart-shaped
If you’re not totally comfortable with the super-short look, the long bob (also called the “lob”) is on-trend on red carpets around the world—and this look is especially flattering on a heart-shaped face. If you want to make this look a bit more edgy, try an inverted bob, which is longer in the front and shorter in the back!
Square
For a square face, Bajramoski says that the key, like any cut with a square face, is to soften the look. Try a more rounded or angled bobfor a classic look, or play with volume and soft waves to highlight your features and draw attention away from a harsh jawline.
These styles are definitely a risk, but they can highlight your best features in ways that your standard cut can’t. Before you decide to chop your locks, consult a hairstylist about the best look (and color, if you’re feeling extra brave) for your face. With a new school year just beginning, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge and make the cut for an even more stylish and edgy you!