Short cut
Many celebs are trading their signature long tresses for a fuss-free haircut. We look at what makes the style so trendy and how you can make chopping your hair work for you.
Following Lupita Nyong’o’s short hairdos on the red carpet, and singer and media personality Nandi Madida’s breakout street-style fades, short cuts are trending. A bevy of stars, including actresses Taraji P. Henson, Sanaa Lathan, Tisha Campbell-Martin and Linda Mtoba, and rapper Gigi Lamayne, have followed suit. The trend proves that women don’t need long hair to look gorgeous. If you’re due for a hairstyle change, short could be the way to go.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CUT
Long, thick hair: The longer and fuller your hair, the more options you’ll have when it comes to the symmetry and height of the cut. Go voluminous at the crown and slowly fade to a brush cut at the nape of the neck.
Thin hair: The shorter, the better. The less hair you have, the harder it’ll be for people to see how little hair you have. After all, it’s best to work with what you have. Round head: Go for styles that give your head shape – boxy and flat on the crown, and sleek and straight on the sides is perfect. It will give the illusion of height and give you cheekbones.
Pronounced forehead: If, like many women, you have a big forehead, avoiding short hair is not the only solution. This is when length and hair pieces come in handy as they fall gently on your forehead, making it less pronounced.
ACE THE AFTER-CARE ROUTINE
Most people think that having short hair means no aftercare, and that a simple in-and-out-of-the-shower routine will suffice. Not true! Short hair needs as much TLC as longer hair, especially when it comes to looking after your scalp, which is more exposed to risks like sunburn or dryness because it has less protection.
Washing: Most people think that you can use ordinary shampoo on short hair, or even worse, use the same soap you apply on your face. Doing so will dry out your scalp, causing unsightly flakes and a brittle texture. Invest in a conditioning shampoo that cleanses and fortifies your hair. If you prefer to wash hair every day, find a gentle formula. We recommend washing your hair once a week. Drying: Refrain from rubbing your hair after washing as it may break easily. Instead, pat hair dry and if you’re in a hurry, dry it with a diffuser. Drying your hair naturally is the best option as heat takes away moisture.
Invest in a hair oil: Rub a hair oil into the scalp and hair twice a week, or after your weekly wash. It’s a lightweight yet efficient way to add much-needed nutrients to your hair, and it gives your tresses natural sheen without making them sticky. Look out for natural ingredients such as coconut oil, amla oil and jojoba oil to make your hair softer and easier to manage.