Lifestyle Mirror

In her press appearances for The Dark Knight Rises, Anne Hathaway showed off a demure pixie cut, which she later explained was for her role in the upcoming film Les Misérables. The style was incredibly chic, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn.

On the other side of the carpet, Zoe Kravitz also sported newly cropped hair, albeit an edgier version of the pixie—long in the front with wispy bangs, and a bit of rock and roll texture for sex appeal, eschewing any notion that short hair is less feminine.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Michelle Williams are other celebrities wearing short cuts, and up until recently, so was Emma Watson, whose style was created by Redken Brand Ambassador Rodney Cutler. Seeing so many pixies seems fitting after the recent passing of the legendary Vidal Sassoon, famous for his short cuts—including Mia Farrow’s hair in Rosemary’s Baby.

Cutler, for one, is keen on the trend. “What’s fantastic about celebrities changing their looks is that it opens doors for women to take risks and be inspired,” he said. Take Watson, for example: Her new look practically catapulted her into post-Potter adulthood, landing her a contract with Lancôme and praise from the fashion community.

That’s probably what many women have in mind when they ask for super short hair after a nasty breakup. This is a scenario that a seasoned professional (like Cutler) knows all too well. “Cutting your hair, especially drastically, is often not just about aesthetics. It’s important for the client to know why they’re going short.”

If you’re ready to turn a new leaf, Cutler offers some words of advice. “Bring in pictures of your inspiration and the kind of look you want so the stylist knows what you’re looking for,” he says. And in terms of the cut, “Ask your stylist to use a razor or shears to define the shape and texture.” For an extra-tousled look, he recommends Redken’s Tousle Whip Texturizing Cream Wax “to add definition and matte texture.”

And don’t forget—hair grows back eventually. But a quick cut can give you powerful new perspective. And who knows? Such liberation might be life-changing. —Phillip Picardi (@pfpicardi)