With spring comes a certain air of freedom. This sense of liberation creates a more laidback attitude toward fashion and beauty. Taking a cue from celebrities and models, stylish students on campus are testing out shorter hairstyles to suit the warmer weather.
For a cut that will instantly turn heads, look no further than the pixie. Icons such as Edie Sedgwick and Mia Farrow established this androgynous look in the ’60s, but make no mistake, pixie cuts are incredibly modern. Trendsetters, including Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron, have all received drastic cuts in recent years, a refreshing change from Hollywood’s endless parade of weaves and extensions. A boyish pixie with soft layers, as seen on rising star Shailene Woodley, is chic yet low maintenance. Woodley credits minimal shampooing as the key to her effortless hairstyle, perfect for busy students seeking an uncomplicated routine.
CAS freshman Sasha Atlas opted for a shorter cut earlier this season, discarding her shoulder-length locks in favor of a sharp bob.
“I was inspired by Miley Cyrus circa 2012,” Atlas said.
Prior to her controversial undercut, Cyrus sported an ombré bob that grazed her collar bones.
“I love having my hair shorter. It’s hassle-free, which is essential for me,” Atlas said.
Atlas plans on growing out her bob once temperatures cool, but she said she would consider emulating Cyrus’ current bleach-blonde pixie next time around. For those in search of a local salon, Atlas recommends WS Hairstyling on Laguardia Place, which offers a 20 percent discount for students.
Another popular style this spring is the jaw-length crop with sideswept bangs. Supermodel Karlie Kloss debuted this look in Vogue, and the magazine dubbed it “the Karlie chop,” or simply “the chop.” Less dramatic than a pixie but nonetheless impactful, this versatile cut looks cool and casual with a beachy wave or sleek and polished with a drop of shine serum. Following Kloss’s lead, models Edie Campbell and Soo Joo Park have embraced “the chop” to direct their careers to high fashion. Campbell put her own spin on the look with a choppier texture and jet black hue while Park achieved an artful blonde shag with the help of famed hairstylist Christiaan.
Besides offering an easier upkeep, short hairstyles allow for endless experimentation with spring accessories. A floral headscarf can add bohemian flare to any pixie cut, while a knotted turban could complement an edgy bob. For the benefit of sun protection, try topping shorter styles with a straw fedora. A little bit of fringe peeking out from the brim would look incredibly chic while lounging by the arch or strolling through the West Village. When the spring rays turn into sweltering summer heat, try pulling layers off of the face with an elegant pin. The season looks bright for every cut under the sun.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, April 16 print edition. Lindsay Leboyer is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
