You're longing for a new hairstyle, but nothing too extreme. The solution: Choose from these five guaranteed-to-flatter cuts — the bob, the shag, the pixie, long hair plus bangs, or long layers. You simply can't go wrong with any of them. We got five busy moms to test-drive them, with help from our beauty dream team: New York City hairstylist Sean James Decuers, colorist Rita Hazan, and makeup artist Mally Roncal. Pick your favorite look, then take it to your hairstylist — stat.
The Bob
Audrey MacKenzie: After
This popular cut has as many famous fans as interpretations: Try it sleek, wavy, or choppy — the way Audrey wears it here.
Cut and color: This version is slightly longer in front, which keeps it from looking too boxy. Bold highlights play up the chunky texture.
Is it for you? Swingy layers flatter all face shapes, from round to oval or square, says Decuers. This shorter length can also plump up fine hair by taking away some weight.
Styling tips: "Use a thickening spray on damp strands to give it more movement," says Decuers. A good choice: Charles Worthington Dream Hair Exquisite Body Thickening Spray ($9, drugstores).
Key makeup move: Roncal filled in Audrey's over-plucked brows with a blond brow pencil. "Too-thin brows can make you look washed out — especially if you're fair-haired," she says. Try Mary Kay Brow Definer Pencil in Classic Blonde ($10, marykay.com).
Ellie Schantz: Before
"I've had long hair since college," says Ellie Schantz, a meal-center manager and mother of two girls, ages 15 and 11. With her 45th birthday just days away, she came to the salon excited about a new look. Says Decuers: "When Ellie walked in, I could tell she had great energy. Now her cut matches her personality." Ellie's biggest post-makeover surprise? "I can actually get my hair to look like this 'after' photo," she says.
The Shag
Ellie Schantz: After
"Layers with an edge" is how Decuers describes this style, first made famous by Jane Fonda (in Klute) and Pat Benatar.
Cut and color: This 2009 version features longer layers than Fonda's close-cropped one, plus face-framing, angled bangs. Hazan chose a chocolate-brown vegetable dye to gently cover Ellie's grays and boost shine.
Is it for you? A shag works best on straight hair or loose waves. The layers can look poodle-y with curly hair — you'll have to blow it straight to make the cut work.
Styling tips: To maximize shine, blow-dry hair, then flatiron it (this smooths the cuticle). Finish with a smoothing serum. Try Sebastian Liquid Gloss Defrizz Polishing Drops ($17, sebastianprofessional.com for salons).
Key makeup move: Roncal used a single shadow (in plum) on Ellie's lids to draw attention away from her undereye puffiness. "Using just one color makes lids look more even," says Roncal. Try Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Gossip ($19, Macy's).
Shannon Jenest: Before
"I have always been hesitant to cut my hair," says Shannon Jenest, 32, a public relations executive and mom of a 3-year-old son. "I thought long hair was more feminine. But my new short crop makes me feel alive, and to me, that's really sexy." Shannon warmed up to her new, coppery-red hair a bit more gradually: "I have a pretty classic style, which can translate as boring. This hair is anything but," she says.
The Pixie
Shannon Jenest: After
Gamine and gorgeous, yet classic — this cut takes guts. The payoff is how well it shows off your features.
Cut and color: Long, asymmetrical bangs and choppy layers throughout give this pixie its chic look. As for the bold color: "Shannon was strawberry blond as a kid, so I knew she could pull off red hair beautifully," says Hazan.
Is it for you? It's the most flattering with delicate facial features and wavy hair, says Decuers.
Styling tips: Boost the texture by dabbing pomade on the ends with your fingertips. Try Citre Shine Shine Miracle Highly Polished Glossing Pomade ($4, drugstores).
Key makeup move: This cut spotlights skin. "Shannon's is dry, accentuating fine lines," says Roncal. Her strategy: Use creamy, moisturizing makeup. Try Mally Beauty Pro Natural Lip & Cheek Rouge in Peach ($20, mallybeauty.com).
Jill Hyman: Before
Jill Hyman, 41, admits that the last time she had a different hairstyle, her daughter and son, now 11 and 9, weren't born. Yet her new cut is winning raves with family — and some virtual strangers as well. "The people who know me all say I look younger," she says. "But I thought it was funny when the mailman who delivers to the knitting store where I work part-time and the cashier at the local supermarket commented as well."
Long Hair with Bangs
Jill Hyman: After Sure, they're cute on kids, but a little fringe can make grown-ups look youthful, too, by concealing a broad forehead and fine lines.
Cut and color: Decuers cut a wide swath of bangs just past the outer corners of Jill's eyes, then used a razor to place layers in her all-one-length hair. Hazan added caramel highlights, even to the bangs, to give her brown more depth.
Is it for you? Yes, if you want a dramatic change without lopping off too much length. Bangs need trimming every three weeks, so ask your stylist how to do it yourself, or if he offers free touch-ups.
Styling tips: Curl bangs under slightly with a paddle brush. "They look prettier if not blown stick straight," says Decuers.
Key makeup move: "Shiny lips play up a more youthful cut," says Roncal. Try Milani Buzz Worthy Lip Gloss in Bee Gone ($5.49, Walgreens).
