Need Inspiration to Make That Final Chop?

Weekend Project: Etching My Glass Soa... One Day, Part 2: Late Twenties

Need Inspiration to Make That Final Chop?

From Twiggy to Emma Watson (the Harry Potter starlet with an infamous curly mane), the pixie cut came, went, and made its way back. It's quite the style statement, but from what I've seen it seems to look great on every woman who has tried it—Hollywood or not.

I sat down with the man behind Emma Watson's cut to find out why this look works, who it's good for, and how to keep it looking great.

Rodney Cutler, who is originally from Australia, has a long history in the hair industry. After starting his career at Bumble and Bumble, he went on to work for Redken and now owns self-titled salons in New York and Miami. He has most recently styled and cut Rachel Ray, Fergie, and (of course) Emma Watson, with her epic transformation. I asked about this fabulous haircut and why women should follow suit.

Real Simple: What do you love about a short hair on a woman?

Rodney Cutler: Short hair is really liberating and it shows a confidence in a woman. It's defining. The perception you get when you look at woman with this cut is confidence and style. Shorter hair can sometimes be softer and it depends on how it done. It's all about timing, it can reinvent a person.

RS: How can a pixie cut look good on different face shapes and hair textures? What makes the cut so versatile?

RC: It's all about customization. For a square jaw make it curvy on the front. For a round face give it softness and make the hair less bubbly so it doesn't mimic the shape of the face. For a narrow face add more width around the ear. There is a lot you can do to make it work for you.

RS: If a woman wants to go short, but she isn't sure how short to go and may not be prepared to go for a pixie cut, what do you advise?

RC: There is a lot in between. When you're making a change, the point is to find your comfort zone. Everyone's perception of short is different. How far can we stretch this level? Then we can go, okay, this is how the shape is going to change. The best way is to bring in multiple pictures of haircuts you like. This will insure that you and your hairstylist have the same visual understanding.

RS: With a shorter style, how often should a woman get it cut to keep it trimmed and tamed?

RC: To keep it the exact same, two to three weeks. Although, if you go five to six weeks there is that little phase where it changes and you tap into a different look. Don't feel like it has to look the same every day. Let it go through periods. If you don't have time to get it cut, go three or four weeks and it becomes a very likable look. It's a nice phase.

RS: Are there particular products that you love that to use to style shorter hair?

RC: You want to give hair movement and let it breathe a little bit. Our own Cutler Fly Away Control Stick is lightweight paste that comes in a deodorant-like stick. It will give you pieces, separation, and some shininess to the hair. If you want a textured, polished, and groomed Halle Berry-esque look, try Redken's Structure Wax. My best advice is to play around with it to get your perfect hairstyle.