Short hair might seem scary, but it's so � liberating! We love Carey Mulligan's blonde take on the Audrey Hepburn-esque pixie. While she wears it in a classic way, swept forward and pieced out with a little pomade (try Pantene Pro-V Texture and Shine Defining Pomade, $2.99), you could wear it slicked back or swept up for a glamorous yet edgy, heightened version. You could even dress it up with a jeweled barrette worn in the front.
Photo 3/10
The Angled Pixie-Bob
Dare factor: 4
Gone are the days of the Katie Holmes graduated bob with blunt bangs; here are the days of Rihanna's edgy, pixie-ish take on the classic style. What really makes Rihanna's look trendy are the blonde pieces and the shaved portion on her left side; however, to make this a tad more feminine and natural, you could simply keep it one color and tell your stylist to lay off the clippers (think Michelle Williams). Either way, this look will always be a winner.
Photo 4/10
The Jackie-O
Dare factor: 1
Salma Hayek is turning heads (as usual) with her flirty version of Jackie O's full, mid-length blowout. Great for naturally wavy hair types, this cut uses layers to lighten the weight of the hair everywhere except in the long bang area. Above all, volume is key to making this cut look best, so try pumping up your hair's density with these professional hair volumizing tricks, making sure to blow dry your bangs off to the side using a round brush.
Photo 5/10
The Blunt Cut
Dare factor: 3
While blunt bangs are always a fun trend to try, not everyone can pull them off. Instead, a simple, long blunt-cut bob with soft, side-swept bangs is a universally flattering blunt-cut style. When Naomi Watts made this subtle change to her already long, blonde style, everyone noticed. Great for naturally straight, medium to long hair, this style simply calls for a great flat iron and shine booster (try Ken Paves Shine Serum, $30).
Photo 6/10
Sexy Long Layers
Dare factor: 2
Beyonce shows off side-swept bangs and long layers, as well as a two-toned ombre effect, half-light golden brown and half-dark chocolate brown hair color. The result is funky yet flirty, and great for most any face shape or hair texture. To get this haircut, ask your hairstylist to cut slightly blunt bangs that you can sweep to the side, and face-framing layers that start at your chin (no shorter). Wear it smooth like Beyonce's or piece it out with pomade a la Reese Witherspoon (try Frederic Fekkai Texturizing Balm, $17.50).
Earth to all those stuck in a hair rut: Your hair is there for the experimenting. It's the one part of your identity that gets to have all the fun with little to no permanent consequences. So take advantage! Instead of wearing the same, "safe" style every day, we implore you to try something different, something wacky, something good for your sense of adventure -- a brand new haircut. It's amazing how even a trim can not only change your appearance, but also help you feel more feminine, daring and empowered. (As celebrity hairstylist Italo Gregorio says, "You won't know what's right for you until you've tried as many things as possible.") Besides, the beauty of hair is that if you don't like it, you can always change it.
Whether it's a simple add-on you're after, or a drastic revamp (we suggest these fabulous short haircuts), any change to your hairstyle is the fastest way to make a bold impression. The question is how fearless are you? To get some inspiration for the new you, check out these celebrities' gorgeous cuts -- from classic to daring. What's best about these styles is that, with the right adjustments, they can work for almost any face shape. It's all a matter of which style fits your comfort level (and of course, works with your hair texture) -- which is why we've included a "dare factor" rating of 1 (low) to 5 (high). So go ahead, ditch your safety net and start those wheels turning for your next big makeover. Ready for exhibit one? (Hint: It's a time-tested favorite!)
