The RETURN of THE CUT

From Bixies and Mixies to classic crops and bobs, more clients are requesting strong cuts. But before you go sharpen your scissors, here’s some style inspiration and advice

After a few years of long layers and one-length looks, the industry is rejoicing to see more creative and experimental cuts back in fashion. Our panel of stylists reveal their favourite trending style and share their top tip for recreating it.

1 THE MIXIE

“The Mixie is a combination of a mullet and a pixie. I love that for a shorter cut, it still has so much flexibility to become different looks. It's a very versatile style.”

My tip

“Don't overstyle this look too much; it looks great a bit more natural.”

David Murray, David Murray @21 and Joico senior creative artist

2 THE CONNEXION

“I love this for people who want long hair, but with more lift around the crown. Top layers are shorter at the crown but get longer towards the face, to give more height and movement without feeling short.”

My tip

“Concentrate on the way the layers are connected at the back and use a gentle slicing technique.”

Sean Hanna, Sean Hanna Hair

3 THE CROP

“I’m so happy to see the return of the crop. I’ve had so many requests for this look and clients are definitely embracing it.”

My tip

“Texture is key! Create enough texture to allow the cut to sit beautifully and grow out perfectly.”

Barry Maddocks, creative director at Haringtons

4 THE MODERN BOX BOB

“The one look I’m glad to see back is hair with inherent quality. Well cut, though not aggressive. Wellgroomed hair speaks volumes about the wearer.”

My tip

“Be sensitive with your length and angles and thoughtful in selecting complementary tones. Consider the wearer from the inside out; suitability is about who the person is, rather than physical attributes.”

Mark Hayes, international creative director at Sassoon

5 THE MICRO MULLET

“I love seeing the mullet again – it is the perfect example of how fashion evolves as fast as it r epeats.”

My tip

“Understand the elevation and overdirection needed to create a contrast. When you’ve mastered that, there’s no limit to the creativity you can add to the haircut – to make every mullet bespoke and unique.”

Jeppe Gregersen, Gary Ingham Aveda Lifestyle Salons & Spas

‘I love seeing the mullet again – it is the perfect example of how fashion evolves as fast as it repeats’

6 THE WOLF CUT

“I love the texture of this cut. For me, being creative with razor cutting is so much fun and gets my brain buzzing. Styling these looks can be so versatile too: straight, wavy or full-on curls, it suits it all!”

My tip

“Use dry shampoo on the roots and texture spray throughout to get the best from this cut.”

Tina Hollis,T2 Hair & Beauty

7 THE ’70S SHAG & WOODSTOCK FRINGE

“Even though it has made an appearance for a while, I still really like the ’70s Shag for its versatility and flexible lengths.”

My tip:

“A Woodstock fringe gives a retro feel and great shape around the face. When tied up, this style has a real Bardot vibe.”

Darren Ambrose, D&J Ambrose

8 THE PAMMY FRINGE

“The ’90s resurgence is still going strong and I am getting lots of requests for baby fringes inspired by Pamela Anderson in her Baywatch days. Clients are hooked on Hulu’s Pam & Tommy and want to recreate her famous textured updo.”

My tip

“To create the look, keep the fringe really rounded, fine and wispy. Pair with a bouncy messy updo, complete with zig-zag parting and a few tendrils left loose at the front.”

Christopher Laird, November Collective

FIND YOUR PERFECT SCISSORS MATCH

Award-winning stylists share their advice on finding the right pair for you 

“From personal experience, I would say the best scissors are Japanese and use a cobalt steel alloy. In terms of handles and other features, my personal preference is to keep things as simple as possible. It sounds simplistic, but start by selecting whatever feels most comfortable in your hand.”
Mark Hayes, Sassoon International Academy

“The smaller your hand, the smaller the blades need to be. For textured haircuts, I always choose thicker blades, to give more power when cutting into dry hair. And if you suffer from RSI, consider buying a pair of offset scissors. If you’re buying your first set when training, don’t spend a fortune as you’ll probably drop them. When you’re more experienced, you’ll be able to buy better ones. Lastly, look after your tools!

Ensure absolutely everything you own is cleaned, disinfected and sterilised regularly.”
Jamie Stevens, Jamie Stevens Hair

“Always try scissors before you buy!

Trade shows are a great place to spend lots of time looking at all the different pairs on offer.Try them out in your hand and invest in a pair that feel right for you.”
Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton Salon

“I have multiple pairs of scissors for different types of work I do: a universal pair, ones for short hair, ones for thinning, a pair just for wigs, a super-sharp Japanese pair for sliding into hair and scissors with little corrugations to cut one-length styles. I always look at the quality when buying a new pair.”
Angelo Seminara, Urban Retreat

“I choose scissors with balance, form and shape in mind. A good pair is essential for your cutting mastery.

It’s my blueprint, my signature, my creativity.”
Errol Douglas, Errol Douglas Salon