7 Best and Worst Mom Cuts of All Time
When I was a freshman in high school -- when looking cool was vital -- I did what all kids do at some point: I asked my mom to drop me off a block away from the school entrance. It wasn't because I didn't want my friends to see me hopping out of her Honda minivan. It was my mom's hair.
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My mom had one of those hideous cuts that was too short in the front and too long in the back, and her bangs always looked like she got caught in the rain and had to dry her hair under a bathroom hand dryer.
Was I a brat? Yes. Did my mom's hair look god-awful? Hell yes.
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Since then, I've become less self-conscious -- and my mom has thankfully found a more flattering 'do. But looking at other moms (even those on the red carpet), I get the sense that a bad short haircut is like a rite of passage to mommy-hood.
So, for this Mother's Day, I decided to help by rounding up the 7 best and worst celeb mom cuts. This way, moms everywhere -- or at least those who read this blog -- can avoid the bad "mom" cut fate.
Although her brood of eight plus her marriage troubles kept her in the spotlight, it's Kate Gosselin's reverse mullet that will live in infamy. The biggest problem with the look? Hairstyles should have one theme, otherwise they look un-coordinated and unbalanced, says Riggio. "The bangs are far too long and the spiky top would need a can of hairspray for hold."
Katie Holmes' cut proves that taking off a few inches can be a sexy update. "This is a really cute, sassy look for moms," says Williams. Thick bangs give the chin-length cut a dramatic frame and won't require daily fussing. Love the bob but not sold on the bangs? Williams suggests trying clip-on fringe to get the style without the commitment.
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While Kris Jenner's klan of reality star daughters may have perfect, extension-filled hair, Kris has stayed loyal to her boyish, bang-heavy cut for decades. Even though it's not a bad cut, Riggio says, "Kris' bulky bangs would never look pretty unless they're blown out." So when requesting face-framing bangs, make sure to ask your stylist for a style that won't require daily fussing.
Audrey Hepburn may have made the pixie famous, but Michelle Williams' modern interpretation is a refreshing take on the style. Williams raves that when it comes to cuts, this is as low-maintenance as it gets. For a cut that requires no heat and little product in between touchups, Williams says to "ask your stylist for a slightly longer version of a pixie with side-swept bangs."
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The media has closely followed the Secretary of State's diplomatic speeches and ever-changing hairdos. The former first lady has made a few mistakes (who could forget the scrunchies?) in her hair history, but it is her Carol Brady-esque flip that tops the no-no list. Let's be honest, hair flipping hasn't been cool since Farrah Fawcett's last high kick on TV. A flip might seem like an easy way to add texture, but "it can age you and make your look seem dated," says Riggio. Keep your look modern by skipping any short hairstyles that curl up and out.
The First Lady's breezy bob has been a source of inspiration for women across the globe. Her versatile cut has been pulled back in an elegant chignon, worn loose and wavy, or smoothed down extra sleek. "Her look is proof that moms can switch up their style easily if they have a great cut," says Williams. To mimic Michelle Obama's signature look, Williams says to "ask your stylist for minimal to no layers. And when styling, add volume at the roots first before smoothing out the rest of your hair."
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WORST: KATHERINE HEIGL
A stiff, voluminous cut can sometimes have a granny vibe. To wit: Katherine Heigl's latest look, which requires heavy curling to give her heavy hair movement. This is why knowing your hair type is crucial when asking for a short hairstyle. Thick hair that is cut into heavy layers can require a lot of curling to add texture and movement, says Riggio. For medium to thick hair types, stick with styles that are chin-length and below.
For more best and worst mom cuts, click here.
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