"Is this a hot new trend?" I asked myself. Looks like it. The edgy 'do isn't exactly anything new, but the popularity of the look certainly is, and it's gaining some traction. Many celebs have jumped on the half-shaved hair trend, and I'm sure this is just the beginning.
There's hair chameleon Demi Lovato, who's currently rocking her signature brunette locks in a half-shaved style, but first dipped her toes into the trend when her locks were hot pink this spring.
Photo credit: Getty Images Entertainment/Scott Logato/Getty Images
Then there's Rosario Dawson, who set the beauty community on fire when she debuted her half-shaved 'do this May. Some celebs take the plunge for a role, like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay star Natalie Dormer, and others opt for a big ticket event to debut their new look, like Malin Akerman did just last month at the Emmys after party.
Whether you love or hate the half-shaved hair trend, you've got to give these ladies credit for taking a beauty risk and owning their individuality. Because that's really all beauty is about — taking risks — right? If these bold beauties are inspiring you to shave your hair too, there are a few things to consider before pulling the trigger. I turned to Charles Baker Strahan, Herbal Essences celebrity stylist, to get some guidance on rocking this daring 'do, so you can be a total fashion do.
Half-shaved hair dos and don'ts
Do consider the re-growth process: "Eventually, you will have to cut the rest of your hair to meet wherever your hair is in the re-growth process once you're over the shaved look," Charles says. "If you want to maintain a shorter style, then this can work really well; trying to grow your hair back to one length won't be as difficult. However, if you eventually want to try and grow your hair longer, it will take a lot longer to get there from such a drastic style and the re-growth process will be more challenging."
Don't rush into it: "Before taking the plunge, you should look a bit further out as to what you ultimately want your style to be," Charles says. "If you're concerned about growing your hair back or maintaining a certain length, then I'd definitely make sure you think about that before you go for it!"
Do have fun with it: "This look is fun — if you're young and experimenting with your look and who you are, then this is a great, 'you only live once' kind of style. I always encourage girls to play and have fun with their hair to show off who they are!" Charles says.
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