Cute Ways to Fake a Big Hair Change—While Keeping Length
Satisfying the urge for a drastic hair change can seem impossible when you’re too afraid to chop it all off, but settling for a standard trim yet again can also get pretty boring. Luckily, a pair of scissors isn’t the only way to switch up your look: From braids to faux bobs, you can fake a dramatic cut with a few tweaks that mimic a brand-new ‘do—allowing you to keep your length and change it, too.
MORE: How to Lose Hair Thickness Without Giving Up Your Long Hair
Swap braids in for an undercut.
It takes a bold woman to completely shave off one side of her hair. Chutzpah aside, undercuts are also a major commitment and the regrowth process isn’t a walk in the park. Create the illusion of a half-razored hairstyle with cornrows and tiny braids alongside one half of your head—just tuck the ends underneath your hair at the nape of your neck.
Go bold with bangs.
Okay, you’re going to have to chop off some strands to get this look, but the cutting shears will only meet the front section of your hair. Light layers will likely be incorporated so that there isn’t such a stark difference from roots to ends.
But you can fake fringe, too.
If bangs are too much of a high-maintenance commitment for you, try pinning a drastic side-part above your ear, making sure that the hair sweeps across your forehead. Unpin and you’re back to your hairstyle status quo.
Tendrils take off inches.
Not literally, though. Coiling your hair creates a lift that mimics a haircut. You’re going to need to invest in a set of smaller hair rollers or at least a slim curling wand to get really tiny, bouncy ringlets. A quick shower brings your hair back to its natural state.
Glam waves make faux bobs way more believable.
Go for a bob the undercover way with a style inspired by the 1920s. Set your hair in glam, cascading waves and pin them under to create something similar to the look worn by models at the Fall/Winter 2015 Marchesa show. Flexible hairspray is a must.
Take your ponytail to new heights.
Anything fastened at the nape of your neck is going to make your hair look longer. Tie off your ponytail towards the crown of your head, lifting the length of your hair off your back. You can always pin the ends under to make it seem even shorter.
