Blunt Statements.(hairdressing)

Byline: Elizabeth Einstein PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREG KADEL

Long, layered cuts aren't the only way to go now. This season, the freshest-looking hair falls to the shoulders with or without bangs.

W e can't speak for their politics, but this season, hairstylists are embracing one of Barack Obama's campaign slogans: "A Time for Change." Having championed layered, below-the-collarbone cuts for nearly a decade, their vision for the immediate future is a blunt cut that rests just above the shoulders. "The clothes this season have so much going on around the neckline--whether through embellishments or structured elements," says hairstylist Garren of the Garren New York salon in New York City. "You want the hair out of the way to show it all off." Bangs are optional and can hang heavy and straight, or long and swept slightly to one side. Best of all, this new cut is as democratic as they come: "With the exception of really curly, kinky hair, which needs to be either layered or longer, this style is really flattering on any woman," Garren says. And that's why it has our vote.

The Cut

Lopping off inches can seem like a leap, but this style actually behaves much like a longer one. "It's quite versatile," says hairstylist Orlando Pita of the Orlo Salon in New York City, who chopped nearly a foot off Gwyneth Paltrow's mane this past spring. "It works wavy or straight and can still be pulled back."

The key to the cut, according to Garren, is its lack of layers and the fact that it clears the collar in back and slopes ever so slightly longer as it approaches the chin. "It's the most subtle A-line--not a '60s Vidal Sassoon slant," he says. "That keeps it from interfering with the neckline of clothes but still gives the feeling of length."

The blunt cut does require some effort, as fine hair tends to fall flat, and thick hair can mushroom out. For fine hair, Garren suggests a volumizing spray, such as Phyto Phytovolume Actif Spray or Garren New York Designing Spray Tonic, and blow-drying upside down. Those with thick hair can apply a dot of serum, such as Biolage Smoothing Serum, and pull the ends downward as they blow-dry.