How to Grow Out a Short Haircut

Allure Daily Beauty Reporter
Courtesy of Getty Images
Courtesy of Getty Images

Madaline Donnelly




The beautiful Michelle Williams has been in the news lately for two things: a sad split (from funnyman/everyone's favorite puppeteer Jason Segel) and, fittingly, a new hairstyle. And we just got a good look at how she's already pulling off the latter (above), which is no small feat: After rocking her now trademark blonde pixie for roughly six years, Williams says she's ready to go long again. Calling the growing-out phase "hard on your self-esteem," she told E! News, "I'm happy to not have anything looming [work-wise]-I'm really working on growing my hair out."

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While I've never grown out a pixie personally (or even bangs for that matter), I hear where she's coming from and imagine it's a total drag. Sort of like the beauty equivalent of those half-winter half-spring mornings where you stand in front of your closet wondering what to wear forever, only to settle on some weird combo that leaves you uncomfortable all day long. Here are some of Allure's expert tips for braving the-in Williams's words-"insufferable" in-between-ness that is growing out short hair:

Give it time.
Don't expect drastic changes overnight. Let your pixie grow for four months before getting a cut, Garren of the Garren New York salon told Allure. When you finally do, ask your stylist to even the ends by cutting the back and creating a bob. Or, cut the back a little shorter than the front-it'll make your hair seem longer. After another four or six months, add long layers in the back and cheekbone-length layers in the front.

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Change your style.
Garren suggests tucking hair behind your ears and sweeping ever-growing bangs to one side. Or pin your hair up with cute clips, combs, and headbands-people will assume it's longer than it is.

Get it colored.
Color helps hair going through an awkward stage, says celebrity stylist Harry Josh. Try very fine balayage highlights or have your colorist focus on the tips of the hair, which will make strands look longer.


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