Here’s How You Should Cut Your Hair, According to Where You Live
If you’re anything like me, you tend to get a little ADD about your hair. A season changes, or your mood changes, and all of a sudden you decide you’re bored to tears with your current look and want to switch things up.
But how, oh how, does one go about picking a new haircut? You could cruise Pinterest until your eyeballs fall out. Or you could use this fun inspiration guide to find your perfect crop, based on the city you live in. Hey, we’re already onboard with choosing signature perfumes based on our zodiac signs, so this is a natural next step, right? After all, each city has its own specific attitude, pace, and climate, and your haircut has to match.
To come up with an accurate roundup of looks, we consulted Erin Zemet, owner and head stylist of Main Street Salon in Culver City, California.
Intrigued? Keep scrolling to find your city and corresponding haircut!
New York
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: How L.A. vs. New York Girls Do First-Date Makeup
A blunt bob is sophisticated enough for your daytime meetings but trendy and fun enough for your after-work shenanigans. Paired with some balayage highlights, the look can be worn sleek and straight or wavy and effortless, depending on whether your plans take you to the Upper East Side or the LES. All you’ll need in your styling arsenal is a shine serum and a texture spray. Try Living Proof Satin Hair Serum ($29) and Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray ($26).
Chicago
Photo: Imaxtree
You’ve just endured a very long, cold winter, so springtime is like a giant gulp of fresh air. Breathe that same life into your hair with a piece-y, playful cut. Choppy layers and side bangs bring a cool rocker-chic vibe without totally chopping off the length that kept you warm all winter.
Los Angeles
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: 5 Beauty Tricks Only L.A. Girls Know
L.A. is all about soft, messy texture, and every cool girl in the city is getting the same cut this spring: the modern shag. This look is defined by wispy, intricate layers (bangs optional), so it’s super easy to wear. (Read: minimal styling required.) The cut works well on most hair textures and almost any length. In L.A., we’re partial to the shoulder-grazing shag.
San Francisco
Photo: Imaxtree
S.F.’s fast-paced tech scene requires a look that’s both “creative and commanding,” says Zemet. A short coiffure with shaved sides or an undercut can go messy and edgy or sleek and professional, depending on whether you’re pitching to investors or spending the whole night coding. With this cut, Moroccanoil’s Texture Clay ($26) is your best pal.
Dallas
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: Street Beauty: 6 Real-Girl Tips from Austin, Texas
Texas is known for its big hair, of course, but this might be the year to go modern. Opt for a voluminous blunt midi cut that you can wear straight for a more contemporary look or big and curled for days when you feel like returning to your roots.
Miami
Photo: Imaxtree
Long layers with textured ends offer a soft, beachy finish that perfectly suits this sexy city. It’s a look that goes “from paddleboarding to partying without a blowout,” says Zemet. The texturized ends add shape and movement “even on the most unforgivingly humid days.” (Pro styling tip: Add an accent braid to switch things up.)
Washington, D.C.
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: Your Guide To Getting a Blunt Cut
D.C. is all about the power cut. (Think: Robin Wright in House of Cards). That means no long, fussy layers. Opt for a neat bob and wispy bangs, a cut that looks chic whether you have time to do anything with it or not.
Portland
Photo: Imaxtree
The city’s slogan is “Keep Portland Weird,” so by getting a buzz cut, you’re really just doing your duty as a Portlander. Rock your ultra-short crop with a bold lip, like Too Faced’s Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Ruby ($21), and you’ll be a poster girl for 2016 coolness.
New Orleans
Photo: Imaxtree
New Orleans is a city of art, mystery, and vintage charm, making this retro-inspired cut an ideal fit. Baby bangs and long lengths scream sexy Southern pinup.
More from Byrdie:
The Best Cities for Buying Beauty Products
4 Signs It’s Time for a Haircut
The Most Popular Lipstick Colors by City
The Best Haircuts for Every Face Shape
How Polluted Is Your City? Take Note, Because It Affects Your Skin
