Nothing beats those mid-winter blues like a new haircut. These fresh-for-2015 styles are cool, flattering and easy to get at your local salon if you know what to ask for. TODAY.com asked three all-star experts — celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson, Devachan expert Rick Mahoney and Vanessa Douglas of Louis Licari salons — for the best cuts and how to communicate what you want to your hairstylist.
The expert: Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson, who works with Lupita Nyong’o, Taylor Schilling and Ariana Grande — and takes his more than 97,000 Instagram fans with him behind the scenes.
The hot new cut: Super-long and layered
“There’s something about long, sexy hair that will never go out of style,” says Gibson. “This haircut is back for 2015, but this time the hair is super long,” à la Sofia Vergara at this year's SAG Awards.
How to ask for it: “Ask your stylist for soft layers around the face to give this haircut movement and a little touch of sexy. Va va voom!” Don’t have the length just yet? Gibson says: “Don’t be afraid to let your hair grow out, or even experiment with extensions.”
The hot new cut: Wavy “baby bob”
“Last year’s lob (long bob) is out. This year it’s all about the wavy baby bob!” reveals Gibson. Ciara, Anne Hathaway and, most recently, Emma Stone at the Golden Globes are wearing it right now. Why? “This cut is youthful, super fashionable and goes with any look. Whether your hair has a slight wave to it or a tight coil, the textured baby bob is a look you’ll be seeing a lot this year.”
How to ask for it: Be precise about the length you’re going for: “This haircut lies in-between the chin and the shoulders,” says Gibson. And don’t ask for smooth and sleek. “The fashion part of it is the texture!”
The hot new cut: ‘70s-style fringe
“We’re seeing flashbacks of the '70s in everything lately — from fashion to movies and now with hair,” says Gibson. “Bangs are one of my favorite looks from the era. They are extremely youthful and scream fashion. Don’t be afraid to try it! Like I always say, ‘Bangs instead of botox!’” Stars who know how to wear these beautifully boho bangs: Nicole Richie, Olivia Wilde and German model Julia Stegner.
How to ask for it: “This year’s fringe is a bit long and sexy, gracing the eyebrows. Make sure that your stylist doesn’t cut your bangs too short.”
The expert: What about new cuts for women with curly hair? We asked Devachan senior stylist Rick Mahoney to do a bit of forecasting.
The hot new cut: Modern-day Flapper
“This anti-bob is free and easygoing,” says Mahoney, adding that it takes advantage of a woman’s natural curl. It’s the perfect fit for hair trendsetter Jennifer Lawrence, who never takes herself too seriously.
How to ask for it: “Ask for a deconstructed bob that’s loosely layered in way that’s reminiscent of the '40s.”
The hot new cut: Angelic Afro
Think Solange Knowles on her wedding day, says Mahoney. “This free-to-be-me look is for a confident woman who wants to rock the natural texture she was born with in a classic and stunning way.”
How to ask for it: “Ask for a modern day Afro with a round shape.”
The hot new cut: Fresh Farrah
Kyra Sedgwick has been a curl icon for decades. Her latest style blends throwback volume and symmetry with a modern softness for a look that’s “natural and not contrived.”
How to ask for it: “Request long layers, framed around face with a loose wave or curl.”
The expert: Vanessa Collington of Louis Licari, who has worked on everyone from Jessica Lange and Val Kilmer to TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Tamron Hall.
The hot new cut: Textured ends
“I love Kerry Washington's look,” says Collington of the directional ‘do. “The hair is smooth, long and straight. The hair is collarbone length. The tips of the hair are texturized using thinning scissors. A great blowout and flatiron are essential to this style.”
How to ask for it: “Ask your stylist for a smooth, collar-length haircut. The must-have detail to achieve Kerry's hair are the texturized ends.”
The hot new cut: Heavy, side-swept bangs
Part of a new, more polished image, Taylor Swift’s hair is cut with side-swept bangs that feel fresh for 2015. “The secret to her look are the teased ends to add volume and body,” notes Collington.
How to ask for it: “Ask for a shoulder length cut with a deep, side-swept bang. Don't forget to ask for teasing on ends of hair for extra volume.”
The hot new cut: Cascading waves
“Amal Clooney’s long, shiny mane took the style world by storm,” says Collington. “This romantic style has a deep side part with romantic, cascading waves. This look is easily achieved with a large-barrel curling iron.”