10 Hair Tricks to Get Your Hair Through the Awkward Phase

Change is good, and just because your hair is in a transition period doesn’t mean you have to be! We think it’s time you embraced your in-between stages… and we’ve found 10 hairstyles that will do just that. Extensions? Who needs ’em? With headbands, hair chalk and bobby pins at our fingertips, you’ll never mutter the words “awkward phase” again!

1. Slicked Back Bangs: Turn your unruly bangs into this super sleek ‘do! With a little bit of pomade, this powerful style will be turning heads in no time! (via Bella Sugar)

2. Hair Chalk: Transform your hair into a painter’s palette with hair chalk! This look will dye your longer locks for one to two days, and you’ll be enjoying every inch of your hair all the while. (via Brit + Co)

3. Bobby Pins for the Win: Fly-aways? No problem! This chic bobby pin style will have you looking fastened and fabulous. And it’ll let you braid even the shortest hair. (via Brit + Co)

4. Long Pixie: Growing out your pixie cut? Don’t trim your layers, embrace them! This playful look is perfect for long wispy layers, and it’s so fun that you’ll question why you got all those trims in the first place! (via So Feminine)

5. Ombre: Give the illusion of longer hair with ombre. Not only will you be looking great and totally on-trend, you’ll be using every piece of hair real estate. (via Behind the Chair)

6. Braided Bangs: Are your bangs in that not-quite-long-enough state? We have a solution! Braided bangs are a great way to add a little something to your ‘do, and keep your hair looking gorgeous all day. (via Alexis Mae, image via Pretty Hair)

7. Turban Headband: These easy-to-make turban headbands are lifesaving when it comes to unruly layers and fly-aways. With a simple wrap, cut and fold, your turban headband will be your new go-to for taming awkward lengths and in-between-stage bangs. (via Brit + Co)

8. Baby Bun: Twist your hair into a baby bun! This dainty look is a refreshing go-to when you want to pull your hair back and relax, and you can even achieve it with short hair. (via Daily Makeover)

9. Beach Waves: Let loose with beach waves! This look will revamp those extra long layers, blend in your roots and leave you looking fresh and carefree. (via Little Miss Momma)

10. Short Ponytail: Yay! Your hair is finally long enough for a ponytail! Get this full look in a few simple steps, and enjoy the classic style all day. (via Divine Caroline)

Are you in between lengths? What’s your go-to style right now? Share your secrets with us in the comments below.

(Featured Image: People)

The hardest thing about having thin hair, is when you're trying to style your short, thin hair. It can be incredibly hard to style, especially you're always looking for new ways to add volume, only for it to fall flat... literally. Well, as a former short hair girly myself, with seriously thin hair, I've got the hacks and hairstyles for all the volume you could ever need.

Plus, I consulted the experts, Julius Michael(celebrity hair stylist) and Wes Sharpton (hairdresser at Hairstory) to get their professional opinions on which hairstyles are best for short and thin hair, as well as any pro tips they have for ways to add volume. So keep reading for all the best — and easiest — hairstyles to add volume to your short, thin hair!

Textured Side Part

Instagram/@juliusmichael1

Celebrity hairstylist Julius Michael gave us tips on how to achieve this cute, side part hairstyle that adds a lot of texture! He first, starts by adding texture to the roots with his Voloom hair iron, and then he finishes the style with a 3/4 inch curling iron to create soft waves. His number 1 tip for short, thin hair? Don't be afraid to experiment! He also embraces flyaways because they keep the hair naturally beautiful and not so frozen and stiff!

Layered Bun

Shai

A messy bun with with face framing pieces and layers, is the easiest way to fake volume. If your hair is flat like mine, and it just doesn't hold volume, then just throw your layers into a messy bun and pull out face-framing pieces. This will not only flatter your face shape, but it also gives the illusion of volume. Sometimes I like to put my hair up in a bun, and slowly start yanking out a few layers throughout the hair to give it a lived-in look. We're not looking for sleek, because that will make the hair look flat. The messier, the better!

Loose Waves

Claire Craig

Loose waves look incredible with short hair! And the key to gaining volume? Texture, texture, texture! To get this texture, you're going to want to buy a texture spray, and spray it all throughout your hair. Then scrunch it, flip it upside down, and really tossle it. This will give it volume, and ensure it doesn't look thin.

Textured Pixie

Wes Sharpton

Wes Sharpton, hairdresser at Hairstory, gave us an expert tip if you happen to have short hair that is also fine and curly. He says that you can mix wax and oil and form the coil with a diffuser hair dry to help give the hair some body and texture. This style looks especially good with short hair, styled like above in a super cute textured pixie cut!

Voluminous Curls

Dominique Goncalves

These voluminous curls are achieved by tightly curling the whole head of hair. But the real trick is to tease the roots with a brush. When I had short hair, this was my secret weapon. I would style it with heat, then tease my whole head at the root to ensure it looked full, and didn't fall flat in 30 minutes. Top it off with some hairspray to really hold it all together!

Fun Bow/Scrunchie

Cora Pursley

A good hairstyle that makes your hair look full, even when it's messy, is to use a scrunchy. Tease up the roots once more, and throw it into a low bun with a fun scrunchy. I love the one above, because the large bows make the hair look large and full. This is a lazy-girl approved hairstyle that still makes your hair look put together!

Blunt, Textured Bob

Ajaila Walker

A blunt bob has to be one of my favorite hairstyles ever, but it can be seriously hard to style if you have thin hair. A tip for this is to sleep in little braids or buns. I would take my short hair and twist it up with a clip just a bit before I went to bed, then when I woke up, I had the cutest waves that made my hair look so much more full and voluminous. The messy look, like above, is a 10/10, I'm obsessed with this style.

Claw Clip

Pexels/İlknur Çelik

The easiest style for short-haired girlies with thin hair? Claw clips. These will save your life, especially when your hair gets in that odd, inbetween phase where it's not too long and not too short. You just get a cute claw clip and clip it up into a half-up half-down hairstyle. I like to purposefully push the claw clip up, so it gives a bit of volume in the back of my hair. And voila! All you need for an easy hairstyle to give volume to your otherwise thin, flat hair!

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Header image via Claire Craig

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The temperature is rising and so are our ponytails. As much as we love styling long locks, hair + humidity = a hot, sweaty mess. This year, we’re seriously contemplating joining ranks of Olivia Palermo, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber by getting that hair off our necks (semi) permanently with a fresh chop. While it may seem like less hair means fewer style options, check out these 10 ways you can keep your short style looking fresh.

Buzzed

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS

If you really want to chop it all off, go big or go home. Or go short, in this case.

Curly Bob

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

As long as you’ve got a little bit of length, you can still work a curling iron to add texture to your bob. Zendaya rocked this look PERFECTLY, but who's really surprised?

Naturally Curly

Photo by SUNDAY II SUNDAY / Unsplash

Going short does not mean abandoning your natural hair! Let your curls shine with a tapered cut customized to your hair type, and follow along with this tutorial for a wash-and-go routine.

Modern Bob

Header Image Courtesy of Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash

You’ve got a business to run, and a sharp bob will help keep your morning routine to a minimum. Add some bangs for a little extra flair.

Pink Dream

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Karl Lagerfeld

Give your hair a Barbie makeover that even Margot Robbie would be jealous of. Marion Cotilliard debuted this dreamy pink look at the Met Gala this year, and we're obsessed!

Short n' Sleek

images.pexels.com

Slick down your pixie cut for an ultra-chic vibe.

Blunt Cut

Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

Similar to a bob, this low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for people who just don't feel like styling their hair everyday. A little longer than a bob, a blunt cut can be adjusted to your comfort length — just look at Haley Lu Richardson's laid back, yet chic style!

Honey Brown Bob

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

This rich honey brown adds plenty of depth and dimension to your short haircut! Be sure to ask for babylights to get these tiny little golden locks just right.

Not-A-Karen Pixie Cut

images.pexels.com

Chop it all off with this modern pixie cut. Oh, and this one definitely won't make you look like a Karen.

Blonde Bob Bombshell

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Make a bold statement with this bleach blonde look. It's beachy, sophisticated, and so in style right now!

How do you style your short hair? Tell us your favorite looks in the comments!

Stay updated on all the latest beauty trends with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Header Image Courtesy of Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash

Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – 3 out of 5 new drinks on the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this new lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu also has one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

The Dunkin’ winter menu dropped on December 31, just ahead of the new year. Dunkin's holiday menu dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything on the Dunkin’ menu this December to start 2025 off just right!

Drinks On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, this one's for you.

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also featuring the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso looks like it follows a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order. It even got a co-sign from Sabrina Carpenter.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks this season, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on theDunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut features a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! This zesty-sweet snack returns on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Dunkin' Menu Items To Come In 2025

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

Speculation around the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the buzz, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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This post has been updated.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.