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!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved hairstyles and hair hacks!

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

Header image via Claire Craig

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

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

This post has been updated.

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

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.