Pixie Waves: How to Curl Short Hair

So you just cut off all your hair, and you’re like, “now what?” Or maybe you’re considering taking the plunge but need the extra encouragement to go there. One of the most fun things about a pixie cut, in my opinion, is how versatile short hair can be with just a few tricks up your sleeve. When I first cut off my hair, I was wondering if I’d still be able to curl it and have that wild look that I love, and I figured if it was a concern of mine, chances are it’s a concern for others — so let’s get it! Turns out, curling short hair is super easy to do, as long as you have the right curling iron and a little know-how. This ultimate guide to short hair styling could be the nudge you need to actually hack it off. Trust me — it feels good!

Step 1: Section + Start Curling

I like to start on the heavier side of my hair, and I prefer to curl my hair away from my face. Start by placing the iron at the base of your first section, then hold the ends of your hair out while you twist the wand to feed the rest of the strands in. Leave around a half inch of hair out at the ends for a more piecey/beachy look.

Try to keep each section roughly the same size for best results.

Step 2: Keep the Sections Consistent

When you’re finished with the first side, move over to the other side of your head and curl in the same direction (away from your face again).

Step 3: Continue on the Other Side

Add your favorite sea salt spray once your curls have cooled off.

Step 4: Add Texture

An asymmetrical or really short haircut really lets you get playful with your styling game. Take your fingers and shake them through your sea-salted waves to create a wild, unkempt finish.

Finishing Touch: Rough It Up

Feelin’ sassy!

This hairstyle is def an easier one, but feel free to play around if you want to take it to another level. Try adding a bunch of different-sized curls to really amp up the texture. Remember — no rules!

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

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

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

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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