Best and Easy Going Hairstyles For Women

We invited star stylist Chris McMillan — who created Jennifer Aniston's trendsetting "Rachel" 15 years ago — to set his scissors to work and show us this season's hottest looks for every texture, from curly to straight.

FRESH CROP

"Layering keeps short hair moving so it doesn't become a helmet. I love a geometric shape, although I do soft edges around the face to make it approachable."

THE NEW BOB

Short hair needs monthly trimming to maintain its shape. To keep layers defined, apply a small dab of smoothing serum to damp hair. After drying, work shaping paste into ends with your fingers and tame flyaways with an iron.

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MC Recommends: Remington Professional Flat Iron, $45; Chris McMillan Hair Defining Paste, $25; Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, $24

GREAT LENGTHS

"Long hair needs to be trimmed as often as short hair; layers look best blended, not jagged."

FLATTERING LAYERS

Blended, "invisible" layers are best for long, medium-to-thick hair. Chunkier layers give fine hair the appearance of fullness. For a glossy finish, smooth on a lightweight shine serum after blow-drying.

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MC Recommends: David Babaii for WildAid Ionic Hair Dryer powered by FHI Heat, $119.95; Chris McMillan Hair Glossing Serum, $35; Nexxus Volume Effexx Jumbo Brush, $15.99

CURVES AHEAD

"Wavy hair looks newest with a wild fullness at the bottom. Grow out your long layers to achieve a big bell-like shape."

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WILD WAVES

Use a large-barrel curling iron in random sections around the face to lend textural variety to curly or wavy hair. Separate the ringlets with a styling cream or mousse, then finish with a light hairspray mist all over.

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MC Recommends: Kérastase Double Force Controle Ultime Spray, $36; Sunsilk Hairapy Hydra TLC 24/7 Crème, $3.49; Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Mousse, $3.99

BANG ON

"Adding heavy, blunt bangs like Chrissie Hynde's gives freshness to any cut. I always start women off with a brow-sweeping length."

BIG-BANG THEORY

To protect long strands from heat, apply a styling cream sparingly throughout before drying — go extra easy on the bangs. "Tucking hair behind the ears creates a nice imperfection when you let it loose later," adds McMillan.

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MC Recommends: Arrojo Nylon and Boar Bristle Paddle Brush, $25; Kiehl's Stylist Series Crème With Silk Groom, $17.50; Sebastian Professional Liquid Gloss De-Frizz Polishing Drops, $16.95


TWISTED SISTER

"If you've got curly hair, I say go for it! Get a cut that exaggerates the shape and wave pattern. Your goal is volume and definition."

TWISTED CURLS

Curly hair tends to be drier because of the shape of the cuticle. Comb through alcohol-free mousse (which works like a leave-in conditioner) to define and moisturize curls. Air-dry.

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MC Recommends: Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam, $8.95; Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum, $16; Goody Detangling Comb, $2.99