What’s the season’s hottest hair look? In a word: cropped. But well below your shoulders or someplace in-between is stylish, too. “Gone are the days of short or long hair being in,” says Gordon Nelson, International Creative Director at Regis, who created the cuts on these and the following pages. “Any style can be trendy,” he says, “as long as it’s done right.” Add color for warmth, texture and shine, and be prepared to dazzle this spring.

Short
Spring’s most dramatic styles are cropped on the sides and back. Longer, heavier pieces on top can be worn on or off the face for versatility. That’s good news if you’re a little afraid of chopping it all off. “A longer piece in front keeps you from feeling too uncovered or exposed,” says Robert Cromeans, Global Artistic Director for Paul Mitchell Systems.

Medium
Bobs, from chin-length to just above the shoulders, can be styled straight or wavy, depending on your hair type and the look you want. (Sleek strands tend to be more formal, waves more casual.) Whatever the length, ends should be textured-slightly jagged and uneven-rather than blunt, meaning straight across. The texture gives hair extra movement.

Long
Flowing tresses are always classic and alluring, but bring them up to the moment by asking your stylist to cut in some long layers. This season, pros are adding layers in a surprising way: from the inside out. These shorter inside pieces create a smoother look without the need for excessive styling, says Nick Arrojo of Arrojo Studio in New York City. “This type of layering gives hair more swing,” he explains.

Extras
Any of these looks can be amped up with bangs. Nothing beats a fringe for framing the face, drawing attention to the eyes and playing up bone structure. This spring’s most flattering bangs are full, longish and not too blunt.

Products and Tools
Warm weather brings special styling challenges. Try heat-protectant formulas such as Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide; body-boosting mousses, including Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam; and shine-enhancing and frizz-controlling serums, such as Regis DESIGNLINE Silk Drops. As for tools, Robert Cromeans recommends investing in quality tools. “The latest-ionic dryers, ceramic irons-dry hair healthier and faster,” he says. Two worth trying: CHI Ceramic Hair Straightening Iron and CHI Pro Hair Dryer.