Mom hair for summer: a guide

If you watch the Bachelorette, (and I know you do, cowards!) then you know hair has gone to the dogs. If we are to believe Ali is the sweetest, most beautiful girl on the planet, then we're are also to believe that bleach blonde extensions that belong to the tail of a sick calf is also the only thing a man wants to run his fingers through. I CALL BULLSHIT.
Then I called Siobahn Benson, hair-cutter to the stars (of my life) for help. I pleaded, is there any way to bring back the hairstyles of moms of yore? Here's her guide to updating some of the looks on this site for summer.

First up, Megan McKeever's mom looks beguiling in pigtails in 1969. But is it doable in 2010?

Siobhan says: Oh hayls yeah! The look is straight of the Prada ad campaign. It's great for showing off the eyes and cheek bones and works best with oval faces. Just make sure the rubber bands are loose and your part is a little off to the side to avoid winning a Cindy Brady lookalike contest.


Sounds simple enough, but what about for those of us (ahem) who are prone to summer frizz. Can we "own it" like Rosa Smurawa's mom even if the 80's are long gone?

Siobhan says: Uh-huh. This is a great look for someone with the confidence to wear big hair. Cut your hair in rounded layers--that allow the hair to stand up on its own. It's great for any face shape as long as you have attitude to back it up (or a face like Halle Berry, no big whup)


Okay what about this slightly longer lady-bob circa late 60's England? Emily Materick's mother had it made.

Siobhan says: Fo sho. Consider exhibit Gaga. This A-Line blunt bob with bangs never goes out of style. Girls in London are STILL rocking this. But be forewarned: big eyes and a heart shaped face are a must for this style, otherwise your features get lost in the bangs.


Have I mentioned that it's very hot outside? It is. How about a pixie cut like Andrea Silcox's mom? Her cut was in 1969 when hairstylists had Mia Farrow as an inspiration. Now our pixie muse is Victoria Beckham's angular chop that might just slit your throat if you get too close to it.

Siobhan says: Oh you don't want to send the signal that you're vagina's a food processor? For a softer look like Mrs. Silcox or Carry Mulligan, first be sure you've got petite features and a square-shaped face. Then don't spike or gel those front wisps. Trust they will land where they may.

Wise words from a hair sensei.
New Yorkers, let Siobhan turn your old cut into an old-school cut by going to arrojostudio.com or email her questions at sionyc@mac.com. Mention MY MOM THE STYLE ICON and get 10 percent off.