Big Bang Theory
This just in: The Beckham bob has officially lost its steam. Bangs are the new “It” ‘do. Stylists all over town are turning away tear sheets of Victoria Beckham’s short, sleek bob and convincing clients to go out with a bang, literally.
Belle Cheveux hair stylist, Shelley Hartzke, has only had a handful of clients request bangs but has persuaded about 10 to leave with them. “In Vegas everyone has that long-hair look. Bangs are a good way to make a change without the commitment,” said Hartzke who’s so taken with the hair trend she’s sporting a set herself.
For proof of the tantalizing transformation bangs inspire, open a magazine or turn on the tube. Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, Mary J. Blige, Keira Knightley, Rihanna and most recently, Katie Holmes, have all chopped a fringed set of heavy bangs recently. On a recent episode of “Oprah” — “Great American Haircut” — the queen of daytime solicited five celebrity stylists to make over 100 hairstyles. A majority of the highlighted new styles featured a big bang.
“It’s amazing how a change that little can make such a huge difference,” said Stephanie Mora, Hartzke’s client. The 24-year-old go-go dancer didn’t always boast such enthusiasm about her new look. Although Hartzke warned her, shock overwhelmed Mora when the shears snipped her last long layer. “I remember looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself,” she said of her month-old look. “It took a couple days to get used to it but now I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.”
Hartzke has come to expect an initial “what did I just do?” reaction, but the end result justifies the temporary flinch.
Celebrity colorist Kim Vo prefers to take another route. “When in doubt, throw it out,” he said. He estimates 30 percent of his clients have asked for a bang in recent weeks. Most of them also expressed hesitance. As an alternative, the Kim Vo Salon offers clip-in bangs. “They’re not for everyday kind of stuff,” Vo said. “They’re for fun times”
According to Vo, a few celebrities who have had “fun” with the clip-in’s include Katie Holmes, Janet Jackson and on-again off-again bang lover Tyra Banks. The Great Lengths hair clips cost $45 at the Kim Vo Salon at The Mirage.
For those uninterested in faking it, Hartzke’s client Mora encourages them to take the plunge. “Honestly, you can’t regret it,” she insisted. “The world needs bangs!”
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.