What to Do If You Hate Your New Haircut

Problem: You cut your hair too short right before a big event

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Unfortunately, no matter what the internet tells you, there's no magic DIY mask that will give you longer hair after just one application. According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian of NYC's Schweiger Dermatology Group, "There's nothing you can do to speed up hair growth — period. All human hair grows at a rate of half an inch each month." Womp.

That said, there is one thing that will immediately lengthen your hair: extensions. Though pricey, these can come in handy if you got a shorter-than-ideal cut right before a big event. "If it's a devastating circumstance — like, if you're getting married next week — invest in hair extensions," Toth said.

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Problem: You have curly hair and cut it too short

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TLDR: Bust out the flatiron. "If you make your hair pin straight, you'll add a few more inches of length to your curls," Toth said.

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Problem: Your hair is too short, and it looks damaged

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If you came out of your cut with a too-short look and a side of fried hair, Toth recommends investing in a deep conditioner. (We love Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask.) Also, go easy on the blowouts. "You want to avoid adding more heat damage with hair styling tools," he said.

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Problem: You got a fringe, and they're too blunt

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If you want to give your baby bangs a more grown-up spin, redirect your hairstylist. Toth said, "Ask your stylist to point cut into your bangs, so things appear soft and more natural." This means that they'll snip with the scissors facing up, which works to give your ends more texture.

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Problem: You got a fringe in the Summer . . . and it's too dang hot

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Sweaty, limp fringes just aren't a good look. If, despite your valiant attempts, none of your fringe-salvaging efforts are working, Toth recommends hiding them with some good old-fashioned styling.

"Twist or braid them out of the way, then pin into place" he said. The best part about this technique is that it puts you in control of your bad fringe. "If you do it loosely, it gives a swooping effect." An added bonus? The pro said that "This technique works well when you're out during the hot, humid Summer," to keep things unmatted.

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Problem: You hate your fringe, so you're just going to give up on them

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This might actually be a solution in itself, according to Toth. "Sometimes, if you overstyle your fringe, it looks a little forced. Fringes look better when you just let them be." Ditch the pomade, and let your hair fall naturally.

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Problem: You got layers you regret

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Need to get rid of layers, and need to get rid of them now? It's easier than you think — if you're willing to give up some length. According to Toth, "You can eliminate all of your layers by bringing the bottom of your haircut all the way up to your shortest layer."

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Problem: You got layers you regret, but you don't want to cut any shorter

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Highlights act like bright neon signs that scream, "Look at my layers!" If you want to turn that off, Toth said you can switch up your colour. "You can camouflage layers by adding a darker hair colour," he said. "With light hair, you can see the details of everything; with dark hair, you only see the silhouette."

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Problem: You got layers, and you hate how they flip out

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If you want your layers to look more Alexa Chung than Rachel Green, hit the tips with a flatiron, or smooth down with some product. As Toth explained, "If you're trying to hide your layers, I wouldn't style them so that the ends flip out and upward." The pro recommends dabbing a bit of styling cream to sleek everything down.

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