Helen Mirren's bixie has undergone quite the transformation in recent weeks. After debuting a more structured shape with clever 'face-lifting angles', the actress has given the style a whole new feel, all without a single snip. It's all down to one subtle styling tweak, and the hair pros say it can take years off instantly.
Helen really brought her beauty A-game to the MobLand premiere in London last night (and yes, we're very excited for series two). She looked incredible with a blurred pink lip and fluttery, eye-opening lashes, but it was her hair that really caught our attention.
The last time we saw Helen, her bixie was sharp and sculpted. This time, however, her silver strands had a softer, more effortless feel — and it's an incredibly flattering update to the cropped cut.
‘The difference lies in the finish,’ says Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Jerome Russell Bblonde Key Opinion Leader. ‘There’s now much more movement and separation through the layers, with softer edges and a slightly undone texture.’
He adds, ‘Rather than styling every strand into place, the hair has been allowed to move naturally, which instantly makes the cut feel more relaxed. It’s a subtle change, but it completely alters the personality of the style.’
It's proof that you don't always need to reach for the scissors to switch up your look.
As Jason explains, it might be a subtle tweak, but the way you style your hair can make all the difference, and a softer finish is one of the most flattering ways to go.
He explains, ‘Softening a shorter haircut is a really simple way to make it feel more youthful on mature women. Soft layers and movement work to create a sense of lightness around the face.’
‘Helen’s look is a great example because the shape still has structure, but it isn’t overly precise. This works particularly well for her since it complements her bone structure rather than competing with it,’ says Jason. ‘It feels incredibly sophisticated while still being soft and feminine.’
It all comes down to styling. Thankfully, a soft finish, like Helen's, is surprisingly easy to achieve at home. As Jason explains, it's not about perfection. ‘The key is to keep the hair touchable and slightly undone. You want definition without stiffness,’ he says.
He breaks it down for us. ‘I’d start with a lightweight volumising or texturising product on damp hair before roughly drying it, using your fingers to encourage natural movement rather than pulling everything completely straight.’
‘Once dry, use a small amount of lightweight styling cream through the mid-lengths and ends, gently separating the layers with your fingers.’ And it's as easy as that.
Fuss-free, flattering and effortlessly chic. We're sold.
