What Makes A Hairstyle Sexy?
Why does Halle Berry's gamine short crop make her look so sultry, while the same effect is achieved by long-haired starlets with cascades of curls spilling out over their shoulders? The answer isn't so much in the specific attributes of the cut, but rather in the attributes which these haircuts showcase.
Let's take a look at the attributes that make a style really work.
We're all aware that different people find different features of the body most attractive. In fact, throughout history, various physical traits have been idealized and brought into the spotlight for admiration. For instance, the bob styles sported by the flappers in the 1920s revealed their long, slender necks, drawing the eyes of men thanks to the short and sultry hairstyles.
Other physical features or erogenous zones that serve as focal points for sexy hairstyles (and the styles that flatter them) are:
The Neck. Even before the "bob" made its debut as a style trend, the neck was often showcased in the Victorian and Edwardian eras by styling the hair into an elegant updo. This not only served to display the neck effectively but also created the illusion of a longer, more swan-like, and graceful neck. However, this effect was often tempered by the high, lace-trimmed collars that encased the neck.
The Roaring Twenties brought flapper fashion to the forefront, with sleeveless sheath dresses featuring scoop collars that left the skin of the neck exposed. The clean lines were given full attention due to the short styling of the hair in the back. These themes have echoed throughout history as bob styles have alternately come into and fallen out of fashion trends.
The Eyes. Always considered a top feature for generating attraction, the eyes have been a focal point around which to style the hair. In earlier eras, hairstyles with bangs were used to create a soft frame, drawing attention to the eyes.
The Bosom. The front of a woman's physique has long been a focal point for men's attention, so it hardly seems necessary to intentionally draw their attention. However, that's precisely what happens with long, cascading hairstyles. We’ve all seen Hollywood beauties with long flowing locks that spill over the shoulders, coming to a stop at the top of the chest or nestling in the cleft of the bust. The hair ends create a focal point that draws the viewer's attention.
The Mouth. At different points in the last century, hairstyles have been adapted to draw attention to the wearer's mouth, showcasing particularly attractive lips and Cupid's bow mouths. Among these hairstyles is the A-line bob, whose forward terminus typically falls at or just above the chin level.
Later, styles such as the "Rachel" and other razor-cut styles featuring specifically defined tiers of layering around the face helped create focal points on the mouths of the women wearing them, whether to enhance pouting lips or simply to showcase a stunning smile.
As often as not, the hairstyle preferences that men have for the women in their lives are a subconscious reflection of the attributes they find most attractive in women in general. Men who are most attracted to slim, willowy women often express a preference for long, straight hair. This follows because long, straight, flowing hair creates a vertical focus that enhances a slim, sinewy physique.
Conversely, men who are most attracted to a pretty face often prefer shorter hairstyles and those that create a framing effect around the face. It's all a matter of personal preference and how best to show it off.