What to Do If You F*cking Hate Your New Haircut

It's the worst-case scenario we all know too well: after heading into a hair salon armed with plenty of haircut inspiration from Instagram, you sit through an appointment. Finally, the stylist spins your swivel chair around so that you can see your new look in the mirror, and . . . you hate it. We've been there.

The good news is that you don't (and shouldn't) have to pretend to love your hair when you don't. In need of some emergency assistance? No matter the specific haircut conundrum you may be facing — be it bangs that don't look right to you or layers you hate — we enlisted Devin Toth, a hairstylist at New York City's Salon SCK, to give us the real ways you can turn that zero haircut into a hero. The first step? Take a deep breath. . .

Problem: You Cut Your Hair Too Short Right Before a Big Event
Unsplash | Element5 Digital

Problem: You Cut Your Hair Too Short Right Before a Big Event

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.

Problem: You Have Curly Hair and Cut It Too Short
Getty | Justin Lambert

Problem: You Have Curly Hair and Cut It Too Short

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.

Problem: Your Hair Is Too Short, and It Looks Damaged
briogeohair.com

Problem: Your Hair Is Too Short, and It Looks Damaged

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 the Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask ($36).] Also, go easy on the blowouts. "You want to avoid adding more heat damage with hair styling tools," he said.

Problem: You Got Bangs, and They're Too Blunt
Getty | Campbell Addy

Problem: You Got Bangs, and They're Too Blunt

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.

Problem: You Got Bangs in the Summer . . . and It's Too Dang Hot
Getty | Roy JAMES Shakespeare

Problem: You Got Bangs in the Summer . . . and It's Too Dang Hot

Sweaty, limp bangs just aren't a good look. If, despite your valiant attempts, none of your bang-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.

Problem: You Hate Your Bangs, So You're Just Going to Give Up on Them
Getty | Jamie Garbutt

Problem: You Hate Your Bangs, So You're Just Going to Give Up on Them

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

Problem: You Got Layers You Regret
Getty | Andriy Onufriyenko

Problem: You Got Layers You Regret

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."

Problem: You Got Layers You Regret, but Don't Want to Cut Any Shorter
Getty | Flashpop

Problem: You Got Layers You Regret, but Don't Want to Cut Any Shorter

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 color. "You can camouflage layers by adding a darker hair color," he said. "With light hair, you can see the details of everything; with dark hair, you only see the silhouette."

Problem: You Got Layers, and You Hate How They Flip Out
Getty | Karl Tapales

Problem: You Got Layers, and You Hate How They Flip Out

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 Rene Fris Styling Cream ($28) to sleek everything down.