Rodney Cutler, owner of the Rodney Cutler Salons and celebrity stylist, is helping his clients look fab while growning out their 2014 summer cuts. According to Cutler, there IS a magic potion to avoid that awkward stage. Here he offers tips to the professional on HOW TO avoid the mullet:

PIXIE TO BOB

Going from a pixie, like J Law, to a bob is the most natural route for kicking off growth. Keep hair at the nape of the neck short initially, as hair on the top of the head grows out. This process takes about 6 to 8 weeks, and will take your client to a Michelle Williams type look. 

When this look grows out and begins to get heavy, that is when you allow the hair at the nape of the neck to grow out too. The professional should incorporate layers into the hair to help to blend the top and the back. This look has choppiness and structure.

BOB to LOB

To avoid giving your client a soccer mom finish, angling the hairline is key. You need to create a bob that offers movement as hair grows from the jawline onto the collar bone. During this growth period, natural, wavy styling will create the illusion of a purposeful "cut".

For clients with a natural wave, wrap 1 1/2 inch sections around a small curling iron and blow dry. This will create a natural buckle. Don’t over indulge the hair with product. Instead, use a super light spray (Cutler uses Redken Fashion Waves 07) to keep structure in the waves, without looking stuck.  

For those with straighter hair… wrap hair around a 1 inch curling iron, section by section in an "s" like form (i.e. Twist half way around flat iron to the left, twist half way around flat iron to the right). Finger comb out the hair and apply a finishing spray for natural hold (Cutler uses Redken Wind Blown 05 Finishing Spray).

BANGS and BEYOND

Besides a pixie, bangs are often the most difficult style to grow out. To begin the process, create a whispy bang to lighten up the hair and allow it to move more naturally. 

For clients with short hair, like a choppy bob, growing out the bangs is easier. Blend bangs into the hair at the ends and allow them to grow with the shortest of your layers.

For clients with long hair, allow the bangs to grow to the hair. Once the bang is 2 inches from the shortest, blend via layering.

Bob lengths with bangs, like Emma Stone, Keira Knightly, Freja Beha and Alexa Chung, are all great references to share with your clients during the consultation.