Short and medium-long hair are making a spectacular comeback, with many stars out there chopping off their famous luscious locks and opting for shorter 'dos. But why, you will ask - well, the truth is that there's no easy answer to this question. Going for a short(er) hairstyle has come to be perceived as a sign of emancipation, of progress, of aiming for a more sophisticated overall look - not to mention the staple of a fashion-forward attitude.

Think of Rihanna. The Beautiful Barbados-born singer and R'n'B mega-star had long, shiny hair when she first hit the US charts, but traded her classic "good girl" locks for the stylish, ultra-hyped bob she sported in the video for her sensational hit "Umbrella". Not only were bob cuts highly popular last summer, but over the past years, shorter 'dos have become much more a symbol of feminine strength and self-assertiveness.

Think of British supermodel Agyness Deyn and her popular peroxide-blonde short pixie cut, which is taking women all over the world by storm: it jumps at you, it's boyish, even slightly androgynous, and screams self-confidence and a positive attitude. Cropped cuts are this summer's staple hairstyle, the more ruffled and asymmetrical, the better. Rihanna took this trend very seriously and chopped off her bob even further, choosing a trendy, youthful dark 'do that goes well with her facial and bone structure.

Bangs were huge last summer, and they still are - but use them with caution: stylists warn that depending on the size and shape of your face, bangs can make your eyes look small and your face fuller than it really is. It's easy to forget now that there was a time when Victoria Beckham too had long, flowing tresses - however, all that ended when she moved to the States and brought her razor-sharp bob with her, kicking off the State-side "pob" hysteria. All in all, as celebrities demonstrate every day, short hair is a personal statement: it works wonders, but needs a lot of attitude to do so. Have you got what it takes to rock such a style?