Everyone is being so helpful to Eve, I thought I’d aske for some advice too.
For most of my life I’ve worn my hair long–sometimes so long I could sit on it. Currently it is about shoulder-blade length. I usually wear just pulled back in a clip or in a braid.
I’m getting on in years, though (39 last month)and I feel the need for a change. There are certain requirements, though:
No drastic hair color changes. I’m one of those pink people and will pretty much have to stay blonde. I also have nearly invisible eyebrows.
Nothing that has to be cut every two weeks.
Must be wash and wear. I have no time or talent for styling.
I have regular features, but not a very good jawline. My current color is medium blonde and my hair is fine, but not thin. It has some natural wave/curl, but this varies a lot with the weather.
As a man, I must say formally that I hate “grown-up” haircuts. Invariably, they add ten years (in a BAD way) to a woman’s appearance. From your description, I would say your hair sounds just fine, and I would recommend sticking with something similar. There was a lady I knew who was about 35, dark hair that was prematurely gray, but had a cute shoulder-length bob that was very becoming of her. I thought she was rather attractive. Then she got one of those short, close-to-the-face “mature” hair-cuts, and she looked in her mid-50’s. Was definately a change for the worse. She went from cute to grandmotherly overnight. Your hair has BY FAR the most drastic effect on your appearance, so take any changes you make VERY SERIOUSLY and consider the effect it is going to have on your appearance. But remember that most “grown-up” haircuts make a woman look old and genderless, at least in my own experience.
Actually, the cute shoulder length bob is probably something I might consider. I agree about the severe haircuts. Audrey Hepburn might be able to pull it off, but not me. (Plus my husband would kill me.)
I would suggest keeping it the length you have it and maybe just adding a few layers. The layers will make your hair fuller and you won’t have to pull your hair back or braid it all the time.
My hair is even with my bra strap and it’s layered. It lays well and looks nice. I spend no time styling my hair. I wash it, curl my bangs a little so they’re not so straight, and let it air dry for about 20 minutes. After air drying for about 20 minutes I take a blow dryer and blow dry the roots and the back part of my hair because it’s so thick. It’s very easy to take care of and I can still pull it up in a ponytail or braid it.
I have also had shoulder length hair with layers and it looked nice too. I have a pic of me with shoulder length hair with layers. You can see in the pic how well the layers make the hair lay. I’d be happy to send the pic to you if you’d like me to. A picture’s worth a thousand words… it’s hard to describe hair anyways!
I haven’t had bangs for a long time, so I don’t know how they would be on me. I think I could use a bit of “interest” (or distraction) around my face–either bangs or waves of some sort. I do remember that when I had bangs as a little girl they had an annoying tendency to curl up right on the ends. Very silly.
• Do what I do, and wear your hair up. It’s much easier than you’d think, and gives softness around the face. It’s also low-maintainance and you rarely have to have it cut.
• How about a less shaggy, trimmer version of the Martha Stewart/Princess Di look? Longish bangs and top, and tapered to the side and back. You can do a lot with the long parts (curling, poufing, slicking back) for variety.
I have worn my hair up–especially when it was longer. That’s what I usually do when I have to look like a grownup. It doesn’t “go up” as well as yours does, though. It tends to be pretty flat and severe looking. More librarian than Gibson Girl. Some sort of bangs or fringe might help.
I hadn’t really considered the Martha Stewart look. Short is tempting, but I have no idea how it would look on me. I had a pixie cut when I was 5, but it’s been long ever since. I don’t want to look like TOO much of a mom.
My hairstylist just got back from a “hair show” (I’m assuming this is where hairstylists go to stay current on the latest styles and techniques) and she has advised me that —GASP— big hair is coming back in style. Of course, living in the South where we are about 2 to 25 years behind on what’s hip, I won’t have to worry for a while. (Except for Texas, where big hair NEVER went out of style)
If you care about having an up-to-date style, you may want to keep this in mind if you were considering cutting it short.
As for being stylish and up-to-date, you’re talking to Ms L.L. Bean here.
That reminds me of another question, though. What’s the best way to find a good stylist? What do you look for? Also, has anyone ever tried one of those computer things where they can try different styles on you to see how they look?
The best way I’ve ever found to find a good stylist is to ask people who you think have good hair. When I was working in Manhattan, I used to stop people on the street and ask them (I had some real balls when I was younger :)). Since you’re giving them a compliment, they usually don’t mind answering.
I’ve never tried the computer thing, but I would really love to.
One last thing. If you can find one, bring a picture of the style you want. Even when I had the simplest of bobs I always brought a picture. I really cuts down on disappointments from miscommunication between you and the stylist.
I have noticed that when women are younger they wear their hair for men, but when they get older they wear it for themselves. cher, as a man, I would tell you PLEASE don’t cut your hair, but I know comfort and convenience are big factors in your decision. But my ex-wife cut her waist-length hair to a short bob a few years back and it was a big factor in the end of our marriage.
Re: Finding a good stylist. Just like Minxsmom said, if you see someone who has a great cut, just ask them.
I brought a pic in to my stylist of a cut I wanted. She covered the model’s face and said “Do you still like the style?” She said so many people bring in a pic expecting to look like the model when they walk out.
BTW, I did like the cut, it fits my face perfectly and because she did such a good job, I’ve had at least 5 people ask me where I get my hair cut and my stylist now has at least 5 new clients. If I don’t look good, she doesn’t look good.