https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:23:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650667 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 14:19:26 +0000 lyn67 1650667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I think the cut is great, you only need a bit of teasing your crown to add height, and that's it! YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650477 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:06:17 +0000 Aida 1650477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to come back and say that I actually pick what I'm wearing for the day based on what my hair is doing. No joke! It's THAT unpredictable, and this is the best way I've found to "go with it" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650476 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:04:27 +0000 Kari 1650476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though my hair is straight I get it. I am a dunce with styling and also lazy, less so now that I'm getting up at 5:30 instead of 4:30 to make it to work; when I had that early morning wake up I couldn't spare an extra minute, even to dry or straighten. So I had to ask for the most low maintenance cut. Even then I have cowlicks and flips that do their own thing...</p> <p>And I've learned by experience I need to go in every 6-7 weeks to my stylist because my hair grows that darn fast. It looks awful if I wait 8 weeks. Sometimes I get it cut a bit shorter initially so that by weeks 2-3 it looks great. </p> <p>Curly hair is even less predictable; my mom has hair that's a bit less curly than yours and it's hard to know whether to wear it straight or not by the day. You kind of have to embrace the unpredictability, I think! I actually love your cut in ALL these pictures. It looks like perhaps there was a bit more product used at the salon, or maybe it was applied to dry hair and was a little more concentrated. That can make a big difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650311 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:34:56 +0000 Mochi 1650311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, such great wisdom from the YLF hive mind! Thank you, everyone. It is all applicable and true and I am taking it all in. Yes, I did have a buyer's remorse moment, LOL, but the microfiber towel comment was particularly genius, and reminded me about how the stylist had dried my hair completely before adding product. (I sat under one of those old-time dryers, in fact.) That seems to have made all the difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think there is a night-and-day difference between my hair earlier today and now, but it's different enough that I am much, much happier now. And it feels softer and not product-y like before. I guess wet hair + product creates a residue. For me, anyway.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am thinking there is something relatable, even to those of you with different-textured hair, to commiserate with my original frustration. Hair is really, really difficult (I've always assumed straight hair is easy, but I'm sure it's not, in other ways). I am applying myself to master all this stuff about clothes and shoes and makeup and hair now, in my early fifties. It is a lot and I wish I had done it sooner now. But I'm enjoying the challenge. It&nbsp;<b>really&nbsp;</b>helps to have you all here to offer wise words to everyone else! You all are awesome!&nbsp;</p> <p>xoxoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650297 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:14:27 +0000 Aida 1650297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel you Nancy! Any big change in cut, like what you had done, takes some time to re-sort how to get those curls to behave just right with the new shape. If it makes you feel any better my current cut took me <i>three weeks</i> to get anywhere near something that felt decent (the first two days I had a legit 80s mullet, not great). When you don't wash hair daily it also takes longer to sort, and of course switching to daily washing doesn't always help in the interim because then the hair texture is different! And as others have said some days are going to feel better than others (I am finding this to be particularly true with bangs). To kind of get a little control I do have different products and techniques which I'll use depending on how the initial styling turned out. No one but me seems to be able to tell, though ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650206 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:24:30 +0000 Anonymous 1650206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The haircut is beautiful on you! It frames you face beautifully, both post salon and the next day.<br /> The only thing I see is that the curls are less defined in your non-salon version, but the cut and shape and overall vibe is still lovely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650137 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:01:01 +0000 rachylou 1650137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm a hair idiot. I completely sympathise. I think you should try a little teasing at the top. The only thing missing is the height at the top of the crown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650125 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:46:51 +0000 jill58 1650125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no, don't cancel the appointment! It is very tricky to replicate what a stylist has done initially--after all they're working on your hair while standing next to you -- you're styling it from a much more awkward angle. The difference in your case really is negligible--just a little tweaking here and there and I think you'll be happy. I too go to a high end salon and wonder at times if my hair reflects that--but it's generally on days when I don't spend the time on it that I feel that way. It really does take a lot of practice and small things (amount of product/time spent towel drying--all mentioned previously) can make a huge difference to the final effect. You really just need to practice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650122 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:44:21 +0000 MsMary 1650122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I swear, I can't see much difference at all! You look fab in all three pics!</p> <p>That said, I feel your pain. I am about the get my hair chemically straightened because I just. can't. deal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair/page/2#post-1650110 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:26:58 +0000 Gaylene 1650110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't give up! Fine, curly hair is probably the hardest kind of curly hair because most curly hair tips and techniques don't work for us. Your first attempt looks much better than what most of us manage!</p> <p>Experimenting is the name of the game. In my case, washing my hair at night every other day with a thickening shampoo works best. In the morning, I hold my head under the tap until my hair is completely wet, then blot it gently just enough to get rid of the drips. I apply a dollop of thickening mousse (Oribe makes a great one!), or pea-sized amount of thickening gel, and work it into the roots. To combat frizziness, I also use a bit of anti-humidity smoother on the ends. I then blow dry on a low speed for about a minute, scrunching, until my hair is damp-wet to give some volume to to the curls. THEN I move the curls into place and let my hair air-dry. Finally, I fluff out the curls with my fingers, or a pick, and are ready to go. </p> <p>My method "violates" many of the rules given for curly hair, but it works for MY kind of fine, curly hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650101 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:14:12 +0000 catgirl 1650101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, it's really not that big of a difference!&nbsp; You need to go back in and ask her to walk you through the styling, step by step.&nbsp; A good stylist will do this for you for free, absolutely.&nbsp; Mine even will let me walk in for a fix (like the nape of my neck) if she has time.</p> <p>I also think your hair can go into a little shock from a new cut and needs time to relax into it.&nbsp; </p> <p>I have a super-low-maintenance cut because I am horrible at styling my own hair, nor do I have the time or patience.&nbsp; I know curly hair is a whole different thing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650095 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:59:19 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1650095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your effort turned out pretty good, but I totally understand not being satisfied (and feeling like a doofus because you can't control a simple thing like your hair). Give it a couple weeks (which is long enough to really make a difference) before you decide to cancel your next appointment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650062 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:15:42 +0000 Jaime 1650062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are being way too hard on yourself.<br />Curly hair is totally dependent on product. Once you have the right one, and the right amount your sense of control will change completely.&nbsp;<br />Rinse, condition, don't shampoo, repeat.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650056 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:13:13 +0000 BrieN 1650056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if this is it, but sometimes I feel the frustration when you think you've just about got "it" and then the goal posts move away from you. <br /><b><br />Mochi</b> you're style is so defined and you look wonderful. Like you mentioned in another post, 8 years is a lot of style growth. If you'd looked in the mirror then and saw your current reflection you'd wonder who that amazing woman is - so stylish and so <i>herself</i>. But that growth takes a lot of time money and energy. And at least I get this feeling like "can't just this one thing be easier (or not cost a million $, or not take an entire afternoon)?" &nbsp;As in, can't picking out a freaking nail polish be easier? Can't putting on a coat of mascara be less than that $$? &nbsp; </p> <p>Somehow hair is the ultimate challenge of those three -- expensive, time consuming, and hard to reproduce.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650051 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:11:37 +0000 Anonymous 1650051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The hair struggle is real, and we all feel your pain.&nbsp; Grab a cute hat and carry on.&nbsp; Or wash it and start over.&nbsp; Don't let it ruin your day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650039 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:03:13 +0000 Angie 1650039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you did GREAT, and this was the <b>first time</b> you styled your new hair. It looks <i>fab.</i> Give it time and practice. Don't cancel your app.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wavy and curly hair is very unpredictable. I know from my own waves that the weather is huge variable. The drier it gets, the less wavy it is.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650031 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:54:39 +0000 Muffin 1650031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang in there and go easy on yourself. We're always most critical of ourselves. It's amazing what good hair days and bad hair days can do to our self esteem. I think you've received some great advice here. Keep your appointment, it can take a few times for the stylist to know your hair and you (and this way you have more opportunities to keep learning). It may be helpful to have the appointments every 6-7 weeks. I know that extra week or two before my next appointment drive me crazy so I try to keep them closer together. Yes, more time consuming and expensive but usually worth it for my self esteem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650029 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:51:52 +0000 Anonymous 1650029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree with everything Maneera said and it looks much better than you apparently think even though it doesn't look exactly the same as at the salon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650028 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:50:40 +0000 celia 1650028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get it . Not being able to recreate what we think is basic and simple can trigger some bad feeling all around. But mostly is just out perception.<br /> My hair is very different from yours but equally rebellious. Maybe the results are not what you expect but it takes a little time to learn how to play with a new haircut . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650023 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:46:41 +0000 Maneera 1650023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who recently went through the same thing and went the curly/wavy route, I can totally relate to you. But I have to say.....you're not being fair to yourself. Or to your stylist. </p> <p>You've done a pretty good job here, Mochi. It looks great. But will your hair look the *same* after you style it yourself the first time? No, it's not! And it's not because you're inept. It's because you're new to this. And you're no expert.....just yet</p> <p>A stylist knows exactly how to style hair. It's their job! They see a lot of hair and instantly know what looks best on whom. You, however, will need practice. I'm assuming she gave you a product to work into still damn hair and scrunch to get the whispy curls. I'm only guessing here...because that's what my stylist did. But my stylist knew exactly how to move her fingers in a way to tease my curls....give me a professionally done look....and I still have to learn that. Same applies to you. </p> <p>Note the difference in the pictures below. #1 is right after my hair appointment. That's what the stylist did. #2 is what I did the next day. And #3 is today after my first wash. It's not the same....but that doesn't mean my stylist did a bad job or that I'm no good at this. It's new...it'll take time...and I'll get better at it. Right? </p> <p>Now stop feeling bad because your hair looks great...and start practicing! You'll get better...practice makes perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650014 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:15:18 +0000 AviaMariah 1650014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bet after a couple more tries you'll get it down pat. &nbsp;You probably just need to adjust the amount of product you use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1650005 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:48:03 +0000 Anonymous 1650005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't overreact and cancel your appointment - yet, anyways. &nbsp;The first time styling your new hair cut is ALWAYS going to be a challenge, and it's not a reflection of her skills as a hair stylist. &nbsp;Give it some time - a few more washes, experimenting with how much and where you use the product etc. &nbsp;And all good stylists will be happy to help you if you go back in and ask her to show you once again how to get the look you want. Don't feel sheepish about asking, either. &nbsp;Have another cup of coffee , and breathe &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649993 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:19:52 +0000 merwoman 1649993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain Mochi! My thoughts are very similar to Texstyle - you're just about there!<br />My sisters were endowed with the hair styling and make up application genes, I realized at a young age after burning myself repeatedly with a curling iron that I am not in the same league at all.&nbsp;<br />I gave up for many years until I saw my mother rock a blowdryer...and then I thought GAME ON - if she can do it, so can I. I watch my stylist very carefully and she gives me pointers. At the beginning my results were not so great. I'd always book a blow out before special occasions, not trusting what might happen if left to my own devices. BUT, with practice I am mostly (always that qualifier) satisfied with the results. In fact sometime I prefer what I do over the stylist.<br />You're on the right track! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649992 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:15:37 +0000 Jules 1649992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we all sometimes feel like we are supposed to just know how to do certain things (perhaps especially gendered things...). But just like my husband can't expect to innately know how to fix stuff around the house (despite what his male ego may tell him), I can't expect to just know how to do hair. </p> <p>*This is really about me, not some veiled way of telling you how to feel*</p> <p>Also, I loved it when Luanne on King of the Hill got her fingers hopelessly stuck in the hair trying to do french braids at hairdressing school!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649989 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:02:57 +0000 Mochi 1649989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meredith, BWAH! Lol, yes, the struggle is real. </p> <p>Thanks again. I'll also consider having it more dry before applying the product. I think she did that. </p> <p>First world problems </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649987 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:00:04 +0000 Eliza 1649987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi- you came very close and a good cut helps all of us. Humidity makes a big difference, also. My hair never looks exactly like my stylist did it. She claims that her hair looks better done by her stylist, too. </p> <p>My hair is very thick, with lots of waves. Every day is different. It can easily be smoothed and coaxed into a neater style some drier days and at other times the volume explodes and my head hardly fits through a doorway. I let it go wavy those days and do a lot of experimenting with products, though I add little by little. </p> <p>Hang in there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649985 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:58:51 +0000 Meredith 1649985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And you should not feel inept! #thestruggleisreal </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649984 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:57:27 +0000 Meredith 1649984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have wavey hair and feel your pain. Your hair looks great to me, but I understand the second guessing. Just throwing out some cheap ideas to play with...maybe try drying with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel? I think one of the differences between home and the salon is the time between washing and styling is longer at the salon and the hair is just a bit dryer. A microfiber towel could soak up some of that extra water (and I've seen them at Target for $7). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649982 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:54:00 +0000 Mochi 1649982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everybody. This just triggers feelings of general ineptness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cant-do-own-hair#post-1649981 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:53:20 +0000 Chris987 1649981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have fairly straight hair and I also can't really duplicate what my stylist does. It's&nbsp;frustrating sometimes but as others have said they are pros at this and we the customers are not.&nbsp;I think it's a fairly common phenomenon. I try to watch what she's doing very carefully but I just can never exactly duplicate it.&nbsp;&nbsp;It does take a little experimentation but maybe you should give it another try with some of the ideas mentioned here by people who do have curly hair.&nbsp; </p>