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A very long post about short hair

Lena

Alright, I gathered my courage and I better post before I lose my nerve again I’m sorry this is taking on novel length, and I’ll try to keep it as short as I can (pun sort of intended).

I’m seriously considering trying short hair again. Short to me means above the ears. I’ve been toying with the idea for about two years, and I think I’m ready now. Ha! Of course the moment I write it down I’m certain to change my mind again.

I put together a selective chronological collection of my past styles. A note of caution: some of this short hair comes from “the gallery of the horrors”. I don’t know what I was thinking, you guys! And I’m also adding more confusion by changing my hair color (this autumn I went from natural dark blond to brown something rather).

I had very short hair in college (I had no idea what to ask for and how to style it). I finally grew it out in grad.school and played with blond highlights, flippy cuts and various stacked bobs. Then I lost inspiration and got stuck on a layered bob and stopped highlighting my hair (benefit: I saw my natural color again). When my hair is shoulder length I get lazy really fast and tend to stick it up when I’m not in public. And when it’s loose, I think it kind of drags my face down. Shorter hair forces me to make an effort, too. And it’s been fun styling short hair again.

Album link: http://s958.photobucket.com/al.....2010/hair/
Password: Feb2010

My big question is this: can my big head and face get away with short hair above the jaw or above the ears? I’m not symmetrical, but I’m less self conscious than I used to be. And when I do feel more self-conscious, I don’t wear hair on my face anyway. I had skin cancer surgery on my right ear two years ago, but frankly I don’t care about the scars. I do tend to get puffy for no medical reason, and weirdly, it’s not at all correlated with my overall weight.

Here’s an example of what I’ve been drooling about: I can’t get this Nordies model out of my mind for quite a few months now. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....3&P=1

Or should I stick to something longer like a 20s bob http://www.hairfinder.com/rich.....heels5.htm

As for aesthetic preferences, I really like these two options: architectural 19th century updos and pompadours of all kinds (bordering on costumey) OR something geometric with movement. Of course the first is hardly practical.

Something that holds me back from short hair is my crazy love of hats (especially retro shapes like cloches and fedoras). Heh, that’s why my current do is very awkward around the ears and back – I specifically asked for some length there. I think it was a mistake before the front view is not good for my jaw at all.

Thanks so much for reading my treatise

General

20 replies

Latest reply was from Lena

Lena

ETA: And while I’m posting on the subject, what do you think about this darker color? Too harsh? If I continue playing with brown, do I need warm brown vs cool brown? I have both pink and peach in my face, and blue and green veins on the inside of my wrist. I used to look best in midtone colors. Heh, I think my coloring is moody and has a mind of its own sometimes.

garmenta

I had short hair (around the ears) for a long time and think that the right short cut can look fab. I really like the first Nordstrom cut you pointed to--it looks similar to one in your photo album, with dark hair and a sideswept bang. Makes your cheekbones stand out! The darker color looks richer on you than the blonde, IMHO.

Kristine

Veteran

My preference is the longer 20s bob, which would also look great with hats. Honestly though, you have pretty, delicate features which would look great with either style.

Colorwise, the darker color creates more contrast which is pretty with your skintone. But the lighter blond gives you a delicate Grace Kelly type of look.

So either color and cut would look great on you, you really can't lose here! What type of overall style are going after? If it's more modern and urban, I'd probably go for the short cut. If it's more deco or classic, then probably the 20s bob. Although it'd be fun to cross these styles too!

I'm really no help.

Ele

(website)

Lena, I think all your haircuts have looked amazing on you! I'm impressed that you can pull off so many styles, and seem so fearless about your hair.

I love shorter hair on women, and if mine wasn't curly I might do it, too. (Unfortunately, my manta is to "cater to the curl" and I have an optimum length for that to work.) I like the Nordstrom cut but here in the UK that style is pretty ubiquitous, and every girl and her mum seems to be going for it lately. Obviously, you might not have that problem where you are, but I guess from my point of view, I just don't get "excited" by it.

I LOVE the longer bob though, just because it's a little different and seems like it would suit your style well- especially if you're into retro hats. Plus, since it's a little longer than the first one, you could always try it and go shorter if it doesn't work for you.

Lena

Thank you, Garmenta, Kristine and Ele!

Kristine, I'm a moody dresser (I like and wear a lot of styles except bohemian), but lately I've been really attracted to stronger lines, stronger silhouettes, and stronger colors.

Ele, thanks for your international perspective on what's popular in the UK. In my neck of the woods (West Coast US) I've been seeing a great deal of stacked bobs (like Posh Spice's). Pixie cuts and short cuts above the ears seem to always be on the fringes here and never really take off. I think an angled bob is a terrific cut, but I'm also getting a little tired of seeing it everywhere.

Maya

Veteran

I actually like your shortest haircut best! Obviously I think you can pull off short hair.

Both haircuts you posted look great, but if you like hats, I'd stick with a bob of some sort. I'm currently growing my bob out, but I loved how 1920's it looked with hats.

However, I doubt you'll be wearing hats during the warmer weather ahead (I say this as my house is being buried in snow), so perhaps you could do what I used to do: lop it all off when spring starts, and grow it back out by fall. Maybe go with the Nordstrom cut and by fall you will have a bob!

Lena

Thank you, Maya!

I've been thinking about adjusting my hairstyle according to season like you said. My hair used to grow pretty fast, and I like variety, so it may work well. We still have about two months of colder weather ahead, so maybe I'll wait for the Nordies cut a little bit longer. Decisions, decisions.

Thank you again!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

For what it's worth (I'm no expert!):

I like the brown color on you the best. I think it compliments your eyes and is rich a lovely.

I think with a squar-ish face type you should go for something angular. Maybe something that is swing-y and longer in the front? I don't think the hair cut on the Nordie models would be ideal; I think it would be a little too pixie-ish and wouldn't compliment your face shape as well as something with more angular lines.

That all being said, I do think you should wait until you feel comfortable and have really made up your mind. Hair does grow back but it takes so long!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

WOW I love your short hair! I think long hair isn't as flattering to your face... but I'm certainly no expert!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wooohoooo! Lena is back! How fabulous is that! You're very pretty and I've missed you :0)

I 100% vote the 20's bob first. Do that before you go short.

Lena

Thank you, Jenava, Theresa and Angie!

I'm tickled so many of you like the look of short hair on me. And thanks for the vote of confidence on the brown color, too.

I'll keep playing with the bob for now. It's too cold for me to go sans hats right now.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

My favorite of all of your previous styles was the dark brown bob.

CK

I love the Nordstrom short cut - it's very similar to the last photo in the top row of your photos, which I think looks great on you. I love the darker color, too, though the blonde looks nice as well.

Lena

Ooh, more responses! Thank you, Sarah and Cindy!

Hee, again, I'm pleasantly surprised so many of you like my brown color experiment! Thank you!

taylor

Veteran

Lena, I don't know how I missed this, however you are absolutely stunning in very short hair...don't wait.... I hope you are going for it!!! Short hair does not suit everyone, but you pull it off beautifully:)

Lena

Yay, thank you, Taylor! I will definitely go for it soon! Thanks again, this means a lot

Vani

Veteran

Lena, I just had to drop in to say you look fabulously pretty no matter what your hair color or cut I'm glad I got to see your face up close !

medusa

Veteran

Lena, I don't know what is the best cut for you, but I wanted to say that I ADORE you with short hair - like in photos 2 & 3 of your gallery. I think going for a shorter cut will be wonderful on you.

You are soooo beautiful.

Sihaya

Veteran

OMG Lena - you look adorable. my Fav is #5 in the short hair and red outfit. I prefer you with shorter hair. I did the bob before doing above my ears short just to get used to it and work my way there. I haven't read the rest of the responses so maybe someone's already suggested these things.

Lena

Thank you so much, Vani, Medusa and Sihaya! I'm blushing

Sihaya, I have no problem going from shoulder length to above the ears in one go. I just need to remember to use LESS shampoo and other products!

Thank you again ladies!