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Greatest Accessory - Hair!

Thistle

Veteran

So, I have been looking at hair styles that I think I could do. They need to be easy and low maintenance, but I still want my hair to look fab. Yup, I want it all!

That said, I have a round, round face, so length is almost a must to help with that. I was playing around with trying to amp up the curls for a Blake Lively-esque look I know I need a new curling iron, so recommendations are welcome. I am willing to spend a bit on this, as I want to protect my hair.

Second, where does one go to find good resources on styling tips that aren't just paid ads in disguise? I am sure there is a product or two I could use to help, and I am open to it, just want it to be good recommendation rather than a paid for endoresement.

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Kristin SF

Veteran

Thistle, I have a super round face as well, and I just chopped off all my hair, so that I have an inverted bob that ends an inch or so below my chin, though not so severe. Previously I had hair your length.

It's now super easy to care for, and it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I have to be more disciplined in not tucking my hair behind my ears, which is my preference, but my hair looks nicer framing my face. And it's getting easier to ignore the ear tuck.

Just something to think about, or discuss with your stylist. I personally think you would look amazing with a shorter style - nothing drastic, maybe 4-5 inches and angled towards your chin?

For curls, have you tried large velcro roller curlers which you can use to roll up sections of hair (slightly damp with product), while you're getting dressed and eating breakfast? That might create loose and flowy curls which are low maintenance.

ETA: In terms of cutting my hair, I went slowly. A few inches at first, then more, and then more. It almost got addictive, seeing how short I could go!

Thistle

Veteran

I had never heard of velcro rollers. I will check those out!

Sara L.

Veteran

I buy my curling irons from the Walgreens or Target. I try to get a decent one, but I don't use it enough to want to spend a lot on it. I got my straight iron (which I don't use anymore since I cut my hair) from my stylist since I was worried about damaging my hair with it.

I don't use a lot of product in my hair - just texturizing wax and a maybe a spritz of hairspray to keep the shorter pieces out of my face. I usually ask my stylist what she recommends or what's she using when she does my hair.

Kristin SF

Veteran

Check out this link!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am also an team hair is your best accessory. Emailed my stylist today that I need to bring up my front layer and bangs. Unlike you, I have a long face and the length is bringing me down.
She told me HAI with the blue plates (?) was what she would recommend when I asked about trying a flat iron, but not sure they do curling irons, too.
I use a cheapy bought at Big Lots to be honest. It's a combo of both. I don't use it regularly, though. More like 3 times a week at best.

Peri

Veteran

I think you would look cute with some bangs or some face framing layers...sort of like Allie on wardrobe oxygen.

I'm sure the grass is always greener, but it seems like straight hair would take well to that kind of style and be low maintenance but with some shape. Plus you could still pull it back if you wanted to.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thistle, you have such beautiful hair. I can imagine just bringing up the length a little bit to frame your face and maybe some wispy layers around the face would work really well for you. If you want easy to style and fabulous, then I wouldn't try too hard to curl your hair. Yes, get a good curling iron or other option, but if you get a style that works without curling, it will be easier to style and go--and then you can curl it for special occasions or those days when you just want a change.
I'm speaking as one who has curly hair; I've learned after years of blowing it out straight that it's much easier to keep it in a cut that looks good curly (its natural state)!

sarah

Veteran

EXACTLY what Firecracker said. I've been waiting for this post, Thistle! I think a bob that frames your face, perhaps a bit longer in the front and maybe with some easy layers would be fabulous! Find a hairdresser you trust and go for it! It's going to make you feel super fab.

Marley

Veteran

Thistle! Oh my gosh! I'm so excited for you! Ok - before I make any recommendations I need to know what type of hair you have - fine, medium, coarse? Thick, thin? Stick straight, straight, wavy? (I already know its not curly!)

missvee

Veteran

I haven't any suggestions for curling irons, but like some of the other posters I think it would be great for you to get a style that requires minimal fussing. With thick hair you need some layers if you're going shorter ( I know this from experience, having struggled with a bob that looked like a pyramid), so the main thing is to find a stylist who is comfortable working with your hair. Many of them are so used to cutting and styling in order to add volume, that they don't really know how to handle thick hair.
I would also suggest that you go shorter gradually just to see how you like it. Your hair is very pretty now with its loose wave, and it may well need some length (and weight ) to keep it manageable.
It will be fun to see what you come up with !

Thistle

Veteran

Marley - The individual strands of my hair are baby fine, but I have A LOT of them! So much so, that my stylist said I am in the top 3 of her clients with the most hair. she always books extra time as it takes forever to dry it because it is so thick. When she cuts it, she usually puts in lots of long layers to thin it out a bit and give it movement. The strands are also silky, so it is hard to put a barette in and have it stay in without sliding out.

It has a little bit of wave to it, but nothing that would even remotely qualify as curly.

In pictures, my hair looks darker than it does in real life, and it will lighten a bit on its own in the summer and darken a bit in the winter.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love what Firecracker and Sarah suggested. And a little curl sounds wonderful too! I raved in your other post. SO excited about the chop. How are you feeling about this, Thistle?

Thistle

Veteran

Not really sure about a drastic chop. DH loves my hair long, so that is 95% of it. I know its my hair and not his, and as I am getting older, longer hair is considered less attractive, but he is the one I most care about how I look to. I will need to mull it over. My next appointment is the first week of June, so I have a bit of time.

pil

Veteran

Maybe you can come up with a happy medium for you and DH. I'm anxious to see what you come up with.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thistle, you don't have to have a drastic chop at all! It's good to throw Mr. Thistle a bone

Baby Chop.

deb

Veteran

This gal has great tutorials.

http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/

Marley

Veteran

Wow - your hair sounds so nice! Fine and thick - what a great combination! I think the most significant thing you could do to change your look - and to add some "camouflage" to your round face would be to get some side-swept bangs. They would draw the eye over and down and give it an angular look, rather than round. I would also cut it to about shoulder length - with lots of longer layers - nothing shorter than your mouth - and I would wear it "down" (as opposed to tucking it behind your ears) so that the hair acted as a frame for your round face. If you tucked it behind your ears, you would defeated the purpose of the hairstyle!
As far as hair-style tools go - I would go with the best that you can afford. I've had cheap curling irons and flat irons, and I've had expensive - and believe me there is a difference in quality and what they do to your hair! The cheap ones have caused such horrible split ends and literally fried my hair - so, never again! Also, if you're going to keep some length - I would consider getting one of those curling rods, rather than a curling iron - so that you can just wrap your hair around the rod, rather than clamping it into the curling iron! Big difference in what it does to your hair - and the rod makes more natural looking waves and curls. Another thing to try - is a flat iron - and wrap your hair around it. It makes for a much more edgy look, than does a curling iron or rod!
Most important thing - have fun, and don't get too uptight about it! Hair always grows back!

Jules

Veteran

I would not get bangs if you are not used to styling your hair and don't know how it will behave shorter. Perhaps see how much maintenance you are willing/able to do with a lower-maintenance do, then think about bangs. Bangs can be a PITA.
I love the idea of a bob and have been thinking that for a while for you. But you have great hair and I'm sure you can get a longer style you love. Have you considered colour or highlights? It can add depth/interest.

Krista

Veteran

Way to go, Thistle! I've had long hair and chopped it off a few times. The best part about hair is that it grows back!
I will put in another vote for "The Small Things Blog" which Deb referred to. The girl who writes it is a hairstylist by trade and her videos are really interesting. She also has a Youtube channel.

Anonymous

Another vote for The Small Things Blog. Her tutorials are amazing, and I think her hair type is similar to yours.

Isis

Veteran

I third (or fourth) the suggestion for an angled bob. It's great for round faces.

Google it; it's long in front, so hubs will like it. But the back is shorter. All of the weight of your hair drags it down at the current length (mine does too when it is longer). A shorter style that frames your face will also have more lift in the crown without the weight....Plus it's very modern!

bj1111

Veteran

thistle, i was thinking when you were going to get around to this since you have made SO much progress in defining your style and having consistently fab outfits.

i use these hot rollers for when my hair is longer, shoulder length or lower to get poufy loose curls. i also use this rotating dryer when my hair is longer to give a salon smooth blow-out bob. shhhh, don't tell my stylist.

i use these hot rollers for when i have shorter hair (chin length, usually) to give a similar look as the other hot rollers above. i also use this when i travel but prefer the rotating dryer when i travel with longer hair.

note, my hair when longer does not hold curl as well because of the volume so the dryer which can give lift at the root really really works well here.

wow, i am sooo high maintenance.

Marley

Veteran

I'm just thinking of bangs that are a bit shorter on one side and gradually get longer as they sweep across your forehead and blend into the shortest layers of your hair in the front- nothing that would require any up-keep or styling "tricks" at all, since your is hair is thick and kind of wavy - they would lay really nice across your forehead and, as I said before - they would add the illusion of angularity to your face! (you would have to trim them once in awhile - but thats a piece of cake!)

Scarlet

Veteran

Sorry that I don't have good advice right now. I think I have mostly seen your hair pulled back so I don't feel familiar enough with it to say. However I think it is a great idea to maximize hair style quotient.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Thistle - do you know if you want bangs or no bangs? Or as Angie and others would say, a "fringe" ?

editing to add: the reason I ask, is because I think something like this would look really good on you (photo below):

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ironkurtin

Veteran

Thistle, your husband loves your long hair. Maybe you don't need to get it cut. Maybe you just need to learn how to put it up?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Coming back around to mention long side swept bangs or long face framing layers can make a big difference without even bringing up the back length.

Scarlet

Veteran

Oh by the way I like reading product reviews on makeup alley, in case you are not familiar with that website.