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Hair style suggestions? What to do?

Staysfit

Veteran

With luck, I will be able to visit my hair stylist next week. I have been trying to grow my hair longer, and I can pull it back into a high stubby ponytail. The first day after it's washed I have curly ringlets but once I sleep on it, my hair looks like it does in these pictures. I believe that once it is longer, I will be able to maintain the curls between washes. DD has the same sort of hair and that was her experience. As you can see, my hair is very thick, frizzy and in humidity, bushy. These pics are taken on a day with 86% humidity and the temp is about 90F. I feel like I'm wilting. My glasses are wilting right down my nose, since they need adjustment and the optometrist office is closed.

Since I don't wash my hair every day, I need a style that will work with my bushy waves as well as with curly ringlets.

Thanks!

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35 replies

Latest reply was from Destri

Runcarla

Veteran

Squeee! I LOVE THE LONGER HAIR on you, staysfit!

*off to do some research. Will be back with Ideas/photos*

Minaminu

Veteran

i really like your grey hair, your skin is also fab! I think a bob would suit you very well, I've attached some images.

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Runcarla

Veteran

(Rubs hands together....)

FWIW, I think you should go long. To the shoulders, or even past, that length. Maybe twice as long as you are currently wearing your hair. The top is pinned up, so I’m not sure on your top length, but I assume it is something like #1? Or, if it has been a while since you’ve had a trim, you might like to have it shaped with l-o-n-g layers for an oval shape around your face, that will continue to grow out with some shape (#2+3). NO BANGS! You have beautiful eyes, and skin! I’m including some pics of Blythe Danner (#4-7) since she has a similar face, hair, and body shape to you. #6 is the least desirable look, but does show you what straight might look like, and #7 shows the length and proportion to the whole body. #8 and #9 are styling alternatives (though the hair is longer than I would suggest is practical for you - I think you would rock pulled back hair and a messy pony or loose braid! #10 is about the length I’m thinking.

I think you provide lots of straight lines with your classic and refined way of dressing. A gently tousled and even slightly wild hairstyle is perfect juxtaposition to knock the starch and primness out of a look that can sometimes come across as too severe. I believe longer hair is just the ticket!

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I like the new longer length on you! Carla always has fun inspiration photos for hair. Following! I’m excited for you.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I really like Carla’s suggestions! You have gorgeous hair. Also wanted to say how much I love your eyeglasses.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW Staysfit, you have GORGEOUS silver hair! And it grows soooo fast! I'lll be back with pics....

Staysfit

Veteran

Minaminu, thanks so much for the inspiration pictures! I like the asymmetric style shown with these although I think I might aim for something longer because I would like the option of being able to pull my hair up, especially when it is hot outside.

Carla, Wow! You have given me an amazing blueprint to follow as my hair grows longer! My current length in front is possibly a bit shorter than pic 1, but it’s close. Thanks for showing the longer length as curls as in picture 3, and also with Blythe Danner’s lovely silver waves since my hair does both depending on temperature, humidity, and when it was last washed. I absolutely agree- no bangs, and a longer, softer, slightly wild/gently tousled look will balance all the angular/straight lines of my classic style, (and of course my rectangular body shape). Look at those linear earrings, my Necklace and the vertical stripes! LOL!

I like the length of pics 3,4,5 and 10. I have no clue how long my hair would actually need to be for it to look that length. My hair shrinks significantly as it dries because of the waves/curls.

Thanks Angie! I look forward to seeing what you suggest.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You have gorgeous hair, eyes, and skin and I really like the longer length style on you! I think Carla's ideas are super! Your longer curls or waves will provide a terrific juxtaposition to your straight and angular shapes -- brilliant! I completely agree it must be of a length that can be tied back, because otherwise you will wilt in summer's heat and need to chop it all off immediately! (Spoken as one with experience.)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo Suz on your lovely eyes and skin

A few more ideas:

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Style Fan

Veteran

You have gorgeous hair, SF. I love Carla`s and Angie's ideas. We are so lucky to have so many talented people on this forum.

nemosmom

Veteran

Ditto StyleFan!

Staysfit

Veteran

Angie, pic 2 looks like my mother’s hairstyle!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I agree with Runcarla,go LONG!You have really pretty hair so show it off.

JAileen

Veteran

Your hair is so pretty. I love the color and the curl.

Anonymous

Well ! This is a fun thread ! I can’t get over your gorgeous silver hair , and your skin !! Carla should have a second career as a hair stylist . Love her suggestions for you .

Staysfit

Veteran

Thanks for the complements about my skin and hair! I plan to bring the pictures here to my stylist and see what she can come up with.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think that will look great!
Hopefully the stylist “ gets” curly/ wavy hair- i would expect so- and can determine what kind of angles/ layers — maybe quite subtle— it more care- free.
I love the picture examples shown, but
would you end up constantly brushing it out of your face or wearing clips or ponytail all the time? I struggle with how to get a style to “ frame the face” without covering it or flopping. But, the extra length can give it more weight and control.
You may be in for a fashion style shift- Calmly Dramatic or something!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I agree with unfrumped about the possibility of some of the styles shown flopping across your face. In our profession you absolutely want something no-fuss for the examination part. Not to push something out of your eyes.
But these pics are gorgeous, as is your hair! I love Carla’s pic 7 that shows the whole body especially.

Marlene1

What kind of maintenance are you willing to do? Does it need to be wash and go or are you willing to do some blowdrying, touch up with curling iron, etc?

Staysfit

Veteran

Wash and go in summer. In the winter I use a diffuser to dry my hair. I have never used a curling iron, to curl, all I need to do is twist my hair around fingers when wet and it will dry in place. Sometimes, on non-wash days, I spray my hair with water and scrunch it to revive the waves/curls.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Carla the genius.

I really like the idea of you having longer hair you can pin up as needed, and I think that the length will add some softness to your look when you want it.

I just got my hair done for the first time since March 10. I felt that I had emerged into the world again. But I liked the new length and I refused to lose it.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Staysfit —

Great inspiration pics! Your silver looks so pretty.

I have thoughts based on being a low-maintenance Gravy (gray+wavy).

One is that you should definitely pursue the longer styling — be very very insistent that you don’t want to get a “rounded” shape that “maximizes every curl” (you’ll still have plenty of wave/curl!). IME it’s super-hard to ever get length that way...stylists will keep cutting off the same inches you’ve just grown!

I’d discuss sideswept bangs with your stylist. Now I need them (high forehead club) but seems like you could opt in or out. They’re def much more forgiving when your hair length shifts from day-to-day!

Onto styling thoughts from someone with wet (humid) winters, crapshoot summers, and zero interest in styling haha.

You don’t mention products, or what you do to “refresh” on non-wash days — or if you do. I’m actually a little surprised that you go from ringlets to just slight waves the next day, so I think you probably have stuff to tweak.

— Ditch any stylers with glycerin if you have them — way too much unpredictability in humidity (get moisture other ways).

— sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction; consider sleeping in a (not “the”) buff

— clarify to remove product build up monthly or as needed — gray hair is even more prone to this

— make sure any products, including conditioner, aren’t too heavy for your current hair

While I’m as much of a product minimalist as I can be, I have to use something most days. All wavies / curlies have their favs. Me, my hair frizzes like crazy if I spray it with water on Day 2 or 3 to reactivate my 2b waves. It does better with either a quick dunk in the sink (so hair doesn’t get sopping in shower) or a bit of product smoothed over top and underside. If it looks good, just less wavy, I leave it alone!

If you care about troubleshooting products or perfecting techniques, the Wavy Hair Community on Facebook is very chill (Curlies welcome). Lots of Curly Girl Method folks but silicones, heat styling, etc all up for consideration.

After I stopped coloring my hair it was healthy but got very f’ed-up *looking* for a variety of product-related reasons and I tried a lot of ideas from there before circling back to “Do little, accept some frizz, enjoy healthy, touchable hair.”

I also ran through lots of curl cut pros trying to get mine below shoulder length [see above] but my current stylist (plus Covid, sigh) mean mine is finally long again.

I think you’ll enjoy growing yours out...and if you decide you hate it, it’s an easy fix!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

What a gift this thread is! Staysfit, I agree that you should let it grow out a bit and then I love the idea of a shoulder length bob for you. I am currently growing out my shorter side, which is at a very annoying stage, and will be looking to this thread for inspiration.

rachylou

Veteran

Wow! Your hair got long! It’s beautiful. I like the inspiration bobs people have posted

Bijou

Veteran

I saw you post this yesterday and knew that Carla and Angie would come up with amazing suggestions. I love the longer hair on you and how it highlights your eyes. Great glasses too

Staysfit

Veteran

Vix, thanks for the suggestions. I currently use a silk pillowcase. For hair products I am using Ouidad advanced climate control stronger hold, heat and humidity gel. It definitely has glycerin. None of the other products I use have any. Is there a reason I should avoid glycerin? What gel might be better?

(The only other products I use are Pureology purple shampoo and the coordinating conditioner).

cindysmith

Veteran

I love your hair and think longer is good, maybe a bob or lob. Fairly low maintenance for waves/curls yet can be styled sleek if the urge strikes

Vix

Veteran

Hi again Staysfit —

Great that you’re using the silk case...I’d heard to use one for years but was amazing at how it really did help when I added it during my “Hair Rehab” project a couple years back.

RE your gel ::: I’ve heard good things from curlies in humid climates who switched to that and looooved it. Meanwhile, I bought it esp for a trip and had terrible frizz the entire time.

— Glycerin is a humectant that can bring in TOO much moisture and create frizz Depending.
— Aloe is one that can cause “flash drying” straw-like effects, esp when it’s hot and dry.

Are you just using the gel on wash day then doing nothing the days you get frizz and “bushyness”? Because if so maybe the gel is fine but you need to do something Day 2 and 3 for your “refresh” on dry hair — more gel, a leave-in conditioner, a light oil.

Not to be all compare-y, but generally I don’t see people in the hair groups going from controlled ringlets to what you’re showing. So I assume there’s a solution.

— Some products’ ingredients can build up — oh the dread polyquats — and one needs something stronger than a sulfate-free “low-poo” to clarify [cleanse] every so often (monthly?) otherwise product build up can cause frizz.
— Ditto for needing to rotate in something that will strip mineral build up if you have water issues.

RE the shampoo/condish ::: first, at this point I’m not a “Curly Girl Method” purist so I have zero f’s to give re who uses what! I use hard-core silicone condish and love it.

Again, I’ve heard some textured hair people like Pureology and some not. I *have* heard the purple can be drying, so you may want to rotate that in/out. In general, you may be washing too much — or not enough.

——-> honestly all the product stuff is so incredibly boring to me and it goes in one ear/out the other BUT the Wavy Hair Community (facebook) I mentioned has tons of science-based articles in the files on all this, product polls, and people reporting first-hand. <——-

Attaching a collage of some of my Lockdown Hair Days so you can see what a very Lazy Wavy’s virtually non-existent routine can deliver when trying even less than usual and in need of some strategic shaping!

Currently about 2 months overdue for a cut and missing my side bangs (esp as I don’t Botox haha!).

All of these are air-dried. Lots of these are Day 2 or 3 hair *after* coming in from a rainy walk or whatever. Some were last week’s hot and dry days. Sometimes I put in minimal amounts of one product on Day 2, rinsed in the sink that night and air-dried, and had great hair on Day 3 with no added product then.

[Typing this with glorious clumping ringlets on the ends after doing nothing to hair since a dry hot Friday AM but walk in the POURING rain yesterday and sleep on it. Figures. ]

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I also like your hair long - the images Runcarla gave were great inspiration! I have similar textured hair, not quite as curly. I strongly recommend trying jojoba oil (just a small couple of drops) rubbed into hands and then lightly used to smooth things down on dry hair. I use shampoo and conditioner in the shower and then when I get out, I blot it dry and I use the oil too on wet hair - after a big very wide tooth comb just enough to control tangles. I can't live without adding oil to my hair - it *really* helps with humidity frizz control.

I do use a giant curling iron to slightly straighten my hair - and I have done this really all my life and I can't say my hair has been damaged any more than people who do not use heat. But I am careful, I don't hold it too long or do it to the extreme to straighten, just to slightly smooth areas.

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