Hairstyle crossroads - grow out or cut back? - YouLookFab Forum

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Hairstyle crossroads - grow out or cut back?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm at that 6 month grow out place since my last haircut, though I trim my bangs occasionally. I've decided to grow out the bangs longer and side sweep them. But I can't decide between going long to the waist again (#1 & 2) or shortening the overall length to above the bust (#3 & 4) . . . any input? Please ignore the deadpan expressions in some of these lol.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Clarissa

Julie

Veteran

Have you considered something even shorter?

Deborah

Veteran

Mo I really like both lengths on you...I'm no help I realise!

You have such lovely thick hair that it does look stunning really long. I think it suits you long and works well with your style. If you went for the shorter length, I would suggest some layers, in fact, as I type I am seeing it the shorter length with some long layers and a fringe cut so that you can wear it swept to the side.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Mo, you have gorgeous hair, but I do think at the longer lengths it starts to overwhelm you. I'd actually be curious to see you go even shorter, closer to shoulder length, with layers.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tough decision.

When you wear it super long (to the waist) does the condition hold up pretty well?

I think, like Janet, I'd be curious to see you try to go somewhere around the shoulders. But knowing you have wavy hair, I tremble at the thought of layers. Yup, they could work, and could work great, but if my step-daughter's experience is anything to go by, it can be really tough to find a hairdresser who really knows what she is doing with super thick, wavy hair. My S-D has had some real hair disasters.

Anyway - I suspect you already DO have SOME layers in there, right? So it might make sense to look for some styles you really love, with pics, and show us?

Anonymous

Mo, I like 4 the best. I would add more layering in front, as opposed to just bangs, to frame the face better. I would love to see a shorter cut too but in FL that might not be the best idea. I think your hair needs the weight so it does not become a frizzzz ball with that humidity. Plus you have a very casual lifestyle. a shorter do needs more maintenance and styling.
ETA picture instead of link

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Anonymous

Mo, I like 4 the best. I would add more layering in front, as opposed to just bangs, to frame the face better. I would love to see a shorter cut too but in FL that might not be the best idea. I think your hair needs the weight so it does not become a frizzzz ball with that humidity. Plus you have a very casual lifestyle, a shorter do needs more maintenance and styling.
I like Miley's hair here.
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krishnidoux

Veteran

I would suggest to shorten and layer it. Fall is coming, it's a good time to refresh your hair and your style tht way. I think pic 3 looks best in terms of structure. Of course in all other pics your hair is gorgeous! Still, I think a shoulder length fits you best. Layers will add volume on the sides and you will feel like you have more hair, not less.

I see you in CZJ's do http://celebsalon.sheknows.com.....ith-curls/

or Carrie Underwood http://www.hairpedia.com/hair-.....wood/1962/

or this one http://www.scenesfashion.com/w.....Hair_4.jpg

or especially this one:
http://medium-length-hair-with.....layers.jpg

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yep, krish is onto something! The examples she posted would still give the ability to pull your hair back in a ponytail, too, which i know can be important for hot weather, workouts, etc. I think right now there is a lot of volume at the ends of your hair, but not much near your face -- it sort of pulls the eye down, rather than up to your pretty features.

I hear Suz's cautions about layering, but in my experience, a *good* hairstylist will actually make thick, wavy hair easier to control with the skillful use of layers.

Mona

Veteran

I will be the odd one out here to say that you should go longer length. I think you have really nice luscious hair and it should be celebrated in all its glory. You dont see this beautiful hair very often and cutting it shorter would not do it justice.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think a little shorter would be more modern and help balance your long oval face. You have gorgeous hair, but I imagine in FL it can be overwhelming in the heat.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

thanks for your input so far, ladies. I just noticed last night when rearranging my pics how short, for me, my hair was in #3 above. And I like my proportions in that pic. I was wondering if it was just a coincidence or if my hair length played into that.
As for the layers, I do have, and have had for many years, layers all around the front/face. Guess mine just don't behave like the lovely pics in Krish's examples lol. I do like my bangs longer and off to the side (#1).
I find that if the bangs and/or layers are too short, I don't like the bushiness around my face (like early this year in #2).

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RunnerChick

You have such lovely hair! Mo, I cut my hair uber-short yesterday, so that might be why I am gravitating to a shorter length, but something shorter, with layers that frame your face feels like it is the ticket.

(Janet's right - the right hairdresser can make layers a blessing not a curse. When my hair was shoulder length, I would perished under the weight of my hair if it were not for cleverly cut layers.)

I think layers that draw the eye up wards might be really nice too. One last thought: are you considering highlights? That too might help draw the eye upwards to your lovely face, and add some more visual interest.

There's a website that I like a lot called Hair Thursday - have you checked it out?
http://whoorl.com/hair-thursday
The blogger who maintains it has hair that's somewhat similar to yours in length and thickness. Also she does hair makeovers, and her before and after pictures can be really helpful...

Mo

(website)

Veteran

thx Runnerchick - all those pics are helpful. I might try shorter for the remainder of my FL stay and then see when I'm back in Tahoe this winter how I feel again . . . Stay tuned!

MNsara

Veteran

Your long hair is gorgeous and stunning! But your shorter hair does have nice proportions for your height (or maybe it's the specific outfits it's shown with?)

So, I'm not much help I definitely agree with growing out bangs! Bangs are only the 'right' length for about two days. Before that they're too short, after that they're too long . . . best decision is to side sweep them to frame the face that way.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Mo, your haircut in pic 1 a couple of posts above is just beautiful! Is that a recent picture?

Anonymous

Wow, that's weird. My post is now doubled

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote the shorter length in #3 and #4. It's still long hair at that length in my book. Beautiful!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

jaguar, that was about a year ago, I guess. Thanks I'm going with that kind of bang again. Looks like the length will be just a tad shorter than that pic for the summer at least. Will look into a cut this week!

Scarlet

Veteran

I like 3/4 the best, but please don't go too short! It would be a crime in your case.

Anonymous

First, let me say that you have beautiful wavy hair - STUNNING!
Now....I was studying your face in #4 (those eyes!!!) and your bone structure and smile in #3. Here's what I'm thinkin'....a chin length angled bob with a soft bang to draw all the attention to your face. You have a long face and the long hair makes it appear even longer.
Something to keep in mind - I've had an angled bob myself and it is maintenance! If you are a wash and go girl, I still say chin length, but with fun layers for a fab messy look! Go for it!!

Clarissa

I'm young, so I love long hair. Your hair is thick and shiny with beautiful curls so I think you should grow it long and show off your lovely locks!