Hi Nicole. I've always thought of pigtails as a ponytail near each ear, braided or not braided.

OH. Well when I wear my hair in two ponytails, it's not on the side of my head. It's kind of low and behind my ears. I'll try to take a photo so you guys can tell me if I need to stop doing this. It's not a daily thing. I'm getting ready to go for a walk, I'll do it now and start a new thread.

My hair is similar to yours and I vote for the longer (or a shorter version of long, if that makes sense). Your curls are more defined with longer layers. Have you read "Curly Girl?" I like the layers around your face, but I think Curly Girl recommends keeping the rest of your layers longer to keep your curls clumping together for full spirals. At the shorter length, with the short layers, it looks wispier.

Yes Cricket I have the book and LOVE it! I also love naturallycurly.com. It is a treasure trove of info.

I also use Jessicurl's Rock n ringlets. It really helps me get better defined curls.

I will ask for longer layers.

Thanks for the recommendations for more info and products! Where do you buy Jessicurl?

Jessicurl.com but you may have a salon in your area that carries it.