Question concerning haircut - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Question concerning haircut

Astrid

Veteran

You have all seen my hair on pictures before, but I added a picture where you can see my hair and faceshape better. I did it without my glasses, so I look pretty strange.

I'm a little bit bored with my hair at the moment.

I still had a really short pixie in 2008 and let my hair grow out since then. I got the ends cut a few times and the layers got evened out, too. But I didn't do much abot it otherwise. I know that I don't want to dye or color my hair, so a colorchange isn't a possibility. I don't really want to loose length either, in fact I want to let my hair grow out some more. So today a friend of mine suggested I get myself some bangs.

But I'm really unsure about that. I never had bangs since my hair got curly, so this would be completely new for me. I'm not sure what kind of bangs would work with my hairstructure or faceshape. And I don't want to do something I will immediately regret. I think that blunt bangs would probably be too heavy for me and not work with my curly hair. I don't have too much time in the morning (I'm no morning person and I need to sleep as long as possible), so I don't really have time for a haircut I need to style everyday. I also don't blowdry my hair and always wash my hair in the evenings (on every second to third day). Do you think bangs are possible at all? What kind? Or would it look too juvenile on me? Should I just leave my hair as it is? Any ideas?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I get wispy bangs that aren't very heavy for my curly hair. Sometimes I go short with them and then let them grow out so I can also push them to the side easily if I'm not in the mood for them lol. I think you could do bangs just fine! Here's just a pic or two of mine both short and then growing and side swept. And I don't do much of anything to my hair. Half the time I will blowdry the bangs but half the time I don't and just let them air dry. I don't put any gel or product in my bangs.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, Mo! You look great in both pics. It's good to hear that bangs can be feasible without blowdrying or products.

I think I could get the shorter bangs from your first pic, but I'm not sure the look of the second pic would work on me. My middle parting is really persistent and I can't get my hair to one of the sides at all without hurting my head. I think this would look strange without the side parting.

Aida

Veteran

When I have bangs that are shorter than nose length I have to blow dry them, as that's the curliest part of my hair (annoying). I think it would be worth talking to the stylist about; mine told me flat out that I couldn't wear them without putting work into them, which helps me when I'm deciding whether or not to get them.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I have to consider that. I'm not really sure how my shorter hair will behave. When I had my hair shorter I had some difficulties with hair that would stick out. I'm not sure if that problem wouldn't return.

I really don't know a stylist I could talk to. I got my ends cut at home and wasn't at a hairstylist for the last three years. I don't want to try one out before I know exactly what I want.

DanaLynn

Bangs and curls can be risky business. The shorter my hair is the curlier it gets. WHen I have had bangs in the past they have been a lot of work.

What about spending the money on some fun accessories. I love barrettes, head bands, anything shiny really. Your hair is the perfect length for playing around with hair styles too. A loose french braid with curls escaping or a casual side chignon would look amazing in your hair and are quick styles that work way better in textured hair. A loose bun at the nape of your neck with a some pretty hair jewelry tucked in it would be beautiful as well.

If you want to try a side part you can also incorporate a braid to frame your face. It will give the side part effect but you will have some more control over the hair that is not trained to go that way.

I have some photos as a reference.

Good luck! I'm glad you are keeping your beautiful red curls!!

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like you need to do some homework in finding a hairstylist first. I'd try that. I'd go for the simple haircut and have a chat about what she/he would recommend for the type of hair, start with something simple and just see if you two are on the same page. You can tell tell pretty quickly if they style *you* and *your hair*, as opposed to doing the job blindly. I'd only trust the major changes to someone I know understands me
It took me many years to find my hairstylist, but he's a keeper.

Having said that, what's the worse that can happen? You can walk out unhappy and will wait for the hair to grow out. But, it will grow out, remember that

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks DanaLynn! Your advice about playing with some hair accessories is a good one. I would have to practice braiding, though. I really am all fingers and thumbs! I don't know if I could mange a French Braid, never mind a lace braid like in your third pic. By the way, I love all the pics!

Ornella, I will spend some time home after I come back from Florence, I think I will ask the one who was cutting my hair all the the time then. If she thinks I could do it I will think about trying a hairstylist out (or letting her do it). The problem with getting a simple cut at a hairstylist is, that they always cut too much away. If I say I just want to even the ends a bit out and ask about the bangs, I will probably get something way shorter and layered. It was that way everytime before. I don't really need a whole haircut, my hair is pretty healthy because it was never dyed or otherwise stressed. I know that it will grow out again but because I went from really short to longer I can actually tell how much time went into the growth they cut away.

Scarlet

Veteran

Honestly, I think your hair suits you and I would also like it a little longer with a few layers. I think the advice above to play with styles and accessories might be the way to go. You can also get your hair dresser to give you some ideas how to style it. You can make an appointment just for that as opposed to a haircut.

Kristine

Veteran

My hair is very similar in texture to yours and I didn't think bangs would work either, but they've been the best move I've made. My stylist showed me how to train them by blowdrying (2 minutes tops) but now they pretty much fall into place on their own.

I think you'd look great with a slightly inverted bob, just a bit longer in the front which seems to work really well on curly/wavy hair. That's what I have and I can wear it curly or straight. If you want to grow it, a few more layers and some bangs would keep it light and modern. Your hair is so pretty!

Dashrashi

Veteran

Maybe some people make it work, but as far as I can tell, being a wash-and-go kind of person and also having curly hair means that bangs are asking for trouble. I KNOW for a fact that I would end up hating them and pinning them back every day until they grew out (which of course takes forever). I would maybe get some layers put in without losing any of the length (this is something you can ask for directly, and you shouldn't end up with something too short).

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I wanted to add that if I get fuller, blunt bangs they are a disaster for my hair, too. They tend to curl up and misbehave. I have more that style right now and I'm not liking it The thin, wispy type just doesn't do this on me. Could be that the hairs lay better this way, I don't know?
I like the idea of just a few longer layers framing your face for starters. I totally understand that a 'trim' on curly hair can look like 4 inches gone! Happens to me all the time.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

oops double post

MsMaven

Veteran

I like your hair without bangs--you have a nice forehead and face shape. Beware--bangs and glasses can be tricky. Angie proves they look very good with short hair, but with longer, curlier hair they seem to be a challenge.

Aren't there websites where you can upload your photo and try out new hairdos and colors?

Lynne

Veteran

have you seen Tams lovely new bob?

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....g-question

Deb

My hair is naturally wavy and fine, and when I have bangs the sides tend to pull up and go all askew - *not* a good look!

Howevah! A trick that eliminated all bang issues for both me and my sister, is to use a hair relaxer on them! You need to find a light formula, comb through and leave in for a brief period of time - depending on your hair's curliness. It relaxes waves (as well as my sister's hairline cowlick) and bangs are silky and soft. You do need to exercise caution, and less is more - but it really made a difference for me.

Vix

Veteran

Your hair looks more wavy than curly to me, but I know that could be dependent on other factors (technique, product). Either way I'd try to find out how your former or future cutter works with wavy/curly hair.

As another low-maintenance wash-n-go wavy -- who has resignedly come to use *one* product, ha -- I find the right kind of layers are essential to keeping me from looking too flat from the crown to ear.

Take a look at this video clip from naturallycurly.com -- seems like the cut might work well for you, and there's a lot of back and forth with the client and hairdresser about technique.

Her "after" is gorgeous!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSKOeT66lDQ

I had my hair cut to a single length for years and years and looking back I can see how much more movement and lightness I get from layers...and when I have shorter layers around the face, my hair still "reads" long.

Ps I also find frequent cuts to de-bulk also help my waves lay better. I've gone from 1-2 cuts a year to 6 times a year (though my hair does grow superfast!).

Vix

Veteran

Also -- you can see some long-haired layered lovelies (wavy and curly) in this hair salon video, which gives a primer on how to wash, scrunch and dry (naturally or otherwise):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

tarzy

Veteran

I would be very careful about bangs with any type of curly hair - especially if you don't want to do daily styling. (I look like Bozo the Clown with bangs.)

I think if you want a change, going shorter, and getting some layers would be fantastic for you. (As Lynn suggested, have a look at Tam's gorgeous haircut!) You really need to find a stylist who knows how to work with curly hair. It can be difficult, but once you find the right person, it'll make a huge difference. I love curly bobs, but even if you don't want to go that short, I think taking off a couple of inches would look great on you!

Astrid

Veteran

Thank you all for your elaborate responses!

Scarlet, I definitely want to go a bit longer. But a few layers sound like an option.

Kristine, maybe I could get used to blowdrying again, but I don't know if I want to. My hair normally looks much better when I don't blowdry (even parts of it). I know for a fact that an inverted bob can look good on me, you can see how my hair looked in 2009 in the first pic. I like that look very much, but sadly I didn't look like that most of the time. I found that on most days, my hair looked only like one big, pyramid shaped thing instead!

Dashrashi and Mo, I think I like the idea of a few shorter layers that frame my face. The strands near my face are shorter anyway, maybe I can have them shortened a little bit more to give the whole thing more interest.

MsMaven, I didn't think about my glasses. Mmh, maybe I should. I know some of those sites your talking about, but I think that wouldn't help. My hair just doesn't behave like the hair in these hairdos does!

Lynne, I've seen it and it looks georgeous! Although I don't think I could get my hair to look like this without MUCH work.

Deb, thanks for the idea. But I don't want to use chemicals on my hair at all, so hair relaxer is out.

Vix, I know that it looks more wavy in the picture above, but I had combed it already and washed with shampoo again in the last few weeks. I did use only conditioner for a while, but my scalp didn't like it at all so I was forced to return to washing with shampoo although my curls look much nicer with conditioner. In pic #2 can you see what my hair looks like uncombed, washed with conditioner and plopped. Although it still was a little bit shorter then. Nice videos! She really looks georgeous after the cut. I have to say I really like the way they cut the curls dry, I will take a look if I find something similar here.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Astrid

Veteran

tarzy, you posted while I wrote my epic.

I don't think I will get some real bangs. It's just too risky and I would hate to have to work every morning to look representable. But I could really imagine a few layers near my face. I'm not going shorter, though. I really want that longer hair I've been dreaming about when I still had my pixie! But maybe I could try using some conditioner again, so that hopefully my curls return.

judy

Veteran

Astrid, I think bangs and curls can work, but it's a different look, at this point kind of retro 70's. It depends on how you want to look. It's not as polished or sophisticated. I had my hair this way about 1975... http://www.refinery29.com/a-st.....hneide.php It's a lot of layering so the the rest of the head is nearly as curly as the hair on the bangs. Maybe a bit clown like, as Tarzy said. But it was the time of curls and afro's and we thought we were adorable of course. Good luck with your hair endeavors!

tarzy

Veteran

Astrid - that first photo is fab! Your hair is so pretty - I promise your curls will return if you get judicious layers and take some bulk out (as Vix suggested.) Start searching for a great stylist. I can't wait to see the results!

Vix

Veteran

Yes, ditto what Tarzy said! With the right cut, you can definitely get very close to having the "long hair" version of pic #1.

I hear you on the no-poo no-go. I use a sulfate-free shampoo 2x a week (followed by conditioner) and my hair is fine with it. The rest of the time it's either "day 2 hair" or conditioner-wash.

[This winter has been kind of dry/windy for us so I found I had to do some deep conditioning...you may want to try that if you seem dry/prone to frizz lately.]

Good luck with the hunt for a stylist!