Theoretically, what would be a good new hairstyle for me? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Inspiration

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

Theoretically, what would be a good new hairstyle for me?

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure if I'm ready to do this yet, but I've had the same hair style for about 10 years now. It seems like a good time to spruce things up, but it's scary since I've been cutting my own hair all this time. A few musts:

- wash-and-wear
- compliment a natural makeup look
- compliment my tomboy utility jackets and boots.
- asymmetrical bangs to distract from my asymmetrical eyes
- some kind of volume, as my head appears tiny compared to my shoulders
- low-maintenance in re: cut frequency

Any ideas? Pictures?

I've sort of been attracted to Japanese and Korean hairstyles lately, but I have nothing in particular in mind.

25 replies

Latest reply was from rae

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, exciting, Rae! You have gorgeous hair. I've had my hair very long and it is not easy to edge up long straight Asian type hair! I think some layers and choppiness would give you options without feeling like a huge change. I found this picture for a start:

http://edgyhaircuts.com/catego.....ts/page/2/

Lynne

Veteran

*heart palpitations*
Please tell me you are keeping the length, Rae?
(makes "I'm watching you" hand signals)

Kate

Veteran

one idea is to go more choppy with the bangs, while keeping them asymmetrical. More like this: http://www.hairthursday.com/wp.....el4jpg.jpg

For my hair, I need to go short for it to have volume and not weigh itself down too much. I don't know if you're willing to go that short, or if your hair works the way mine does in terms of volume on top. If you do decide to go short, I highly recommend donating!

Do you know if getting it razor cut would give you the edge you're looking for, or would all of the layering just make your hair look thinner?

Here are some other ideas I found, of various lengths (ignore the colors):
http://your-hairstyles.com/wp-.....style3.jpg
http://www.haircutshairstyles......n=Partners (ignore the blunt bang looks, obviously)
http://urbanhairstyle.net/hair-of-the-day-68/
http://urbanhairstyle.net/wp-c.....26x300.jpg
http://urbanhairstyle.net/wp-c.....o1_500.jpg
http://hairsstyles.net/data/me.....ded-30.jpg

Aunty

Veteran

Ditto Lynne!!!!

Rae dont you go mad!!!!! I love your hair ( ok on bended knees ) pleeeease keep the lengthxxxx

Irene

Veteran

I was going to tell you to go for a blunt fringe and short bob, but it's true you have gorgeous hair.

http://www.elpais.com/recorte/.....Holmes.jpg

http://styleshub.com/wp-conten.....les-02.jpg

I love Katie's latest haircuts, they are grown up, classy, stylish but still with an edge. And a bit vintagey. I think you have the perfect hair for this sort of cut -my hair is too fine to stay put like that.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Before you even think about changes, I'd find a good hairdresser that you love. Find someone with hair similar to yours- long and straight whose hairstyle you like and find out who does their hair. People always say that it's hard to find a good hairdresser for curly hair, but I find that the same is true for really straight hair.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I had short, above the shoulder hair once, hoping for volume, but my hair just collapsed onto my head and neck. Same with the layers I've had in the past... seems like the physical support of my shoulders is the only thing that has created the illusion of body/thickness, so I don't think I can go too short.

Khris, you are very right - the trick is finding someone with hair like mine! Seems like whenever I ask someone, it turns out they have had a Brazilian treatment and don't *really* have straight hair. -_- This is one of the reasons I was thinking of going to a place with lots of Asian clients.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I would go to mid back and no shorter for starters. You can always cut more next week, right? Choppier layers and/or a razor cut sounds like it could be the way to get the texture and volume you want. Great idea to seek out an asian based salon!

Carole

Veteran

I really like the hairstyle Una links to and the 3rd link Katie gives the very first style shown. Those aren't ttoo much different than what you have now, just some texuring and layering.

Your hair is so beautiful, but I certainly understand the desire to change things up. My recent restyling has really given me a boost. I've never had hair this short, I'm loving it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

DEFINITELY seek out a place with Asian clients or an Asian hairstylist. I go all the way to Toronto for my daughter's haircuts now (she is Asian). Her hairstylist is mixed race Japanese-white but he totally "gets" Asian hair and WOW, she looks better with his cuts. No question.

Lynne

Veteran

Good advice from Suz re finding a hairdresser who 'gets' Asian hair.

Rae, if you do lose any length, you might want to consider what my daughter did; she donated the ponytail to Pantene to be used for a wig for a cancer patient. You need to check the website for details, but from memory the ponytail needs to be 8" minimum length. For her, this meant going from long to mid-back.

And if you go any shorter than mid-back, I shall cry......

Anonymous

Hey, Rae. I have straight thin hair! People have asked If I had straightened it all the time. I favor bobs and long bob cuts, asymmetric length and asymmetric side-swept bangs. That being said. BOBS ARE TOUGH. You need to re-shape the layers every 2 months. Even if you're growing it . Braiding is a test in talent and patience. You need a good hairstylist who knows how to cut the layers especially those around your face. Growing the chopped, razor-edged layers is a pain in the rear part. I myself go for this crap because : 1. my hair is really shiny : no treatment and chemicals required when great layers texturise and volumise themself . And I never owned fancy hair products other than shampoo. Comparatively , a long hair is easy to maintain : regular trims, braiding, etc.
Edit: A pic of a bob desperately needing reshaping! All the choppy layers, curved inwards at the lower end!

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.

Anonymous

I think taking up the length and adding some layers around your face could look cute and feel fresh.

I've found that how well a new style works for me really depends on how well the stylist understands my hair, so find someone you feel comfortable with!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FWIW, this is what I would suggest if I was your fashion stylist, Rae:

- chop a good amount of the length off, but keep the long haired style, say to your shoulder blades.

- No layers.

- Keep a very severe, short and straight fringe.

- Add a few very deliberate and crisp blue streaks (I know!!! Not in your budget nor for your lifestyle and work environment. Just putting it out there because you asked and I am cheeky).

You can ignore me.

Cilleena

Veteran

Rae, you have such gorgeous, long hair. How about keeping the long, side swept bangs, but go a bit shorter with the length. Like Kendi did...except with your bangs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....276678377/

I think this length would be adorable on you!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Your hair is so pretty, maybe you could just experiment with putting it up elegantly?

Because otherwise I'd suggest a pixie cut. With your face, it'd be dynamite. And my friends who divorced their long hair always wound up going all the way anyway - and this way you could donate your hair to Locks of Love or similar.

rae

(website)

Veteran

These suggestions are all super helpful - thanks a million, especially those who posted pictures!

I'm thinking I may start by combining the length suggested by Angie with the bangs suggested by Una. I can do both these things myself, and I know that it will work with my hair type.

I am also considering a wave perm... I know there is the argument that it changes the texture of your hair. BUT it would be a change, it would add volume, and I could keep it long.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

As someone with super straight hair myself, I loved it when I had a body wave perm. Unfortunately my hair is also very fine and doesn't take well to highlights and perming so now I just do the highlighting. I would love to see the length about to the arm pit I think (sorry, can't think of a better length description!)

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think the idea of going to a person who cuts Asian hair is a good one - my hair definitely doesn't sit like non-asian hair!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have also had good luck with Asian hairstylists. Personally, I would seek a professional for perming- the Duggar's perm their own hair. 'Nuff said!

rae

(website)

Veteran

LOL, Khris, I wouldn't dare perm my own hair! I could barely work the curling iron and ended up with two burns. O_O

Isis

Veteran

I LOVE the Angie's idea of blue streaks! Is it totally impossible with your work? One possibility is to streak just the underside, at the back of your neck, so it only shows when your hair is up and you aren't at work.....

I encourage you to lop off a lot of hair, to your shoulders! It is SO liberating! Hair grows back..... I don't think you'll regret it, and a sudden change is such a shot of adrenaline!

I would wait on the perm; save that for a second shot of adrenaline!

nancylee

Veteran

I love all these suggestions. My first thought was some sort of edgy bob...maybe with some fringe-y layers or bangs. Good luck and good for you for trying something new!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

If you do cut it, maybe you can donate it to Locks of Love like I did a year ago. I think you need at least 10 inches. Here are my haircut threads, since it seems we have similar long straight hair and both into wash-n-go:
This has pics of me with shorter hair:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-i-go-for
This time I kept it long and added some soft bangs:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ure-outfit
I think you would look good with bangs and long layers. Definitely try to see an Asian stylist or someone familiar with Asian hair.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I missed the part about the blue streaks (reading quickly on my breaks)!

Angie, you tease, I SO WISH I could get away with some dark blue in my hair! Isis, I will have to think about putting some on the underside... I just wouldn't be able to wear a pony or bun to work - still tempting, though!

For the bob and pixie suggestions... I'm not ruling it out, but I'm not attracted to the idea. I really would need to find a stylist I trust before going short. From past experience, I don't think my hair would do what I want without serious product action. Also, I have a very, very lumpy head that is kind of flat in the back. Most wouldn't notice, but I have very strong feelings about this.