My Rat's Nest
 

Ugh. My hair was looking so nice last summer, then I went and corn-rowed it for 3-weeks, thus resulting in severe damage that required a drastic chop last September. I still wanted to keep some length, so my hairdresser had to cut the back shorter, leaving the sides longer. It looked cute for about a month...

Since then, my hair has no shape and is just horrible looking. I'm quite ashamed of it, really. I can't do anything with it - it's still too short to pull back completely, and it just clumps when I comb it, because there is not enough weight to make it hang nicely.

So, I have a couple options - cut the sides to even it out with the shorter back, which will result in a flat bob ending right at my chin (so not flattering for my face), or maybe go back to my ol' wedge cut from '99, which will require me getting a loose perm again. With the latter, it would at least look decent while it grows back out and I can cut the perm off once it gets long enough. I'm not thrilled about having to perm it again, but I would prefer that over something flat and fattening.

Here's a shot of the ol' do from '99, which I know I've posted elsewhere before, but it applies to this case now:


Anyway, what do you all think? Any other suggestions?

Oh, and layers aren't much an option, because I had those back in the 80's and I hate 'em. But, I love long layers when my hair is longer. Sadly, it's just not long enough right now. But, if I do the wedge, I won't have bangs this time like in the photo - I'd leave those as long as the sides so they flow nicely.

Hey, why don't you jump on the short band wagon? :D

I didn't think your hair looked bad when I saw you. I do understand that it's about how YOU feel though, and not what I think. But just sayin'.

I think the wedge cut looks great, but I see your point about the perm too. lunt cut might not look as bad as you think, and it will grow back out more evenly that way, too. When you picture yourself happy, what do you look like? Go with whatever will get you to that!

images don't come through while I'm at work. But what kind of products do you use? I'm thinking maybe some leave-in conditioner, smooth down or anti-friz syrum and a flat iron would help.

I've been using the same shampoo and conditioner that I have for years. Frizzing isn't really a problem. It's the way the cut is growing out - there's no shape to it and my hair just wants to fall in all different directions. :(

gel, mouse, I'll look at the image when I get home and see what I can think of.

The image is what I'm thinking of going back to. The cut worked well back then and grew out nicely without hassle before.

I'm pretty much a wash-n-go gal.

ooo.

I think gel or something to give it weight would help a lot until it gets to a length that you like. A flat or curling iron would also help you put it how you want it.

Just shave it all off

Here's what I think:
 

I love this. I don't love perming my hair either (in fact I don't think I've had a perm in more than 20 years) but this just looks beautiful. Does FP have any thoughts?

You are lovely, no matter what your hair is doing length/style wise. But I do love the wedge because it would allow you to do the wash and go thing without having to worry about a bunch o' product n' stylin'.

Damn you, KB. That scared me. And then I realized it was a photochop of me, and it scared me even more. :p

I just photoshopped some styles on my melon. I'm almost afraid to post them, because I think KB's will probably turn out to be the best option. ;)

Well, it wasn't a great job: just something I slammed together while I should have been working.

Here was my source:

Jimminy Christmas!!

OK, I'm home.

If you want your hair to end up long, I'd work through this awkward stage. I thought your hair looked fine when I saw you the other day.

Some light gel would help with the weight and keep it tamed down. You don't need to dry your hair either.

Good points. I'll try that over the next couple days and see what happens.

I'm thinking it might also be the highlights, because I haven't loved them since I did them about 6 weeks ago. Maybe a little end trim and going back to my original color might make it seem more appealing to me.

I haven't even had it trimmed since the big cut in September. So, it could be the ends that are making it yucky.

How about a mohawk?

I am SO inviting your wife for more shopping. :p

Oh, hey - if you haven't had a trim since September... try just getting them to trim it up enough so it's healthy again! Hairdressers seem to recommend cuts for mid-length every 6 weeks or so. And that seems about right; my hair looks fine for about six weeks, and afterwards it gradually becomes completely unbearable and unmanageable until I remember to call my hairdresser. A half-hour and a half-inch later, suddenly it's sleek and gorgeous again.

What if you tried a trim, and then if you didn't like it, went for the longer cut? It should be no problem for your hairdresser, and then you'd be able to know exactly what you like better right now!

A trim sounds like the way to go too.

If your hair was damaged from the corn rows, I wouldn't perm it and do further damage. A trim is probably the way to go - and some deep scalp conditioner.

I love the 'do' in your photo. You look very pretty. :)

But, in-between the growth period, ever thought of wearing a hat?

Might not work at work, but, may be?

I wear a lot of hats.....

Don't perm it, especially since you have highlights. Just hie thee to your stylist and you can come up with a growing-out gameplan. If you do color it, try to stick with a semi-permanent color; that will weight down the frizz, fill out the porosity and won't be nearly as damaging as either a permanent color or wave. If you haven't had it cut at all since last September, I'm thinking that would definitely be in order. (It will grow out nicer, and seem to grow quicker as well in that you won't have hair breakage from split ends).

KB, I like how the gray sideburns you gave Disneyphile bring out the color in her eyes.

Who knows? Gray sideburns might a good look for anybody thinking of fighting in the Civil War.

So, today is hair day. GusGus and I are doing our 'dos together.

I just decided to go for a trim/shaping and color. I can't wait for this afternoon! :)

Sounds like a good plan T :) You may want to ask your stylist for suggestions on how to work through the awkward stage of the grow out as well, and for something to add a bit of weight to it so you can control it better.

Post the after pics please!

It is amazing how much I learn about my wife's life from reading this board.

Do NOT allow her to cut her hair short. I don't care if it is her hair; this is one thing she does not get a say on.

SHe didn't even get it trimmed. ;) It is cute, curly, and soft now though. She looks like Lady Godiva. :D

Here's an action shot, looking like I'm ready for the next president to take office:



If I tilted my head just right, I could pick up a French radio station. ;)

And, the final results:



It's actually very red in the sunlight.

She did just a trim and bit of an undercut to make the ends more tame. I heart my hair again! :)

It looks amazing T!

Looking good! Me likey!

Thanks. :blush:

It's a 4RR, with a touch of brown to blend the added highlights.

Wow!
 

It looks great, I love it. Very smooth and silky! I'm so glad you're happy with it. You have every reason to be, it looks beautiful.

I love it!!! Now, go do some Audry eyes and cheekbones!

I love it- very nice!:snap::cheers::snap:

Yay for new hair! Especially if you feel more yourself with it :)

Very spiffy- and I get to see it on Friday:) Woot!

Can't wait to see you! :D

I like it.
:)

It turned out so cute! I really like it. :)

FWIW: I can attest to Susan's hair looking good as well! I will try to get a picture (I didn't get home last night until about 10:00).

Yep. Lady Godiva! :D

T it looks great!

Put a fresh flat sheet over the bed. Get a large jar of extra-virgin coconut oil, and the nearest significant other. Apply liberally everywhere, including hair and scalp. Because of coconut oil's acidity and antimicrobial properties, it's safe for EVERYWHERE (and useful/fun too!)
Leave it on for an hour or three, making sure to rub as much into your hair as it will hold (foot hair, too), then get in the shower and rinse it off.
You'll be shiny.