Welcome to Hair Thursday 2008! Let’s start this year with lovely Mary Beth.
I love how Mary Beth sent me two photos, labeled “Done” and “Not done”. God, I love that second photo.
MB’s hair:
Medium to dark brown, with some gray threads coming in
Dry condition
Bastardly thick and wavy
Would like to go to shoulder length
Uses a big round brush, a hair dryer, and a tourmaline flat iron when styling
Uses Suave shampoo and Biosilk conditioner on a daily basis
Hair is “One big, mushroomy layer”
Well, speaking from experience (bastardly thick and wavy hair), MB needs to ride that mushroomy layer for a little longer and keep growing it out. Which, for HT purposes, is super boring, but trust me. I know that hair, as it is very similar to my own, and it needs to be longer to avoid the puffball effect.
I would recommend some additional texturizing in the meantime to keep the mushroom effect under control, and as it grows longer, adding some light layers around the front.
I added Option #1 because it might be something fun for now – to change up the look while she’s patiently waiting for growth. This was achieved with a curling iron – you know, similar to the way I’ve shown before. Kind of like a modern version of a 40′s bob, and fun for a night out without the kids.
Option #2 is what I would like to see as her hair grows out. Continuously taking the bulk of the weight out during her trims and adding long layers in the front (cheekbone-length) will be key. I think the face-framing layers will be a nice change to the all one-length look.
Since these photos are more of a “Now and Later” look, how about we vote on Mary Beth’s length. Do you think she should grow it out or keep it short?
Our next participant is Pam.
Pam’s Hair:
Naturally brown, with blondish-to-light brown highlights; doesn’t want to deal with upkeep
Normal condition
Naturally wavy/curly
Preference is shoulder-length or longer
Uses a large-tooth comb and hairdryer with diffuser attachment
Uses Ouidad products (GREAT for curly hair, BTW)
No layers in hair
All Pam has to do to change the overall look of her hair is to cut layers all over. Option #1 is what she should show her stylist. I would describe Pam’s hair as wavy, and when wavy hair is shoulder-length without layers, it has the tendency to just layyyyyyyy theeerrrre. It’s too heavy – the curls can’t show their full bouncy potential! Think of an old school phone cord, pull it taut and it’s straight, release it and it’s a spiral.
The greatest thing about layering wavy hair is that the layers will be virtually invisible. All she will notice is the vitality of her new curls, I promise.
(Wow. Vitality and old school phones. Where’s my Centrum Silver?)
So, get to it!
Option #1 is the cut. Pam can leave it a little longer than the photo, but the overall shape is what we’re going for here. Option #2 is the color – Pam should go with her natural light/medium color as the base and add highlights sparingly, nothing with too much upkeep. From the looks of her natural growth at the roots, a quick romp in a sunny locale might give her the natural highlights she’s looking for OR she could buy a semi-permanent rinse with a golden-toned color to add a little oomph.
It’s time to tell Pam what you think. Should she cut layers?
