Polls are back up. If you didn’t get a chance to vote, please scroll down and add your vote in the boxes. (Like hell if I’m going to sort through your comments.)
I have a feeling y’all might know today’s participants. Let’s just call this one Attack of the Pretty Brunettes.
First off, we have the lovely Emily of Not That You Asked fame. (Now in TWO FLAVORS!)
Emily’s hair:
Natural color
Healthy – no split ends or damage
Thick
Curly
Uses a ceramic flat iron every day
Wants to go shorter
Emily and I have been email pals for quite some time, and recently had the chance to touch each other’s luscious locks in person at Blogher. (And maybe consume lots of sangria, wine, beer, cape cods, and martinis.) What I’m trying to say is, I CAN’T SCREW THIS ONE UP.
Emily had a general idea of her new cut – short, choppy bob with long sideswept bangs and a color change, and I agree wholeheartedly. (Except for the color change…it’s so warm and perfect for her skin tone! Like hot chocolate!) One of the best cuts for a heart-shaped face like Emily’s is a chin-length bob. For instance, Katie Holmes’ new bob, which is razored and choppy and super fun. However, since Emily is already proficient in using a flat iron every day (would you ever have guessed that? It’s so shiny and NON-damaged!), she could also pull off a chin-length, one-length bob. Let’s take a look.
First off, I have to apologize. I try my hardest to find hairstyles of the same color to help visualize the cut, but Jenny McCarthy’s bob was exactly what I was looking for in a one-length bob. So, just imagine it’s brunette.
(Oh, that reminds me. I really appreciate your tips regarding those online “hairstylers”, where you can try styles on your own photo, but I always find the final look in those programs to be unnatural and well, a tad hokey. I think I will stick with this for the time being, but thank you all the same!)
I equally love these two styles for Emily, and in essence, they are very similar. The only main difference is that Option #1 has the long sideswept bangs and some razored layers throughout. Here’s another photo showing her layers more clearly. This option could be great for Emily because she could use the flat iron, but also let a little of her curl come through on other days. And this look is definitely “choppier” than Option #2.
Option #2 is probably less versatile than Option #1 due to the same length all around, but this would look gorgeous on Emily. You have to rock some seriously shiny hair to pull this off. Think about it, if there are no layers to allow more of a messy look, you really have keep it straight and healthy. Obviously, Emily has the perfect hair for this and since she already uses the flat iron regularly, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to style. However, I would definitely recommend a thermal protectant before drying!
What do you all think?
The next participant is the lovely Miguelina (of the blog formerly known as Diary of a Reluctant Housewife).
Miguelina’s Hair:
Natural color
Straight and fine
Thick
Wants to keep it long (for ponytails)
Doesn’t do more than brush it twice a day (Uses a Mason Pearson! YAY!)
Loves products, but most make her hair feel heavy
Miguelina, just pipe down and brush your gorgeous hair. Sheesh.
Okay, okay. I know where you’re coming from. Although your hair is gorgeous (and your baby!), it does lack a “style”. Well, that’s easy to remedy! Feast your eyes on this!
Long layers! Long bangs! Big round brushes! CERAMIC CURLING IRONS!
Both of these options exhibit a similar style – Option #1 is just longer than Option #2. So, the question is should Miguelina add long layers only or should she add long layers and cut off 3 inches? Once she has the layers, she can blow-dry with a big round brush for Option #2’s look or use a certain person’s curling iron technique to duplicate Option #1.
(By the way, Miguelina confesses to being lazy in the hair department. I totally understand, but if you want a style, you need to STYLE it! See Hair Rule #2.)
As for the long face-framing layers, I would suggest blow-drying the top front section of the hair downwards into the face. That way, it will sweep downwards and to the side, instead of up and over, like it wants to do naturally. Just doing that will change the overall look dramatically. I think it could be exactly what Miguelina’s looking for in a style. Also, look into purchasing a light mousse for a little lift. Several hair brands have recently introduced new, lightweight mousses for natural-looking volume. They ain’t your momma’s old mousse, that’s for sure.
What do you all think?
Voting is closed.
Mediocre Housewife
September 20, 2007 at 8:46 amAnyone else having a hard time seeing past the faces of the people in the example pics? ie: Katie Holmes = SO much cuter than Jenny McCarthy, therefore the hair automatically looks better. I am trying hard to see past it!! My vote still went to Katie’s hair though, love that cut! :)
Add me to the legions of readers who can’t wait to see more after shots!
Mere
September 20, 2007 at 8:04 amI tried to send you an email before you posted…but I suck.
Just wanted you to know that Beauty.com (partner of drugstore.com) has free samples of the Frederick Fekkai glossing cream you love so much. I am using it for the first time today and my hair is sooooo soft and silky! I will certainly buy some when this little package runs out, but loved that I got to try it before buying!
Andrea
September 20, 2007 at 8:08 amI love Hair Thursday. I can’t wait for more of your participants to send in their “after” shots. I am dying to see who followed your advice.
Sadie
September 20, 2007 at 8:25 amGod, Emily’s hair is shiny as glass. Hate.
sunny
September 20, 2007 at 8:41 amI chose option 2 for emily because the simple sleek line of the bob will really enhance her classic beauty.
Miguelina – I chose 2 because it looks bouncy and fresh. the shorter layers will really bring attention to your eyes!
sizzle
September 20, 2007 at 9:10 amrock on with your bad ass brunette selves!
Danielle
September 20, 2007 at 9:37 amDear Lord Thursdays come around quickly. I bet this is becoming a full-time job, yes? It’s really fun.
Dani
September 20, 2007 at 9:40 amI want shiny hair like Emily’s! When it’s straightened (by a professional, because I am unskilled), it’s shiny and silky, but when it’s curly, it looks lackluster.
As “Mediocre Housewife” above said, I have trouble looking at the hair and not she-who’s-wearing it in the celebrity photos, but I do like the Katie Holmes cut better for its bounciness, and not just because I think she’s cuter than Jenny McCarthy.
Miguelina (Reluctant Housewife)
September 20, 2007 at 10:57 amMy day has come!
You’ve done an amazing job figuring out something to do with my hair based on just a couple of photos…HOW DO YOU DO THAT? I’ve had this hair for 30 years and it’s just been hanging there for most of that time.
I love both styles and can’t wait to see what your readers choose. I won’t be a hippie mama for long!
Thanks for the blow drying instructions and your famous CERAMIC curling iron technique. No one has ever taught me how to blow dry my hair. They should teach this in high school or something, don’t you think?
(Also, Emily? Your hair is so shiny and pretty I want to pet it. In a non-internet-stalkerish kind of way, I swear.)
Kimberly
September 20, 2007 at 10:02 amMy votes go for option #1 for both.
comfortablycrazy
September 20, 2007 at 10:10 amOption #1 for both. I really like the layers in both and they are more versatile, too.
Kristin
September 20, 2007 at 10:18 amOption # 1 for both, because then they could wear it straight if they wanted it, right?
How long is the waiting list? I would love to play…
Sharri
September 20, 2007 at 10:29 amWhere is the Handy Dandy Voting Machine? I’m too lazy to actually have to type!
Option #1 for the first lovely lady.
Option #2 for the second lovely lady.
And can I have some of that shine? What is your secret?
The Mom
September 20, 2007 at 11:31 amFor Emily, I can say from experience that I like both styles. Jenny’s is actually tapered in the back and then longer towards the front, so kind of fun and edgy. I had that cut when I lopped off 10 inches for Locks of Love last winter and loved it. Now it’s more like Katie’s, except that I cut the bangs last week. It was definitely more stylish with the longer, side-swept bangs. With shorter bangs it’s more of a “mom” do, so Emily, keep that in mind if you itch to go for shorter bangs!
I like option 2 for Miguelina’s hair, only because it’s a more drastic change and I think the shorter length looks fresher.
Whoorl, you should make “after” photos mandatory! I want to see how everyone’s hair turns out!
Emily, Participant #1
September 20, 2007 at 10:35 amDamn, you are GOOD! I love them BOTH. But I think I am leaning towards Brainwashed Katie because I love the idea of the bangs. Otherwise, I feel like my hair might just look like it does right now – except shorter. Also, doesn’t the second picture require a nice part? Now look at MY PICTURE and tell me I know how to part my hair. I DON’T.
Am I allowed to vote? If so I vote #1.
P.S. Two pitchers of sangria sounds mighty good right about now, huh?