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?
Miguelina
January 10, 2008 at 12:44 pmI’m voting short on #1 and layers for #2!
(I just cut my hair and I’m going to try to do Mary Beth’s option #1 with a curling iron. Of course, all I’ll manage to do is look like Shirley Temple – if I’m lucky.)
Spandrel Studios
January 10, 2008 at 11:50 amThe Megan Mullally ‘do is perfect for Mary Beth. Great suggestion! Can’t wait to see the results in a few months.
And Pam’s hair really looks more wavy than curly, so the layers would give it more va-va-voom and volume. Even if Pam wants to blow it out, layers make wavy hair far more cooperative.
Can’t wait to see!!
Loralee
January 10, 2008 at 12:29 pmJust once in my life I would love to have my hair described as “Bastardly Thick”.
Sigh.
Mary Beth
January 10, 2008 at 12:33 pmThanks, whoorl!
Leaf, probably...
January 10, 2008 at 7:13 pmoh god I love the not done photo. It looks exactly how I feel in the morning.
Jamie
January 11, 2008 at 7:39 amDude. I am loving how all the HT shots look like mug shots – and not just Mary Beth. What is it about self-portraits (particularly when one tries to photograph something specific, like their hair) that causes the smile to disappear from one’s face? It’s hilarious and intriguing.
Can’t wait to see the after photo!
Stacy
January 11, 2008 at 9:51 amI saw Pam’s photo and did a double-take — Pam, you’re wearing my hair! ;) I grew my craziness out and had a buttload of layers cut in and the difference is night & day! Now, all I have to do is wash, put in some silicone frizz-fighter, scrunch and let it air dry. If you want ringlets, twist up sections and dry with a diffuser. If you want straight, dry with a round brush & run through with a flat iron. Super versatile!
My longwinded point is: don’t fear the layers! They’ll work with you, not against you.
Pam
January 11, 2008 at 11:51 amWhy is my head so big!? heh.
Whoorl, thank you so much! I cut my hair shorter a couple weeks ago and had it dyed last week. You picked my current hair color, and I love it! More proof that you are a smart lady! ;-)
I put an ‘after’ pic up on my blog. But I totally want to cut more layers in now.
Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!
Oh, and I voted for ‘grow it out’ for Mary Beth’s hair.
andrea
January 11, 2008 at 11:49 amI can’t wait to see Mary Beth’s after photos. Her before shot is priceless. Keep up the great work Whoorl!
The Traveling Vineyard
January 12, 2008 at 9:46 amThe hair not done photo is awesome. I believe that is what my wife would look like if I ever saw her hair not done, unfortunately she makes sure that never happens. Or maybe it’s a good thing, I would probably force her to walk around like that, it’s hot!
Chris
January 12, 2008 at 6:26 pmI’m just stunned because Mary Beth and I have just about the same hair. So very cool. It’s like Hair Thursday for me without having to submit a pic that would 99% likely be unflattering because I am so not photogenic.
Anyhow… MB- grow it out. I want to see how the mushroom would look if I let it go longer. :)
And go for the layers, Pam! Love the curls!
Whimspiration
January 13, 2008 at 10:57 amMary Beth should definitely grow it out. You get a lot more options with longer hair, from the simple ponytail to hot up-doos and everything in between, your thick hair will be a gift instead of a hassle if it’s a bit longer, mine did the same shroom-thing when it was that length, not so much from thick as from curl, but it’s the same effect.
Pam can layer, but only if she never, ever wants to wear her hair up without looking like a frizz factory. She does need some volume at the ear level though, and a good (read good here!) layering can give her that. I have the curly spiral hair, and I would never layer it. A little mousse and a finger fluff always did what I wanted in regards to body.