Hair Thursday secrets revealed!

Hello, everyone! This perfectly lovely day just happens to be my birthday.

Do you know what the greatest gift in the world would be?

To NOT have to sit at the library this morning and type a Hair Thursday post. Instead, I am going to drink coffee, actually BLOW-DRY my hair, don my fuchsia tights and spend the day out and about. Hell yes.

However, never fear! I will not leave you unsatisfied. (I hope.) Today, I’m guest-posting for the lovely Amalah at her Advice Smackdown column, answering your most frequently-asked Hair Thursday questions.

Enjoy!

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Looks like it’s time for another Hair Thursday: Married Couple Edition, don’t you think?

Meet Lyndsay.

I actually know the lovely Miss Lyndsay from growing up in the fabulous City del Oklahoma. Lyndsay has been reading Hair Thursday since its inception, and now her own time has come. Let’s get to it.

Lyndsay’s hair:

Naturally dark brown with lots of gray
Highlighted with light brown and blond
Dry and chemically processed
Thick, but fine texture
No preference for length, but tends to wear ponytails when hair is longer
Proficient with styling tools and products

Lyndsay has the kind of wavy hair that straightens well, she is very knowledgeable when it comes to products and tools, and is open to different options. She mentioned in her email that she finds herself getting a chin-length bob most of the time, and I have to say, I can’t really disagree.

I think Lyndsay should definitely take her shoulder-length hair right up to her chin, but should change it up a little. (Including her color.)

Option #1 is downright chic. As Lyndsay probably knows, the chin length would really accentuate her features, but the addition of bangs will showcase her eyes and give her a whole new updated look. I also am a HUGE fan of this color. I think Lyndsay’s highlights have taken her overall hair color a few shades too light for her complexion. A warm, light golden brown shade would look fantastic on her – warming up her skin tone and making her eyes totally stand out. Plus, as we head into fall and winter, this is a perfect time to go a little darker.

(DO IT, LYNDSAY.)

Option #2 would also look very pretty on Lyndsay if she doesn’t want to totally commit to bangs. The deep side part and the texturized ends are super cute, and it would be a style she could wear wavy as well.

All in all, I think a color change is going to make the biggest difference.

Tell Lyndsay your choice!

Moving on to Lyndsay’s husband, Geoff.

Geoff’s hair:
Light brown
Normal condition
Straight
No preference for length
Uses Murray’s pomade

Take a look at some options for Geoff. 

Now, I don’t envision Geoff to be a type of guy to wear longer hair, but I do think his new rule of thumb from here on out should be to keep the hair long enough to fully cover the scalp. If you notice his second photo, his hair is cut so short on the sides that his scalp is pretty evident. Option #1 and #2 are similar shapes, but #1 is just a little bit longer (especially on the sides). #2 has shorter sides, but still long enough to create a fullness and cover the head. I definitely like the messy texture of both haircuts on top. (I can’t believe I just posted a photo of Chad Michael Murray. No offense to him, but he reminds me of a guy I used to date, and I get the heebie jeebies just looking at him. Ewww.) Geoff could still use Murray’s pomade to create a messy look on top, or could invest in a gel for more hold as his hair grows a little longer.

What do you think?

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Say hello to Amy.

Amy’s hair:

Natural color is dirty blond
Highlighted with pale blondes and caramels
Normal condition
Fine hair with natural wave, but straightens easily (aka dream hair)
Prefers any length but pixie (been there, done that)
Would like to spend more time styling (sick of the frump)
Proficient with a flat iron

If you don’t already know Amy, let me just say she is one cool chica. (Check out her handmade wooden toys here or some of her creative advice here.)

Amy’s kind of OVER her hair right now and is looking for a new style. (A new style that she is actually willing to spend more time styling. HALLELUJAH. I NEVER GET THESE TYPES OF PEOPLE.)

That’s why these two options are going to be the diggity.

Okay, option #1. Dude, this would look SO GOOD on Amy for so many reasons.

1. Amy’s hair straightens very easily.

2. Amy is proficient with a flat iron.

3. The chin length would flatter her face shape.

4. Sideswept bangs would emphasize her blue peepers.

5. This cut would also look super cute and edgy air-dried and wavy with a little pomade on the ends.

So, see? Amy could spend time straightening and styling for a super sleek look, BUT this cut would look awesome air-dried and totally appropriate for her creative chica lifestyle.

Option #2 would be perfect if Amy wants to keep her hair longer. She could easily let this style air-dry with Aveda Be Curly (which she already uses), but the bangs would give the cut more dimension. However, this cut would look great flat-ironed as well.

What do you think?

Say hello to the lovely Grace.

Grace’s hair:
Medium dark brown, with natural gold and copper highlights
Normal condition
Very thick with a subtle wave pattern
Prefers medium or long length
Loves bangs
Uses flat iron to smooth out her “gross waves”
Uses FF Glossing Cream daily

Grace has lovely hair and doesn’t want a drastic change, but I think these two options could be fantastic. 

Option #1 is a cute shoulder-length bob with long layers around the face. This style would look so chic with Grace’s features and would be a decent-sized change without completely chopping her hair off. Plus, it is a versatile cut, given her hair’s wave pattern. She could flat iron or go au naturale.

Option #2 is a va va VOOM kind of style, and I think Grace could carry it off flawlessly. First off, I love the brow-skimming bangs, and what do you know? Grace loves bangs too. The rest of the hair would be lightly layered for good movement and volume, and Grace would only have to take about 2-3 inches off. I’m telling you, those bangs and Grace’s eyes make for a perfectly beautiful package. Do you agree?

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So, did you enjoy Becca’s Emmy piece? I thought she did a bang up job, considering it was her virgin Hair Thursday post.

With all of this new editor shuffling, I almost forgot this week’s HT participants. ALMOST.

Meet Shelly.

Shelly’s hair:

Naturally medium-dark brown
Highlights it blonde
Chemically-processed
Straight
Has worn it long for a really long time, but needs a change
Spends about 20 minutes styling, blow-dry and flat-ironing a few uneven pieces
Uses a shine gel to calm the frizzies
Rarely wears ponytails
Lives in a dry environment

Okay, miss Shelly. You want a change? Be careful what you wish for because I’m gonna give you some CHANGE. (For the past ten years, every single time I say “change”, I immediately think of Raising Arizona, when Ed yells, “We got a child now, everything’s CHAAIIINGED.”)

Since Shelly doesn’t like ponytails in the first place, how about these options?

Option #1 would be such a fresh change (Everything’s CHAIIINGED!) for Shelly’s hair. Her naturally straight hair is perfect for this style, and I would recommend continuing to put blonde highlights throughout. (Maybe creating an even blonder look?) This style would really play up Shelly’s face shape and features. Sexy, no?

Okay, Option #2. I know what Shelly is probably thinking about this very short cut (HELL NO), but let me make my (very valid) points. Yes, it would be a huge change, but if Shelly was willing to make the cut, oh my LORD, it would look so beautiful with her eyes and face. Seriously, her gorgeous eyes would look huge! Plus, the way Shelly’s bangs fall forward and to the side would be perfect with this cut. However, it’s short. I KNOW, but you must have faith in Whoorl.

Honestly, both would be beautiful. It’s more of a HOW-MUCH-change-Shelly-is-willing-to-make issue.

What do you suggest?

Our next participant is Darcey.

These were the original photos Darcey sent me. (Good GOD, how cute does she look with bangs?)

When I emailed for an updated photo, Darcey sent me this:

Darcey, my dear. There are many, many people in this world who have some seriously FUGLY hair issues, and you are not one of them. You’re gorgeous, your hair is gorgeous, and I think you know where this is going. Don’t you?

Darcey is our next inductee into The Fishing Club. Congratulations, you shiny-haired minx.

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Many of you might know our next participant, Tertia. She writes the popular blog, So Close, and is no stranger to internet polling. (In fact, her thoughts on the matter were part of this New York Times piece.)

Tertia’s hair:

Naturally dark brown with blond highlights
Chemically-processed hair, oily at roots
Thick hair with individually fine strands
Would prefer to keep length longer
Typical day involves a little bit of mousse and air dry
Doesn’t own styling tools
Wears ponytails 95% of the time
Lives in a Mediterranean environment

From Tertia’s email:

In a nutshell, it naturally has that half-grown-out, old perm look.  Flat on top, wavy on the ends.  Think thatched roof. I’ve worn it long for years, and I’m a ‘wash and wear’ type of girl.  However, because I have an impending midlife crisis on the horizon, I thought it might be time for a change.  But what type of style suits an almost 40 year old who has a long face, big ears and hair that naturally has the half-grown-out, old perm look?

Never fear, Tertia. We are here, ready to catapult you into your midlife crisis with a head of fantastic hair!

Let’s talk about good options for those of you with longer faces. Layers? Good. Sideswept bangs? Good. Shoulder length and/or a little longer? Good. Fullness around the face? Good.

Super short hair? Bad. Long hair with no layering and/or movement? BAD.

Let’s glance at Tertia’s photos again. Looking at the second photo, the thickness and texture of her hair is beautiful, right?  But do you notice how her long, all-one-length hair elongates her face? It’s as if that particular cut visually stretches her face longer.

However, you don’t need to say sayonara to long hair if you have a longer face shape – you just need to add fullness to give the illusion of a face less long or more rounded. OR you can add bangs to cut the length of the face off. (Sounds violent, but it works!)

Let’s take a look at the options.

Option #1 would involve Tertia taking a little length off and adding long layering around her face. Nothing too short if she doesn’t want to foray into bang territory, but just enough to add fullness around her face.

I’m not going to lie, Option #2 is my favorite. With this cut, Tertia could leave all the length in her hair, but add the sideswept bangs, which will not only give the illusion of a shorter face BUT will also balance out her strong jawline. Add a couple of additional subtle layers around the face and Tertia could continue to air-dry for a slightly messy, wavy look. Hot cut for a hot lady, am I right?

Tell her what you think.

I would also recommend Tertia have some lowlights added to her hair to give her a deeper base, yet allowing the lighter pieces to highlight her gorgeous eyes.

Alright! Moving on!

Our next participant is Anna:

Anna’s hair:

Natural copper color
Normal/oily condition
Medium-thick, straight with a little wave
Open to any length
Pulls hair halfway back during the course of the day

From Anna’s email:

I’m open to bangs, layers, anything, but I prefer a “simpler” style (not too trendy).  I basically don’t want layers all over the place or a style that’s really popular right now that doesn’t fit my face, which is long, and I have a high forehead.

Anna, I would kill for your hair color. KILL.

I think adding some subtle, sideswept bangs would be perfect for Anna. First off, like I mentioned before, bangs lessen the length of longer faces and since she pulls her hair halfway back more times than not, the bangs would give her more of a style.

Now, I don’t think Anna needs tons of bangs. Just some fringed pieces that can be swept to the side easily.

Like Option #1.

(Oh my Lord, is anyone else obsessed with Mad Men? I want to BE Joan Holloway with that red hair and those dresses. Alas, that will never happen unless I start shoving copious amounts of tissue into my bra.)

Also, when Anna has the time, curling her hair into loose waves with an iron like Option #1 would look beautiful with her hair color, plus adding fullness around her face to combat the longer face shape.

Now, #2 is an option if Anna doesn’t want to cut bangs. This cut would look super sleek with Anna’s straighter hair, but I wouldn’t let it get much longer than the photo, in order to combat the visual lengthening of the face. (In fact, the hair in this photo had a sharper angle, but I photoshopped the front length shorter because I’m a OCD freak like that.)

Which one would you prefer on Anna?