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4.13 – Short, Medium or Long?

Meet Stephanie. She has experimented with many different lengths, as you can see here.

From Stephanie’s email:

When I’m just going for a straight style with the ends slightly curled under, this only really works when it’s short.  When it falls to my shoulders/clavicle, those curled under ends are flipped up in minutes.  This is generally okay at the length I have now (which is about 1-2inches past my clavicle) since it’s cut in layers and I’m happy to just sort of shake my fingers through it and let the pieces fall where they may.  (I rarely go for straight, smooth styles. Aside from refusing to stay that way, for some reason, I find it gets more coarse/tangly when I try to keep it straight and flat!)  And when it’s long, I tend to like curls best because then my misbehaving hair is allowed to misbehave!  (It’s not wavy enough to try to create waves – oh how I’ve tried!)  

1. What color is your hair? Do you color/highlight your hair? If so, what color?

Dark brown. Never dyed it before! A small handful of not-so-brown-anymore ones are scattered around, mostly hidden thankfully!  But I know I’ll need to lose my hairdye virginity soon enough…

2. What condition is your hair? (Dry, Oily, Normal, Chemically-processed, etc.)

Normal! Although I pretty much prefer to wash it daily. I can get away with a ponytail on the day after a wash, but the bangs need some dry shampoo.  Day 3 is a MUST WASH.

3. What type of hair do you have? (Fine, Thick, Wavy, Curly, Straight, etc.)

Not stick straight, but not wavy either. It’s more thick than thin, and more fine than coarse.  (Happy medium, I’d say!)

4. Tell me about your lifestyle. What are you looking for in a hairstyle?

Married, two dogs, no kids, office job.  I like to get outdoors on weekends; plenty of dates with my husband and outings with friends. For the most part, whether I’m in pajamas and no make up or in my best dress and heels, I like for my hair to be “done”.  It just makes me feel better.

5. How much time are you willing to spend styling your hair each day?

No more than 20 minutes.  (For the record, it takes me about 15min to blow it dry, section by section, with a round brush.)

6. Do you have a preference for length? If so, what?

In Feb 2010 I cut off 12inches for Locks of Love.  I didn’t enjoy having it that long, but I do like long hair (I like to curl it). Though I was surprised to find out how much I enjoyed the short hair too!  

7. What kind of products/tools do you use on a daily basis?

After washing, I spray on plenty of Tresemme Heat Defense or use some John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum – Thermal Protect.  And aside from the blowdryer + round brush, just a straightener.  When it’s long I’ll use a curling iron for the ends, straightener for the bangs.

8. Do you wear your hair in ponytails frequently?

Only on days I haven’t washed my hair – which happens maybe twice a week.  And at night to keep it off my face when I sleep.

9. What kind of environment do you live in? (Rainy, humid, high altitude, etc.)

I live in London, so we tend to get around 2-3 types of weather each day! Rainy – yes.  Humid – yes, if it’s raining in the summer.  Windy – often.  Otherwise, nothing extreme.

You know what, Sarah? I’ve just filled out this whole thing and attached all those photos and re-read what I wrote.. And I think the bottom line – what I’d really like to know – is WHAT LOOKS BETTER?  Short, medium, or long?  

Stephanie, WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU. Alright, team! Do you like Stephanie’s hair short, medium or long best? Vote now! (Don’t peek below and let my answer sway you…)


My opinion? The medium, shoulder-grazing length is out. I know all to well about the flippy ends thing, and I find her hair to be much more interesting when it’s chin length or well past her shoulders. Now, as much as I like a long and loose-waved brunette (wink wink), I have to say that the chin-length bob is very striking on Stephanie. Her features are complimented so well by that length! The long hair is quite lovely, but I find my eyes going back to the short cut over and over.

My official plan of action? Since Stephanie has just past the dreaded flippy collarbone stage, enjoy the length! Let those locks grow throughout the winter, enjoy the long, loose waves, and then when spring rolls around, choppy chop back to the chin-length bob. Best of both worlds! What say you?

 

 

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7 comments
  1. sizzle

    December 6, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    I know I am partial to short hair but seriously, on her? It looks so great. She’s got a pretty face to pull it off. I feel like when her hair is longer it masks her face and neck- both worth showing off!

  2. Kristin

    December 6, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    I agree with you Sarah. Short and long are both beautiful. Growing out is not so fun, so enjoy the length for now and in summer chop it off for fun.

  3. Sara

    December 6, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    Short looks the best on you but long makes you look younger and middle older. Short for some reason makes people look almost ageless.

  4. Elizabeth L

    December 6, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    I rarely like short hair, but on her it is amazing! The middle length makes her appear bit frumpy and the long is just too much but that short is drop dead gorgeous on her! Jealous – I wish I could pull that cut off like she does. Short all the way.

  5. Sarah

    December 8, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    There’s something really striking about her jawline, and it pops with shorter hair.

    …that said, all of the lengths are incredibly flattering. :)

  6. Kate

    December 20, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Wow she has one of those great oval face shapes that can pull just about anything off. Jealous. But that said, as much as I like the short hair, I think the mid-length is my favorite. It’s super cute–goes with her smile! :)

    But yeah, she can pull anything off. Sometimes you have to know the person and their personality to know which cut is best for them.

  7. Sarah

    April 9, 2012 at 11:23 am

    Definitly short, and not just because that is the exact cut i have.