Bangs or No Bangs…That is the Question!

Long hair can be easy to neglect with regular cuts, especially if it’s all one length! Don’t fall into the trap of growing your hair out without a trim to keep the ends healthy and your hair strong! Jodie email me with the desire for a new look but she has been growing her hair out FOR-EVER but is desperate for a cut and perhaps a new style. To bang or not to bang is her big question…let’s read what she says:

Jodie says:
“I have naturally wavy hair, that definitely holds a style. I’ve been growing it out for some time now, because I want it to at least touch my bra strap in the back (almost there!). I have had short hair for as long as I can remember, so I’ve just been wanting to try something new. During the week I usually just let my hair air-dry to give it a break from blow drying it/straightening it on weekends (I prefer my hair to be straight, but I’m starting to like the wavy/curly look, though it seems to only be wavy/curly from the middle/end of my hair).

In the next week or so, I’m going in for a MUCH needed hair cut. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t gotten it cut since April of 2009! Honestly it’s because of money issues, otherwise I would be in the salon at least every 3 months (since I’m growing it out I feel I don’t have to go in as often).

I’m wanting to keep the length still, and I’m DYING to get bangs! I just worry that they won’t look good on me. So this is where you come in!

I do think a short hairstyle flatters me more (I would also love to get a little a-line bob, but again, I’m trying the whole long hair thing–I’ve made it this far!).

I really like this Hilary Duff style. I think the bangs would suit me? I get a lot of compliments on my eyes, so I think having bangs would make my eyes “pop” a little more.

As for the back, I’d rather not have the heavy, straight-across hair I kind of already have. What do you recommend for that?

I guess I just never know how to word things when I get my hair done. I want that sexy, really layered hair I always see on a LOT of women. Do I just ask for long layers?? I just feel like whenever I ask for long layers, you can’t really tell they are there too much, and I like the hair that is a little more “piece-y” or “shaggy” I guess? See, I don’t know how to word it!

Anyway, please help! By the way, I’m about to turn 26 years old, and I definitely look young for my age. I’m also only 5 feet tall, so I do know that I shouldn’t have hair that is TOO long.”

Jodie sounds so much like me and a lot of other women! So many options, it’s hard to decide! Personally, I find pictures of styles I love and think, “I wonder if that should be my next style?” or “Can I get away with bangs like that?” It’s such a challenge making a change, especially with hair since you just don’t know what it will look like until it’s cut. You can try makeover tools, like that featured on Daily Makeover to give you an idea of what you might look like.

It’s especially important to have good communication with your stylist and bring in lots of pictures, explaining specifically what it is you like about the style. Jodie has a big job ahead of her- but no fear!- the experts at the Neil George Salon come to the rescue once again with style recommendations for Jodie!

Stylists at Neil George Salon says:
You could go either way- Grow it long, which can be beautiful and youthful, or cut it into a sleek bob. You mentioned, though, that money is an issue, perhaps you should stay away from the bob and stick with the long hair which can be MUCH less maintenance.

Yes, you should ask for face framing layers. The trick is that they should be subtle but still give your face that “frame”. I would say avoid the bangs, they might make you look too young. If you can, get a few highlights around the face to brighten you up a bit and to give you a new look. To help you feel like you have a new style, get a 1” curling iron. You can still air dry your hair and then wrap a few pieces around the iron to give you some body and movement through your hair. We recommend a cut similar to what Amanda Bynes has below, styled with the curling iron similar to the photo of Kate Hudson. Best of luck!

I also recommended to Jodie that she consider a Brazilian Blowout.  Since she most likes to wear her hair straight, getting a Brazilian Blowout will save her time with daily styling.  She can still use her 1″ curling iron as recommended by Neil George stylists, to acheive great curl should she so choose.  The Brazilian Blowout will also make her hair healthier and stronger to aide in her grow-out goals!

While bangs are not recommended to Jodie, she should try sweeping a layer across her face, like Jennifer Aniston wears, giving her face a soft frame, which is a great alternative to bangs. She’ll be one sophisticated woman with a few carefully placed layers!

Credit: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

Jodie promises us an update after her cut. I can’t wait!

Need A Hair Makeover?

If you are looking for a new look for you hair, email me (tammy[at]amominredhighheels[dot]com) a current picture of yourself (at least 350×350 pixels, please!) and tell me about your challenges, needs and how much you are willing to change your hair cut and color! Please put HAIR MAKEOVER in the subject line. Celebrity Stylists Neil and Amanda will recommend a cut and color!

For further inspiration, check out the Hair Makeover page with great styles to “try on”!

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