Q: For more than a year, I have been growing my hair our so I could have some length for my wedding. I just got married, and I am ready to cut my hair shorter. Right now, my hair is past my shoulders and has very long layers in it. Can you give me some style options to consider for a new haircut? – Dorothy – Brookhaven
A: Cutting your hair short can be lots of fun and would be a great change for you, especially since you haven’t cut it in over a year. For most women, however, making this change is a big step. Before you do, here are a few things you should consider – and as always, make sure you discuss these with your stylist.
- Consider the shape of your face. Your hairstyle should complement your features – such as eyes, nose, cheekbones, and chin.
- Opt for shorter layers or fringing. These techniques can give extra height or more volume to your style.
- Use color. Whether you add just a few highlights or change your color entirely, color can breath new life into your hairstyle and give you added flair.
Once you cut your hair, there are a lot of options to style it. Here are a few suggestions:
- Create texture. Twist sections of your hair while drying to give it added texture and shape.
- Apply hair spray. Use a strong hold spray at your roots to give extra lift and volume.
- Experiment with hair gel and wax. Be creative with products to give your hair a different finish and transform it into a different look.
Q: I only live in Atlanta part time and find it difficult to maintain my hair color when I’m not at home. I have highlights and my base color is also lighter than my natural color. My hair also has some natural wave and is fairly thick. How can I keep up my base color while I am traveling, and how can I keep my hair from frizzing when I wear it naturally?
A: Many people who live in Atlanta travel quite a bit for business, which can pose problems for those who color their hair. I assume that when your color is applied, it’s only put on your roots to break your natural shade. While it may seem easier to buy color and apply it yourself, in the long run, it’s not. Applying an off-the-shelf color to your professionally colored hair can cause your hair color to become uneven and look less natural. It’s also more costly for you to get your color corrected by your stylist. I would recommend you find another professional stylist while on the road and have him or her communicate with your colorist here in Atlanta to make sure the same color product and formula are used on your hair. If you want to wear your hair wavy, I would recommend that you apply an anti-frizz product after you shampoo and condition it. Then, you should slowly defuse your hair with your hair dryer or just let it go naturally.
Hair health tips:
Many people frequently ask me how they can keep their hair healthy. Just as our bodies need physical activity to stay fit, your hair needs care as well. Here are some tips to maintain your hair’s health.
- Avoid excessive het from your hair dryer and don’t be rough with combs and brushes or hands when styling.
- Protect yourself from harsh weather, such as excessive sun exposure or high wind.
- Use vitamin-rich shampoo and conditioner.
- Maintain a well-balance diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, seeds, and whole grains such as brown rice and oats. Also, regularly eat fresh fish, including salmon and tuna – the oil is great for your hair
- Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily