Q: I am about to be a mom for the first time. I keep my haircut short, but I am tired of the style and really want to do something different. I like it messy on top – I usually use my fingers instead of a brush. I have no idea what I can do with it. Can you recommend some styling options for me? Remember that I’m about to be a mom, so it needs to be easy! – Carol – Atlanta
A: Congratulations on motherhood! What a wonderful experience. There are many things a stylist can do to your hair. The first thing I would recommend is to change your hair color. Going from dark brown to a light chestnut or blonde to red can make a big impact and make you feel like you have a new style. I would also recommend that you cut your bangs shorter if you have them. Since you like it messy on top, you can have your stylist ad more layers or texturize your hair, which will change the shape and body. These options will also be easy to maintain, especially when you are tending to a newborn. Good luck.
Q: I have been wearing hair extensions for the past two years, and have been getting them replaced about every three months. When I first started, my hair was short, but now it has grown out and is fairly long, so I no longer need them. My hair is thick and fine, and now that my hair is long, the ends are so fine you can see through them. What can you recommend I do? – Annette – Snellville
A: Hair extensions are a wonderful option for someone who has short hair and wants to make a drastic change and go back to long hair. The downside to them is that they can weaken the ends of your hair and cause a lot of breakage. To address your problem, I would recommend cutting your hair about a half-inch above the breakage and then begin using regular moisturizing conditions and protein treatments.
Q: I have a beautiful, yet shy, 14-year-old daughter who lacks confidence and thinks she is not attractive. I know this is typical of some teens, but I am concerned and want to help reassure her that she is a beautiful young woman. For many months, she has been complaining that her hair is “boring” and “normal”. She has long, healthy brown hair, and I have recommended that she get her hair cut shorter or even colored. I have also thought about suggesting a manicure and pedicure. Can you give me some more styling ideas that might help her feel better about herself and boost her confidence? – Alice – Marietta
A: I have been in the hair industry for many years and frequently see young women who are very tentative and unsure about their beauty suddenly transformed with a visit to a salon. Similar to most teens, she is probably growing into herself and trying to find out who she is. Asking a professional stylist for advice is a great way to help her. You can go to a hair salon where they can cut and color your daughter’s hair, or you can visit a full service salon where they also give full makeovers with makeup consultations an spa treatments. It’s an experience designed to help everyone feel good about themselves. I would ask friends or colleagues for referrals of different salons and spas, or you can look through the Yellow Pages as well for one near you. I’m sure a salon experience will be the confidence booster you were looking for.