topic Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips! in Community Chat

How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:09:17 GMT

Does Your Hair Have a Hold on You?

How to bust out of a hair rut

PUBLISHED: October 20, 2014 / WOMEN's HEALTH.com

It's no secret that women have especially strong feelings about their hair, and those feelings, it turns out, extend beyond vanity. "Hair impacts how our facial features are viewed, but it's also one of the few things we can easily change to make us feel better about ourselves," says Vivian Diller, Ph.D., a New York City psychologist who specializes in the psychological impact of beauty on women.

In fact, researchers at the L'Oreal-Recherche Centre in France found that women who had just gotten a beloved new 'do reported more joy and confidence and less stress compared to how they felt before they hit the salon.

Sadly, hair can also have the opposite effect: In a Pantene study published in the Royal Society of Medicine Press, people said a bad hair day makes them feel worse about themselves. And nearly 60 percent of women have cried over a hated haircut, according to a survey from Styleseat.com.

This push and pull of emotions is the root cause of hair obsession: "Women either get stuck in a comfort zone or keep changing their hair to try to improve their overall look," says Diller. That can mean chronically coloring your hair different shades or holding on to one style for decades. But the truth is, escaping a hair hold can cause your mood—and attractiveness—to soar. So if any of these scenarios hits a nerve (or follicle), follow our advice.

You Pony Up—Every Day
Leaving your hair down is as head-turning as wearing a prom dress to work.

The ponytail is the hair equivalent of yoga pants: quick, comfy, and easily susceptible to a rut. To avoid getting stuck in one, ask yourself why you're always chasing tails. Didn't wash? Spritz a dry shampoo onto roots and dab shine serum on ends for instant polish. Cr@ppy cut? Opt for the versatile, flattering "lob," a.k.a. long bob. "It skims the collarbone, works for all hair textures, and gives that liberating feeling of taking some hair off while offering a lot of styling freedom—and you can still make a pony," assures Suave Professionals hairstylist Marcus Francis.

God forbid someone spot a gray hair on your head, which is why you're a frequent flier at the salon.
Do you run for color the second your grays grow in? It's time to ace your base.

"If you have dark hair with more than 50 percent gray, make your base color a shade or two lighter so regrowth is less noticeable," says Matrix hairstylist George Papanikolas. Shampoo-out touch-up products buy two extra weeks between colorings. And work with your colorist to find an at-home kit that actually matches—it will halve your salon visits. (Go one shade lighter than your base to avoid a too-dark result.)

You're In A Cut Rut
Dying for a new style but fear it will never work with your face shape or hair texture?

Happy news for those eager to enter Bobville, Shagtown, or Pixiverse: There's a fresh short snip that will work for almost everyone. Discuss options with your stylist, and go prepared with pics of celebs who have your same hair texture and face shape. For example, a blunt, chin-length bob is great on most face shapes, says Francis. And despite its short length, a bob can work with most hair types (curly bobs, however, tend to look too wide). Boy-inspired styles are gorg on those with a small face and straight hair.

Highlights get you high.
And not because of the chemicals.

"In this country, blonde isn't a common hair color, so it's more attention-grabbing," says Diller. If you're a brunette wanting to channel her inner Goldilocks, know that going too light will likely cause damage and work against your hair's hotness. So get highlights with the change of season—not month. "My clients who receive the most compliments on their hair get highlights only four times a year," says Papanikolas, who's known for lightening front pieces and ends for the most impact and least upkeep.

You blow half of your paycheck on blowouts.
Spending crazy amounts of time or money on a blowout isn't healthy. So give 'em a break!

"So many beautiful, iconic looks—like Sarah Jessica Parker's curls or Gisele's waves—have been inspired by natural texture," says Alan David, a hairstylist at the Warren Tricomi salon in New York City. Wavy? If going natural still freaks you out, smooth out only the crown and the front pieces. "It's a half-assed blowout, which saves time and gives your lengths and ends a rest," says David. Curly girls: Just let your coils do their thing all over.

Long Hair Is Like A Security Blanket
You'd feel naked with less length.

Yo, Rapunzel: If you're latching on to your long hair to hide a least-favorite facial feature (e.g., a prominent nose or round cheeks), it's time to let go. Your endless locks could actually be having the opposite effect by dragging down your face. Lop off a couple of inches so hair's around mid-bra length, then snip long, face-framing layers starting at the collarbone. "I'm a big fan of this length on women of all ages, and the layers really help open the face without sacrificing length in the front," says hairstylist Ric Pipino, vice president of global creative for Alterna Haircare. A bonus? A mini chop gets rid of old, dry, straggly ends.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

sylviahomeatlast — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:18:04 GMT

I'm one of those frequent style changers---right now it's chin length but I use barrettes to hold it back---I had a boy cut forever and needed a change---I think longer will be fun---I get it colored my used-to-be color with light ( sparse) highlights----what fun and interesting tips---thanks

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

sylviahomeatlast — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:38:26 GMT

I have brown hair and long bangs

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

sylviahomeatlast — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:44:40 GMT

am I the only who breaks into a sweat about hair? I've been burgundy and blonde---weird,hmm?

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

Preds — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:48:42 GMT

I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

sylviahomeatlast — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:12:34 GMT

that's me to a T---LOL---my family is used to it---I was blonde once, for one month, other, 3 months---unfortunately it was memorialized in family wedding pictures. :-D

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

tansy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:22:41 GMT

I haven't been blonde for maybe 15 years but that's still how I think of myself. I'm toying with the idea but don't want the upkeep -- money or time. I wish my silver would just take over already. I like my hair short and am sticking with that.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

dooBdoo — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:41:58 GMT

On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:39:12 GMT

On 10/21/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: I'm one of those frequent style changers---right now it's chin length but I use barrettes to hold it back---I had a boy cut forever and needed a change---I think longer will be fun---I get it colored my used-to-be color with light ( sparse) highlights----what fun and interesting tips---thanks

I have brown hair and long bangs...

am I the only who breaks into a sweat about hair? I've been burgundy and blonde---weird,hmm?...

*That's great, Sylvia. And you can vary the way you style it and wear it, especially with the long bangs. I have brown hair too (med-to-dark), naturally wavy but baby fine, long layers around my face, and the current length approx. 4 1/2" past my shoulders.

*I think you probably have lots of company when it comes to 'hair anxiety', LOL. And props to you for changing up the color. That burgundy-toned brown or red sounds cool.

*Appreciate your thanks, plus the fact that you're enjoying this thread. 8)

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:41:30 GMT

On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Men just don't get it.

Awesome that you like to rock different looks.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:49:27 GMT

On 10/21/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: that's me to a T---LOL---my family is used to it---I was blonde once, for one month, other, 3 months---unfortunately it was memorialized in family wedding pictures. :-D

Not "unfortunately".

It's part of your life herstory, and shows that you welcome change and new experiences. Plus, it's uniquely YOU.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

Buck-i-Nana — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:50:35 GMT

I'm always trying different hairstyles simply because I get bored and like change. I'm lucky to have an oval face and lots of healthy hair that really looks good in any style. Only thing I can't pull off is bangs because I have a super strong cowlick right in the center front. Always tempted to buy those clip in bangs!

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:59:27 GMT

On 10/21/2014 tansy said: I haven't been blonde for maybe 15 years but that's still how I think of myself. I'm toying with the idea but don't want the upkeep -- money or time. I wish my silver would just take over already. I like my hair short and am sticking with that.

Do it, tansy! You're a blonde at heart and soul, so you must be your authentic self.

ITA about the upkeep, but if you have a light blonde base with medium & dark blonde lowlights, the silver will blend in with the rest. The result will be multi-dimensional and natural. Especially with your hair length.

Unlike myself, whose grays/silvers/whites contrast with my hair color, LOL. But I'm fortunate that they're mainly around the top and sides of my hairline, plus I can deal with them pretty easily and inexpensively.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 03:13:55 GMT

On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Thanks very much for the kind words, doobie!

(hope you don't mind me spelling your nic that way, but I always instantly think of 'The Doobie Brothers' famous band. And you know what "doobie" is slang for, right?)

Kudos for changing up your styling, while maintaining the overall length that you like. I prefer mine "long" as well, which is defined by many as "anything below their necks". But definitely not by me.

Interesting that you mention your auburn-chestnut (pretty!), as I was sporting a med. auburn shade for many years, then decided I needed a change: my God-given brown.

I'm an earthy, nature-loving chick and have the natural coloring to match it: hair the color of dirt and eyes the color of grass, LOL.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 03:27:50 GMT

On 10/21/2014 Buck-i-Nana said:
I'm always trying different hairstyles simply because I get bored and like change. I'm lucky to have an oval face and lots of healthy hair that really looks good in any style. Only thing I can't pull off is bangs because I have a super strong cowlick right in the center front. Always tempted to buy those clip in bangs!

Good to hear, BIN. 8)

Lifelong youthfulness (to me) is always being curious and open to change, and continuously keeping up with the changing times. A love of learning every single day, too. 8)

Yep, an oval face looks great in just about any hair style - and in any shape of eyeglasses or sunglasses, BTW. You're also blessed to have such awesome hair that behaves, and allows you to try new cuts and styles.

Why not Google for reviews/prices on clip-in bangs? Don't think they're too pricey, plus you'll be able to wear them straight down or swept to the side. Which means more looks you can create!

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

dooBdoo — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 03:29:17 GMT

On 10/21/2014 feline groovy said:
On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Thanks very much for the kind words, doobie!

(hope you don't mind me spelling your nic that way, but I always instantly think of 'The Doobie Brothers' famous band. And you know what "doobie" is slang for, right?)

Kudos for changing up your styling, while maintaining the overall length that you like. I prefer mine "long" as well, which is defined by many as "anything below their necks". But definitely not by me.

Interesting that you mention your auburn-chestnut (pretty!), as I was sporting a med. auburn shade for many years, then decided I needed a change: my God-given brown.

I'm an earthy, nature-loving chick and have the natural coloring to match it: hair the color of dirt and eyes the color of grass, LOL.

Yes, I know what the slang is . . . Don't mind the nickname, not at all!

My hair us usually about half-way between my waist and shoulders, sometimes a little closer to the shoulders. The odd thing was that I was a blonde, really light, sunshine blonde, until I was about 5 and then it gradually darkened. It's naturally straight, and baby fine, but I have tons and tons of it. My favorite thing is a curly perm, root to tip, and I let it dry with no styling, curls everywhere! I know, how dreadful, except that I have a wonderful stylist who knows how to do it well (she says it suits the romantic in me) and my hair is mercifully healthy, strong, shiny. One of the things I can be very grateful for.

Love the earthy nature! I have green eyes, too!

~the doobs

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 03:52:36 GMT

On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 feline groovy said:
On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Thanks very much for the kind words, doobie!

(hope you don't mind me spelling your nic that way, but I always instantly think of 'The Doobie Brothers' famous band. And you know what "doobie" is slang for, right?)

Kudos for changing up your styling, while maintaining the overall length that you like. I prefer mine "long" as well, which is defined by many as "anything below their necks". But definitely not by me.

Interesting that you mention your auburn-chestnut (pretty!), as I was sporting a med. auburn shade for many years, then decided I needed a change: my God-given brown.

I'm an earthy, nature-loving chick and have the natural coloring to match it: hair the color of dirt and eyes the color of grass, LOL.

Yes, I know what the slang is . . . Don't mind the nickname, not at all!

My hair us usually about half-way between my waist and shoulders, sometimes a little closer to the shoulders. The odd thing was that I was a blonde, really light, sunshine blonde, until I was about 5 and then it gradually darkened. It's naturally straight, and baby fine, but I have tons and tons of it. My favorite thing is a curly perm, root to tip, and I let it dry with no styling, curls everywhere! I know, how dreadful, except that I have a wonderful stylist who knows how to do it well (she says it suits the romantic in me) and my hair is mercifully healthy, strong, shiny. One of the things I can be very grateful for.

Love the earthy nature! I have green eyes, too!

~the doobs

Cool. TWO nics for your nic.

I came into the world golden blonde & blue-eyed (unlike my parents, heh), then had light brown hair and green eyes from about age 2-3 onward. Teen years+ have been medium brown, but I color it a shade darker (& 'ash' or 'cool', as it naturally pulls red) since my eyebrows went dark brown.

I used to have a good amount of it, but it lessened over the years. Very thankful for the decent amount I have, though; heck, still growing hair on my head is a blessing.

I blame the thinning out mostly on my wacky girlie hormones, LOL. But I like how the darker color contrasts with my light eyes, and the shade goes better with my black eyeglass frames.

Good to hear you still have mucho hair, and that it's been staying supremely healthy. And I enjoy your own down-to-earth personality!

"Green-Eyed Lady" by Sugarloaf is a great song, FYI.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

betteb — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 04:02:19 GMT

On 10/21/2014 feline groovy said:
On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Thanks very much for the kind words, doobie!

(hope you don't mind me spelling your nic that way, but I always instantly think of 'The Doobie Brothers' famous band. And you know what "doobie" is slang for, right?)

Kudos for changing up your styling, while maintaining the overall length that you like. I prefer mine "long" as well, which is defined by many as "anything below their necks". But definitely not by me.

Interesting that you mention your auburn-chestnut (pretty!), as I was sporting a med. auburn shade for many years, then decided I needed a change: my God-given brown.

I'm an earthy, nature-loving chick and have the natural coloring to match it: hair the color of dirt and eyes the color of grass, LOL.

Oh you are being a bad kitty tonight

I'm a medium to dark blonde, sun bleached right now from working outside. I'll color it myself just about any color in a heartbeat, but I get a knot in my stomach when it comes to a new cut.

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

dooBdoo — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 04:26:51 GMT

Yes! I love that song, feline groovy!

Re: How to Bust Out of a Hair Rut - great tips!

feline groovy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 04:29:42 GMT

On 10/21/2014 betteb said:
On 10/21/2014 feline groovy said:
On 10/21/2014 dooBdoo said:
On 10/21/2014 Preds said:
I had someone tell me years ago that I went thru more hairstyles than normal women went thru shoes! Still love that nut to this day! He wasn't even a husband.

Sounds like a good friend, Preds.

I change hairstyles quite a bit, though I always keep it long. Never have changed the color (auburn chestnut), but who knows what might happen around the bend?

Fun thread, feline groovy!

Thanks very much for the kind words, doobie!

(hope you don't mind me spelling your nic that way, but I always instantly think of 'The Doobie Brothers' famous band. And you know what "doobie" is slang for, right?)

Kudos for changing up your styling, while maintaining the overall length that you like. I prefer mine "long" as well, which is defined by many as "anything below their necks". But definitely not by me.

Interesting that you mention your auburn-chestnut (pretty!), as I was sporting a med. auburn shade for many years, then decided I needed a change: my God-given brown.

I'm an earthy, nature-loving chick and have the natural coloring to match it: hair the color of dirt and eyes the color of grass, LOL.

Oh you are being a bad kitty tonight

I'm a medium to dark blonde, sun bleached right now from working outside. I'll color it myself just about any color in a heartbeat, but I get a knot in my stomach when it comes to a new cut.

Hey, BB. Hmm... your hair's so naturally multi-dimensional; very nice. And I bet it is year-round also.

OK. So you're very open to rockin' practically a rainbow of colors and shades, but a new cut - and therefore, possibly new styling - freaks you out.

Certainly understandable.

But if it helps any, I fairly recently started to trim my longer length bit by bit, week by week, using a great pair of barber scissors (about $10) from Amazon. It was the very first time that I've gone past just snipping off any split ends, and ended up being about 3"-4" 'lighter'. Which is actually better for my hair texture.

My hair place trims my angled front layers for me, though, as I would mess that up big time LOL.

Since I changed it gradually, it wasn't as big a deal. Perhaps it could work for you too , whether you DIY or go to a hairdresser.

BTW, the scissors are 6.5" Black Professional Barber Razor Edge Hair Cutting Shears, with adjustable tension and finger inserts (for personalized comfort).

C'mon, betteb, GO FOR IT. Bet you'll be pleased!

P.S.: it was fate that brought you to this particular thread.