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Hair-dentity-Lessons in a New Hairstyle

December 10, 2009 By 3 Comments

Why are we so tied to our hair?  Hair is such a part of our personality, our self esteem, how we identify ourselves.  Remember the “blue-haired” lady?  It is often times one of the ways that people describe someone.  Think about it, when meeting someone new and trying to describe that person to another we often say, blond hair, black or brown, short or long, curly or straight.  Why?

New Profile PictureSeveral months ago I blogged about my own “journey” to a new hairstyle.  I have had my hair short for most of my adult life and decided to try a new hairstyle.  Yesterday I succumbed to the scissors and cut it all off again.  So I ask  myself two questions:

  1. Why did I go through the hassles of growing my locks only to cut it off ?
  2. What was the final straw that made me decide that enough was enough?

First of all I think the fact that I do like change (I am a “Gemini”!) played a significant role in my decision to grow my hair.  I had not seen any new short hairstyles that I was drawn to in a while and honestly I was tired of the same old “look” that I had for the past 5-6 years. ( Note to self: if it has been more than 10 years since your last hairstyle change it is TIME for a change! )

There is a significant hassle factor in growing hair out but the reason that I grew it out was to have enough length do actually cut into a style to do something different with.  So, I did recognize that there would be a period where I was “in transition”.

Second the straw that broke the camel’s back was the fact that I worked so hard every day  to look like I was alive, vibrant, energetic and simply “with it”.  My hair  had grown to just about shoulder length was at times full of moisture and “big hair” and other times “flat”.

The products that I accumulated underneath my sink to manage all the stages of my growth was out of control.    I purchased products for when my hair was newly foiled and colored, products for when it rained and was humid, dry, cold, frizzy, flat, curly, needed straightened.  You name it I had it.

Beneath all the hair was a small-facial structure that wanted out.  My personality is not one that tolerates a lot of fuss about anything much less hair.  I’ve never needed a lot of time to “do” my hair and I was beginning to spend more than was humanly possible on 1 head-ENOUGH I said.

I was finished, tired, over and done with high maintenance.

I walked into the salon and said I’m “yours” have fun but please leave some for styling!  So now as my locks stand in shock over the next few days getting used to their new independence I feel FREE.

I feel alive, perky and feel like I have lost those last 5 pounds I have been carrying around since Thanksgiving.  I want to say just breathe!  YES, I did it.

Please remind me next time I want to have long hair that I DON’T and remember:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”

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Diary of a New Hair Style

September 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

It’s the beginning of a new season.  The phone is ringing and the email box is full….Everyone wants an update, a change, something new.  Me Too!  I have worn the same haircut or variation of the same style (short) for the past few years-it seems like forever. 

I’m always telling people that one of the best things you can do for yourself to update your look, feel younger and more vibrant is to update your hairstyle.  For many reasons, I like  change-it’s interesting.  So, because it is a new season, I went to my hairstylist and began a discussion with her about changing my style.

This started the end of  July, after I returned from vacation.  I wanted something new.  We began.  She suggested that I begin the process of growing out the layers.  Have you ever tried to grow out your layers? Your bangs?  It is difficult to have any sense of style in doing so.  Patience,  creativity and alot of product is key.  

I was good for the first few trims, but last week just about did me in.  I have alot of  hair and it absorbs all the moisture in the air.  With the rain here in Atlanta over the past month, my hair has grown a mind of its own.

I knew I was in trouble when my son (always the honest observer) told me that my hair looked like something out of the 80′s.  I told him, that was the “style” right now.  (I didn’t mention that it was the style in clothing-not hair!)  I phoned my hairstylist on Wednesday night in frustration and left a message that if I didn’t get it soon, I was going to cut my “mullet” off.  Fortunately, she called the next morning as said I had scheduled an appointment for Friday. 

Friday came, the “mullet” came off and I have a reprieve for another 4 weeks.  She encouraged me that we were almost there.  “Where” I ask is “there”?  Well, we almost have enough hair to cut into a new style.  So, this much I know is true:

  1. If you want a totally new hairstyle it will take at leat 3 months of fussy patience and checking in with the salon IF you have layers or short hair.
  2. You have to have ENOUGH hair to actually cut to make a difference.
  3. Patience is strategic and systematic check in’s with the salon (at least every 4 weeks) during the process.
  4. Different styling products are imperative (you may need lighter products to begin with and heavier more controlling products toward the end of the cycle)
  5. Focus on the end result and try not to fight mother nature.  If you have wavy hair, sometimes it is best just to go with it while it is growing.

So, perhaps when we meet again after my next styling session, you’ll get to see the final “do”.  I’ll take a few snaps, but only after it’s finally finished so you can see the process/progress and you can tell me what you think!  Until then,  you know I want you to:

“Look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!”

 

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Hairstyle, Style Tagged With: , ,

Haircut Survey Results

April 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Recently, I conducted a small “unscientific” survey to find out how much men and women spend on haircuts.  Not surprising, everyone wants a great haircut at a good price. 

What I found most interesting was that respondents who were classified in Academics spent more on their haircuts than Consultants.  IT professionals spent the least and those in Sales spent the most.  Those in the Creative field were split evenly between $20-25 and $40-45 per haircut.  Maybe “creatives” are more likely to try out a new salon or maybe they are a ‘spur of the minute’, gotta get it now kind of person.  It is interesting and something to ponder.  Enjoy the rest of the results.

Overall Price Paid:                              Age – Group (age of respondents)

38% $20-25 25-34 50% spent $40-45
30% $30-35   50% spent $20-25
15% $40-45 35-54 50% spent   $20-25
15% $50   25% spent $30-35
0% $75   13% spent $40-45
      13% spent $50+


Price paid per haircut Male : Female

100% Male $30-35
20% Female $20-25
20% Female $30-35
20% Female $40-45
40% Female $50+

From the data above, one might assume that once a male finds a hairstylist they like they stick with them.  Most men  schedule regular haircuts about every 4-6 weeks and therefore may have a more consistent relationship with their stylist than women and not be as apt to move.  What are your thoughts?

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
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The Best Hair Style For You – Match Your Celebrity Style

January 5, 2009 By 1 Comment

Although the perfect face shape is considered to be oval, there are cuts that look best for every face shape.  Most people actually have a combination of two face shapes.  Consider this:  the object of every haircut is to create the illusion of an oval face shape.  So before you go in with a decision on a new style, consider and consult with you stylist.  You’ll want to make sure the shape of your face as well as the shape of your head will work.  Here is a quick guide of what to look for and things to avoid for the 5 most common face shapes.

OVAL:  Considered the most versatile face shape.  Fortunately for you, just about any look is great for you.  Whatever length you decide to go with, you will look best with layers nearest your cheekbones, lips or chin.  If any of these features are ones you want to highlight, go with a layer here.  Avoid:  anything that will add height to the top of your head.  You don’t want to elongate your head. (i.e. short layers at the crown)  Famous celebrities with oval face shapes:  Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Jada Pinkett Smith

LONG/OBLONG:  Your objective if you have an oblong or elongated face shape is to create balance with width.  Long, side-swept bangs are currently very modern and chic.  If you like to wear your hair a moderate length, try a chin-length bob.  Waves, curls and layers will also add width, but do avoid short layers.  Short layers will add more length and volume on top of your head.  Avoid:  extremely long or extremely short haircuts.  Both will elongate your face.  If you do have long hair (past your shoulders) make sure to cut in some layers to create interest and width.  Famous celebrities with long or oblong face shapes:  Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Giselle Bundchen.

ROUND:  The best style if you have a round face shape is one that falls right below your chin or a style that can add a bit of volume to the top of your head.  Your objective with a round face shape is to use styles that will add length to your face.  You can use soft, graduated layers – they will remove some of the weight from the sides and visually make your face appear longer.  Bangs are also and option, but make sure to keep them long, side-swept or wispy.  Avoid:  Blunt cuts or all one length hairstyles.  These will only accentuate your roundness.  Famous celebrities with round face shapes:  Kate Bosworth, Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

SQUARE:  You strong angular lines will need to be softened if you have a square face shape.  Get some texture with curls or choppy ends.  Long, sleek styles with layers that begin at the jaw line and keep moving down as well as short, spiky cuts will work for you.  Notice the two extremes you are able to wear.  Avoid:  One-length haircuts and anything that is ‘squared off’. (Chin-length bobs/blunt cut bangs)  They will only serve to make your face more square.  Famous celebrities with square face shapes:  Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Mandy More, Rosario Dawson.

HEART:  With your pointed chin you will want to draw attention up to your eyes and cheekbones.  Try some wavy layers that graze your cheekbones, and if you have short hair, keep the layers soft and long.  Keep bangs soft and fringe like at your brow.  (Drawing attention to your eyes)  Your hair should fall either at or below your jaw line to keep attention away from chin.  Avoid:  Blunt-cut bangs and hard, choppy layers-keep everything soft.  Famous celebrities with heart face shapes:  Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, Ziyi Zhang.

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Hairstyle, How To Tagged With: , , , ,

Color That Makes You Look Younger

April 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

For the past several years, I have been thinking about going with an ‘all-over’ color to keep my life simple and easy as I embrace my 50’s. Through many conversations with hair colorists (literally dozens) and research, I have decided that it just won’t work-for me at least. I know as a color analyst that color is one of the most effective ways to keep your hair natural and youthful looking. After all I don’t necessarily want to look ‘younger’, I want to look ‘youthful’ and ‘vibrant’. Choosing the right color is a task that I leave to the hair color experts. Celebrity hair colorist Rita Hazan offers some words of advice for women who want to maintain natural and youthful-looking tresses!

Choose the Right Color for Your Skin Tone

Extreme colors may have been o.k. in your 20’s but now they tend to make you look older. Follow this guide to determine the right shade for you:

  • Reds: Pick a more auburn tone—not a fiery red.
  • Browns: Pick a more chocolate brown. As we mature, our skin color changes and we lose pigment in our skin. Stay away from very dark colors like black or dark brown. Lighten up your color a few shades—this will take years off!
  • Blondes: Pick more of a honey blonde—never baby or platinum blonde. Blondes especially need golden tones to add a rosy and sun-kissed glow to the face.

Highlighted Hair Looks Natural

Stay away from monotone (single color) hair color. Multidimensional, tone-on-tone highlights add movement to the hair. They keep hair looking natural and healthy, not fake.

  • Too many highlights can look artificial and fake.
  • Choose a pretty base color and accent your base color with a few highlights. This will give you a more sophisticated but modern and sexy look.

Be Careful with Trends

If you like to keep up with fashion and beauty trends, don’t go full force. You can always accent your color with a little trend. For example, with highlights, go warmer.

Wash That Gray Out!

When you start to notice gray hairs, start using a vegetable dye in your natural color family. This will wash out rather than grow out, and it will last about three months. Never let your grays show—this is very aging! Vegetable dye also helps if you are trying to grow out a color you don’t like. Also, the combination of darker roots and light ends is never a youthful look.

Don’t Forget the Eyebrows

Lighten your eyebrows a shade or two. This will help soften up your face. If you have gray in your eyebrows, color it—this will help give you more color and brighten up your face!

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Hairstyle Guidelines for Every Age

April 5, 2008 By 1 Comment

One of the easiest ways to update your image is through your hairstyle.  I love changing hairstyles.  In this age of instant gratification, this is one place you can gain a quick new look and take 10 years off your face.  According to Ken Pave, hairstylist to the stars, the stages of a woman’s life help determine what styles are appropriate.  One rule of thumb way to know if you are ready for a new look is to ask yourself whether you have changed your hairstyle since high school or college.  If the answer is NO, you know that you are stuck in a time warp and it is time for a change.  Here are some simple age related rules for hairstyles (not color).  Embracing the age you are in by an appropriate hairstyle will help you move into each generation with ease and confidence.

Hairstyles for Your 20’s

At 20, you’re establishing what works and what doesn’t work for the future.  Things are more forgiving now, so figure it out.  What ever you do, wear your hair with confidence and learn what works and what doesn’t.

  • Have fun with your style
  • Experiment –but don’t go too extreme
  • Find out what you like and don’t like
  • If you sport long hair, go short-short hair go long
  • If you are light, go dark-dark go light

Hairstyles for Your 30’s

At 30, most women are usually into their careers either in work or as mothers.  In either case, we want to be taken seriously.  You should have learned from your 20’s what was working and your 30’s should reflect.  You’ve settled on a shape that works with your face.  Keep it simple-something that is versatile that you can wear from work to play.

  • Classic shapes
  • Move away from old high school or college styles

Hairstyles for Your 40’s

Women in their 40s are usually busy women and sometimes forget to focus on themselves.  Know you flaws, but don’t focus on them. 

  • Focus on positives (eyes, smile, shape of face)
  • Nothing extreme (too short or too long, too dark or too light)

It used to be women were told to cut their hair shorter because long hair tends to drag the face down and short hair would ‘lift’ the face.  Although this is true, it is not the only way to remedy the solution.  New hairstyles involve layering, which can achieve the same results by drawing the face out and upward which give an instant face-lift.So if do not want to cut your long hair, it is imperative that you have a hairstyle that is cut with techniques that layer and lift the face upward.  A single long layer hair style simply will not do. “There is often a stability related to our 40s which reflects in our personal style,” Ken says. “I find this to usually be the most conservative time in a woman’s life—a time where she wants an easy style which gives her more time to enjoy life’s richness. 

Hairstyles for Your 50’s

As women reached their 50’s they are not as compelled to prove anything to anyone.  During their 50’s women begin to refocus energies on themselves.  It is a new-found time for freedom and self discovery. 

  • Keep shapes soft-especially around the face
  • Embrace flirty style
  • No extreme haircuts and styles, but keep movement in hair
  • Keep hair soft and shiny, reflects youth
  • A soft pigment to dull dry hair will give it a youthful shine
  • Mature hair tends to be coarser and dehydrated-regular conditioning will help.
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Finding Your Best Cut

January 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to getting great hair, don’t look any further than your own mirror.  Whether you’re a “heart,” “round,” or “oval,” your best cut is determined by your face.  Every face is different and it’s important to understand that every hairstyle is not for every face shape. To accentuate balance and beauty, strive for a hairstyle that works with your particular face shape. That strategy will not only give you your best
look, but also emphasize your best features. Be sure to bring this up with your stylist and make it an important determination in your new look.

Sorting Shapes

Figure out your face shape by pulling hair back into a tight, structure-revealing ponytail.  Look at the outline of your face — the size and shape of your forehead as it compares to  your cheeks and chin determines its shape.

  • ROUND — full with round chin and hairline
    Do: Add volume to the top of head to slim.
    Don’t: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides.
     
  • SQUARE — with strong jawline and hairline
    Do: Take the edge off with a softening style featuring a side part and length at nape of neck.
    Don’t: Don’t center-part hair or cut square, straight bangs. Avoid geometric lines.
     
  • OVAL — jawline narrower than temples, rounded hairline
    Do: Add volume to the top of head to slim.
    Don’t: Stay away from a spiky and short topside. Avoid width or volume on sides.
     
  • LONG — narrow jawline and hairline
    Do: Layer it on for fullness on sides.
    Don’t: Skip short cuts, jaw-length bobs, or styles that add height on top.
     
  • HEART — wide temples and hairline, narrowing at chin
    Do: Try bangs and a length that frames the jawline.
    Don’t: Don’t go too short at the nape of the neck.
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