Short haired curlies--I need advice!

shanadair

I used to have hair halfway down my back but have kept it the length it is now or shorter for the past seven or so years. I always say that shorter hair is easier--but when I think about it, I realize that I feel like I always need to "style" it...and I'm rarely happy about the shape of my hair. Even if I have great curl formation, shine, and no frizzies, I never feel like it looks good unless I spend a lot of time arranging the curls, pinning things back, etc.

BTW, the longest layers of my hair (when curly and dry) reach the bottom of my neck, and the shortest layers reach my lips.

I'm wondering if anyone else out there has this experience and any advice about layers, overall hair shape, or feeling the need to style shorter hair. I'm considering growing it out a bit, so any advice on a good, easy professional length would be appreciated too!

Thank you!

Shanadair

SuZen

I think the length you have is kind of a tough one for 3a hair. I prefer mine a couple inches below shoulder length, at least, because it's only wavy when it's shorter than that. Also, it wasn't as versatile - couldn't wear it up or in a ponytail. And it needed frequent trims.

But the question of what's "professional" is hard to answer. I think the conventional answer would be no longer than shoulder length. But, we've had a few threads on this issue -- why is curly hair, in general, considered not professional? I'm a manager in a corporate environment, and if someone doesn't like my long curls, then tough.

I've reached a place where I don't expect my hair to look perfect every day -- or even look the same every day. I kind of like its variability. Not everyone feels like that, though.

Sorry, I'm getting all philosophical, and you asked for advice! I think you could consider letting your hair grow long enough to touch your shoulders, at least. It sounds like you have about the right amount of layering, just a couple inches.

itsjustmeghan

i'm in the process of growing my hair out still. i had it about 1/2 inch all over my head in a pixie cut. i was trying to look more styled when i first started teaching. now? i don't teach, and i don't care!
i've been growing it out, and honestly, the longer it gets, the easier it is for my curls.
when it gets really long, it's very wash and go. (i remember those days from when i had longer then bra strap length hair).
when my hair was shorter, i had to style it every day (because otherwise i had HORRID bed head!), i felt the need to wear full makeup, and i felt the need to dress girly. the longer it gets, the less i worry.

i do miss the "styled" look, but i plan on getting more of a shape and layering once it gets long...but right now? i'm just dealing with it all, getting regular trims, and focusing on it being healthy. the inbetween length is tough, but i think it'll be worth it in the end when i have long shiney healthy curly hair!

Alexa

itsjustmeghan wrote:

when my hair was shorter, i had to style it every day (because otherwise i had HORRID bed head!), i felt the need to wear full makeup, and i felt the need to dress girly. the longer it gets, the less i worry.

I could have written this, ITA with the make up thing. I also had a pixie cut a few years ago.

SmithsGirl

shanadair wrote:

I used to have hair halfway down my back but have kept it the length it is now or shorter for the past seven or so years. I always say that shorter hair is easier--but when I think about it, I realize that I feel like I always need to "style" it...and I'm rarely happy about the shape of my hair. Even if I have great curl formation, shine, and no frizzies, I never feel like it looks good unless I spend a lot of time arranging the curls, pinning things back, etc.

This is me now, and I feel your pain.

And I don't know about your face shape, but for me, this length is NOT flattering at all.

Plus, I don't get full curl formation until I get to collarbone length or longer. My hair is very blah right now, but I keep reminding myself that I am "in transition."

For my hair, the only viable options are super-short pixies and long hair. Medium-length hair just doesn't work for my texture and face shape. I've gone just over 9 months so far without a cut, and I'm trying to make it until the end of the year, just to get a little length. So I guess I'll be tolerating a few more months of bobby pins and little clippies

shanadair

Thanks, everyone. It feels better just read from other people who can share my pain! I have a haircut scheduled for this week, and though I do think I will grow my hair longer, I'm hoping my stylist can shape and trim my hair for now so I'm not miserable for the next several months of transition...

As for your comments about "professional" cuts, I do agree that clean, well-managed curls are professional at any length. I think that long hair--curly or straight-- is often associated with being younger and I'd really like to look older! I'm 27 and I want to be taken seriously at work...I want my image to project professionalism (which is why I save my low-rise pants and sequined tank tops for the weekend!).

Anyway...thanks again. I'll let you know how my haircut turns out!

Shanadair

mel2173

Other than the fact that my hair is blonde, we have the same exact hair. I just cut mine this summer (it was just below my shoulders). I kind of miss the length, mostly because a pony is difficult, but I get tons of compliments (I did then too). I can't decide what to do.

Either way, I think your hair looks great.

Bettyboopnyc

Shanadair, does your hair look like your little pixar, or is it longer than that now? Did you like it at that length?