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If Shakespeare had been a woman, she would not have written, “To be or not to be, that is the question,” but rather, “To cut or not to cut, that is always the question.”
It’s a question compounded by the profusion of hairstyles. Short, medium, and long hair all abound. You can wear it up or down or twisted around in a bun. Today, intentionally tousled and tightly trimmed are both considered professional. So, what’s the best ‘do for you?
Before anyone puts steel to your hair, it’s best to have a revealing talk. Denise Mackey-Natz, owner of Urban Style in downtown Eau Claire, says, “The key to a good haircut is having a good conversation with your hair stylist.”
So, what do you discuss?
Tell her about your lifestyle, what you do and don’t do. For example, are you willing to use a blow dryer and round brush to make a lob (long bob cut) flatter you? If you want to just wash and let your hair dry, you’ll be better served by a different cut. Money is also a consideration.
Choosing a timeless cut is a safe bet.
The lob is a classic cut. I don’t think it will ever go out of style. You can play with it, taper it around the face or stack it on the bottom to create some fullness, which is the classic bob.
The lob also works well in Wisconsin.
It’s the easiest style. It works well in Wisconsin where you wear a lot of collars and scarves.
However, it’s not the cure-all cut.
Some might think of it as messy or unfinished. Talk to your hairdresser. The best haircut for you depends on your personality and profession.
And what if your job is being a freshly minted mother? Consider keeping your long hair, but give it some pizzazz.
If you have longer hair and a new baby at home, you can add flare to the long hair by tapering it around the face or adding some layers to make it prettier. You want to be able to pull it back and long hair lets you do that because babies will have their hands in your hair and those hands aren’t always clean. Long hair lets you French twist or put it into a bun for going out in the evening. Again, have that conversation with your hairdresser.
Of course, finding the right cut doesn’t mean it’ll be the right cut in six months or six years. As we change, as the weather changes, it’s best if our hair changes too.
A lot of haircuts are driven by the weather and age. When you are tired of winter, you might want to brighten your hair and change its color. Or you might color your hair because it’s graying. Graying hair can age us or affect how we feel about aging. The good news is that colors have come a long way and they look a lot softer. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve added bangs to give me a softer look.
Hair might not be at the top of the list when it comes to how people see us, but it’s certainly at the top of us.
Hair is increasingly important. You even see middle school boys paying attention to their hair. It defines who we are. There are so many options today. People are allowed to develop their own look. It’s okay to be different. You’re allowed to have your own style.
Just don’t be too quick to cut too much.
We gave one woman a short and sassy cut and she hated it; so you might want to consider steps to going short. I’ve told women I’ll cut it halfway and they can come back in a week and I’ll cut it again at no charge. So, you might want to creep up to major change rather than jumping into it. Don’t rush and regret. Start small and you can always cut shorter.
Cheryl Story, the owner of The Garage salon in Chippewa Falls, has the perfect answer to the question “To cut or not to cut?”
Story says, “Get your hair cut when you stop getting compliments. Decision made!”
Story also believes that you can get a lot of bang for a few bucks with bangs.
Bangs are cheaper than Botox! Need I say more? Well, actually, I should: a high forehead.
And bangs have become a très urban look!
Browse thru any fashion mags and you will see that bangs are a requisite to living in NYC. There are BANGS, BANGS, BANGS everywhere there!
Story believes you’ll get more bang out of your hair if you love what you have.
Embrace what you have! So many clients hate the best part of their hair, such as being too straight or too curly. There is a cut for every type of hair; we just need to find it and then you can own/love it!
But if you want to get the absolute biggest bang out of your hair, then consider the ultimate cut.
There’s always Locks of Love in support of a friend, sister, mother, or someone you don’t even know. I have witnessed more than one woman shave her head and I pray that I will be that selfless someday. To those who’ve gone there, I am in awe and amazement of you. Nothing in this sometimes cold, competitive world can surpass the power of love and compassion.
