Hair today gone tomorrow

OK I know that's a really cheesy title, but it was either that or "Things to consider when getting a hair cut" and that just seemed to boring.

Alright moving on...I've been growing out my hair for a couple years now, but I haven't really been taking great care of it along the way. Not enough regular trimming of damaged ends, waaay to much coloring, and probably a little too much heat styling also. On Saturday I was deciding whether or not to touch up my color so I got really close to the mirror and started examining my hair. To my horror I had about 2 inches of hair that was so brittle and damaged it was beyond repair, and another inch that wasn't far behind. So, I locked my self in the bathroom for almost an hour and came out feeling much lighter.

Now I'm not going to recommend that any of you go and chop off your own hair, mainly because it would probably end in disaster and tears, but also because getting a hair cut should take some thought and preparation. I'll tell you why in just a second, but first I'm going to plug in this little thought...

Getting regular trims are a MUST! Especially if you are growing out your hair. A lot of people think this is counter productive, but really your saving yourself from doing exactly what I did. Not by yourself though. On average, a persons hair grows a half an inch per month, so if your going in every 6-8 weeks and trimming off say 1/4 of an inch than it's still getting longer and it will be nice and healthy and won't be breaking off every time you brush it. It may take a little bit longer to grow out but the end result will be worth it.

Now, having said that, there are a few things to think about and do before and while you sit down in the stylist's chair.

• How much time are you willing to spend on styling? Really long or super short cuts usually require the least amount of styling time (unless your curling long hair) Chin length to the shoulders is usually what we consider "having a style" and takes a little more time.


• Take some time to look through pictures and get an idea of what you want and bring those pictures with you. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have someone sit down and say "I want something new, I just don't know what." It's not that I'm incapable of thinking up a new hairstyle, it's just that you've now added on an extra 10 minutes of conversation time before I can start cutting.


• Be realistic! Just because you get the same haircut as a person in a picture, does not mean you are suddenly going to look like that person. If your hair is a different color and texture than it may look quite a bit different. It's a good idea to put your finger over the face and ask yourself if you still like the hair style.


• Use your hands when describing things. If you want 2 inches off, show the stylist what 2 inches looks like to you. And "just a trim" does not mean the same thing to everyone


• Consider the shape of your face. If you have a round face than a chin length bob is probably not the best choice.


• Finally, it's important to trust your stylist, but also trust yourself. You know your hair better than anyone. Don't be afraid to speak up!

Alright I think that's it. Maybe. I'll let you know if I think of anything else that is earth shatteringly important.

I'm curious though, has anyone ever had a disastrous hair experience? I have. Right before I left for college. I asked for "just a trim with just a little more off this time" and what I got left me in tears. I think I said something dramatic like "no boys are ever going to date me now!" and then I met my husband a week later. So I guess it wasn't so horrible that I was left un-datable. Although even my Mom said it was bad so in my book that means it was awful.