My hair, last June. Now, it pretty much looks like this all the time
- Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
- How often do you shampoo?
- What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
- What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
- Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
My answers…
- Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
YES I color my hair!! I didn’t start until I was in grad school and I one of the first things I did was go platinum blonde, and SHORT. Since then I’ve pretty much kept my hair colored and change it pretty frequently, depending on my mood, or the seasons. Now, I’m a little anal about it, hating to see ANY greys grow out at all, but I’m trying to resist going to get them covered for a while. Eventually I’d like to think about a “good” way to grow them out, but I’m not there yet 🙂 - How often do you shampoo?
Never if I can help it. Maybe twice a week? I’ve always hated shampooing my hair, but I thought you were supposed to everyday until a few years ago when we started to become aware that’s not necessarily good for your hair. It was just the excuse I needed to stop LOL. I like my hair second or third day best, and I can even go 4-5 days without shampooing because my hair doesn’t get greasy. Towards the end, my hair is generally pulled back, so it’s not noticeable anyway. Sometimes I only wash it because I’m getting tired of pulling it back. - What’s your current hairstyle…?
Well, if you’ve been reading Grechen’s Closet for a few years, you KNOW my hair style changes frequently. I’m very happy with it now, which is pretty much a short bob, all one length, but I’m always up for a change. I used to change it every two or three times I’d go to get it cut, but that was also because I was never quite happy with it. Now, I am. I love my stylist and colorist, and I’m very happy with my hair RIGHT NOW. It’s summer though, and I usually go quite a bit longer between cuts and color, so it’ll stay pulled back for a while! My hair is STICK STRAIGHT and fine, although I have a lot of it, so a good cut is essential. If I had more texture and waves in my hair, I’d probably have a pixie cut, I love pixie cuts, or short short cuts, but since my hair is sto straight, they don’t work on me. I’ve tried. - Favorite products…
Anything R+Co or Oribe. Those suckers WORK. I’ve been using the aircraft mousse for a few years, and love it in combination with supershine moisturizing cream and the gold lust oil after my hair dries. That’s pretty much all I use on a regular basis. I have tried other products and have other things on rotation, but consistently, that combination is what works for me. - Emotional? Me?
haha…it’s very funny, I’ve always had the attitude with hair that “it’s just hair, it’ll grow,” so I don’t get very upset with a bad haircut, or whatever. I’m not nervous to try new things with my hair and never have been. Weird, because I don’t think I’m that way with other things in my life. But then again, maybe I am. I love to move to new places and try new styles of clothing…
And a bonus question because I need to feel like I’m not the only one who’s reached crazy territory….
How much are you willing to pay for a REALLY REALLY REALLY good cut/color? How much HAVE you paid?
I’m less embarrassed, now that I’ve been doing it for a while, to admit that I pay more than $100 for a cut. I really love my stylist and my salon, and honestly can’t see myself anywhere else; a good cut is so worth it. Believe me, I know. And, the salon is called THE SONGBIRD SOCIETY – they play birdsong on repeat in the shampoo room, and have bird-themed paintings all over the salon. C’mon, could it be more perfect for me?? Oh, and they have massage chairs at the basins too, so I get a relaxing massage while I’m getting a treatment.
Your turn! Can’t wait for your answers!
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Yes – when I was 12 I bought a box of red hair colouring from our local drug store and went home and used it. It was a poor life choice but we all have those and it begin my love of colour. I have been every colour under the sun but in the last 15 years I have stuck with medium to light blonde highlights that just “bump” my normal colour (dark blonde)
How often do you shampoo?
I HATE washing my hair. It’s thick, it’s somewhere between mid back and my shoulders usually and there’s a lot of it. But usually twice a week, Sundays and Wednesdays usually.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
All one length. Length varies as to when my last cut was. But always shoulder length or longer.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
Uma hair oil (helps with the damage from the bleach) Mixed with Reverie Hair milk. I use Oribe Dry Texturing spray when a formal hair style is called for but I am usually low key. Addicted to Innerscense Shampoo and Conditioner and I add a blend of essential oils and other “things” to the shampoo.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
I don’t change my hair much but I don’t get emotional. I try and get colour that grows out well and a cut that maintains as there are times when I go 9 months between both. We moved recently and while I adore the woman that is doing my hair, her colour is not as subtle as I like and there is a huge BAM between my colour and her colour. That doesn’t work well for outgrowth so I am looking for a new person.
As for price. Interesting – I hate spending a ton of money on the cut and colour. Both are I think easy on a skill set so I usually don’t have a problem with whatever I get done. But I spend on shampoo and conditioner and products. Now that the person I found has not done what I want for colour I may have to change my tune…..
I’m early today!
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
No, I don’t. I have a couple times before. I went super dark brown (nearly black) in high school, then in college I died it a lighter brown. Looking back, it got really brassy, and didn’t look so great. I’d do it again now, but I know that I’d have to do it professionally (the past was all box dye) and I just don’t want to spend the money on it right now. I’ve been reconsidering recently though…
How often do you shampoo?
Every other day. My hair gets SO greasy so quickly.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
Lazy, haha. I’ve let it grow out since my last hair cut so it’s long (a few inches past my shoulders). The last time I got it cut she thinned it out, but I think it’s too thin. So I’ll have to do the grow & cut thing until it’s all grown back in. I’ve gone back and forth between short (bob) and really long over the years. I can’t decide.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
I don’t really use any products anymore. I do like the Bumble+Bumble airspun texture spray (something like that) as a less expensive Oribe alternative. My stylist uses Oribe and I loooove it but can’t justify the price. I use more product when my hair is short.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
YES. I have cried after multiple hair cuts. I feel 1000x better about myself when it looks good, and 1000x worse when it looks bad. I do not change it easily.
And bonus…I spend about $70 w/ tip on a haircut. It’s a lot (for me), but worth it not to cry after.
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
I do not color my hair. I did once, in college, many many moons ago and I haven’t since.
How often do you shampoo?
Maybe twice a week. My hair looks better the dirtier it gets. I love to go for a swim in the ocean and let the salt water dry in my hair and let the Florida humidity take off. It’s gets huge and I love it. When we travel to less humid climates, I’m always like” what’s the matter with my hair? It’s so flat!”
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
I have had the same hairstyle for at least 10 years. Long with long layers. Its easy to maintain, no fuss, and it looks great with hats. I’ve never been much of one for high maintenance hair. I haven’t owned a hair dryer in years, and I’ve never had a curling iron or straightening iron.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
Okay, this is my one hair indulgence and if feel embarrassed to even say, but I use Phillip B Russian Amber Shampoo and I love it.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change? Yes, very emotional about my hair. With big hair, a hat and sunglasses it’s easy to “hide” and I like that. Also my mom had me keep the Dorothy Hamil haircut for most of my youth. She curled my hair every morning and I found it to be torture. Once I was able to make my own hair decisions I grew it long and never looked back.
As for haircut expenses, I’ve cut my own hair for a few years now. Mostly because when I moved I couldn’t find anyone who I loved as much as my own stylist and because I think going to the saloon is such a chore. This way it’s more money towards the shampoo 😉
Should be “old” stylist and “salon” not saloons! Ha!
that was funny though 🙂
i love beach hair!! i never dry my hair with a hair dryer, and when it’s warm here, i’ll dry it outside while i’m walking dagny, bonus if it’s windy 🙂
i am definitely not one to judge pricey purchases!!! if that shampoo works for you and you love it, that’s all that matters. it sounds heavenly, and i LOVE amber oil. but i don’t cut my own hair, so no philip b for me LOL
yeah, totally worth it not to cry after a bad haircut!! when i had long hair i tried some cheaper places for haircuts and always left disappointed. i was like, how on earth do you mess up a hair cut?? but inevitably, it looked terrible. not saying that there’s any specific price point at which you’ll always get a good haircut, but i choose my stylists very carefully…either personal recommendation or a TON of research!! i don’t mind changing my hair frequently if i have a good stylist, but i do hate a bad haircut.
haha.i just washed my hair and hated every second of it LOL
i have a lot of hair falling out now too, which is such a pain.
Yay, I love these posts!
1. I started having my hair professionally colored in my 20s when I saw my first greys, and just did a semi-permanent color, which fades without the line. But then my stylist had some personal issues and disappeared for a bit (she ran her own booth at one of those salon galleries), so I started doing it myself with a natural color I bought at Sprouts. I hated that, and finally found a new stylist closer to my house. She’s amazing and supported me when I got tired of hiding the greys and wanted to embrace them. Now, I get a clear glaze every 8 weeks and a keratin conditioning treatment (not the straightening one that takes hours), and I’m happy with my hair. I mostly have grey hair in the front, and I am okay with it showing. It took me a long time to get there, but here I am. What I learned when I stopped coloring my hair is that I’m not really that grey, so as I get older, it will look more natural as my hair does change color. Also, grey hair is much more accepted now than when I was younger, and I notice lots of women of all ages with it. I also have curly hair, and I like that it looks different.
2. I shampoo every day, but I am trying to go a day or two with just conditioning. I’m a weirdo, and I just don’t feel completely clean if I take a shower and don’t wash my hair. I need to get over that, I guess. Also, my hair is a mess when I wake up in the morning, so it’s just easier to start fresh every day.
3. I have naturally curly hair and I never blow it dry or straighten it. My stylist does to see my layers, and while I like how it looks, I don’t feel like myself. But everyone always compliments me when I wear it straight, even though I can’t stand it. I love having curly hair, for the most part. I wore it very long in high school and have had it all different lengths since then. In November, after getting my dog and spending so much time outside with her, I had my stylist literally chop it into a blunt bob, and I love it. I’ve always loved that look but worried about the triangle shape with curly hair. Now, it’s in style and I think it suits me.
4. I go to a Paul Mitchell salon, so I use their products, which are great for curly hair. I also really like some of the DevaCurl products and get them at Sephora.
5. It probably doesn’t sound like it, but like you, I’m not really emotional about my hair. I do worry about hair loss, since my mom has dealt with it as she’s gotten older (she has always colored her hair), so that was part of the reason I stopped coloring it. I also use a homemade rosemary oil and castor oil serum, and put some drops of rosemary oil into my shampoo and conditioner, because I read a study that rosemary oil has been known to be as effective as OTC rogaine when used for 6 months. As far as the style, I enjoy changing it and don’t take it too seriously. Curly hair never looks perfect, so that makes it easier, I think. Oh, and I pay between $100 and $200 for my hair appointments every two months. That and monthly massages are my main sources of self care and I don’t feel guilty. 🙂
1. Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
I’ve been coloring my hair since I was 15 or 16? Started with sun-in (didn’t everyone in the 80s?) and colored mousses (that dyed my sun-in bleached hair maroon for 2 months instead of washing out…) Have pretty much dyed it ever since – almost always at home, usually not very far from my natural color. Medium or light auburn for most of my 20s. Golden brown now in my mid-40s – I started having greys at 25 or so.
2. How often do you shampoo?
Every day. My hair is super fine and mostly flat and I HATE oily/greasy hair.
3. What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
In my teens & 20s, I’d do a perm every 5-8 years or so. Haven’t now in maybe 18 years? Mostly bob or lob. I cut it to my chin then grow it out because I prefer to travel with longer hair I can put up in a french twist when it’s sweaty out. My hair doesn’t air dry “well” so putting it up is best on business travel. The older I get, the more I’m willing to let it do what it wants when I’m on vacation. Right now it’s about collarbone length and I’m aiming for the Madame Secretary/Tea Leoni look. I’ll never look like HER, but maybe I can emulate her hairstyle….I too have said “it’s only hair” but I also know I don’t like short hair on me, nor do I like bangs. Might not be “bad” looks for me, but I don’t want to mess with the cuts…
4. What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
Meh. I’m not wedded to ANY lotion or potion in my bathroom. Always like to try new stuff. I shampoo & condition, deep condition once a week or so, use a root lift before air drying.
5. Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
More lazy than emotionally attached.
Price – I pay $50 for a cut (and $8 for color since I DIY 😉 I’ve been with my current hairdresser 8 years and she’s the best I had since I was in grad school in Salt Lake City in the mid-90s, so I’m happy I have her at that price. I’d be willing to pay more if I had to, but that’s also because I’ll go 2-3 months without a cut (again with the lazy 😉
I do as well. Someone years ago recommended adding liquid biotin,liquid melatonin, rosemary, lavender and tea tree to shampoo and using it. That seems to help.
Also, I don’t really LOVE going to the salon. To me, it feels like going to the dentist, but at least I can sip a Starbucks drink while I’m there. The best part is when I leave and my hair looks great. 🙂
Oh, this is easy.
1) Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
–I have a bright magenta streak currently, otherwise no. I’m a medium/light brunette (former blonde), and the grays are coming in but f- that who cares. It’s a pain to cover up and then when it grows out it looks awful. So no.
I did highlights starting sometime in high school and I always liked trying Sun-In or the one time I tried to dye it with Jello (it was the 90s, c’mon). I was platinum blonde with a pixie for about a year, but that shit was EXPENSIVE so it was a very brief adventure.
2) How often do you shampoo?
–Every other day because work, often not at all on the weekends. More in the summer with sweat, less in the winter.
3) What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
–A long lob, just below shoulder length. I was growing it out for fun, but the strands are fine and it’s thick and wavy, and it got REAL tangled frequently the longer it got. This is a good length that I can still pull back when it’s super hot but also it doesn’t get in my armpits because I’ve not had super long hair my whole life and this is a THING and it’s AWFUL. I don’t know how long-haired ladies deal with it. They must not sweat as much as I do.
4) What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
–Not sure I have a favorite at the moment. I’ve always loved Aveda and have been using Jason lately and am currently trying that organic brand that’s at Target, Acure. I LOVE Unite’s 7 Seconds detangler, and Kevin Murphy’s Motion Lotion seems to do me well to encourage waves. I’ve been very tempted to try New Wash, but the price is really unappealing.
5) Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
–Nope, it’s just hair. My younger sister and I grew up with short hair (and all of the horrible things kids say to girls with short hair), so I truly don’t care much. I do wish I’d shaved my head at some point in college, however. Just to see what it looks like.
Oh, and I currently pay less than $50 for a haircut and I really can’t see a reason to ever pay much more. I get a good cut for me for what I pay and I can’t fathom paying double when you need to get your hair cut every 6 weeks (depending on style/length). And I live in Chicago, where it’s pretty easy to find a $$$ haircut.
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
nope! I’m starting to go gray around my crown as I get closer to 40, but not sure if I will ever take the plunge. I love gray hair on some women!
How often do you shampoo?
about 3x per week. i have lots and lots of wavy hair and could go longer but my scalp gets itchy and flakey (yum) and regardless of trying everything out there, more frequent shampooing is all that seems to help.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
i basically ask my hair stylist to do whatever they think, and go with it. it tends to not be too dramatic that way.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
i have used many oribe products and currently use their conditioning shampoo mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil. its a splurge but my stylist said i could use it without conditioner, which was how i justified the cost. of course, in the end, i still wind up using conditioner – just started using davines love conditioner. its super thick and purple and i love it.
currently using arrojo anti-frizz cream when i remember – otherwise nothing.
also, kiehls magic elixir for my scalp.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
easy to change (as long as it’s cut well and grows in well!)
as for cost, i pay about $120 for cuts with tip. i feel justified because (a) i get two haircuts a year, (b) i don’t color or do any other treatments (although i do spend $$$ on products), and (c) i get it cut in nyc, where that is not considered crazy. i actually don’t think cutting hair is easy – you have to really know what will work for a huge variety of hair types.
i finally left my long-term stylist a few years ago, and although i loved him it has been so much fun to try out new places. i kind of never want to commit to one person again.
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Not really. When it’s longer (chin to shoulder length is “long” for me), I condition with henna a couple times a year, and that gives my super dark brown a bit of an auburn tint, especially in summer sun, but otherwise no. I tried full-on black in high school, also blue and purple, but no real desire to do that again.
How often do you shampoo?
When it’s pixie short, maybe once a week, or less. When it grows out a bit, maybe two or three times a week? Even with a longer bob, I think second and third day hair are my best. I have dry hair, not greasy.
What’s your current hairstyle…?
Rocking a pixie after growing out my last one to along bob. I waited until my bangs were fully grown out, so it’s the longest in my adult life I’ve ever gone without a major chop. I like change. 😉
Favorite products…
Uh, not much of anything. I use Liggett’s Bar Shampoo because it’s made locally-to-me, and doesn’t use any plastic packaging, and, according to them, is pH balanced so no need for conditioner (I have found this to be the case, but might not be true for long full hair). I find most conditioners weigh my hair down in a way I don’t like, and require me to wash more often.
Emotional? Me?
Enh, not super much. I get bored more easily than I get attached. No fear of change. The most fun I ever had with my hair was shaving it all off (this was about 5 years ago). I got a tattoo on the back of my head while I was at it. I got A LOT of compliments when it was shaved and just a bit of fuzz grown in — that Sinead O’Connor vibe 🙂 .
Re: cost — I almost always cut my own. The last time I got a professional cut (when my son was a newborn and I just felt totally overwhelmed at the thought of doing it myself and was grateful for any excuse to have a little excursion all by myself) it cost me a little over $30. I still went home and fiddled with it and trimmed some things differently than she did, so no, it didn’t feel worth it. I don’t think I’ve gotten a professional cut I’ve been happy with, um, ever. I always find something the next day I feel like I have to change. So I started teaching myself some basic hair dressing skills. If I had the cash to throw around, I’d be curious to see what a $$$ cut is like, and if it would feel worth it to me. I think the real investment is staying with one stylist long enough that they can get to know your preferences — never been possible for me, since I’ve moved around a lot.
This is a timely post for me. Just found out that I need chemo and will lose my hair. So quickly all my hair “issues” went out the window and I would now do anything just to hold onto this hair that doesn’t behave. I am afraid to have to wear a wig everyday. The thing I am looking forward to is trying out longer hair again and having every day a “good hair day”.
Thanks Grechen, This has been a fun thread. I enjoy everybody’s answers. So I guess I should say thanks to you all!
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
I used to cut my hair when I was younger. I played with different colors and enjoyed that even if the color I was experimenting with didn’t look good. I thought it was fun. Now? At some point, it was like I was coloring my hair to hide my gray and I didn’t like the idea of hiding. So it’s all natural now and, primarily gray. As I’ve stated on other comments, I was an athlete for a long time and still do a fair bit of training. The fact that I can ride my bike in a pretty bad a$$ way with a gray ponytail poking out of my bike helmet is awesome and I enjoy the young guy’s seeing a middle aged woman’s athleticism.
How often do you shampoo?
I can do twice a week but, when I ride a lot, my hair is gummed up with salt and not in a ‘beachy’ way. It’s pretty gross. So I usually wash about 3 times a week but will frequently rinse the salt (from sweat) out and just use conditioner.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
I change it fairly often. Last year I had a pixie and now it’s in a ponytail. I cannot be monogamous to my hair style!
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
I’m always experimenting but the older I get the less I use.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
I used to and, like another reader, a bad haircut could make me cry. Now? I’ve found the first hair stylist I love and she’s always making me look good and, at $50.00 a cut, that’s a pretty fair price too.
I love when you do these 5 questions things because I love reading everyone’s comments (and yours!). It’s fun to learn about how other people do things.
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Oh yes, I’ve tried almost every color out there, and I do mean every color. I started coloring it on my own once I was out of the house ( my parents HATE hair coloring), and during the past few years I’ve experimented with a lot of different colors. I try to take care of it while I’m coloring, since that can be pretty harsh, but I’ve got suprisingly sturdy hair. Right now it’s mostly my natural color since I got a new job (no purple for now…sigh…)
How often do you shampoo?
Almost every day, usually I don’t on the weekends, but if I’m going somewhere like work, then I definitely shampoo. My hair gets very greasy very quickly, and I can’t stand the greasy feeling. I also hate how it looks when it’s greasy – I look noticeably dirty.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
Grown out undercut! I had a shaved undercut with an inverted bob for a while, and loved it, but I’m ready to have long hair again. I change my hair ALL THE TIME. I wish I could change it like Tonks in Harry Potter, where she just magically makes it short or long or a different color.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
SheaMoisture products work really well for me, especially since my coloring adventures. In particular the Coconut & Hibiscus spray is amazing for my hair – it’s thick and wavy with no real pattern, and this stuff works the best for air drying.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
I used to get emotional, and I think a lot of that was influenced by my mom – she’s had the same haircut for like 30 years, and always hates it, but she never gets anything different because she’s too afraid. I used to get super upset if my cut was bad or not to my liking, but now I really don’t care. Also it helps to have an amazing stylist – she never gives a bad cut and they always grow out really well, including my awkward grown out undercut bob!
Bonus question: I’m totally willing to pay for a cut, and I pay about $100 for my current stylist, but I’d pay her more because she’s amazing. However I only get my hair cut about once every 6-8 months. For color – eh, I’d be willing to pay a reasonable amount for a really good color job, but since I’ve done a lot of home coloring myself, I’m not as willing to shell out the dough. I definitely know my color jobs are nowhere near the quality of a trained colorist, but I’m okay with that. I think when my hair gets long I’ll finally treat myself to a good balayage job. 🙂
What a fun topic! I loved reading everyone’s answers.
1. Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Nope. I did when I was in high school and college, but I prefer to keep my hair long (mid-back to waist length) and coloring that is too much work, and besides, I’m happy with my natural hair color. I’m in my mid 30s and don’t have any greys, but once I do I plan to just embrace them. (We will see how that goes!)
2. How often do you shampoo?
Every other day. I’ve tried to go longer and just can’t. My hair gets really greasy but also my scalp gets flaky and it grosses me out. I run three to four times a week and wash my hair after a run.
3. t’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
Long, all-over layers. I chop it off to donate every few years, then grow it back out, but my hair is always some version of long, all-over layers.
4. What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
I am not loyal to hair products. I used to be, but now I just use a sulfate free shampoo and silicone free conditioner, and some coconut oil or shea butter on the ends to smooth them.
5. Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
SO EMOTIONAL. I am very attached to my hair and hate changing it. I force myself to donate it every couple of years and always hate it for at least a few months until it starts to grow back. I try to detach myself and it obviously doesn’t work, haha.
Bonus question:
I hate paying for hair cuts. I haven’t found a stylist I’m happy with so I bounce around. I live in Hawaii and hair cuts are expensive (well, everything here is expensive!). I need to watch some youtube videos and teach myself to cut my own hair!
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
I did from about high school until age 30. Usually red but once dark with blond and purple streaks… On September 10, 2010 I was driving from Boston to Nashville and I inadvertently dyed it deep deep purple. I had just turned 30, had recently been dumped from an intense relationship, and then the 9/11 attacks happened. When I returned to Boston the next week I went to a salon and had it dyed back to something similar to my natural dark brown and haven’t colored it since. At 45 the grays are coming in but I think I’m going to just let them.
How often do you shampoo?
Almost never. My hair is wavy and super thin. Not as in fine but as in it is seriously thinning on top. I try to do as little as possible that would cause me to lose any more.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
Between ear and chin length with long layers. I like it fine. I’m not sure I love it. When it gets longer than my chin it just looks stringy and I’m a little afraid to go full on pixie (see volume issues).
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
The ocean! Other than that, nothing.
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
Is self consciousness an emotion? 🙂
Question 1: I used to color my hair. I started at age 26 when it started going grey. I have been brunette, reddish, and platinum blonde. I got fed up with my “skunk stripe” and having to go in every few weeks to color it, so I had it trimmed to 1/2 inch all over and just let it go when I was 35. I am 55 now, and it gone from salt and pepper to now nearly white.
Question 2: I shampoo twice a week.
Question 3: My current hairstyle is a pretty short pixie with a slightly longer bang. I am in the process of trying to grow it out, but I don’t know how long I will last before I get fed up and cut it all off. The texture is appalling and the density has really diminished. I had super long, super fuzzy hair that I wore in a ponytail everyday before I cut it all off again.
Question 4: I don’t have any favorite products. I am using Joico purple shampoo and it is super drying. I think I will change it up.
Question 5: I am only emotional about the hair loss I have suffered. That actually put me into a deep depression. Now I just don’t care if I cut all the crap off and it is gone forever. I have a few wigs that are pretty nice. My hair has never looked good.
Bonus: I pay about $80 including tip. I have been to the same stylist for most of my life(which might be why I have always disliked my hair!!)
Forgot the bonus question: I currently alternate between Great Clips and a trendier (slightly more expensive) version of Great Clips. If I found a stylist who could make me feel less self conscious I would gladly play lots!
oh mallory…i’m sorry you have to go through that. but yes, it does put things in perspective 🙁
it might be fun to play around with wigs though? when i had a pixie cut i always was thinking about playing around with wigs.
Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
I don’t. I’m in my mid 50s and look about 10-15 years younger (according to most people I know), and I like my little gray streak. I have very dark brown hair, and box dye does nothing The one time I did a double process or whatever it’s called I hated it because it took so long and the chemicals gave me a headache.
How often do you shampoo?
2-3 times a week.
What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
I hardly ever change my hair. It’s thick, fine and wavy/curly, and I don’t like to heat style it, there is one style (layered to my chin in front, collarbone for the rest) that looks good so I stick to it. I haven’t had my hair professional cut since 2014, I’ve trimmed it once or twice myself since then. I think it’s tough to find someone who understands how to cut my hair so it looks good curly, but maybe that’s changed now that curly hair is more acceptable.
What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
I like Living Proof No Frizz, Restore and Perfect Hair Day and Davines Love and Oi products
Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
I don’t find it easy to change because I don’t like to work on it at all, and I have found that hard to communicate to stylists. I did have one style that was shorter in the front so I could style the front with velcro rollers and let it air dry, but really, I just don’t want to straighten it at all. SO I have been unhappy with those styles, but it’s more that I hate to style my hair I think that that I love having it one way if that makes sense.
1. Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Not any more. Back in the late 1990s/early 2000s, I did the of-the-moment thing with black cherry-colored hair, and then I was changing planes in Dallas one day, saw a woman whose hair had gone a weird orange-y magenta, and realized that would be me if I didn’t develop a different relationship with color.
Now I’m in my mid-40s and the grey hairs are coming in where the blondes used to happen in the summer. I dig it, especially around my temples.
2. How often do you shampoo?
I’m a swimmer and a hiker, so I generally try for a clarifying shampoo 2x a week, conditioner daily. My hair is very fine, dry and wavy, so I try to make sure it’s not too weighed down with sweat or pool chemicals.
3. What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
I’ve got an undercut bob with some slightly choppy short pieces in the front. This is basically the perfect length for me, and since I air dry my hair most days, it turns out wavy and slightly messy, which I like. It’s a great change from all the glossy-blown-out looks. I tweak the bob from time to time — sometimes blunt cut, sometimes bangs, sometimes more lob. But I don’t have great hair and I don’t have the right face for short hair, so a bob it will be.
4. What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
I swear I’m not getting paid by Aveda. I like the rosemary-mint shampoo, the Invati thickening conditioner or Pure Abundance clay conditioner for everyday use, the Brilliant conditioner as something to slick on before swimming, and the Damage Remedy restructuring conditioner as a once-a-week deep treatment. I use the anti-humectant pomade to smooth down frizzies in my hair.
And I’ll come out and admit it: my hair began thinning in my 30s, thanks to a now-corrected hormone imbalance. I’m taking a raft of vitamins every day, which has helped stem the loss and keep my current hair from breaking, but I’m also using Rogaine mousse every day too. That’s helped with growth considerably, but I’m basically committed to it for life.
5. Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
I got very emotional about it when it began thinning and nobody could tell me why. Now that I have both answers and fixatives, I’m back to just being like, “Some people have good hair. I do not, but I have amazing skin and a great smile.”
1. No I do not colour my hair. I had highlights put in my hair about 15 years ago (I am 61) and hated it. I have golden blonde hair so I really don’t know why I did that. The grey is coming in but is not noticeable yet.
2. I shampoo my hair about twice a week. I have always done this. I don’t mind shampooing it but it doesn’t need it more often.
3. My hair is just below my shoulders with long layers. I have had a variation of this haircut for years. It works for me. I can go without blow drying it and it looks good. My hair is fine but I have lots of it. I probably have what people call “good hair”. It usually looks good. I am thankful for that.
4. I change products all the time. Nothing fancy. Right now I am using Paul Mitchell Shampoo and Conditioner and some type of gel. When I run out I will try something else. I never notice a difference. I don’t like products to smell too much.
5. I am very attached to my hair. I have been going to the same hairstylist for 35 years. I love her. She understands me and my hair. When I was a teenager my hair was to my waist and then I cut it to my shoulders. I don’t think I will go short.
1. YES! I color my hair, which is about 50% grey and it’s not a nice grey right now…it makes my hair look “mousy” (as my previous hairstylist told me….hence, “previous”!), so I get root touch ups and a few balyage highlights painted on about every 2-3 months and it miraculously allows my greys to blend in. It helps being tall because no one can see the top of my head. 😉
I’ve been playing around with haircolor, i.e. Sun-In, DIY highlights, etc. since I was a Freshman in HS….probably nurtured by my best friend whose mom was a hairstylist.
2. I shampoo about every three days, and on days that I don’t, I use Ouai or Batiste dry shampoo or I run my head under the faucet and just wet it down. Ah, but menopause….that stinker plays games with my scalp: Sometimes oily, sometimes dry, and have I mentioned that my texture completely changed from slight wave to curly? I had to learn a whole new skill set to deal with it! Thank God for my stylist!!!
3.My hair is now about shoulder length, naturally curly with some miraculous layers cut in that allow me to wash, squish a cocktail of products through, tousle and GO! I used to change my hairstyle up in a major way several times per year, and then I went through a phase, not unlike yours Grechen, where I’d have whoever was styling it at the time tweak it from one cut to the next. You are SO right!!! When you find a style and stylist that knows your hair, it changes your life (seriously…my hair and I previously had a love/hate thing going on!). Since I switched to a bit longer and natural curl, I can go 2-3 months before I need a cut. Because of the cost, I alternate color/cut. I think you can tell that I’ve found my groove!
4. A better question is “What products DON’T you use?” 🙂 I love luxurious hair products,but I have a Kmart budget, so I try to win good stuff, & get really great Oribe or Ouai samples for travel. I sometimes purchase Pureology, Devacurl or Aveda for curly hair or Phillip Kingsley when my eczema kicks up. I shake out my Deva towel dried hair upside down & then scrunch my cocktail” is a golfball sized dollop of mousse, a squirt of curl cream and a few drops of Moroccan Oil thru my curls and flip my head up to let it dry naturally.
5.Im VERY emotional about my hair! How it looks has so much to do with how I feel about myself. I say that and feel guilty knowing how hard it was for my BFF to go thru cancer treatment and lose all of hers twice. But I’m a vain creature, and I have some very negative memories of bad haircuts/styles that led to me being teased.
Where I live, you can’t get a “cheap” haircut…Well, it’s possible, buts it’s very much “You get what you pay for” so I asked around for recommendations and the same name popped up several times. My celebrity hairstylist (True, true, but we laugh about it!) also styles Christie Brinkley, a former Miss Universe (tell me that’s not intimidating when I’m sitting there looking like a drowned rat next to this stunning creature) among other Hampton socialites. But because my daughter is best friends with her goddaughter and she likes me, she always gives me break on price and well, I just love her! I pay $100 for a cut and color is anywhere from $80 to $125. And that with the discount!
Welcome to the world of perimenopause! But seriously, I’ve gone thru it at various times…stress, loss, big changes in life, moving, etc. …and hormones. Ugh. Take a Biotin supplement. It’s made a world of difference and now my nails are super-healthy, too.
Isn’t it interesting how those old childhood haircut memories stick with us and influence our choices today?!?
I’m running to the health food store right now to buy rosemary oil! Thx for the tip, Catherine!
1. Do you color your hair? Why or why not? When did you start?
Yes! 🙂 I started in junior high with lemon juice, peroxide, and conditioner sprayed on my hair while I laid in the sun over the summer, covering my face and body with a sheet because I didn’t want a tan. This led to a major overuse of Sun-In before finally moving on to bleaching my hair in high school. I wanted grey hair so badly, but my mom thought that was weird (and not accessible a that time), so I wanted white! I stopped dying a few years after high school, and went all natural for many years. My hair grew down to my hips, long and straight (but thin). Then I chopped it to a pixie. Then I went grey. Now it’s white. Not natural. But I love it. Brown is my natural color, but browns just don’t suit me. I’m embracing my inner grandma.
2. How often do you shampoo?
Once a week in winter, every 5 days in summer. Dry shampoo on day 3 or 4.
3. What’s your current hairstyle? How often do you change it? or have you found something you love and stick with it?
Asymmetrical long pixie/short half bob? with asymmetric undercut. I didn’t get my hair cut from age 12 until I went for the big chop (except for twice randomly – I just trimmed myself) 3-4 years ago. When it was long I would do all kinds of updos. When I chopped I went through many different variations on a pixie – from super short to shaggy, and have settled on where it is now. It’s easy, it suits my hair, and I’ll keep it this way until I get sick of it.
4. What are your favorite products to use on your hair?
Whatever my hairstylist tells me to use. haha. Kevin Murphy products are the best because they smell SO GOOD. I tend to not experiment on my own with product, too many bad experiences. But I’ve loved reading through everyone’s favorites!
5. Do you get very emotional when it comes to your hair? are you attached to it? or do you find it easy to change?
Yes and no. It took a year of longing for a pixie cut to chop it off. And once it was done I just thought “why didn’t I do this sooner?” Same with dying/bleaching it again. If it’s a change I’m really interested in and have though through, I go for it.