Hairstyles - What style do you have at the moment?

[IvortheEngine]

I need to have a complete restyle I think. My hair has almost reached the length I need to put it up comfortably except I'm rubbish at it. I'm thinking of having it cut to chin level in a graduated bob (I think that's what it is called.) I had it once before and, for once, my hair looked okay. I also had it permed a few years ago when it was about this length. What styles are "in" right now? I have a fairly round face and wear glasses if that makes any difference. Oh, yes, and I'm mid 30s. I'd welcome any advice. TIA

I think shorter hair needs more attention than long. Would that be a factor in deciding, the upkeep?

I think you ARE going round in circles a bit! I do the same. There is a huge "thing" about having long hair, that seems to outweigh whether it suits them. As soon as my fairly short choppy-ish bob-like hair grows out I begin the fantasy of having long hair that I can put up and have wispy tendrils flatteringly curling about my face.... IN reality long hair just drags my face down and seems to exaggerate the depressing southward movement of the lines on my face. Therefore I invariably feel better the minute I get it cut. If your face is round then perhaps long hair would be fine for you - but there is long straight, long layered, long curly - It really sounds like you could do with a very sympathetic consultation so you can express all your feelings.

I so agree that it is about confidence, and why shouldn't you spend a lot of time working out what suits you? You wouldn't spend £40 plus on a top without trying it on, so you really want to feel sure that the cut you go for is one that will work for you. Is there not a middle ground here? A mid length style (the hair magazines usually split hair into long, mid length, short and bobs) that is a little bit structured, but that can still be put up should not be impossible.

I think it is worth brainstorming the kind of words that sum up the look you are after - sexy, sophisticated, carefree, confident, groomed, tousled - whatever, as that can give a lot of clues to the style you really want. I always want to tell the hairdresser to make me look drop dead gorgeous but am far to embarrassed so just use words like "easy to manage"!

Just don't cut your own fringe. I did last week. I kept trimming bits off to even it up. It's now quarter of an inch long. The rest of my hair is chin length and straggly. It is not pretty. (Sigh), another hair disaster.

Well, as I'm now working (part time) I feel that I can spend money on myself without feeling guilty. Hence the new glasses and contact lenses. I have one full day off each week so I can, theoretically, plan in advance haircuts weeks ahead. Thing is, a girl in my office has long hair, is about 10 years younger than me and looks great (except when she goes to the expensive but no good hairdresser) and I feel that I either should look good with long hair or else I should have a different look. Does that make sense?

Not sure I follow you?

Probably a case of the grass is greener. Short hair can look aging as well, if that is what you are worried about.

mgr - I think what I was trying to say is that when it's wet, you can convince yourself that it will adapt itself to any hairstyle. When it is dry, reality kicks in.

lou - You're probably right!

Well, I must go to bed now. Thanks everyone for your replies.

Good luck Ivor -still not sure what you mean about the comparison with the younger girl in your office, but am sure that when you have your hair cut well, short or long, you will feel good and that will give you a lift, and you won't need to compare yourself with anyone else.