new thread
I must compliment Cath.....who is a regular contributor on this site, for her expertise and for her open mindedness about "unisex styles" that some of us guys have opted for. I had mid back length hair for a number of years, and have loved every minute of it, but recently my girlfriend suggested a new style that would be shoulder length. We went thru the mags and she suggested a Gillian Anderson bob. It took me a while to be convinced, but after reading the messages from Cath with suggestions for different bob styles could work for guys, I got inspired. We went to my girl's friend who is a stylist and I got the works! My hair is done in a long bob and I was given a body wave so that the ends resting on my shoulder would curl under more easily. My girl helps me with the upkeep, and I am becoming pretty good with hot rollers . If it wasn't for reading the astute comments from Cath, I don't think that I could have done it. Thanks a bunch!!!!
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Jayme,
I am glad you like your new cut and thank you for your kind comments. However, in this case it sounds as though the credit is down to you (for your bravery in trying something new) and your girlfriend (for inspiration) and of course the skill of the stylist who did your hair.
I have done a number of post suggesting 'unisex' styles because I like them, other gitrls I know like them and most importantly most of the guys that have tried them like them. I think people need to recognise that hair is hair whether its on a man or woman and yes society does dictate certain conventions about what is a masculine or feminine style, but those edges can certainly be blurred and guys who wear their hair longer than average and well on the way already to blurring those edges. Also there is a stigma about guys with long hair, but I believe that this is in part due to long hair on men being associated with an unkempt or scruffy look. I think that if guys adopt a specific and definite style (which does not need to be feminine in any way) then the neater/more styled approach can help break down these barriers. Those guys who get the most compliments are often those with neater hair and well kept hair which is in good condition. Finally I am not sure what a masculine or feminine hair cut is and while those pics that I have posted (especially most recently) have been of women this is only because it is easier to find pics of women with those styles. I am always on the look out for pics of guys with similar cuts too.
I think the bob cut you have gone for is a great compromise style for longer hair which is easily manageable. I would be intersted to know what reaction you have got from others (at work, friends, family etc). I hope it all goes well and keep us posted.
Also the pic did not come out. Are you posting from a server - if so put the URL in the box marked optional image URL. If you tried to include the pic in your message and cannot put it on a web site - you can't do this - see Victors response to an earlier message below. Perhaps if you email the pic to Victor he could post it for you.
Cath
Cath and all others helping :
You are all incredible. What wonderful suggestions and kindness you have exhibited. What strides you are helping make toward removing the barriers standing in our way of hair STYLES for al who wish them. I am moved to a point similar to Paul and Tom, mostly from Cath's post showing "another alternative bob style" where the first pic sent was too small. I too have long hair and would like to join the party and finally get a real stylish cut (I'd say feminine but, after all, hair is hair). I can style it that way now, but I am tired of my cut (yuck !). I seek and value your suggestions for a new hair STYLE !
What I would like is something with stylish bangs that can be curled forward ending above the brows, and waves or curls around the rest. Something with plenty of length but with kind of a pouf or wave behind the bangs. I think bangs like on Stlye 3 (Heather posted below) only a little shorter would be nice. I also would like slightly tighter tighter curls than shown on Heather, however, I'm open to waves and full straight hair as well. Extra effort devoted to styling is no problem. What I have to work with is hair 6" past my shoulders, naturally very, almost, too curly, and angled from the back to about 1" below my chin. I'd also like it to look stylish even without extra styling. My only restriction is work, for which I must wear a slicked back ponytail. I think I could glue the bangs back for work with some spray. My hair is brown with and about 65% blonde highlighted.
Thank you all so much for all of your openess, help and for your suggestions now.
Hi Don,
After your nice words I could not let you go without trying to find at least one suggeston, but I have to admit that I have struggled to find any pics for your hair length and basic shape (i.e longer at the back and angled from the chin) - nothing wrong with that though :). The first style I have put here is perhaps a bit shorter than you have at the moment, but has the bangs.
Don,
This second style is longer than your hair but is curlier and has the bangs (I guess from your description this is more what you had in mind).
Don,
This third style is even curlier but the bangs are growing out.
I also had a look at a couple of other pics. The URLs are here:
http://www.sanynet.or.jp/sugano/Teri04.jpg
http://www.celebritypictures.com/MelanieGriffith/pics/melanie8.jpg
The first is a shorter flip style and the second is a culy bob style with growing out bangs. I would go with not trying to straighten your hair too much, unless you just want to try blow drying it straighter, best to work with what you have got and concentrate on a good cut.
Do you intend growing it longer - if so it may be worth growing it all to one length.
Let me know what you like/dislike here and we may be able to narrow down onto something that you had more in mind.
Cath
Oh I really like this style! But I guess I'd have to get a perm to get these curls.
Cath, many thanks to you from me too for helping us.
Tom
Cath,
Thanks for all of your help. Wow, I never really thought it would be so difficult to choose a new cut. My hair looks almost identical to Rachel's ("even curlier") except for the bangs, which I do not have, length is about the same, and so is color.
I like Courtney's and Teri's bangs (Teri's maybe a little longer). Claudia's bangs are a little too short for me. What I think I have in mind is putting Courtney's or Heather's (previous posts) bangs on Rachel's hair. I would like to style it without such tight curls though. I prefer more defined curls for a neater overall appearance, with some fullnes behind the bangs. This is the primary reason I want a change. Without sufficient styling, it looks like a big mass of kinky or permed curls, whereas I prefer defined smooth curls.
I've seen pics of Heather with her hair curled and thought it looked great. She wore it on Letterman one night that way. Your third post of her with waves is close to the cut I want, I would like it a bit longer, but the neatness and bangs are in line with my thinking. Maybe we could increase Courtney's length and add some defined curl and we would have a winner. Another thought is the long Gillian Anderson, where she is wearing sun glasses and sitting on a step, with curls. Unfortunately working girl Melanie is definitely a no go.
Does Stephanie Seymore have bangs ? I know I like her overall style. Maybe we could check into her look.
Thank you again, this is really great, I appreciate all of the suggestions and any others you may have the resources and kindness to find.
-Don F.
Don,
Here is an image I found of Heather with curlier hair and longish bangs which are flicked - I guess you could shorten these a bit if you want.
I had a look at some Stephanie Seymour sites and could not find any of her with either curly hair or with bangs (they had all grown out) if you find anything you like why not post it here. Similarly I have only found one of GA with long curly hair and its her all glammed up so you cant really see too much of her hair (she is wearing a hat).
As for posting Melanie - oops sorry I meant to post a pic of Kelly McGuninnes with her curly bob from Top Gun - but that seems to be a bit too short.
A question - you said your hair is curly like Rachels - this is natural I assume - so how do you intend to relax the tight curls to get the look you want - can you just blow dry it out or are you going to roller set it?
Again, let us know what you think.
Cath
Cath,
My curl is natural and very much like Rachel's. I can and already set it and sometimes blowdry and curl. Heather is fairly close, the curls are right, but I don't care for the center part. A couple of 'dos I saw in magazines I liked, but can't scan were old Tracy Bregman with long hair, curls and bangs waved, Christy Clark bangs and waves, and several other soap star 'dos, even a Kristin Alfonso.
Thanks, and please post anything else you see. I have to go out of town this weekend, so I won't be able to check back until Monday pm.
I really appreciate your efforts.
Don F.
Cath,
What do you think of this 'do. I love the bangs and overall shape. Now if
we could just get some defined curls. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Don F
Hi Don,
Yes that looks OK - I care less for the cigarette though!!. Perosnally, I think this type of style probably is more suited to straight hair with just a bit of movement, but the general shape I agree is good and it has the bangs that you want. Do you want to impose the Heather Locklear type curls onto this? Is this picture more like your hair is at the moment and is it a similar length?
Let us know and also when do you intend trying out what you want - are you going to a stylist for this - if so I think you could probably give them a reasonable idea of what you want now with this picture and words.
Cath
Hi Cath,
Thanks for your thoughts. I would like to impose Heather type curls on this. Perhaps the third post of Heather even curlier would be nice. The model in this pic has slightly longer hair than I, and mine is as curly as Rachel's. I think with this model's cut and a roller set, I could get the look I want. What is your opinion ?
I have been thinking about a change for a long time, so I want to do it right. I intend to get a cut after summer, because for the sports in which I partake, the bangs would be too much, flying in my face. I need to be able to keep it completely back to see. However, when fall comes around, I can let my hair down ! This will be my first new major cut in 8 years. I am planning for the end of Sept., depending on the weather. However, I am getting a trim and style Tuesday night and I will talk to my stylist about this cut and styling it in curlers. I went to her this past Tuesday and we discussed a really neat idea that I would like to run by you prior to sharing with the whole group. Would it be possible to e-mail you ?
Thanks you so much for all of your help and I am looking forward to reading your responses Monday night when I return home.
Thanks,
Don F.
Hi Don,
I guess I don't mind you emailing me if you don't want to share with the group yet - but I am intrigued. However, please do this by late Monday because I am away on business from Tuesday for at least a week and possibly two and then on vacation for a fortnight so I may not be able to post/or reply for possibly up to 4 weeks after Monday.
Cath
Cath- Just a note to let you know you'll be missed. You're open mindedness, friendliness and knowledge are a rare and refreshing combination.
We'll miss you. Have fun , but hurry back.
Bashful Boy
Hi Cath,
Did you see the part about soap star 'dos in my previous response . Is it possible to check soap sites ? I think we might be able to find something nice there.
Thanks
Don F.