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I've been growing my hair out for a while now (about 4 1/2 - 5 inches long) and it's really starting to annoy me. Now i know you'll tell me it's getting into awkward stage but all of a sudden it's just behaving differently to how i want it. I don't know what it is but I don't like it - one bit! I have straight hair and the hair on the top, front and sides are all straight. There's just this little issue that at the back my hair flicks outwards and goes into little curls, more than just a little flick. I really don't understand this seeing as the rest of my hair is straight, and it's not as though it curls a small amount either; its alot! The back of my hair just reaches my collar and i don't know what to do about it as I really don't fancie a haircut. Along with this there is also the problem with my bangs, they're just not falling right and it looks really stupid. I feel embaressed to go out with hair in this state, and it's just starting to get really discouraging.
Anyway, i know i've dragged on but i just need some positive advise on what to do as I feel i'm almost on the brink of giving up. Thanks
All part of the Awkward Stage for many of us with straight hair. The same happened to myself when the hair reached the shoulders and for a while the flips went wild. But as it grows further, the "flips" simmer down and that whole area you speak of at the collar is now straight again as gravity has finally won-out. I can well see your concern and why it is annoying to you.............but the only way to long hair is to continue to let it grow. Good Luck. ps:Wearing shirts without collars should greatly help in reducing the size of these present flips. Also, you may notice that everytime you shampoo and condition the flips for that day are the worst. The next day (if not washed) will see an improvement because the natural oil is returning and helping to excert weight in this area.
For the flick at the bottom when its wet (after towel drying) use a comb and comb it down or into a v shape then dont touch it till its dry! when the hydrogen bonds reform in the hair as it dries it should stay in that shape and not flick. If you cant comb it straight when its wet then it must be of a different hair structure at the back (?)
Happens to me too but I don't get all caught up in it, I'll try Justin's idea one of these days
All very encouraging words, thanks. to be honest, i'm not looking to grow my hair really long, somwhere in-beteween Cruise's hair in M:I-2 and Last Samurai. I am sure your right that as it gets longer it will straighten out although as i'm only looking to grow my hair this long (see picture) which is about 4 months of growth for me (probably) im not sure if this will be enough to make the curls go away. This pic is a good example of what i'm looking for at the back. It's not curly, but it doesn't look as if it has been straightened either. I just can't seem to manage this, and that is what is frustrating at the moment. His hair is thicker at the back than mine, will the thickness also help with the curls, or is that nothing to do with it? Cheers
Given the picture you supplied Cruise's hair is actually no more than 2 inches long at the neckline, this is one of the reasons why its less likely to flip than yours. The flip happens mostly when you reach 4-5 inches and is caused by your hair been pushed against your collar.
One of the other causes of the curls and flips at the back is a heavily layered cut whilst the hair is relatively short. A layered cut is where the hair from the top of hair falls shorter than the hair at the lower back and sides, and where the hair is blended in between.
IE: With five inches hairs at the base of your neck reach down to your collar bone, whilst hairs on top of your head just reach your ears. This is difference is what we mean by layers.
In the Last Samuri, Cruise doesn't have much layering, the hairs on top of his head, fall almost as far down as the lower layers, this way although his hair is longer, there is less flip outs and curls.
In your case, given that you don't want to grow long hair, only mid-length I'd get your hair styled exactly like the picture you included, with 4.5 - 5 inches it should be long enough to get away with.
Yes, I see what you mean about the layering. When i had shorter hair I had quite heavy layering put in, so thats probably one of the factors. Although, would i be right in saying that even if you started growing form a shaved head then the hairs at the top of the head would still fall short from the hairs at the bottom of the head simply because the hairs at the top are further away? Also, would i be right in saying that to get a look similar to the one in Samurai (or in picture) that the base would need to be trimmed every 2 months or so in order to let the hairs at the back catch up ultimatly resusting in hairs that all reach the same point at the neck? This would result in having a thicker head of hair at the base, and therefore resulting in less if a curl/flip. Am I right? Thanks.
is that Cruise is a professional actor, and as such his hair is being taken care of by another professional stylist on the set constantley as is done with all of the other actors. In "real life" we don't know what Cruises hair would really do if he were the sole caretaker of his mane.
Since you are presently not looking to grow your hair as long as are many of us, perhaps consider straightening or go to a Salon and have them show you how to "tame" those flips? True, it may damage your hair somewhat...........but I doubt it is all going to suddenly fall out just because of this. No way! (The Women seem to be doing it all the time and I don't think it upsets them.) Anyway, I am sure you will hit upon something yet. But, I am also sure you will never be able to get your hair to look "exactly" as in the photos of Cruise. Good luck to you and I hope all will work-out well for what you desire as close as possible with your hair.
Yes, your right. I have always considered that his and all other actors/singers etc hair is always being 'done up' for each perfect shot. Sure, I do not expect my hair to be exactly like his, it's a rough guide for an overall look that I like, thats all. Thanks for all your help guys, I appreciate it. For some reason my hairs starting to behave more reasonably again, probably typical of the awkward stage:P
For some reason my hairs starting to behave more reasonably again, probably typical of the awkward stage:P
Yes! Typical of the "Awkward Stage." One day you think you are getting there.............the next a shambles! I am sure for what you desire in a longer hair length Owen, you WILL win-out! :-)
Justin
Yes Exactly right.
Also, would i be right in saying that to get a look similar to the one in Samurai (or in picture) that the base would need to be trimmed every 2 months or so in order to let the hairs at the back catch up ultimatly resusting in hairs that all reach the same point at the neck? This would result in having a thicker head of hair at the base, and therefore resulting in less if a curl/flip. Am I right? Thanks.
Thats the theory yes!
Good Luck
Of course, this is all part of that infamous Awkward Stage.
And when the hair flips upward in back it can be especially annoying
for a guy. And sometimes it can look a bit like a 'woman's style.'
For those who experience this (as I did) it has to be one of the worst
parts of the awkward phase. For several moths is almost drove me nuts.
One technique you might want to try is this: When you hair is still damp,
take a wide-tooth comb and twirl your hair (where it flips) round and round (gently)
like spaghetti on a fork.
At the SAME TIME you are twisting the hair, move gentle DOWNWARD.
In other words, you are creating a downward spiral which gently directs your hair and 'tells it where to go.'
(Wish I had a series of pictures to show you but I don't).
Anyway, it really works...and it got me through the very worst parts
of the 'flip period.'
OVER THE MONTHS your hair will CONTINUE to change. It never ends.
And you have to learn to adjust yourself to every bit of added length
until you reach your goal.
Best wishes and have patience.