Taking a Stand with Summer Hair

I love everything about this post and this challenge.  This summer my body isn't what I want it to be - I haven't conquered recent weight gain, and don't really like the way my clothes look on me - even the ones that fit properly.  But the fact is, my body is this shape and size right now, and I have to dress it, so it hasn't caused me a whole lot of grief.

What is more difficult for me is hair.  I've been wanting to update my hair, and really enjoying it shoulder length, but wanted it more interesting.  My husband, though, has been asking for me to return to a pixie cut.  I haven't wanted to, because I don't like the shape of my chin (and its double), and feel like a pixie highlights that perceived imperfection.  It's silly, of course, but still an insecurity.

This challenge convinced me to go ahead and take the plunge.  I debated so long that I ended up going to the stylist (a school) with no picture, and only a vague idea of what I wanted, just before it closed yesterday.  I told the student that I wanted a pixie but wanted it to still have some length, and that I wanted her to just cut something that looked good to her.

I almost cried seeing all that hair that I worked so hard to grow out get chopped off, and with the feelings of nakedness and knowing that my chin shape would be un-hideable.  

And to be honest, I'm not sure what I think of the result either - it feels shocking, looks more hard-edge than I was ready for it to look, is very assymetrical... and just will take some getting used to all over.  It took me a half hour to convince myself to leave the house this morning.

But after washing it this afternoon and letting it air dry, I think it'll grow on me.  Hubby wishes it was shorter on top, and I've promised that when it needs a trim (it's already scheduled in June), then I'll go shorter.

I'm feeling brave tonight, so I took pictures - no make up, and my roots desperately need touching up.  But here I am, stepping out with my summer haircut.  Now I feel like I need to use my clothes to add back in a little softness, so I may be revisiting my wardrobe....

Thanks for listening!  :)  (And thanks for the challenge, Angie!)

#1 - #2 The "Before"  I realize you all haven't seen me for a while, but I still like this haircut :) (Also not a fair "before" because it includes make up and styling, which none of the "after" shots do)

#3 - Just home from the salon (I went in gardening clothes, it was so last-minute that I got up the bravery)

#4-#5 After a shower, with no styling.  

Still trying to convince myself not to hide under a rock while my hair grows back, ha.  On one hand, I think it's a lesson to not go to the salon without a picture.  On the other hand, it's remarkably similar to the pictures on my pinterest board that I would have taken to the salon - just a little longer in the front, shorter on the short side, and a little more asymmetrical than I was expecting.

1
2
3
4
5
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

48 Comments

  • Mochi replied 7 years ago

    I like your hair both ways, but your new 'do is really cool and on-trend! I realize you may have felt pressured into doing it, which is part of the problem, very likely....but it looks great. I hope you end up really liking it. 

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    Amy, you are so beautiful!! And it is wonderful to see you. I LOVE the new asymmetrical "do." Brave of you indeed, but it's super flattering and modern and so much fun. You could never look "hard edge" with your warm, gentle smile. You just look smart and savvy. 

  • SarahTheWhite replied 7 years ago

    Way to go embracing the challenge and stepping out of your comfort zone! Angie will be so proud. :-) Also, I LOVE that your husband likes short hair. Do you know how unheard of that is for most guys? I think that is looks wonderful! You can always go in and tweak the things you want different as you find them - short hair is always that kind of a work in progress - but I am kind of loving the asymetricality of it all. And I think the color is awesome!

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Thank you both!

    You know, I think I did feel a little pressured, Mochi, which is funny, because I've been talking for months about returning to a pixie - the longer hair itched so badly on my neck all the time.  But I wasn't psychologically ready for it yet, and not ready for whatever the stylist would come up with either.

    I expect it'll grow on me, and in some way, I like looking confident (like the think the new "do" does.  I just need to conjure up the matching confident feelings :)

  • Beth Ann replied 7 years ago

    Hi Amy!  

    This cut actually draws attention to your eyes, not your jawline and, if your jaw line were epically chiseled, the cut wouldn't work as well.  It's also thick and lively.  I like it a lot, and you'll love it during a hot Plains Summer!  

    Softens in the clothing would be a great thing to explore for Summer, too, when drape is welcome and colors are brighter and lighter!

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    And cross posted with Sarah - thank you also!  I have some of your posted short hair idea looks (and some of Suz's too) pinned in my ideas board.

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Yes BethAnn, and thank you. This cut made me immediately dislike black (which has been a staple for a couple of seasons).  I want lighter and brighter, and went out today and bought a couple of new things in this vein.  I'm looking forward to showing them off :)

  • SarahTheWhite replied 7 years ago

    Awww, I am flattered. Thank you! :-) And yes, I always love Suz' hair!

  • replied 7 years ago

    I love it.  It looks smashing!!!

  • catgirl replied 7 years ago

    Goodness, I think it's great! Give it and yourself time to settle into it, and you will be thrilled. Your old cut was attractive but this is more unusual and fun.

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    Your new do is super cool!

  • Bonnie replied 7 years ago

    I like the way you took a chance and let the hairstylist determine your new haircut. She did a great job and your hair looks wonderful.

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Una, I'm counting on at least liking it once I settle in to it.  My last few cuts have been quite conservative, and I wanted out of that box, but wasn't really ready to exit, I don't think, ha!  :)  Most haircuts that I've had a hard time getting used to have turned out to be favorites though.

  • Adelfa replied 7 years ago

    I think you look wonderful.

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    Well I think the new cut is fantastic. I also have chin issues and a short asymmetric haircut and relate to everything you said, so I will give you one tip. Volume at the crown - the higher you manage to push up the back of the part (I realize this is easier with curly hair that can be scrunched into place), the more you will love this cut. Regardless, it suits you beautifully.

  • Sara L. replied 7 years ago

    I think think you look great! Even with cuts I love it always takes me some time to adjust to how different I look , so maybe some time will change your perspective. Also it takes me a few washes to figure out how to do my hair - what product to use, how to blow dry etc.

  • Maneera replied 7 years ago

    The new hair looks really great! You instantly look younger, confident, and modern.....compared to the pretty hair & makeup of earlier.

    It suits you beautifully :)

  • Gigi replied 7 years ago

    Wow, I really like the cut! And I hope DH knows how much you love him that you did this. :)

    I once did the same thing--went to a hairstylist and just said, "Do whatever you think looks good." I didn't have hair as long as yours, but she sheared so much off that I looked as if I had just come out of a concentration camp. I went to work the next day hanging my head in embarrassment, but I got TONS of compliments! Everyone liked it. I decided to let my hair grow back, because I didn't care for the style, but at least I know it looked good to others. 

    I think the issue is that maybe this just isn't your style, although it is a very flattering haircut on you. I think that in a couple of weeks you will have a better feeling for whether you like the asymmetry or not, and you can always grow the cut out if you really decide this isn't the look you're after. But in the meantime, rest assured that it looks great.

  • Summer replied 7 years ago

    Your hair looks gorgeous either way, Amy, and the colour is great.  Honestly, the new cut is really flattering for you.

  • Chris987 replied 7 years ago

    I love the new cut! And agree that it does not accentuate your chin, it accentuates your eyes, face, and skin which are all so beautiful. Do give yourself time to get used to it. I think it says something really wonderful about a person that decides to try a very different hairstyle....it shows a sense of adventure, willingness to try new things and take a risk....IMHO those are all tremendously positive characteristics to have ....and with hair you can always grow it out and change it again!

  • BrieN replied 7 years ago

    I think the new hairstyle is lovely on you and it radiates confidence.

  • RandomThoughts (Andrea) replied 7 years ago

    It's adorable, Amy. I love it and think you look fantastic.

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Thanks all!  I ventured out to church this morning, and while I got a lot of comments, not many compliments.  I decided that I'm okay with that.  It's a very different style, and it's growing on me.  I kinda like having a hairstyle that's not everyone's cuppa.

  • Henna Mackoin replied 7 years ago

    I like both of your hairs but the asymmetrical one has more edge to it! :) 

  • Sal replied 7 years ago

    You look lovely Amy.  It is a stunning cut that does call attention to your eyes, and upwards.

    I am pleased you are adjusting to it and liking it.

  • merwoman replied 7 years ago

    Love!!!! I understand how you feel about growing your hair out and then cutting it ...but I'm with your hubby, I love you with short hair! I am instantly drawn to your eyes and smile! Xxxxx Sue

  • MsMaven replied 7 years ago

    I was prepared to hate it but--I love it! You look great! It does draw attention to your eyes. My granddaughter did a very short almost bald cut on one side and long--shoulder length--on the other last year. Once I got used to it I liked it on her. It was sassy and in your face. She's gone into business for herself and doing very well and this cut sent her off on a new direction. Then she cut it shorter on the long side and seems to be letting it grow out. (Normally I only see her every six months and rely on Facebook for in between.)  

    One day I saw an older woman with an asymmetrical cut in the grocery store and thought, good for you! She looked great. (Older meaning at least 60.) 

    One nice thing is that hair grows back. Enjoy it! 

  • Runcarla replied 7 years ago

    LOVE the new do...and, had to look back to see if I saw what you said about the chin...but do not! You can always go 'pixie' from where you are when you go back in June, but this new look is very flattering, and IMO still 'you'.

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Thank you so much all!  It's growing on me quickly with your help :)

  • Mac replied 7 years ago

    I love it. Honestly.( This, coming from a woman who's basically had the same hair cut since she was 4, besides one short cut I hated so much I made the stylist stop mid cut and spend the next 2 years growing back to the same-length, long hair I've always had. hahah) You have such pretty cheek bones and this style seems to highlight them.  No lie, I prefer this cut on you by at least 300% :)  Way to go!

  • Nebraskim replied 7 years ago

    I love the new look. So fresh and young and current. I love the edge and the asymmetry. I liked your "old" hair, but really, it's kind of a dime a dozen cut; it's sort of the quintessential Lincoln, don't you think? Like everyone in town has that look. This new cut is so individual and kinda fierce. Own it and rock it.

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Thank you Kim!  By the way, that Paul Mitchell school of hair at 56th and Hwy 2 (in the 7 day furniture building) is really good - I've been there twice now, and really like the instructors and the students.  I think I'll keep returning.  They did this cut, and the one before.

  • Jeanie replied 7 years ago

    Wow!  I haven't seen you in a while and I am loving the red color and the purple glasses!  Both cuts look great to me!  I think you should do what makes you happy.  I have the same issues with drawing attention to my chin and so I keep mine a little below the chin.  That's just what makes me happy.  

  • Brooklyn replied 7 years ago

    I like it both ways but the new look is more fresh, bold and trendy. YLF.

  • Thirkellgirl replied 7 years ago

    I think it's cute as a button, and I have looked and looked and I don't see anything wrong with your chin at all. :) I've certainly had haircut regret, but I've learned that there are really only two weeks between a haircut I hate and one I hate less ;). I'm glad it's growing on you (no pun intended, just a happy accident). You look spunky and fun!

  • old chic replied 7 years ago

    Wow, you took a chance and really lucked out with that stylist.You look fantastic in both cuts, but the new one definitely has more distinct personality.

  • Lisa replied 7 years ago

    I like both looks, the shorter cut shows off your great eyes. 

  • Niki Lea replied 7 years ago

    Stunning! Your stylist did such a good job!

  • Lavender&Mint replied 7 years ago

    Whoa, I love it. Seriously. The asymmetry is so hot, and I'm really hoping it grows on you! Your old hair looked great, but this has a lot more spunk and personality.

  • El Cee replied 7 years ago

    Oh my! You look stunning in the new hair style. As others have said, it draws attention to your lovely eyes.

  • viva replied 7 years ago

    It can take time to love a haircut with such personality so don't fret. But this one is really well done and looks fab on you! I love it and I hope you will too.

  • Word Lily replied 7 years ago

    OK, it looked great before, but I really love it (like everyone else) after, too. It sounds like you're coming to like it, too, which is good. 

    (I think it's interesting that you went in with an idea and they chopped it more severely than you thought ... every time I go in for a change (it doesn't seem to matter where) they stay too safe, and I can't seem to convince the stylist I'm really serious, and thus the cut isn't as awesome as I wanted.)

  • Nebraskim replied 7 years ago

    A: Thanks for the tip on the Paul Mitchell school. I was in there last week buying some products for my mother and I was intrigued by the place, which was super busy. Hope the Monday storm didn't affect you. K

  • Misia replied 7 years ago

    Wow you new hair looks awesome. I love it!!!

  • amiable replied 7 years ago

    Hannah - that's been my experience too, except at the Paul Mitchell place :)

    Kim, no damage here - we're North and East of Lincoln, and got pea sized hail for a few minutes, but nothing else.  Did you end up okay in your area?

  • Astrid replied 7 years ago

    I think you look great! :) I was always dispassionate about cutting my longer hair off, I swear the hair stylists were usually the more hesitant ones...

    But you can definitely go shorter if you want to. My hair stylist suggested a few times that I go more asymetrical and with a longer fringe, but it's just too much work. A shorter pixie is so much easier and only needs some water in the mornings. I guess that's not an issue with your straight hair though.

    Can't wait to see what you do with it!

  • Sally replied 7 years ago

    You really suit the new hairstyle.  It is very funky.  You are lucky you can wear short hair.  My husband likes short hair too but I don't think it suits me.

  • viva replied 7 years ago

    PS I love that you get it cut at a school! When I was a student in London (eons ago) I got my hair cut at the Vidal Sasson school there. Super cheap and always super chic.

You need to be logged in to comment