I finally got my hair choppity-chop-chopped, and oh, my gosh! — the relief is palpable! After carrying what felt like a 10-pound wet dog on my head since early last year, I feel like a whole new person. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. All the “lly” words. It felt great to unload that reminder of 2020 for me.
I found a salon in my area that offers outdoor haircuts and made an appointment with a gal named Ariana Benoit (found her through a local moms group on Facebook).
One of the group members posted a pic of her layered lob after Ariana had cut it, and she looked so happy and cute. I always get a little nervous when stylists I haven’t gone to before cut my hair because I’ve have so many bad haircuts. Plus, pandemic. But I had to do something because the weight from my hair had been giving me headaches every day.
Even though everyone was masked up and taking precautions, to reduce the amount of time I’d have to be in the chair, the salon suggested I wash my hair at home and arrive to the appointment with it wet, so that’s what I did. I also double-masked and wore my glasses.
I brought a couple of inspiration photos with me to the appointment, with the idea that I would keep my hair long for now.
Truth be told, I’ve been a little out of my mind lately (I think I’ve hit the pandemic wall, le sigh), and although I was tempted to ask her to chop it all off, I didn’t want to do anything too extreme. It’s probably not the best idea to make big changes when you aren’t feeling emotionally super strong, ya know?
Ariana really took the time to see where my hair naturally wanted to part, then guided me through what realistically it would and wouldn’t do. She suggested going with a Bridget Bardot-style cut with curtain bangs so I could keep the length, yet drop the weight. The curtain bangs would also allow some softness around my face for when I need to throw my hair up into a bun or a ponytail (which is often).
I’m really happy with how it turned out, and I almost feel like myself again. 🤗
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Lisa says
February 17th, 2021 at 7:22 amOh my heavens – gorgeous! Of course, you always look beautiful. It is nice when someone who knows hair really does a great job.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 8:48 amThank goodness for those talented people! They are truly essential. Hope you’re having a great week so far, Lisa!
Laura Majors says
February 17th, 2021 at 7:37 amLooks amazing! I’m keeping this as a reference for my next haircut. Whenever that may be 🙄
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 8:47 amThank you, Laura. Hope you’re having a nice week so far!
Jennifer Emmett says
February 17th, 2021 at 9:50 amSqueee! I saw “new hair” and couldn’t scroll fast enough. Your ‘do looks fantastic! Fresh and kinda 1970’s sexy. Great cut!
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 10:06 amI was going for 1970s vibes, thank you for picking up on that!
I’ve got Connor home with me all week long (it’s winter break for the schools here) so I’m doing all the balancing this week. How goes it on your end? I hope you’re having a great Wednesday so far.
Daphne B says
February 17th, 2021 at 10:48 amYou look fabulous, dahling! She did a fantastic job. I cannot believe how long your hair is, though. I guess it was hard to tell in other pictures you posted, or maybe it is just because of the gorgeous waves. I love the bangs! So happy for you that you finally got to get a haircut, and that it made you feel so much better.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:27 amThanks, Daphne! It was crazy long before! 🤣
Noemi says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:28 amHair and look awesome.
The hairdresser is a keeper!
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:48 amHi Noemi! She’s really good. So glad to have found her. ❤️
Rachel R. says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:30 amYou look fantastic! I’m so glad you feel better, too.
The biggest things I’m looking forward to after immunity kicks in after my second COVID vaccine are getting my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:12 pmHi Rachel! Were you able to get your first one? If so, I’m so happy for you!
Rachel R. says
February 17th, 2021 at 6:02 pmYes, the whole family was able to get first doses a few weeks ago, because of my sons’ disabilities. We’re getting our second doses tomorrow. It was supposed to be last Wed., but they had to rescheduled due to the ice storms.
Adele says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:35 amYou always look great but my gosh, this cut suits your face and hair texture so much. The added bonus is that you look even younger!! I am taking this entire post to my stylist when I get my hair cut!
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:11 pmOh, Adele, you’ll have to send me a pic when you get your hair cut!
kellly says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:38 amWow, you look gorgeous! And those waves look extra-beautiful! Totally pretty!
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:11 pmThank you, Kellly!
Syahidah says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:42 amI LOVE YOUR HAIR IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:10 pmThank you, Syahidah!
Lily Kelley says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:52 amYou look beautiful Karen! The layers and the bangs gives it more softness to your face.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:09 pmThank you, Lily!
Megan says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:54 amI echo what others have already said-gorgeous! And to have a style that works so well when worn up is amazing.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:09 pmThank you, Megan. And YES, having an easy ponytail style that doesn’t look too severe has been such a great thing! Before I had no idea what to do; it’s such a relief to have an instant style.
camille says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:54 amyay!!! you look gorgeous! and the joy really shows in your eyes. i’m glad you found a person, who you felt comfortable with. new hairstylists are scary because of the unknown! (and obviously previous bad experiences) you are giving me inspiration for my next cut! bangs are always fun.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:08 pmHi, Camille! I have such a love/hate relationship with bangs. Apparently living in the Bay Area during the late ’80s and early ’90s left a very lasting impression on me, LOL! These curtain bangs are little more work, but not so much that I feel overwhelmed to the commitment. I hope you try them!
Marla Veis says
February 17th, 2021 at 12:17 pmYou look amazing. I love your new style and the different ways that you can wear it. If l lived near you l would go and have mine done the same way, its gorgeous.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:06 pmThanks, Marla! Maybe talk to your stylist about doing something similar? He or she should be able to walk you through what’s possible!
Jennifer says
February 17th, 2021 at 12:58 pmWHOA! What a smoke show!!!
Love the new hair. It looks amazing and I can’t imagine how much better you must feel.
I’ve been pretty lucky with pandemic hair. I started going to see a guy just a month before it started who works out of his home so I haven’t had to go without, thank goodness.
You look smashing. What does Connor think?
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Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:05 pmWhen I walked through the door the first thing she said was, “You look DIFFERENT.” LOL! Apparently she’s still getting used to it.
Tatiana says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:00 pmSo gorgeous! And sexy too! Wow! and I’m loving the lip color in this post, too!
I so want a haircut, but I just don’t feel like driving to SF or Oaktown to see my old stylist. Her salon is in the city and they leave the windows open.
And I don’t know what I want to do with my hair, it’s in such terrible condition and I’m afraid I might just say, “Do what you want” and end up with something I’ll regret like a really short pixie that will take forever to grow out.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:05 pmOh, thanks for noticing the lipstick. I mixed a couple (new to me) shades by Honest Beauty — Passion and Off Duty!
Does your stylist do Zoom consultations? She might be able to help you get through this phase until you can see her again.
Karrie says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:29 pmI love the new hair. Love the bangs and layers.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 1:31 pmThank you, Karrie!
Denise S says
February 17th, 2021 at 2:31 pmWow that’s a cute hairstyle! It really suits you.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:46 pmThank you, Denise!
Lacy says
February 17th, 2021 at 2:45 pmSmashing darling! It looks fantastic!
Might use this as my hair inspo for when my pixie bob finally grows out.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:46 pmYou totally should! I can recommend the curtain bangs 100%!
Efra says
February 17th, 2021 at 3:25 pmI LOVE IT, I truly think the stylist gave that Brigitte Bardot vibes and you look soooo beautiful. I really hope you feel better now.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:46 pmI feel SO much better. Still not 100%, but at least my head doesn’t hurt all day long!
Cheryene says
February 17th, 2021 at 3:39 pmAwesome!! Your new hair is perfection. Gorgeous!!
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:46 pmThank you, Cheryene!
Marcia says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:46 pmLove the haircut! I like how she cut your bangs. I totally get it when you said it was best not to go to the extreme and cut it short when you don’t feel up to it. The pandemic has taken a lot out of everyone. Glad you like your haircut and stylist.
Karen says
February 17th, 2021 at 4:48 pmThank you, Marcia. It has taken a lot out of us. I’m so tired emotionally!
Sherry says
February 17th, 2021 at 8:01 pmWow Karen!! Your hair looks fabulous!! It’s such an adorable cut!! Love the bangs!! I just had bangs cut recently, because I thought it would look a little softer. I’m still getting used to it. I’ll have to show you mine on Instagram. Btw, I am feeling old today. I just turned the big “54” today!! Anyway, I’m so glad that you got your hair cut. You needed to do something good for yourself. Yay!! So happy for you!! You look so young and fresh!!
Rebecca says
February 17th, 2021 at 8:46 pmKaren you look amazing! I’m going to take these pictures to my stylist – I’ve been trying to explain “curtain bangs but a short section in the middle” and I haven’t been able to find a picture. So thanks!!
Patti says
February 17th, 2021 at 11:54 pmI love it- looks great!
Kim says
February 18th, 2021 at 6:23 amOMG, I love it!!! The bangs really suit you and the whole cut looks great. More importantly, I’m so glad that it’s making you feel all the “lly”s!!! I’m very happy for you!! <3
Faith Ann says
February 18th, 2021 at 8:14 amI love your new hairstyle! How did you get the gorgeous waves/curls? Curling iron or something else? Hair product?? Tell me please !!!!!!
Karen says
February 18th, 2021 at 2:13 pmHi Faith Ann,
I have natural waves on the top layers of my hair, but I bumped them up here by using a large barrel curler (the ghd Soft Curl Curling Iron) on a few pieces on the uppermost layers of my hair. The trick for me is to not leave the iron on the hair for too long; that way I can try to minimize the heat damage as much as I can, and the curls are looser and more wave-like. After my hair cooled, I sprayed the roots in the crown with a dry shampoo to add a little volume and lift (R+Co Death Valley). Then I sprayed a tiny bit of a combination shine spray and texturizing spray on the top layers and ends (R+Co Trophy). I also sprayed some light hold hair spray on the curtain bangs and pieces around my face (L’Oreal Elnett).
Kwmechelle says
February 18th, 2021 at 1:17 pmHaven’t posted in, literally, YEARS! First thought when I saw your pic- DAYUM! What a beauty. Love it when we can alter, change up, get a cut to our hair that makes us get our whole life. Clearly I love the cut ☺️
Karen says
February 18th, 2021 at 2:02 pmKwmechelle! It’s so good to “see” you again! I hope that life has been treating you kindly.
Chelsea says
February 18th, 2021 at 4:58 pmI looooove the curtain bangs – you have me so tempted, but I have the world’s sweatiest forehead and a cowlick. You look so happy!
Anne says
February 20th, 2021 at 4:00 amYou look beautiful with the new do – I mean, you looked amazing before as well, but the way you smile and beam with the new hair is hard to overlook!
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Colleen says
February 20th, 2021 at 10:27 amGreat cut! You’re looking gorgeous!