You know how when you get a new haircut, it takes a while for it to “settle in”? (I make it sound like moving into a new neighborhood or starting a new job, hahaha.)
But you know how there’s usually that period right after a new cut when you and the new hair are getting to know each other better on your way to eventually figuring each other out?
Well, mine’s finally settled in, and I love it.
It feels so great having hair graze my shoulders again and not feel like it’s just in the way. It’s also really nice to have an actual style again, too. I finally feel like my hair isn’t in transition to something or somewhere in the between stages. It’s like, finally! — I’ve made it to point B.
The style is called a long bob, or a “lob” for short. There’s a little bit of layering, but not a whole lot, and that’s on purpose. I have a slight wave on the top layers, and I know from having many, many terrible haircuts that if there are too many layers when my hair is shoulder length or shorter, I end up with an unintentional mullet.
Side note: If you’re gonna rock a mullet, best be damn sure it’s intentional; otherwise, you’re in for a world of hurt. I’M JUST SAYING.
If you have wavy, textured or curly hair and you’re thinking about chopping off a significant amount, I think it helps to consider these few things…
1. Squirrel away 4-6 inspirational photos (not just one!)
First, before you do the deed, it helps to collect a few style inspo pics on your phone or torn from magazines.
I repeat: not just one. I think the sweet spot is between 4-6 pics, all on different people, and all with a similar vibe.
Why so specific, K-Dawg?
Because this way both you and the stylist can more easily identify what it is exactly about the style that you like.
I think it’s also key to remember that if you’re giving a stylist examples of someone else’s work, they’re going to interpret the haircut in their own way. Hair stylists are artists, after all, and each person will put their own stamp and special sauce on the cut.
These are the pics I brought to my appointment. They’re all by Sal Salcedo, a stylist in Southern California I found on Instagram.
2. Jot down everything you know (and want your stylist to know) about your hair
Unfortunately, this is a lesson I learned the hard way over the course of many terrible haircuts!
So…your stylist can’t read your mind.
SURPRISE!
And just because you give them a few pics doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll end up with. In my experience, the more information I give a stylist about my hair and how it behaves, the better off I’ll be in the end.
You can bring a Post-It, or type everything into the Notes app on your phone.
Here’s the list I took to my appointment…
- Straight on the inner layers, slight wave on the mid and outer layers
- Right side has a tighter wave pattern than left
- Like to air dry overnight, rarely use a hair dryer, but will use a curling iron 4-5 times a week to add waves/texture
- Prefer causal, “cool girl” style, not too overly done
- Cowlicks/unruly baby hairs in front
- “Ramen noodle” gray hairs on top
- Left side has ends flip out, right side has ends that flip in
- Important: need to have it long enough to put up in a ponytail for working out
- I wash my hair hair every day, conditioner wash every other day (non-negotiable at the moment)
3. Peep their Instagram page
Many hairstylists showcase their work on Instagram now. I found the stylist who did this cut, Maya Lowe, using a hashtag search of #marinhairstylist. I scrolled through her page and liked that she shows lots of clients with wavy and curly hair, and shows different lengths and different styles.
Maya also posts selfies and has natural gray hair, and I got the sense that she’d understand the challenges I’m having with growing out my gray.
And, LOL, some people will laugh, but I also liked that she has pics of her two cats in her feed. I felt that she would “get me” in that way, too.
4. Ask if they do dry cuts
A dry cut is when the stylist doesn’t wet your hair before cutting. They cut your hair when it’s clean and air dried.
In my experience, it’s THE biggest indicator of whether a stylist really understands how to cut wavy, curly or textured hair.
You see, when you have wavy, textured or otherwise “not stick straight” hair, the curl pattern is obvious when your hair is clean and air dry, and so when a stylist cuts it while it’s in that state, they can see your natural hair pattern better and maximize what you’ve got.
Just IMO, at least.
5. Ask if they offer adjustments
How a stylist does your hair in the salon will always differ from how you do it at home with your own products and styling tools, so ask if they’ll do adjustments after you leave the salon and have lived with your hair for a few days. I like it when stylists do this because you just never know how your hair will act once it’s in your own hands, you know? Inevitably, mine will always have a wonky piece (or two or three) here and there.
Also, ask if they charge a fee for this because some stylists do offer free adjustments.
All in all, I’m really happy with my cut. I needed a big change, and a big change is what I got!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kate says
May 21st, 2019 at 7:51 amKaren!!!! You look great! I need to cut my hair and you give me great inspiration!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:46 amThanks, Kate! If you end up going for a chop you have to send me a pic.
Thank you also for all of your kindness over the past few posts. I feel and have felt so supported and lifted by all my friends here on MBB. ❤️
Kate says
May 21st, 2019 at 1:40 pmYou are so welcome! Your blog keeps me company in all my moods, so it’s only fitting that we repay the escape you provide with your great writing with kindness.
Barb says
May 21st, 2019 at 8:02 amOoohhh, I love it! It looks great on you!!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:45 amThanks, sweet Barb! I’ve been meaning to ask you, how was John Wick 3? El Hub wants to see it, and because Keanu’s in it I won’t say no!
Barb says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:30 pmI enjoyed it. My mom left there saying it was pretty violent but she liked it. I just watched a video with him and puppies answering questions. Google Keanu Reeves with puppies. It’ll come up. You can thank me later 🙂
Rachel says
May 21st, 2019 at 8:10 amWow! So beautiful! Want to do something like this for my next cut!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:44 amThanks, Rachel! Feel free to borrow the inspiration pics. If you like these styles you should check out the rest of Sal’s page. I warn you though… You may walk away wanting bangs!
Ali says
May 21st, 2019 at 8:24 amI love it, Karen! I have short hair, so I always get excited when someone goes in for the big chop. I’m so glad that you like it as well.
I will never underestimate the transformative effect of a haircut. I have curly hair that I normally keep at jaw length. I’m currently living abroad (though going home soon, yay!), and got my hair cut before I left. 5 months in, and my hair was the longest it has ever been in years. It was scraggly and sad. I’m living in a country where there’s a language barrier, so I didn’t want to risk anything (especially with having curly hair). When I went to an English-speaking country for vacation a few months ago, I got a haircut. I felt like a new person!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:43 amHi Ali,
Are you still in Austria? Hope everything is going well with you and your adventures abroad. 🙂
Ali says
May 21st, 2019 at 11:25 amI am! It’s been a wonderful experience so far. I’ll be going home for the summer, and then I’ll be returning for a second year. I’m curious to see what kind of reverse culture shock I’m going to experience. Though I’m also really excited to go to a Trader Joe’s again, haha (or just shopping on Sundays in general — everything’s closed on Sundays here).
Christina says
May 21st, 2019 at 8:31 amIt looks so good! I also am getting tired of my long hair after having worn it in bobs and lobs for 3+ years. I think it’s because I had some health issues a year ago and my hair thinned out. It’s growing back, but it just doesn’t look as good and full long as it did when I was young, so it’s starting to annoy me. I might chop it off seeing how fabulous yours is!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:41 amHiya Christina,
I say go for it. A new haircut is also a good excuse to find new products (and that’s so much fun)!
Also, thank you so much for all your kind comments over the past few weeks. I appreciate your kindness. ❤️
Christina says
May 21st, 2019 at 2:54 pmAww, shucks! I feel honored you recognized my name/email out of all the comments you get daily. I’ve never met you in person (yet–one day, since I also live in the Bay!), but I’ve followed you for so long that I feel like we’re all friends here!
Kristen says
May 21st, 2019 at 8:56 amIt looks great!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:40 amThank you, Kristen! I hope you’re having a great day. It’s a weird rainy and sunny day here in Northern California, but I saw a rainbow this morning, so I can’t complain.
Jane says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:04 amI love that look for you. I never understood all the hype about getting a haircut. It isn’t permanent and hair does grow back! Find the cut that works best for you and you’ll be fine. Glad to see your smile again!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:39 amThank you Jane. Ya know, I have to kind of have to trick myself into smiling it sometimes but it’s like a bike, once you start, the muscle memory kicks back in.
How are things with you guys? Is your baby getting ready for graduation? When’s the ceremony? You’ll have to remember to wear waterproof mascara in case the tears start up!
Sharon says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:15 amKaren – You look GORGEOUS, dahling! Your hair looks fabulous and healthy – still got the long hair element but without the weight and plus tons of fullness. You definitely achieved a “cool girl” style as mentioned on your list!
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:37 amHi Sharon,
Thank you for the sweet compliment. ❤️
Also, thank you so much for the support you’ve given me in the past few weeks. I’m glad you decided to pop in and say hello. Wish you were in the Bay Area so we could actually meet in person!
Sharon says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:00 pmI thought for sure my office would’ve blocked people’s blog-commenting ability yet here I am (shhhh!). And yes, I wish we could meet too. But cross-country comments will have to do for now. 🙂
Heidi says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:18 amYou look fantastic! As a curly girl, the worst haircuts I’ve ever had were dry cuts. Never, never again will I have my hair cut dry. I know the unintentional mullet hair cut all too well! Ha ha
Karen says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:34 amHi Heidi,
Thank you! That’s so interesting to me that dry cuts didn’t work for you. So do you have the stylist wet your hair first and cut it while it’s still wet? I’m curious to know your process.
Oh, and the unintentional mullet… so terrible! The funny thing (but not so funny at the time, because those layers take forever to grow out) is that it’s happened to me MULTIPLE times.
Daphne B says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:32 amI Love it!!! You look great, and it is good to see you looking happy again. You are so lucky you have thick hair and have so much volume. I would love to do a LOB, but my hair will just hang their, because is it baby fine. I have been wanting to do something different, and you may have just given me the inspiration to do it. Thanks!
Indya says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:55 amIt looks fantastic Karen! Hope you’re feeling better!
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Lea Lundy says
May 21st, 2019 at 10:42 amAMAZING!! Love it! Looks so great on you!!
kellly says
May 21st, 2019 at 11:09 amIt looks wonderful! I know what you mean about having to spend some time adjusting when you make a big change. Every time you look in the mirror, you just don’t look like “yourself” until you get used to it.
I’m trying to grow mine out a little. I’ve worn it short for 10 years now so I think I might be ready for something a little different, either jaw length or just to the top of my shoulders if I really want to get wild about it!! 😀
Leah says
May 21st, 2019 at 11:09 amI just got a hair cut too!!! It’s about the same length as yours. What hair product are you using?
Bex says
May 21st, 2019 at 11:11 amHi Karen,
Your hair looks great! It really suits you like that with loads of body. Very pretty 😍. X
Ruchita says
May 21st, 2019 at 11:31 amI love it! You look fantastic. The length and textured/wavy look is so fresh and modern. I know what you mean about that sweet spot when your new style has settled. Yay for good hair days!
Cindy says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:06 pmLooks great! I have curly hair but I refuse to change the style, it works for me! I think it’s because when I was a kid I wasn’t allowed to have long hair and I was miserable with short hair. People kept mistaking me for a boy! It took me 3 years in HS to grow out my hair and I never looked back since!
LindaLibraLoca says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:07 pmThat is an amazing cut, it looks so fresh and has so much movement!
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Chelsea says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:22 pmSo the past week or so since I got a normal trim I’ve been thinking of doing something different to make my hair more manageable and this is so helpful! And you look absolutely fantastic. I was thinking a similar length to this.
Kimberly says
May 21st, 2019 at 12:49 pmAwesome cut, indeed… You look fantastic!
Suzanne C says
May 21st, 2019 at 1:15 pmLove it! We have similar hair; mine does the straight underneath, wavy on the top layers thing, too. And the one side flips under, one side flips out thing.
You look like you’re feeling a bit better. I’m so glad. I hope El Hubs and Connor are doing ok, also.
Fieran says
May 21st, 2019 at 1:31 pmThe hairstyle looks amazing on you! So chic! *Hug*
Ilene says
May 21st, 2019 at 1:59 pmYou look gorgeous, I love it!
Yelena says
May 21st, 2019 at 2:22 pmI LOVE IT!!!
you look great!
and I just got a big chop which i’m trying to get used to myself.
I have figured out Day 1 hair, and trying to figure our Day 2 hair.
also trying to figure out cute hair dos bc I hate having hair in my face sometimes.
Lily says
May 21st, 2019 at 2:52 pmLove it!
Meka says
May 21st, 2019 at 3:24 pmThis cut is PERFECTION!!!! It is fitting and classic!! Slay girl. Slay!
Sherry says
May 21st, 2019 at 3:26 pmLooks fabulous Karen!! It’s a great mid length cut. It really does show off your natural texture. I just got my hair cut today, after 3 months or so. I’m trying to grow mine out longer again. This time, my inspiration was a hairstyle of the beautiful Christie Brinkley. Mine is mid length with feathery layers. Glad that I finally got it done. Anyway, really love your new cut!! It’s liberating to cut your hair shorter, isn’t it?
Diana says
May 21st, 2019 at 3:30 pmI love it!!! Your hair is so shiny too.!! We have same type hair and I get mine cut dry for exactly those reasons– it falls into place soooo much better this way.
Mary says
May 21st, 2019 at 3:56 pmWOW! Fabulous hair cut, looks gorgeous on you. Great post, info on hair cuts. So enjoy all of your posts. On a different note: have been thinking of you and the loss of your sweet baby boy. He will always be with you in your heart. I know, it will take time, but it does get less painful, dear.
Renee says
May 21st, 2019 at 4:55 pmLooks amazing!!! I officially have hair envy right now. I guess I need to go ahead & call the stylist…been putting it off..
Janet Shepherd says
May 21st, 2019 at 5:29 pmYou look wonderful! My hair is very curly at the back, and then almost straight around my face, just to be extra tricky.
I’ve been going to my current hairdresser for over a year, and every time she finishes a cut she reminds me that if it doesn’t sit right once I’ve styled it myself, to come back in and she’ll adjust it.
Oh, and I think I’ve used Sal Sal’s pictures for my last 2 style changes. I love his undone style.
Sarah says
May 21st, 2019 at 6:48 pmOMG, Karen!! I LOVE it!! I’m actually going for a cut and color tomorrow and might use all of these (including you) for inspiration!! Looks amazing. You have one of those faces that can pull off any length. I’ve been following you for years and I think this is the shortest I’ve ever seen it but it might be my favorite hairstyle on you. You have beautiful hair so you can’t go wrong. Love it!! ox
Elise says
May 21st, 2019 at 6:53 pmWelcome back lady! I love the big chop! You look fantastic!
I also got a big chop about a month ago, Easily 5″ plus! It was long overdue and unhealthy, I was going to a major professional conference and on the brink of the biggest promotion of my career. I just walked into a salon I went to a year earlier and told the stylist what I wanted. It came out perfect. It was just the right change I needed to step things up professionally in appearance and boost my confidence. Here’s to the occasional big chop!
Rachel Runyan says
May 21st, 2019 at 7:25 pmThat is a really great cut on you! Very casual cool.
Pamela says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:21 pmOMG! Love this new look! You can rock it!
Kerstin says
May 21st, 2019 at 9:23 pmHi Karen! Your lob looks really cute on you! Awesome chop!
Jane says
May 22nd, 2019 at 4:43 amThat’s a fab cut Karen, really suits you! My hair is very fine and straight, I would give my eye teeth for wonderful thick wavy hair like yours!
Michele DiCola says
May 22nd, 2019 at 5:44 amKaren your hair looks Fabulous!
My hair is very curly and I’m rocking a lob too .
I am actually at my nieces now ( my stylist ) who is going to blow it out .
This will last as long as I can get it to . Like I milk it until it frizzes up up again ! Sigh 😔
Have a great day !
Kim says
May 22nd, 2019 at 8:21 amYou look absolutely gorgeous! I love your new hair and think it suits you perfectly. It’s youthful and fun and has great texture and I think it’s just “you”. So glad you’re happy with the change. (and you do look happy in the pics, which is even nicer to see). Congrats on the fab ‘do! 🙂
Amanda says
May 23rd, 2019 at 6:47 amIt’s beautiful, youthful, and uplifting.
SJ says
May 25th, 2019 at 2:56 pmYour hair looks amazing! Makes me want to play up my waves in my hair instead of always blow drying it straight.
Betty Valls says
May 26th, 2019 at 11:14 amThis cut looks fabulous on you, makes you look even younger!
PS – Glad you are feeling better …
love,