Gasp … Pamela Anderson trades in her old Baywatch hairdo for a polished pixie. Jennifer Aniston chops her signature strands into a jaw-dropping bob, and the same week Jennifer Lawrence, the young star of “Hunger Games” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” leaves us breathless when she drastically cuts off her long hair.
I am rendered speechless, which does not happen often. Just ask those who know me best, but only for a moment, because there is much to discuss.
The latter of the three confessed she was left with no other choice except to part with her locks after years of over-processing. It’s true that flipping the switch on styles can wreak havoc on the hair. Blonde on Tuesday, lighter blonde on Friday leading into platinum the next week, only to return to brown by the weekend is often quite damaging to the hair. Even I get dizzy at times.
Jennifer Lawrence said her hair was so compromised by the different roles and different hair colors and styles that she was forced to wear it up most of the time. Promising to opt for wigs in future roles, she chose to cut it off and begin again. Smart choice, I say, but not necessary if you live outside the bright lights of Hollywood.
Not everyone can pull off longer hair, but with professional hair color that is flattering to the skin tone, eye color and hair texture, coupled with frequent trims, it can be stunning as long as it is done properly. Then we have the other side of the spectrum; I call them my “wild cards.” You know who you are, and you are the ones who tend to be impulsive, trendy and ready to do a 360 on your hair color without pause.
My advice when toying with the idea of a new hair color or dramatic cut is to consult with your stylist first. Ask all the right questions, and really listen to the answers. I encourage my clients to stay within two shades of their natural color for the safest outcome, highlight only for optimum effects, and invest in quality at-home hair products to guarantee positive results. If the hair is already “dyed, fried and laid aside,” then consult your stylist regarding options to slowly rebuild your hair’s integrity, strengthen it from within, and, yes, maybe even lose some of it for the sake of starting fresh.
Hair is our thing. You and I recognize that whether it has already been five shades of the season all within this season, obliterated by flat irons, or just a frizzy hot mess, we want it to be beautiful … and it can! Waiting is for the birds. If your long hair is healthy and you love it, fabulous. If not, try on a fresh, new pixie like Pamela, a disheveled bob similar to Jennifer, or surprise yourself and everyone else with your own version of a beautiful new you.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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