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Hairstyles are divided into categories according to the three general lengths of hair: short, medium and long. However, the standards for each category differ depending on your sex. What is considered "short" hair for a female might fall under the "medium" category if you are male. For a typical female, hair at or above the earlobes is considered short. Hair between the bottom of the earlobe and the shoulder is considered medium, and anything below the shoulder is long. For a typical male, hair cut above the ears is short. Hair between the ears and chin is considered medium, and anything below the chin is considered long.
Each category of hairstyle can be subdivided into two groups: formal and casual. Though this is usually only true of female hair, it can apply to more complicated male hairstyles.
Once a person has selected a hairstyle, it must be maintained by regular washing and conditioning, brushing or combing, styling, cutting and dying if the natural color has been changed. Common styling equipment includes a brush, a blow dryer, a curling iron or flat iron, bobby pins, hair ties and clips. Common styling products include smoothing serums, gel, mousse, putty and finishing spray. -
When considering a hairstyle, you should be aware of five things:
1. Your age. You should not choose a teeny-bopper style at 50 for the same reason a 20-year-old should not sport a grandma-do. Both styles will look ridiculous. Always choose a hairstyle that is age-appropriate but has an aura of youthfulness.
2. Your personality. If you are outgoing, spunky and like to stand out in a crowd, try an appealing, edgy cut . If you are laid-back or demure, try a standard cut styled with your own flair.
3. Your hair type. If you have thin or fine hair, don't choose a style that requires lots of volume to look good. If you have thick or curly hair, don't choose a short cut with few layers, or you may end up looking like Bozo the Clown.
4. The shape of your face. Oval faces are coveted because just about any style looks great. Since not all people are blessed with ovals, the hairstyle you choose should give your face the appearance of being oval. For example, if you have a round face, you need a cut that adds height and makes your face appear longer. If you have a square face with strong angles, you want a cut that "softens" the corners with volume on the top. Also, don't pick a style that draws attention to already prominent features. For example, if you have a large chin, don't pick a short, blunt cut that accentuates the lower half of your face. If you have a large forehead, don't choose a style with your bangs swept away from your face or pulled tightly back.
5. The time you can spend styling. If you have limited time in the morning, choose a low-maintenance style, not one that requires an extra hour of preparation. On the other hand, if you love playing with hair and can spend the extra minutes, don't be afraid to try more complicated dos. -
A different hairstyle can alter your entire appearance. Changing your traditional style can make you look older or younger, look heavier or more slender, stand out or blend in with a crowd.
The way you present your hair sends messages to others about who you are. Certain hairstyles might proclaim, "I'm sexy," or "I'm laid-back." While other styles might say, "I'm into punk," "I'm a professional" or "I'm feeling girlie today." Before you style your hair, think about the message you want to project about yourself, because different hairstyles may or may not be appropriate for different settings. For example, you wouldn't arrive at a traditional job interview with your hair set in 5-inch spikes streaked with hot pink. -
One hairstyle does not fit all. What may look chic or sexy on one person could make someone else look like she is having a bad hair day. Instead of stalking celebrity hairdos or chasing every hot hair trend, find a style that is right for you.
If you're sick of your style but you like the length of your hair, you don't need to get it cut to make a dramatic change. Try dying your hair a different color. Add highlights and lowlights. Straighten your hair if it's curly. Get a perm if it's straight, or experiment with up-dos if you generally wear your hair down. If you still aren't satisfied, try trimming or styling your bangs a different way. Sometimes a minor change can make a world of difference.
All hair salons are not the same. If you are looking for a standard or simple cut, save $15 and go to a cost-friendly salon chain. If you are looking for a complicated, edgier style, go to a private salon with reputable stylists. You may spend more, but it may ultimately cause you less grief. - Every time you dramatically change your hair, you are taking a risk. You may look terrific. Or the style you choose may not look as great on you as it does on Miss Fab-Hair modeling in your magazine. But hair does grow back. If you get a bad cut or color, give it a couple of months and you will look much better, guaranteed. In the meantime, enjoy the compliments you receive for being so daring in your hair pursuits.
