Thursday, January 10, 2008

Hair 911

Help! OK guys, I need some hair help. And I know all of you have lovely locks (I'm looking right at YOU, Molly!) so you should be able to come to my rescue, right? I hope so!

You see, my entire life I've had to deal with poker-straight, thin hair. Most of the time it's been relatively lengthy (shoulder length or longer). The longer it is, the more it weighs down any body my hair has. My hair does not hold curl. I hate it. I will spend an hour curling my hair and two hours later it's flat again. No matter how much hairspray I use.

I don't know what to do to style it. I've had layers. They don't seem to make much of a difference. I've had a body wave perm - it didn't hold. I can't get rid of my part either. If I wear a ponytail I have to have a part when I pull it back or my hair will create one on its own. How do you train your hair not to do that?!

Here's the dilemma. I don't really like short hair on me, so I really don't want to cut it too much. What should I do to give it style? To create more body? How do I get it not to part on its own? Have any of you had success with hot rollers? Do you like the red or should I go back to brown? Maybe something darker? Should I get highlights/lowlights? Bangs? How do you control frizz and make your hair look shiny? I'm asking too many questions aren't I? ;)

Here's a few shots so you can see what I'm talking about:


This is me with brown hair and highlights.
Probably the shortest length I will go.





Some more recent shots so you can see the new red color.
Hey look - it's Kari!



Kate Walsh from Grey's Anatomy, she's my inspiration. My stylist says I look like her and our face shape is quite similar so I think her styles could look good on me. I like the color red her hair is too.


So, you guys will help me right? Any advice would be wonderful. I feel so uneducated in the hair department. I look at celebrities and their non-frizzy, super shiny hair and wish I had a stylist to come and visit me everyday!

75 comments:

Jess said...

I so wish I could help but since I have thick, curly hair that cannot hold straightness, I am not the person to ask. However, I wanted to say that your hair looks totally pretty in all those pictures, and shiny too.

Anonymous said...

although its funny how much time i spend getting my hair as straight as yours (even though technically it IS straight...just not enough... or something), i do understand the lack of curl staying dilemma. i can do messy waves that look good nowhere but in my own home but if i curling iron and try and get molly-esque.. disaster.

for you... i love the kate walsh inspiration. and i see the face shape. could you try more of a bang? that can be scary though to jump for...

nicole antoinette said...

I need to put up this exact same post (well, with my picture, haha) because I am in need of a serious hair make ever. I've always gotten the best hair advice from my stylist though, so maybe you should try talking to her and just letting her work her magic (if she's really good).

Oh, and I adore Kate Walsh.

Anonymous said...

I, too, am a victim of thin, super-straight hair. Hot rollers work wonders for me. I think when you mention this part in your hair that won't go away, you're referring to a cow-lick. I have one, right in the front of my head -- actually, where yours seems to be in the top picture. No matter what I do, it never goes away. I tried leaving the front of my hair alone, but a little farther back, parting it so that I have side-swept bangs. It comes down and covers up my cow-lick in the front. You could maybe try that. I think layers are best for thin hair b/c it will give you lift, so hopefully if you try rollers, they will hold your hair into a curl and the layers will make your hair more voluminous. Us gals with thin hair have to use good products, so try a volume-boosting moose with firm hold on wet hair BEFORE you dry and apply the rollers. Then, while the rollers are in, mist your hair with a good hairspray, then again when you remove them. The curls will settle.

As for color, I like the darker brown with highlights. ;)

Nilsa S. said...

Like Jess, I'm cursed with thick, curly hair (yes, the grass is always greener). However, if you're looking to change your look without going ape shit, I think some fringe (formerly, bangs) would do you nicely. Not layered, per se, but ones that are maybe medium length around your face and then get longer as they fade into the rest of your hair. It'll frame your face nicely ... with or without curl.

shelleycoughlin said...

Love love love the middle picture with the side swoopy bangs. That's exactly what I always want mine to do, but since it's naturally wavy I get never get them to stay straight. But! They would totally work with your hair and your part.

Love the red, too, by the way. :)

Anonymous said...

I feel you with hair that does nothing. When you find out the secret will you let me know?

Clink said...

I LOVE Kate Walsh's color.

Unfortunately I'm of no help because my hair is totally in-between and wavy, meaning that I either have to make it straight or define the curls. It drives me crazy.

The one thing that does help with curls is for your hair not to be freshly washed. I don't know if you've tried that before. If not, it might be worth a shot.

Unknown said...

i want kate walsh's hair color. it's true. i do. although, i think with my tan and green eyes it would look a little too fake.

but enough about me- i think you could TOTALLY pull it off. you're gorgeous dahling. and i'm sorr i can't be more help because my hair is naturally wavy so its either curly, or i have to straighten it. good times. love you. xoxo

dreamgirl said...

i think [long] bangs would be good on you, a la the middle pic. i think you can train your part by doing it a different way while wet, and using bobby pins to keep it a certain way, for a week or something while you sleep and it starts getting the hang of it. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

man i wish i could help you. my hair is the same as yours (straight, can't hold a curl), and i never know what to do with it. i'd suggest going to a stylist and asking them what they think you should do. that's what i did the last time i got my hair cut.

Jamie Lovely said...

Kate Walsh has the best hair. It's so vibrant!

I think a long bang would be way cute. Maybe more layers to give it more of a shape?

My hair is the same. Super long, super straight, holds no curl. I just got it cut, she didn't take much length off because I'm a sissy but she shaped me up great!

Girl from Pennsylvania said...

Okay, have faith. Go a little shorter. It does WONDERS to stick straight thin hair. I mean go to the shoulders-ish. Start there. Get them to give you some layers right around your face and incorporate long bangs into it. That could help change up the piggytail look to.

My hair use to only part on one side then I decided it was a bastard and I was taking it over. Now on days when I want to change up the part, I blow dry it to the other side. At first it felt weird and I really just wanted to slap it back to it's normal side, but I have held strong and can do either way.

Be adventurous, IT IS ONLY HAIR!

I only say this because I had one awful cut in which my hair was about 3 inches long (not exagerating) and since then I realize I need to have FUN with my hair.

Anonymous said...

I do not have your problem. My hair is super thick. So I'm not really familiar with your situation.

Friends of mine with thin hair, or super straight hair like yours have cut their hair really short. I know that you said you like the longer look but maybe you should try cutting close to your chin into a really modern cut. Shorter hair will do wonders.

I like the brown with highlights. :-)

Gretta James said...

I to, have dead straight hair that just wont curl no matter what.

I also have a similar parting.

The best thing that I ever did was get a funky, sweeping fringe put in. Looking at your facial frame it does look slightly different to me, but I do love my sweeping fringe and it's easy to clip out of the way if it gets annoying. It makes such a different to your look too without losing the length of your hair.

That's my 2cents.

Gretta x

Le Petit Chic said...

I think you would look fantastic with bangs and actually, I like your hair shorter (from the first picture). In the first shot, the layer on the right side of your face (the one a few inches below your chin) looks like a great length for you :)

marisa rose said...

Unfortunately, you're on one end of the spectrum and I'm on the insanely curly, thick, Diana Ross side of the spectrum. Many, many years I've dreamed of having hair like yours because you have the benefit of going for a trendier cute. I'm stuck with long layers or long layers. I think someone mentioned sideswept bangs, which would like fabulous on you.

courtney said...

I would go around shoulder length (maybe a tad longer) with really light layers. Lowlights or highlights might be cool as long as they're not too dark or too light and look fairly natural, because the color contrast would give the illusion of more body.

Also, try buying some volumizing mousse and blow drying your hair in the morning. This sounds weird, but if you flip your head upside down and blow dry that way, it will lift your roots. Just don't pass out while you're trying that!

Of course you and I have very different hair and I'm always trying to get mine to just lay flat already... but you can trust me because I watch a lot of What Not To Wear. Should I be admitting that? :)

Anonymous said...

Um. As a curly/wavy girl who mostly wears it down, or with a faux-hawk...I got nothing. Sorry. But I like your hair in the brown color! I'd go darker, maybe, to make your gorgeous eyes stand out.

Peter said...

You know, I almost forgot how hot Kate Walsh is.

Which is not at all the point of your post.

Liz said...

I am the worst person to ask but I'm going to guess layers would be the way to go. Bangs might be cute, but I don't like bangs on me. Might want to try it though!

Ripe for Reading said...

I am a fan of bangs--you could get longer ones that help go with your pesky part.

If you don't have luck curling or changing the style too much you could get some accessories: fun headbands or barrettes to assist you or experiment more with up-do's if you're bored.

Take more pics and share whatever you choose to do!

L Sass said...

I also have poker straight hair, but I have a TON of it. All the same, layers are the way to go. I get the kind that blend in (I don't think you'd look at me and call my hair layered, but it is.)

Then, invest in a really good (read: expensive) blowdryer and get your stylist to teach you to blow it out. Good blowdrying is key to volume, in my experience.

B said...

Ooooh, I LOVE darker-reddish hair tones. I think that'd look fantastic on you, especially with your eye color.

Tina Poe said...

I think going dark brown in the winter months is nice, but I am always in love with red hair too.

I think a side swept bang will be beautiful.

Even though I don't have straight hair, I love volume so after each shower I towel dry the excess water out, then apply a volumizing root lift mousse, then blow dry upside down WITHOUT A HAIRBRUSH!

Then I either use rollers, or a curling iron (or curl with a straightening iron, which was difficult to learn at first). I try to use the least amount of brushing possible, especially flat brushes which further straighten your hair. Use a round brush if you have to and always brush away from your head, never straight down.

Susie said...

I wish I could help, but I have veryy similar problems to yours! I can't curl my hair for the life of me. But if I don't straighten it, it gets grossly wavy. It always feels flat and has no style. I need a haircut realllyyy badly!

Let us know what you decide!

Yoda said...

I loves short hair, and think you'd look awesome in it.

Other than that, I got nothin' for ya.

Virginia said...

Channeling Kate Walsh is a fantastic idea...I LOVE her hair and think a simiar color/cut on you would look fab. Other than that...I sadly have no good suggestions. My hair is horrible and I never know how to tame it or make it look pretty. However, I definitely support blowdrying it upside down and just using your fingers (no hairbrush) to help it along. Good luck with whatever you choose, I'm sure you will look great!!

Passionista said...

I always have a part! Right in the middle. But if you pin your hair back on top, before you style it, that might help. You will always have a natural part though. As for the color, I like the red. Kate Walsh's color is really nice too, seems liek she has some brown low lights.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, you definitely do have a Kate Walsh resemblance! How cool for you!

And I must say that I LOVE that red color on you. The brown is very pretty too, but if you're lucky enough to be able to pull off red, GO FOR IT!! I do like the cut from the first picture though, it definitely does give your hair a bit more body and bounce. I myself am still working on how to give my hair more volume, so as soon as I have the magic trick down, I'll let you know!

Anonymous said...

You're getting so many mixed messages, I really don't know how this is going to help you. :) I personally love the brown hair with highlights on you. Kate Walsh's hair works for her. Also, I have super super thin hair, and I use a curling shampoo (Herbal Essences is amazing), then a wave spray on wet hair. Then I dry with a diffuser and spray on some Tresemme heat-activated curl spray on one section at a time. Then use the curling iron to define curls on the outer layer. It seriously works. It sounds like a lot of work, but it seriously takes me about 15-20 mins. And, like a lot of people are saying, shortening it up a bit will really help. I usually keep my hair around my shoulders. Good luck!

Unknown said...

i like that you're using kate walsh as inspiration - stick with that, it should keep it more simple :)

you could also check out www.virtualmakeover.com

Unknown said...

oh crap i meant:

http://www.makeoversolutions.com

longredcape said...

My hair does the automatic part thing, too. Unfortunately, my hair is curly and I can't offer you advice on this topic :(

TSTuesday said...

I worked in a salon for years AND I have the same type of hair as you do! This is what worked for me:

Use a good thickening shampoo and conditioner but only use the conditioner on the shaft of the hair (NEVER on the roots). (I usually use bumble and bumble thickening shampoo and conditioner) Then once out of the shower spray a bodifying spary on the roots and then comb thru the shaft. (I use bumble and bumble thickening spray)Blow dry bent over to create more volume. The when curling the hair use curlers to create volume, a curling iron will only work if you pin the curls afterwards (aka giant pain in the ass). Spray each section with a setting spray (shocker, I use bumble and bumble does it all).

Sorry for the long comment but from one girl with fine hair to another, I hope this helps!!

Tara said...

I love Kate Walsh's hair too.

I wish I could help you out, but I'm so indecisive when it comes to my own hair. I think the brunette and red look good on you. (I know that was a lot of help. Heh.)

My hair parts down the middle too. The last time I got my hair cut the lady said to me, "Honey, this is not the 70's. Parts down the middle are SO out!" Yeah...I don't part my hair. It does it all by itself.

DG said...

god i have the worst hair too! thin and flat! nothing i do gives it more volume EXCEPT using this Bumble and Bumble Thickening spray before I blowdry. It definitely adds a little something. Try it!

each of the two said...

your hair? my hair? buddies, BFF, do NOT get along with products, styles, curling or crimping instruments and methods.

i think you need Loooooong bangs, like long enough to sweep over forehead and tuck behind ear and (i hate to say it, but lady its the bane of thin flat hair) shorter. much shorter, like up towards collar bones or higher.
it will be a shock, but it will look fantabulous!

Princess Pointful said...

We pretty much have the same hair, by the sounds of it. Mine has decided it wants no style whatsoever.

I do think sideswept bangs would look really good. I also really like that shade of red, but if you went back to brown, a few blonde highlights would be fun!

tiff said...

I didn't read all the comments before me, but have you tried Whoorl? She's a hairtherapist! She does "Hair Thursdays" and all you have to do is submit a picture:

www.whoorl.com

Tia said...

yay! hair help!! something i actually know about! =)

but i'm going to write you an email.

Anonymous said...

I think you would look really cute with some long layers and long wispy bangs - I like the redish color a lot and you can change your part to zig zag or be straight....I use some products but not too many - not much help am I? Oh well....

Anonymous said...

I think you would look really cute with some long layers and long wispy bangs - I like the redish color a lot and you can change your part to zig zag or be straight....I use some products but not too many - not much help am I? Oh well....

Katelin said...

I have the same problem with the automatic part, I think it's just because I wore my hair one way for so long that it basically just loves to go that way, even though I've changed it. I don't really know how to change this, rather just make my own part and hope it stays!

As for the hair overall, I can't really offer too much since my hair is ridiculously curly and much shorter than yours. But I think if maybe you went a little shorter and layered it may hold more of a curl, but that's just speculation.

Good luck!

k said...

i love bnags personally!

i am a hot rollers fan too.

PrincessPolly said...

First off, you have lovely hair. It looks a lot more manageable than mine. Mine is naturally quite curly and a nightmare. and totally unhealthy due to all the bleaching i've done to it (and all the trying to get it straight, like yours!) but i don't want to cut it off as i don't like short hair on me either. I also have a problem with my parting - thank god, I thought it was just me!!! Anyways . . . I've always been a fan of the sideswept fringe, you could try that. Also, my sister, who has hair that sounds quite like yours - it is very straight and thin and doesn't hold a curl - she has medium brown hair and she went through a phase where she had some layers and some subtle blonde streaks UNDERNEATH so that they just kind of poked out of the bottom. It's hard to describe but it looked really cool. Perhaps you could try something like that?

ANA said...

I think you should get asymmetrical bangs. It'll look great. Or you could opt for a mod shag, it will look awesome specially because you have fine straight hair. You can pick up Pureology Texture twist, and apply it in moderation to style you hair, to get rid of your conditioned part.
To deal with frizz, add a capful of vinegar to your last hair rinse, it seals the cuticles. Then after blowdrying use any anti frizz serum to tame the flyaways.
Your hair is gorgeous, all you need is a little more volume on the crown. You can flip your head down, spray a little hairspray on the roots, hold for 2-5 seconds and then flip it back. Or you can try some back brushing styles to crown your head.
Highlights seem like a good idea,
Hope it helps.

elysa said...

I have straight hair and hot rollers are my friend. I use really big ones to give my hair body. Plus I always keep some sort of layers that frame my face.

What works for me to get the curl to hold is Aussie wet/dry moose - you put it on wet hair then dry it and roll it and the curl holds a lot longer. Hairspray is not my friend.

Lisa said...

I don't know if it's the red hair or the fact that you're rid of that stupid boy, but dude, you're getting hotter! Can't help you with the hair. I'm Asian. My hair is flaaaat.

Scotty said...

I say the color from the left pic of Kate Walsh, in the style of the right pic of her.

I think you should visit Sandy Eggo ;)

Maxie said...

You should try the Volume shampoo from bath and body works... it's really cheap (2 for $10) and it works WONDERS.

Eve said...

I am so envious! I have always dreamt of having a longish bob that's shorter in back and longer in front, maybe even with bangs.

ah, to not have poofy hair.

Oh, and I've always wanted a parted ponytail but my hair won't do it! If you do a high pony that should work. And doing different parts helps keep frizz down, especially if it's different from the way it was parted when your hair dried.

mcgee said...

i love the color of kate walsh's hair...i think it would look super hot on you!

KA said...

I know nothing about hair, but I just wanted to tell you that you really DO look like the girl from Grey's anatomy. it's actually a pretty good comparison!

A Margarita said...

Hmmm, I'm not sure what to suggest. I like Katie Holmes' ne wlook but that may be too short for you. What about a perm? Or something ala Rachel in Friends - it's a flattering cut on a lot of people.

*Red said...

Bang it up! I have the same kind of hair, same length, just way more red and I went for the bangs. I get SO many compliments on them. Get them to just above your eyebrows so they won't take long to grow out if you hate them. But don't get too many. Start off with whispy ones.

Anonymous said...

I think Kate Walsh's style would look great on you. I love the side swept bangs. Also, the red. Although might be because I am redhead myself and am a little partial.

Can't help with the thin/straight, though, since I have super curly hair.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I have curly hair too. It's sorta thin, but it has more body than it knows what to do with.
So, since I can't help you, I will tell you that I've never noticed this before, but you have really pretty eyes. I love them. The red goes perfect with them too!

Anonymous said...

my hair does NOT do curl either. gah.

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
You do look like a younger, hotter version of Kate Walsh. Sorry I don't have any hair tips for you, but I do like the red color.

Miss A said...

Just popping by to say that I am hopeless in the hair department too.

The End.

Charm City Kim said...

I suffer the SAME issues. My hair is thin, super straight and won't hold a curl to save its life.

I've had short hair, long hair, layered hair, highlighted hair, etc. I've found that I just prefer low maintenance now. I generally don't wear my hair down and that's how I deal with it. About 3 years ago, I took the plunge and decided to get long sweeping bangs and that's kind of helped me feel a little sassier. But I still wear my hair pulled back.

stilettoheights said...

I have no help for you, I am a hair nightmare....

keep us posted on this.

rachel elizabeth said...

okay so... better late than never. there's two specific products that i SWEAR by... one is called instacure by matrix. it's like $15 a bottle, but it lasts for EVER. it's like the best instant conditioner for your hair EVER. use it before you blow dry your hair, and i swear, you'll tank me for it later. :o) the other... helps with the frizzies. i use a little tiny drop of biosilk. it's great stuff and it give your hair this perfect shine, smooths over split ends, tames frizzies and lasts ALL DAY. :o)

since your hair is fine... i don't know if you have ever tried blow drying it upside down & spraying your roots with hairspray, but it works like a charm for me almost without fail. bangs (long ones) would look KILLER on you too.

okay, so that's all the advice i've got. good luck & keep us posted!!! <3

graffiti.girl.designs said...

my thoughts:

loooove the red, think you should get bangs cut into the length you like similar to those kate walsh has in the picture on the far right, to get rid of your part here is what i would try (this is how i moved my part). pick where you want your part to be, and at night (or when you are bumming around the house alone), but definitly when you sleep, part your hair where you want and bobby pin it in place, a hairdresser told me this and it worked wonders(after a couple weeks) - your hair has to be trained apparently!

Sara said...

I have curly hair I have to flatten straight in many different ways.

Maybe layers and some highlights/lowlights? I think you look great no matter what. :)

j said...

go red, get bangs. yes yes yes.

x

The Underpaid Princess said...

Love the red! I think you would look great with long swoopy bangs, too.

Anonymous said...

Get bangs! Think, side-swept, lovely bangs!

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean - your hair sounds exactly like mine. It's thin, dry and perfectly straight - and holds curls for about five seconds before they drop out. Gah.

(You do look like Kate Walsh!)

Julie Q said...

oohh I do see the Kate Walsh thing going on. I say go red. its fierce!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You really do favor Kate Walsh. I love her color too.

Kristie said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE read hair. More than life itself. I often have red hair. As for parting and frizziness and getting curls, I'm totally the wrong one person to give advice. That's why I have a best friend that's a hairdresser, she's my saving grace! I do hope you will post pictures of the new 'do when you get one.

Nights_that_never_end said...

I've always wanted red hair, ever since I was young and was a BIG fan of Lucy Ball. Looks good!

Anonymous said...

I have thin hair too. My secrets are keeping it layered and no longer than shoulder-length. I also dye my hair which seems to give it more body. Herbal Essences volumizing gel is amazing and so is Paul Mitchell spray wax - they help you fake full hair.

Good luck!