In the world of women’s hair, few of us are completely happy with what we have been given. If it’s curly, we blow it and flat-iron it straight. If it’s brunette, we bleach it blonde. If it’s blonde, we dye it red (guilty as charged). If it’s straight, we perm it or curl it. If it’s thin, we want it thick. If it’s thick, we thin it out.
I have been blessed with baby fine hair. While it feels incredibly soft and silky, and it has incredible shine, it’s also notoriously difficult to handle. It doesn’t hold a style very well, barrettes and ponytail holders tend to slide right out, and getting a haircut is an extremely complicated procedure. While I’ve had stylist after stylist tell me I have lots of hair, its texture makes it appear very thin. I’ve finally set on a style that works for me, with my hair’s texture, and brings out the natural wave.
My own hair falls to about the middle of my back, with light layering throughout, starting around chin level. I hit upon this style only after years of experimentation, much of it unsuccessful. Layering both brings out the wave in my hair by reducing the length able to weight it down, while also giving my hair the appearance of being fuller and thicker.
When styling, I simply add a bit of John Freida hair serum to avoid frizzing (inherent in cold, dry weather) and some leave-in conditioner (Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship) to combat the damage from chemical coloring.
One word of caution: you will want to ask your stylist to keep the layering LIGHT. Too much layering can have the opposite effect, causing your hair to appear even thinner and finer. If your hair is straight, you may wish to forgo the layering entirely, keeping your hair cut straight across the back, with blunt-cut bangs.
Many women with fine hair opt out of longer hair styles altogether. This is a very effective strategy for making your locks appear thicker. A blunt cut bob will heighten your hair’s natural luster with very minimal hairstyling work on your part.
A layered bob or shag can be easily styled by rubbing some pomade or styling wax between your hands and then smoothed onto your hair, followed by twisting little bits for a piecey effect. Volumizing spray or gel can be used prior to drying, if you prefer a fuller or curly style. Use products to your advantage, but keep them minimal. Too much product will simply weigh your hair down, again, defeating your purpose.
Dyeing your hair will also give your hair a thicker appearance, by plumping up the strands. You may also choose to go with piecey highlights, to give your hair dimension and depth, creating an almost sparkly-effect.
For pictures and further ideas, consult hairstyletwist.com, or talk to your stylist about your personal hair concerns. When a woman feels good about her hair, she feels good about herself. It is, after all, our crowning glory.
