Growing Out Gracefully: How to Survive That Shaggy Look

It’s always fun to change your hairstyle . It’s easy when you go from long to short. All it take sis a trip to the salon and within half an hour you have a new look. However, go the opposite way – from short to long – and it’s a real pain. The grown-out style may look too shaggy or it’s too annoying. Even worse, it can look too lame or retro. Here are a few ways to live with it.

1. A trim every so often. Try for six to eight weeks so that you don’t have bangs in your eyes or “wild hair”. Your hairdresser may even offer some suggestions style wise on how it should be cut. Also you made need a good thinning out if your hair is thick on top.
2. Magazines. Look at ones devoted exclusively to hair styling to see what you can do during this interim time. There are some great monthlies out there featuring short hair styles. Pick out one style that is closest to what you have now and copy it.(you may have to head to your hairstylist for this).If you’re too lazy to leave the house then there’s a million sites out there devoted to hair. You can look at any of them to find a good in between look.
3. Use products. I’ve been attached to two since growing my hair longer. One is Citrus Shine Mist. that controls frizzies and any poufiness. It gives my hair swing and shine and it’s perfect for these hot days. It’s also fortified with fruit extracts that are important for the follicles. For wilder looks, I just spritz Sunsilk “s Waves Of Envy all over. This is a spray made with real sea salt which gives hair that sexy“ just stepped off the beach” look.. It also increases the volume to make it look fuller and just cut as well. Be careful with any salt based styling product because they can dry out hair . Gels are also great because you can massage them onto roots after you”ve shampooed. This gives your style hold as well as shape. Use a light hair spray like Mink or VO-5’s to set the style afterwards.
4. Coloring. This can be as subtle as highlights, lowlights or all over color. If you’re leery about a whole makeover, then consider just highlights. Sun In allows you to do it yourself and come out with a sun streaked , fun look. Also you can glam up your hair with highlights or give the new length some depth with darker strands known as lowlights. If you want a completely new look, go to your salon for a complete color makeover. Now is the time to experiment and perk up your locks. If you’ve wanted to be a blonde brunette or redhead, then go for it. It’ll give your growing out style some oomph as well.
5. Accessories. Headbands are about the best for anyone growing out her hair. They keep strands off your face as well as making you look tidy and neat. Buy a few practical ones at your local dollar store and then splurge on some pretty silk covered ones at more expensive shops and salons. I also like the crocheted ones that Scrunchi makes. These don’t give me headaches and they’re easier to adjust . They have packs of six with different colors to go with outfits from work to casual. Another good idea is to stock up on barrettes and bobby pins. Both types are great for pinning back or pinning up your hair. I’ve used them several times during this hot summer. Buy fancier ones at stores like Ulta or Escentuals for dressing up times.
6. Appliances. Never underestimate the power of your hair dryer and a good round brush. I’ve done a blowout that made my soccer mom helmet look runway glamorous. It just takes patience and some agility with wielding the brush. Also to lock in the style give your hair a blast of cold air. Curlers, that low end hair helper are also good for creating flips or a semi-bouffant at the crown. Buy them in different sizes to accommodate changing lengths. Also foam ones are easier on the hair but Velcro ones work just as well. I typically use them to give my crown a lift. Curling and flat irons are great helpers in creating a style. I recently bought a travel flat iron that is also perfect for shorter hair styles. I flat ironed some sections, giving the back and crown a lovely full look. I am going to do more experiments with my flat iron soon. Buy any of these irons to give a growing out style some va-va-voom (Warning – don’t become too addicted to these. They too can dry out hair shafts. If you do curl or flat iron a lot , then use a leave in conditioner every so often to retain hair’s moisture and flexibility).

Don’t fret over growing your hair from short to long. There are several options you can choose during this time. All will give you a style that not only looks good but makes you feel good too.