I had permanents all my life, arghhhh, and about 8 years ago, I decided ENOUGH!

I've never been a primper, and never will.

Got it cut short, and it's a wash and wear style. Love it.

Right now, I'm in a stage of growing/getting a modified wedge. Think I'll like it once it gets there. Almost there.

This site may be what you are looking for, Janie.
It's kind of scary to think about a "do" change, isn't it...
Suzan J

Here is a link that might be useful: Virtual Hairdresser

If you hair is thin then look around for a person with hair like yours and that has a great haircut. Ask them where they got it done and go there. Best way.

I am going through the SAME exact thing. My hair is long, brown, fine, but I have a lot of it. Every time I think about making an appt, I fink out. I keep debating to grow it longer or chop it off.

Janie, you might try coloring your hair to give it some added body. I color mine and it makes it much more manageable. It's pretty thick, though, but straight and coloring it seems to make it easier to wear it.

I think long hair ages a person's face and tends to drag it down. I KNOW- that doesn't hold true in ALL cases, don't be offended if you wear yours long, but it was the case for me. I used to have really long hair. I got it cut off when I was about 35, I think. I've been short ever since and I think it suits me. It's a lot easier to handle now, too.

I have dark thick curly hair and get it highlighted. Last week, I decided to get it cut shorter than normal, and I love it! Have gotten so many compliments about it. Flamey is right; mine was dragging down my face; now that it's shorter, I have a bit more height to work with!

Good Luck!
Dee

Flamey, how could I ever be offended by you (by the way Stewie says hello- he has been busy watching the birds recently). I think that is part of why I think I need to have a major change. It is aging me and REALLY showing off my quickly expanding double chin, lol. I got "scalped" in 2007 (anyone remember those hideous pictures???? I looked like I just entered boot camp!) so I am terrified to get much done. I have only had one real cut since then. Not sure if I want it colored- I actually like my gray hairs, just getting a few too many to get away with a ponytail. I am considering a perm. My grandmother has given me a dozen or more but I am not sure if she could still do that. May have to see if she is planning a trip to WV anytime soon. I have only had one professional perm and that was probably 20 years ago.

My favorite hair cut/perm was when I was about 18- hair was below my bra-line and the weight of my hair made my perm look oh so good. Of course, I also had the 1990s BIG HAIR style and I think Eric would overrule that in a heartbeat, lol.

I wish they'd had mousse when I was in high school. I hated the pin curling, etc. I wear my hair short, bangs and cut over the ears, wash it, put a little mousse in my hands and rub it in, then comb it down, take the comb and fluff up the bangs and top back and after my hair is dry just comb it out. So easy and it has body that way and, as they say, so soon old, so late smart.

I think you need to look around at people with hair you admire and ask them about their stylist. I've found that medium to higher price places tend to do more styling and make more suggestions on what would look good at least that is what has worked for me.

My hair is fine and straight. It looks thin if I let it grow out. The best thing I've done is to find stylists who will cut my hair in a way where it almost fixes itself. I used to not do layers because I thought it would be more time consuming to fix. That is so not true. The layers actually help my hair to lay right. I can curl as many layers as I want. I'm naturally blond, but I get highlights to give my hair lift. I also use hair thickeners that you put in after you wash your hair to add a little more fullness. The one that was recommended to me is "Cocky" thickening paste by Bedhead. I've found it in the Wal-Mart salons and Regis. I've never found it in a store. Another thickener I've had luck with is a "Generic Value Product" from Sally's Beauty Supply. I'm not sure if it is called a thickener or the specific name of the product. Their people will help if you ask. You only use a nickle to quarter size amount for around chin length hair. The Bedhead stuff is a little pricey at around $20, but it lasts about a year. The Generic Value Products was around $6 and lasted several months. Both were a good investment for me.

Don't be afraid to try something new. You may or may not like your first attempts, but it's only hair and it will grow. Good luck and have fun!

blunt scissor cut in layers is usually the way to go with fine hair...it's finding a stylist that can cut! check with friends, strangers if you see a cut you like...tell the stylist you like wash and go or with a little blow drying...have them teach you how to blow dry your hair...i taught my mother and until she broke her sholder, she rolled/blow dried her own hair...

oh as for the grey? that can be controlled with a temp color...adds body, and remember to go with your existing color or a bit lighter...nothing more aging than that inky black hair...

Ok Janie---I committed. I have a hair appointment tomorrow. Come with me :)

Bearcat, share before and after pictures first, :-)

We'll see---if I hate it I won't want to scare you away!

You need to find a really good hair stylist who could suggest a nice style for you. Maybe add some highlights. It took me a couple of years after I moved here to find a good stylist I was happy with. When I go for a cut and highlights and she asks me any questions about what I want, I just tell her that whatever she does is fine with me. I just love the way my short hair looks.