As promised, friends, here is your first hair Q&A post, inspired by an email from a friend back in Ohio who is having a hair dilemma. She wrote:
“For a while now, I’ve been trying to grow my hair out, but I feel like maybe I’ve reached a point where my hair looks too stringy if I continue to grow it. Basically, I’m looking for a change. I’d love to go short, but not too short. In the past, I’ve had an angled bob, but I’ve never done anything too adventurous. I’m looking for something cute and easy to style, and I’m open to any advice you could give me.”
Seriously, I think these exact thoughts have been on the mind of at least a million women at some point or another. It’s the classic hair issue of the mid-20-to-30-somethings (which happens to be the age range box the majority of my friends and I are checking these days). You’re over having suuuuuuper long locks because let’s face it, you’re not 18 anymore, and unless you have a boatload of thick hair or extensions (which require some serious maintenance and can be challenging to style as your hair grows out, not to mention, those babies are pricey!), long hair that’s been “growing out” for years can look boring and lifeless. And listen, I KNOW more than half of you are probably guilty of skipping regular trims in an effort to reach that ever-coveted “below the boob” length… which is horrible. So, side note: if you’re growing your hair long, you should be doing everything to keep your hair in optimum condition, including using professional products and getting trims on a regular basis (try 8-10 weeks, not twice a year)!
But! Back to the question at hand! You’re looking for a change, maybe short, but not too short, something that’s relatively easy to style and can be worn a few different ways. My answer?
The Choppy Lob. (I can’t make this up, people… it’s what the fashion police at
In Style are calling it… if you don’t believe me, Google it.)
Alexa Chung is a pro at the Choppy Lob - she's known for her signature style all over the US and UK alike. (EEP! I love her!)
The Choppy Lob is a long bob with lots of choppy layers to add movement which makes this cut super easy to style, not to mention, easy to wear a lot of different ways (straight, messy, curly, wavy, you name it). The fact that sexy, “undone” hair is making an appearance all over the streets of fashion capitals LA and New York makes this bedhead look acceptable anywhere… so don’t be afraid to try it – if you don’t get a few compliments outright, I guarantee you’ll have women staring at you and wishing they had the balls to try your style themselves. Just make sure you’re wearing makeup or this look can totally backfire (aka, you might look homeless)! ;)
If the Lob is too long or not a big enough change for your taste, why not just raise the perimeter a few inches? It’s now back to the original bob, minus the long part, but with those choppy layers, lots of movement and texture, you’ve now got a modern twist on the old classic. (This is the look my friend decided to try.)
Taking it up a notch... literally. Um, nice shirt, by the way.
Another variation on the choppy bob on Jessica Stroup, who happens to not have 20lbs of hair. See? Looks great on her, too.
If you’re concerned about your hair texture being to fine to pull it off, you MUST invest in some quality hair products… my #1 reco: Aquage
Uplifting Foam, applied scalp to ends before you blow your hair out with a round brush. It will give your hair a ton of body and just enough starch to stay full of texture and movement all day long. You can even use a flat iron to flick out some layers, or curling iron for added texture – just be sure to use a thermal protectant on your hair, preferably one with a bit of hold, like Aquage
Beyond Body. If she doesn’t already tell you, make sure to ASK your stylist what products she’s using to style your hair, and how she’s using them. Your stylist should have a wealth of knowledge about the products and techniques to create the look you want – after all, it’s how we make a living, and it’s our responsibility as a teaching artist to make sure you can recreate your style at home! (Side note: If your stylist can’t give you the answers you need, it’s time to look for a new one!)
So, if you’re looking for a change (it is the new year, after all) the Choppy Lob (or shorter bob) is a pretty easy ‘do to pull off, and a fresh, modern look that will have you turning heads in no time. For more mid-length haircut ideas, visit my
Pinterest board where I’ve collected dozens of styles for you to peruse! Enjoy!
