Question: I am an at-home mom with 3 kids. I try to be current without looking like I try too hard and I (think!) I have held up pretty well for 42 years – most would guess me to be at least a few years younger. With that in mind, I am ready for a change from my long layers and am thinking about about something like Paris Hilton’s latest cut, a kind of Emo-esque bob. I don’t want to go overboard but definitely need something edgier than a typical soccer-mom bob. So two questions: How to best convey exactly what I want to my stylist? I tried to get this across to her 1 1/2 yrs. ago but didn’t know how to describe what I wanted, she tried but I wound up going back 2 more times and never really got the style – maybe time for a change there, too? Secondly, my hair has gotten wavier and wavier as I get older, especially in oddly random areas! If I don’t blow it out, it will be pretty curly, and I will most likely need to invest in a flat iron to make this look work. The good news is a blowout usually lasts me 3-5 days, so if I’m good at it, I’ll be golden..that is, if you agree this style will work w/my hair type. If so, can you recommend a good flat iron that won’t require a second mortgage? Thanks! Sorry this is so wordy – love your site! – Sydney via email
Answer: Good news – you don’t need to change stylists, just try a new way to communicate what you want! When consulting with your stylist, make sure you have pictures with you of the hairstyle you like. Looking in magazines and on the internet will help you find inspiration and you can bring these photos with you to the salon. This way your stylist will be able interpret the look easily, and give you the cut of your dreams. You might like Paris Hilton’s hair cut, but she changes her style so often that her bob this week might not be the same as her bob 3 weeks ago. This might explain your why your stylist is missing the mark. Next time you go, be sure to bring your favorite photo!
Check out this video on Paris Hilton’s bob - it shows some great styling tips!
As for the flat iron, you want to make sure the iron you choose will straighten your curly hair without ‘breaking the bank’. My top flat iron picks for you are all under $100:
Hai Convertable Ceramic Flat Iron
FHI Heat Ceramic Flat Iron
Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Flat Iron
-StraightBelle
