Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Haircut for Fine, Straight Hair and a High Forehead

Q: I have long brown hair. I'm not sure how to describe the texture, but I would say that it's thin, dry and always packed full of split ends. Just basically unhealthy! 

I was wondering about cutting my hair shoulder-length or shorter, and possibly bangs. I've never had either short hair or bangs, so I'm not sure what to try. 

I like easy hair that I don't have to style. I don't ever curl my hair or do it differently than up in a bun or worn straight down. I live where it's very hot, so I would still like to be able to pull it up. What should I do? — Kathryn

A: Kathryn, thank you for the consultation request. This is an excellent opportunity to talk about how to show up for any appointment with a hairdresser.

I prefer someone to arrive with their hair in the style they have been wearing. That way, I can read the hair, as well as see the colour for highlight placement, etc. It also gives me an idea of the person's current grooming practices, so I can help them with any styling requests.

If they don't currently style their hair, then they should wash it and let it dry as it would be done everyday. Ponytails, top knots, baseball hats and bicycle helmets are not a good idea.

These rules apply whether you're going in for a haircut, colour or even just a bang trim. It all helps your hairdresser to get as close as possible to the style you desire. Otherwise, we can only "guesstimate," which is not worth the money that you pay for our services.

So that being said, here is my guesstimate based on your pictures....

Let's start with your request about bangs. Fine hair and a high forehead are often a conflict. There is no weight to the hair, so the bangs will tend to fly away and separate. 

This can be very pretty if you are comfortable with it. However, if there are any cowlicks in the bang area, I would renegotiate this idea.

So I think these are great bangs for you, if you don't have a cowlick. This is also the perfect length and cut for the shape of your face. 

The length I chose for you can be put up to get your hair off your neck, as per your request.

Cutting subtle layers at this length gives you softer bits that will be pretty with the bangs. When you cut hair a bit shorter and add layers, this should take care of any split ends.

To help avoid any further split ends, use a shampoo and conditioner that will leave your hair nourished.

People with fine hair often do not like to use conditioner because it makes the hair too flat. There are products out there for this problem. This shampoo and conditioner are designed to work well for fine hair. 

Thickening spray will help with adding volume, and again is designed for your type of hair.

I trust that this information will assist you in your style change.

I hope you don't mind me sharing my rules with your consult. I do believe that if more people would approach a hairdresser in this fashion, their results would be amazing.

billyxoxo