Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Haircut for Fine, Straight Hair and a High Forehead
Welcome to our Hair Consultations column. Bill Angst is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Angst Hair in Toronto, Canada. To request an online hair consultation, follow the instructions here.
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.
Kathryn has long hair, but is considering a shorter cut and bangs.
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
Kathryn wants an easy hairstyle that doesn't require styling.
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.
Dakota Johnson at the 2015 Venice photocall for 'Black Mass.'
Famous/ACE Pictures
The length I chose for you can be put up to get your hair off your neck, as per your request.
Dakota Johnson at the 2015 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Grants Banquet.
D. Long/Globe Photos
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.
Dakota Johnson at the 2015 Hollywood Film Awards.
Byron Purvis/AdMedia
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.
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Conditioner
Thickening spray will help with adding volume, and again is designed for your type of hair.
R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray
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
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