Conference turris::womannotes-v2

Actually, when I think women + crewcuts, I think Grace Jones. Who I think is
_very_ striking. I think I would be shocked at someone with that cut at work,
then embarassed and ashamed at my shockedness. So I'd ask them about it as an
excuse to stare at it.

I'm sure there are people who would have problems with it, but I'd bet they'd
be few and far between. Plus they'd probably cover it up and try to work with
you.
	Mez

I think the crew cut would look pretty good... 

Why would there be a problem with interviews?  As long as its moderately
attractive, fine.  Someone who would object to a crew cut would probably
object to a woman wearing a suit too.

    Although monks have shaved their heads for centuries the first thing
    *I* think of someone who has a shaved head is that they are a white
    supremist skinhead and I'm totally turned off. On the side of short
    and spikey I've knowm several women whose hair looked neat that way.
    liesl

    
    I'd say "go for it".  I'm always impressed by the guts of someone
    who can do something that makes them look different from the general
    masses.  I always think of doing something a little wild with my hair 
    but when my hairdresser brings out the clipper I turn chicken.  (I've 
    got an appointment for the 20th, though and some old-permanent frizz
    that I'd like to get rid of.)  
    
    I suppose, if you're nervous about how "professional" you look, you 
    could wear makeup, if you don't already.  (I don't know why, but I
    think I'm equating "looking professional" as "looking like a woman".)
    
    I know someone who wears her hair _very_ short all over except for
    a fringe along the nape and along the sides of the face, and she
    wears just a touch of makeup -- the style looks very nice on her.  She
    doesn't have perfect features, either -- in fact, her nose was broken
    when she was very young and it's kind of smushed sideways on her
    face.
    
    CQ

    Though I personally don't find ultra-short haircuts attractive, I
    see no reason why you shouldn't try it if you want to.  I doubt you'd
    have much to worry about how your co-workers would take it - we're
    a pretty relaxed group in TLE. 
    
    (If you REALLY want to freak people out, come to work in a "power
    suit"!)
    				Steve

    I've wanted to get that kind of haircut for a couple of years now,
    (Aimee Mann, 'til tuesday, is my role model there),  but so far I
    can't bear to cut my hair, which has been long for almost 13 years
    now -- and I don't mean just shoulder length, I mean as long as it
    will grow.  It's become kind of my personal symbol that I'm still
    a child of the sixties even if I do work for Digital and own a
    house and all that stuff.
    
    So if you do go for it, you'd have my approval!
    
    --bonnie

    D, I owuld suggest that you go to a really good hairdresser and get
    her/his advice on whehter or not you have the type of features that
    can take a really severe hair cut.  If it's something that will look
    good on you, go for it.
    
    I tend to wear very eye catching hairstyles.  I've never gone quite
    as short as Annie but, for instance, right now, while the top is spiky 
    but not real short, the sides are jsut a little longer than a crew cut.
    
    I'm in a position where it is necessary for me to look very
    professional at all times (and I practice law on the side so have to
    look ok for court) and I haven't found the hair a problem - not even
    when I put burgundy cellophanes (a type of semi-permanent color) on it. 
    However, extreme hair cuts are very unforgiving.  You need to be sure 
    that you emphasize the positive and I've found that to look my best I 
    ALWAYS wear make-up.  I try to wear clothes that are feminine, (no ruffles,
    they're not me) colors that look good on me and I make sure that if I wear
    something very tailored (aka a "power suit"), my jewlery, blouse or 
    accessories "balance" the look.
    
    One other thing - if you want a really short cut to look good, be
    prepared to have it cut as often as every 2-3 weeks.
     

    Do any of the local salons have that computer-imaging feature? They'll
    put a picture of you up on the screen and re-paint the hair to show you
    how the cut will look. While it's probably far from perfect, it seems
    like a good idea before making a really drastic cut.
    
    For interviews: Have the Digital logo shaved into the side of your
    head. I guarantee you will be remembered!
    
    -b

Your own self-esteem is also a determining factor in your decision.

This hair cut will make a statement of boldness (not baldness ;-) -sorry),
and self-confidence.  Some people (who themselves perhaps lack self-confidence)
may snicker while others will be very complimentary. 

If you can shrug off snickers and the like easily, then a radical change in 
appearance (I take it this haricut would do that for you?) isn't anything
to be afraid of.

Do you like the way you look?  I think the advice of a good hair dresser
is also good advice for you.  (I say "good" because the stylists I've had
have been taught cutting tecniques and are not artisans.)

Incidently, I shaved off my mustache recently (for fun) and my 1 year old
son cried when this strange man came into the room, my daughters giggled
uncertainly (and the oldest told me to grow it back in no uncertain terms).
Lesson:  You will probably get many mixed reviews.  Bathe in the compliments
and shrug off the others.  

How you feel about yourself is of greater importance than how others do.
(Others feelings are important to self-esteem; just not *as* important.)

    Gee, all this talk about haircuts!!!   Over 30 years ago I 
    inadvertently got one shorter than what is now known as the
    Annie Lennox do.  I was changing from a small high school
    to a large high school and meeting new kids.  It was just
    before school started and I was due to go on a Rainbow/
    DeMolay Outing the following Sunday and be introduced to
    a new DeMolay guy by one I used to date.  Well, my old date
    introduced me to the new guy BUT decided he liked to run his
    fingers through my new do too much to let go.  I even had my
    sophomore picture taken with it grown out a few months and 
    it still was SHORT!  I had no trouble meeting new kids or 
    integrating into the new school and new teachers and this 
    was in the late '50s!!!

    As for lady lawyers and short dos....Raytheon in Wayland has
    a neat laid-back, tongue-in-check corporate lawyer I worked 
    for that got the fuzz doo as a normal cut and then for a 
    kick on Halloween sprayed it a different stripe even though
    she was up for a real conservative meeting!!!  What a neat 
    mom she was for her kids!!!  She loved the fact that I had
    this subtle black and white fuzzy skunk tail on too!!!

    Closer to home here at Digital....one of the women engineers
    in Q&R has the Annie Do.....she really looks neat!!!  It looks
    terrific on her. 

    I think the answer might just be to get what is comfortable for
    you and then carry it off!!!  It is really all in how you project
    yourself that counts anyway.

    justme....jacqui

    I personally don't find crew cuts attractive on either men or women,
    and I especially hate them on little boys.  (Little boys look so
    geeky with crew cuts.)  Of course, it's better when it's spiked
    like Annie Lennox.  But, I still find long hair to be most attractive
    on both men and women.  HOWEVER, I certainly don't expect everyone
    to wear their hair to please me - :-) - so, I think you should go
    for it if you think the style will suit your face, and that you
    will be comfortable with it.
    
    I do understand the desire to make some sort of statement by dressing
    in some way that will be different from the masses.  However, my
    desire to do this is always at odds with my hatred of being stared
    at by strangers.  So, I never dress in the weird clothes I would
    *really* like to wear!
    
    Lorna
    

    On the down side, I know someone who mohawked her hair
    several years ago--and she discovered that even the most
    gentle breeze chilled her more quickly.  Of course, that was
    *shaved*, not short.  She also didn't like it, and it took
    here a looong time to grow it out to a medium short length. 

    Based partly on her experiences with her co-workers, I
    suspect that most people wouldn't be too disturbed by a very
    short cut, esp if (as Noted earlier) you "balance" it with a
    little makeup and jewelry.  I'm rather fond of big, dangly or
    brightly-colored earrings with very short hair. 

    -- Linda

I find the need for 'balance' _really_ interesting. Is it because the cut is
'butch', and there's a need to identify the wearer as 'fem' so the gender can
be appropriately identified?

Are people much more unsettled about not being able to _identify_ gender, then
by exotic personal statements?
	Mez

>Are people much more unsettled about not being able to _identify_ gender, then
>by exotic personal statements?
>	Mez

Well, anyone who's met me can tell you that, hair or no hair, my gender is
definitely *not* ambiguous.  1/2 :-)  But that is an interesting point.  I have
to admit, I think I would be nervous around someone if I couldn't tell whether
they were male or female.  I know it should make a difference, but it does
in the way I intereact with someone.  It's like there is a set of rules for
interacting with men, and a set for women, and I am uncomfortable if I don't
know what set to use.

Lorna, I *like* getting stared at.  I love being the center of attention;
I have an exhibitionist streak a mile wide.  Maybe that is another reason
why I want to do this.

Someone asked earlier if any salons had a computer-imaging system to show
how cuts would look with your face - any know of such a thing?  That would
be great.  I have tried pulling my hair back to see what it would look like,
but it doesn't give the same effect.

As for chills with no hair protection on my head, I thought about that.
I think I would have to start working on a hat collection - that in itself
could be totally cool!  Talk about statements!

My mother and my best friend think it is a terrible idea; my friend because
her girlfriend got it cut like that, and it didn't look good on her, and
my mother because it isn't how a "professional" woman should look.

Balancing?  Not sure I understand this.  I don't wear make-up and I am not
going to start.  I think it is disgusting, as well as timeconsuming.  (I
used to be one of those never-leave-the-house-without-my-face-on type.)
Why should I have to "smooth off the edges" if I am doing it to be rough?
I think Steve's idea is great tho - the day I get my hair cut, I'll come in
in a power suit (with the tie!)  Oh I love it, but I don't know that I 
would ever have the guts.

(Looking butch is not a problem.  I always have and always will look [
and act, some tell me] butch.  Oh well.)

I find peoples comments here very interesting...how do you all feel about
"statements of nonconformity" in general?  I have heard some people say that
it is silly and pointless, and others say that staying *away* from fasion
still means you are as ruled by fasion as those who follow it.

D!

    Don't forget to consider other factors when radically changing your
    hair. My face looks very good with very short hair, but I have a small
    head and it really makes me look like a pear-shaped pinhead. ;-) It
    really makes my hips standout even more. sigh. I really like short
    hair, but need to make it fuller or keep it long.

    Tamzen

D!,

I've always been attracted to people who seemed not to conform.
I think this is because, being a nerd, I was never capable of conforming.
	Mez

    Ok, I'll bite:  who *is* Annie Lennox and what does her hair look
    like??
    
    Always interested in a new look,
    
    Jane

    The location of the hair imager is at the Framingham/Lechmere
    Mall on Route 30 in Framingham, MA if you are from this 
    general area.  

    justme....jacqui

    I have had my hair "annie" short before, the only problem I had was
    when I sunburned my ears..   ouch.  I never thought to put sun block on
    them.  I have been letting my hair grow lately, its past my shoulders
    now, I have it colored a dark burgundy.  its starting to drive me
    crazy so am thinking about cutting is back again.  I always liked it
    short, after a shower in the morning take the towel and dry it like your
    polishing shoes.....and it goes wild.  I have massive thick hair too,
    so when its short like that its dry in 10 minutes, with it this long,
    it take 45-60  minutes to air dry.  
    I keep the people here at work guessing, they don't know what color my
    hair will be from month to month, and since it grows so fast, the
    length is never constant.  I also second the suggestion a few back to 
    be aware of having to get short cuts cut more often, its true.  it
    seems that the shorter it is, the faster it grows :-)
    my vote is go for it, its only hair, it'll grows back.
    
    vivian

    I SAY:  GO FOR IT!  and thank god hair grows (in case it isn't
    flattering, of course)
    
    not only that but the styles now in the fashion mags are either
    drastically short or 60's style long.  Short's rather in vogue at
    the moment.  Look at today's top models, they are gorgeous, some
    of them don't have very strong features, rather, one arresting feature.
     Short hair seems to bring out the good and the bad features, but
    why hide them anyway?  Ines dela Fressage, Josie Borain, and the
    model of the moment, Linda Evangelista, have all got very short
    hairstyles.  It's quite chic.
    
    Tammi
    

        I find Annie Lennox and her hair style very attractive.  I don't
        find it butch at all if a woman also wears makeup/feminine
        clothes.  And yes, I believe that I have a need to identify the
        wearer as female to ID his/her gender.  I am attracted to women
        with short hair and tend to stare at them.  Being heterosexual, I
        have no reason for staring at men with short hair.

        Years ago, when long hair was conventional for men, I decided to
        get mine cut into a shorter style.  I wanted something different
        and unusual.  I expressed this to my hairdresser and she
        suggested we look at some Hairstyle Magazines.  

        While looking through a magazine, I came across a picture of a
        very attractive woman with really short hair and began to stare.
        My hairdresser noticed and said that I would look great with a
        similar cut and I agreed.  

        So, she gave me a a flawlessly tailored woman's
        precision-haircut.  She layered the top and crown for maximum
        height and fullness and cut the sides very short, up over the
        ears, and into long points at the temples.  She cut the back very
        close to the neck and into a "V" shape. Then, she and shaped it
        into a very feminine perfectly-coiffed look.  

        I just loved my new high-fashion hair style. Even if it did look
        noticeably effeminate.  I loved the way it looked on me.  

        Now, I wear my hair short and regular just like a million other
        guys to conform to the norm.  Looking back, I really enjoyed
        wearing that hairstyle but I cannot bring myself to go back to it
        for reasons of societal conformity.

         What do you think?
        
        

      
    Annie Lennox is terrific.
    
    I think you should do whatever makes you happy.  Go for it._:-)
    
    Mary

    When I was in France during college, I went to a salon and told
    them to do whatever they wanted...and they cut my hair *extremely*
    short!  (The funny thing was that I still had a part down the middle!)
    It was the best thing I could have done for my hair (I had just
    had 2 perms, and my hair was drying out), but the reactions ran
    the gamut.  Many people wanted to pat my head to see how it felt
    (that was weird), some were shocked, and some thought it was really
    neat.
    
    I had fun with it, playing around with different make up and earrings.
    Think of the people you interact with at work and socially, and
    how comfortable you'd be.  Cold weather is a few months away, so
    you may want to wait until Spring!  
    
    If you go with it, and discover that you don't like it, just remember
    that your hair *will* grow!
    
    Judi
    

    I've had my hair quite short before and I really liked it....some of my
    friends had trouble with it at first.  But I could make it look
    different depending on my mood and what I was wearing and the reaction
    of my business associates was always interesting.   Then, for some
    reason or other, I decided to let it grow out to one length.  I got to
    the point of frustration, went to the hairdresser and said "Perm it or
    wiffle it!"  He permed it......I'm thinking of going back to short, not
    as short as before, but having a perm and the "fussing" it needs is
    more aggrevation than it's worth.  Someday I'll find a style I like :-)
    
    But my suggestion to you, go for it.  You only go through life once.
    
    P.
    

	Strange all this talk about short hair and wearing make-up and/or
	"femmine" (see I can't even spell the word) clothes so that one
	does't look Butch.  I have had short hair (less than an inch) and
	I have had long hair (half way down my back it stops on its own)
	and I like both.  Do I look less Butch with long hair - I doubt
	it - but then I am not sure what one means by Butch!  I see myself
	more as the "sweet old grandmotherly" type - you know the ones
	with the grenades under the rocking chair.

	When my hair was short I did get turned down for a job (I think
	it was because of my hair) - that's ok later I went to work for
	the same group at a higher salary.

	_peggy

		(-)
		 |

			It is your statement
			Go ahead and make it.

    Amazing -- just a few days ago a co-worker and I were talking about
    how nice it would be to get our heads shaved and only have to run
    the electric razor over it each morning!  Talk about easy!  But
    we're both too conformist to do it.
    
    I secretly envy someone with the g*ts to face down society this
    way!
    
    Karen

          re: .26 (Peggy Leedberg)

          >  Strange all this talk about short hair and wearing make-
          >  up and/or "femmine" (see I can't even spell the word)
                        ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

          That was hysterical !!  Yea, right, Peggy. :-).

          re: .0, .14 (D! Carroll)

          I second Mary - Go for it!  You could discover a segment of your
          personality you didn't know existed!

          One of my favorite pastimes in a public place like the T
          (Boston's subway)or in malls is to try to understand a person's
          personna...to guess at why they  represent themselves to the
          world in the manner in which they do.

          re: (MEZ)

          > Are people much more unsettled about not being able to
          > _identify_ gender, then by exotic personal statements?

          Last week while riding the T, I sat across from someone whose
          gender I could not easily determine. S/he had a very short
          haircut, delicate facial features, no hint of facial hair growth,
          and shaven legs, and overall a small frame.  His/her masculine
          features were eyes and eyebrows and hands.  Finally, I concluded
          s/he was definitely a "he", because I noticed proportionately
          large muscles medial to his knees, which probably came from
          biking or basketball(jumping). Women simply don't seem to develop
          this muscle in the same manner men do, even professional
          athletes.

          It didn't make me nervous I couldn't immediately determine his
          gender,just very curious.  But I didn't have to interact with
          him, as you said below, D!.

          > It's like there is a set of rules for interacting with men, and
          > a set for women, and I am uncomfortable if I don't know what
          >  set to use.

          re: how "professional" women should look

          > My mother and my best friend think it is a terrible idea; my
          > friend because her girlfriend got it cut like that, and it
          > didn't look good on her, and my mother because it isn't how a
          > "professional" woman should look.

          Does your work speak for yourself louder than your appearance to
          those in the position to judge?  If so, then proceed with
          confidence!

          > ...how do you all feel about "statements of nonconformity" in
          general?

          I find them interesting.  They give me something to ponder while
          people-watching!


                                             nancy b.

A member of the community shared the following with me via mail, and is willing
to have it posted anonymously. It is in response to my questions about the need
to determine gender of a person.
	Mez

================================================================================

A friend of mine from years past was a alapecia victim. She was totally
hairless over her entire body. She frequently would go without a wig because
it was easier/cooler. With a little makeup and big earrings she could easily
have been a fashion model. But it did take her many years to become comfortable
with that. She would not go out of the house without either the wig or the
earrings and makeup as people did become confused and distressed at her
appearance. Without the makeup she would even get SIR'ed.

Our society still clings to notions of feminine and masculine that make little
sense when applied to bodies. It's a shame as there are a lot of interesting
people that restrain themselves appearance wise rather than face an onslaught
from the crowds.

re .? (Peggy)

    Being perceived as "butch" is when you're the sort of person
    who doesn't much wear jewelry, figures make-up is for going
    out, not for visiting with the folks, and you get your hair
    cut short (not *real* short like Annie L., just short), and
    your mom gives you a lecture about how disappointed she is in
    how you've been "letting yourself go" lately, not looking
    very "feminine," etc.  (Do I sound like someone who's a
    little upset with her mom?  Nah, surely not...) 

    Anyway, a few people are uncomfortable around a woman who
    looks "butch", although I think most aren't.  Since D! had
    expressed a slight concern in her basenote about whether her
    co-workers would be shocked or whatever, I pointed out that
    she might be able to mitigate that (if she cares) with
    earrings or makeup.  But in reading her subsequent notes I
    suspect this isn't quite the concern she had...

re .0, D!

    Having read a little more about you, I'd say go for it!
    Sounds like fun!

    -- Linda

    (Sorry for two notes in a row, but I read .29 after I entered
    .30, and it reminded me...)

    In (I think) _Gender,_an_Ethnomethodological_Approach_,
    (author's name[s] misplaced), someone did a study showing
    people drawings (and pictures?) of androgynous people.  In
    particular, these drawings did not indicate any gender-
    specific cues, such as facial hair, or womanly curves, or
    whatever.  The people who looked at the drawings were about
    twice as likely to identify them as male rather than as
    female...

    -- Linda

    Depending on the face type, it can be a really cool look.  I saw it
    recently on a 20-year old blonde -- it made her look very decisive and
    sure of herself.  If you have sharpish features/strong bones/big eyes
    that would be ideal; if not, you still might be able to get away with
    it.  I say try it!  It's a bold look.
    
    A good/unusual haircut can add tremendous energy to your personality. 
    On vacation in Paris a few years ago, I told the hairstylist to do
    whatever she wanted:  she cut my plain page-boy-with-bangs to be short
    and asymetric (one side much shorter than the other) -- I felt like a
    different person for months!!  (Came back from vacation, quit my job,
    said goodbye to my boyfriend, changed my career goals...!)
    
    
    re .26, shortness of your hair a factor in not getting a job:
    
    How ironic.  A friend of mine (5 years experience in computers) is
    interviewing.  A consulting company in Connecticut liked him...but
    asked the headhunters to enquire delicately as to whether he would be
    willing to cut his shoulder-length, curly brown hair.  He said no and
    the company said that in that case they couldn't possibly make an
    offer.  They thought their clients would object.

    Well, for some reason during the past few months I've been really
    intrigued by/attracted to women with very short hair.  With the right
    facial structure, it can be really attractive.  And even if I don't
    find the "Annie" look itself attractive, I would notice that person and
    perhaps more interested in figuring out exactly what statement she was
    trying to make.
    
    What's particularly interesting is that I've come to associate really
    "butch" haircuts with strong, decisive personalities, as Pamela
    mentioned.

    Earlier this year, I let my hairdresser "spike" my hair--just to
    be different, and discovered I love it!  Yes, I get "sirred"
    occasionally, but I find it amusing.  The total look of shock that
    crosses the face the the person who said "sir" is laughable.  I
    love short, short hair, and don't intend to change unless I choose
    too.  If you want to give it a try, do it!
    
    Cheers!
    Barb

I am married to one of the few men who loves "short" hair.  I've had an
Annie Lennox haircut (years ago) but my head ended up looking like I had
PLUSH carpeting on it.  (I'm not kidding either).  My hair is very coarse
and thick with absolutely no body.  I am now wearing a modifed Annie
Lennox.  I love it. Takes but a few minutes in the AM to do my hair. 

Last year I grew out my hair (shoulder length) and no one liked it.  I am
back to the short haircut.  My Mom always said I looked best in short hair
(Mom - you were right).  In fact, when I was 10 years old I had a Annie
Lennox haircut. Who ever would have thought "Annie" would have ended up
with MY HAIRCUT!!! 

    Shaved heads are severe....short haircuts aren't.  :)
    
    Thus said, don't worry about it!  I, too, have a fatter face than
    Annie Lennox, and presently, my hair is spiked on top, layered down
    between my shoulder blades in back, and short (but not as short
    as I'd like) on the sides.  It's over all not AS spiky or AS short
    on the sides or back as when I first got it cut this way, but having
    a 'big' face, I find it shapes it out a little.  My hair is also
    very thick and fast growing--if your hair is fast growing at allyou'll
    need to visit the haircutters at least once every three weeks.
    
    At any rate, I don't think my boss liked it, but most other people
    told me they did (even when I had a 'tail'), altho they seemed to
    think it was a departure from the norm.  ::shrug:: 
    
    I tried growing it out, couldn't afford a perm and went back to
    low maintanance spikes.  ;>
    
    kim

    Hmmm.  Some of this reminds me of a female friend of mine.  She didn't
    like her long hair and decided to get it shortened ... by cutting it
    herself with the aid of a mirror.  Definitely the "spiked" look...

    Please point out the few men who do like short hair.  
    
    Mine is like b*m fluff and the only way to wear it, is short,
    spikes and short.  My ex loved it long, he left, I used to watch
    Peyton Place, and Mia Farrow looked okay, so as I emerged from the
    seperation, my hair got shorter (^;     
                                                        
    My mum hates it, my dad hates it, my daughters are trying to come
    to terms with a mum who is a little left of centre, DEC copes, and
    me, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Costs me a fortune in gel
    though (^;
    
    ..dale
    

    I was hired by DEC when my hair was an inch to 1 1/2 inches long.  I
    must have looked pretty butch because I am slightly over 6 feet tall.
    I had two earrings in both ears.  Always wore jeans and sneakers
    (although not to the interview or during the first week) as I worked
    in Spitbrook.   
    
    I think the haircut looked much more professional than my wardrobe!
    Also, in the job I had before coming to DEC, I wore the woman's version
    of the power suit daily, and it looked very professional with the short
    hair.  I met customers all the time there and had no problems nor did
    I get any negative feedback from co-workers or personnel. 
    
    One thing to consider, as brought up in earlier notes, is proportion.
    Short hair makes your head look smaller. (And your body bigger.)  Also,
    it helps a lot if your head is shaped well.  Many heads are flat in the
    back, so while short looks good from the front, it looks odd from
    the side.  Usually longer hair fills out the flat spots. 
    
    I've let my hair grow past my shoulders again.  I like it very 
    shaggy these days.  My mother, who said she thought I looked like my
    brother -- heaven forbid!!!! -- when it was short, now begs me to 
    cut it again to that "cute, short style like the models wear now."   

    
    Question of .18   Can you be more specific on the location of
    the hair imager at the Framingham/Lechere mall.  Do you know
    the name of the beauty salon that has it??
    
    
    Thanks, Donna

    <----- re: the last

    
    I only remember the article in the Middlesex Newspaper on this
    and the fact that it was located in that particular mall.  I 
    imagine that the hairdressers at that Mall could point you in 
    the right direction.  Sorry for not being able to give more 
    concrete info, but this should give you a place to start.

    justme....jacqui

Interesting you should mention this....

In July I took the plunge...i wanted a DIFFERENT look...I wanted something 
unique to me.  What I have right now is called an asymmetric cut.  Its
very short (above the top of my ear) on the left side....and about 1"-2"
longer than the bottom of my ear on the right side.  The bangs come
down very long over my right eye, and the hair on the top is rather long
spikes (if I want to spike it, I can always just curl it really full)....


My hair is very blonde, but in the back on the left side, I have a tail
that goes about 2"-3" below my shoulder...and it's black.

I thought to myself when I got this cut that everyone would think it was
very radical....that I would be laughed at...but it surprised me to find
that my mother (a very strict conservative Christian) likes it...and my 
boss (a older chinese "dragon lady" --that's what she calls herself) loves
it!  It's very flattering to my face..I can dress it up or dress it down
depending on the occasion (going to the slam pit??  Okay!  SPIKES!) :-)

My image changed with my hairstyle as well.....I had a way to express
myself.....and it was almost like a whole different ME!  

Good luck!  Find a hairstylist that knows what right for your face/build...
my hairstylist has done many bnads before...and he also works shows 
all the time for major companies like Matrix.....he's very good at what he
does, and I wouldn't trust anyone less....you CAN find someone that
is really good AND reasonably priced.

/kath

L8-)    <<--my new smiley face

    
    re: .40  I don't know the name, but if it's in the Lechemere mall,
    then it won't be hard to find, because Lechemere mall is a very
    small mall by today's maxi-mall standards.  My sister, who hasn't
    had a hairstyle in 25 years, is very interested in finding this place
    so if she does, I'll post the info here.
    
    Well, I got my hair cut last night and I'm feeling a little bit let
    down.  First of all, it doesn't seem all that daring to me -- it's
    just very short.  Very short means maybe an inch long all over.
    There are some long pieces in the very front, they look kind of
    wispy.  I'm not sure if I like them and have thought about cutting
    them at an angle or thinning them out.  Also, my hair doesn't want
    to stand up, even though I applied copious amounts of goop -- the
    top of my head looks like grass that's been stepped on, if you know
    what I mean.  (I have been told that getting the hair to stand up may 
    take some practice (for me) and training (for the hair), and the right 
    kind of "hair cement"...)  
    
    I think the reason I feel a little let down is because the reaction I 
    got from my co-workers wasn't as extreme as I was expecting -- I'd 
    prepared myself for something extreme -- some comments were favorable,
    some were funny, and (at least) one person said "It suits you!"
    
    I think I like it, but it usually takes me a while to get used to
    anything new on my face.  A few responses back, someone said that very
    short hairs makes the head look smaller and the body look bigger -- 
    right!  I feel almost as though "pinhead" would be appropriate for me 
    today!
    
    CQ

RE:  getting your hair to "stand up".......

	Your hair is guarenteed to not stand up if you don't get the gel/mousse
	onto the roots.....

	Make sure you have the roots thoroughly gelled/moussed, then using
	a blowdryer on low, pull the hair up like you want it when it's
	spiked, and blowdry the roots, the ends will dry naturally, but 
	you have to dry the roots first....a little tension on the hair
	will make it do more of what you want.

	I don't even put mousse on the ends of my spikes, just at the roots....
	works great...but...yes, it takes practice.

	/kath

	ps:  I was slightly disappointed in the reaction to my hairstyle,
	too......i felt it was really radical.....but the reactions weren't
	on par with what I thought they should be.....

    My hair won't stand up on its own.  Because its so fine and grows
    like a weed, it needs cutting every three weeks.  My hairdresser
    has to really cut into the roots all over, and I have longer and
    shorter bits here and there.  I see women with short hair that have
    nothing on it, gel, spray etc and get real green.  
               
    So, what I do with mine is, dry it with a drier, if its not already
    dry by the time I'm out of the shower, put in a good gel (I use
    KMS), not too much, comb into place, then spray with a strong
    spray, (again, I use Sebastian or Joico).  Surprisingly, its not
    stiff, but holds all day.  There are days that I hate having all
    that gunk on it, and would love to run my fingers through it.  So,
    I leave it without anything, by lunchtime its 'drooped' and I don't
    do it again for weeks.  Another good product is WET by Sebastian,
    but its not strong enough for my hair.  In summder its great if
    you want that real wet look.
    
    (^; My mum, of course, hates it, says it looks butch, but she's
    the only one.  So, when I visit, I always have it cut the day before.
    I know, naughty, but I just can't help it (^;  
    
    ..dale
    

    Re: .0
    
    For another perspective on facial features, check out Sinead O'Connor. 
    She's shaved her head, though, so it's not entirely the same thing.
    
    How do I react to really short hair?  I associate it with creative
    flair.

Gel?  Mousse?  Hairspray?  No, never.  Nothing goes into my hair on a daily 
basis but shampoo, and perhaps conditioner.  I won't get a haircut that
requires gelling or mousing.

I don't know what would happen if I got a crew-cut... I have seen many men
with crew-cuts (ie: hair 1/4 to 1/2 inch long) and they don't need gel to
make it stand up.   On of the real reasons I want a *really* short cut is
practicality.  The less work I have to put into my hair, the better.  Currently
I wash it, towel dry it, and brush it.  With a crew cut I could eliminate
those last two steps, and that would be cool.

As for someone who said models were getting short hair these days, and 
thereofre I would be "in vogue" - I have seen short hair on models, but I
have never seen crew-cut type of short hair on any model.

I am going to try to find time to get my haircut today.  I doubt it will
be the crew-cut, mostly out of respect for my Mom, and desire for her to
let me continue living with her until I find an apartment.  :-)

D!

.47>  The less work I have to put into my hair, the better

AMEN!!!!!!  It takes me about 5 minutes to do my hair (with gel/mousse/etc)
making it about 30 minutes to get ready for work (on a slow day)......I refuse
to take any longer.....

:-)

/kath

    Mine is about 2-2.5 inches long (all right Dale!! I always thought
    you'd have long hair for some reason!  ;)   and I use mondo gel--Stiff
    Stuff words great, and so does Redmond products (usually called
    Aussie something or other--I swear by Aussie Sprunch Spray).  The
    back of my hair is fairly long, so that's soft, but on a good day,
    I can get my hair pretty stiff.  :)   Right now, it's a happy medium.
    
    If you wanna get your hair to stand up (mine does on it's own, but
    it is very thick and so when it gets over two inches long it stand
    and falls, like long grass), ask your haircutter to thin your hair
    (only if it is thick).  They use special scissors or razors and
    it sounds like they are shredding your hair, but it works.
    
    kim

	As someone with true-blue (well, auburn) Billy Idol spikes, I 
	guarantee you that with the right cut you can get any type of 
	hair to have more fullness, even to the point of spikes if you 
	like.

	All it takes is a hairdresser who knows how to texturize using
	special scissors, a razor, and a gentle slash maneuver on hair
	held between the fingers.  After that, use heavy-duty gel, let 
	your hair partially dry, and then blow it dry bent over so you
	have gravity on your side as well.

	My hair looks like a trampled wheat field if it's not UP.  For
	a couple years now I've had spiked hair like this, and I never
	have had more positive comments in my life.  Strangers approach 
	me to ask where I got my hair cut or to say "nice hair", small 
	children stop and gawk, co-workers know it's me when they look
	above their cubicles and see my hair bopping along, and it all
	makes me feel good about looking unique.  This style is totally 
	me.

	Personally, I think the most attractive women are those with
	short hair.  I agree with an earlier reply that said it shows
	a creative flair.  An Annie Lennox look?  Marvelous!

							   Carla

    To all of you who are worried about (me) putting all the goop on
    my hair.  Its so healthy, my hairdresser keeps threatening to put
    permanent colour in it to give it more bod.  At the weekends I just
    put a tiny bit of gel in it to give it body.  At work I love it
    really standing up on end *all* day.  
    
    Yeah Carla, I brush it upside down and leave it with a bit of spray
    to hold the gel.
    
    I am up dressed, showered, usually iron a shirt, make up, hair, and
    a lot of muttering to myself and out of the house in 40 minutes.
    My hair takes all of 2 minutes, and thats if I have to use the drier.
    
    My hairdresser is the one person I bow to, crawl to if I have to
    (^;
    
    ..dale
    

    While (gasp) the name Annie Lennox does not ring a bell; I do keep my
    hair very short and it has to  be trimmed every 2 - 3 weeks.  I do it
    because my hair is VERY fine and REFUSES to obey perms, blow dries etc.
    when long, this way I can actually let 15 minutes pass without it 
    looking like I should comb my hair once every six months or so whether
    it needs it or not.
    
    I am not sure if my "features" are right for the cut, but my hair looks
    100% better and I feel more comfortable knowing that.  I counter
    balance with clothes that I like and no one except for those who 
    believe ALL women's hair should be long, seem to react negatively.

    re:.52
    
    Annie Lennox is the distaff member of the musical duo Eurythmics.
    
    --- jerry

    re .43  -  making the hair stand up
    
    seems the straighter your hair is, the less effort it takes to make
    it stand up.  mine does tend to flop when it's 1+ inches.
    
    when i have mine cut, it's usually... less than one knuckle long,
    about 1/2 inches, i guess.  i let it grow ~6 weeks, so that i can
    have a part for a week or so before a trim.
    
    for the *real* thrill, bleach it white.  not only do you have the
    "is it a man/woman" thing, you also have the young/old thing.  
    
    guess i like ambiguity...
    
    Lee T

    
    Re: .54, Lee
        
    > for the *real* thrill, bleach it white.  not only do you have the
    > "is it a man/woman" thing, you also have the young/old thing.  
      
    I don't have the guts to bleach it white, but I probably won't have
    to wait very long for the real thing!  I'm approaching salt and
    pepper.  Very distinguished (or so I'm told).
    
    CQ

    I believe that individuals should freely wear their hair in whatever
    style pleases them, regardless of what that might be.

    Now, having said that, I do find certain advantages to having an SO
    with long hair:

    o  If her hair is long, she is likely to own some ponytail elastics
    that I can mooch.

    o  If I am waiting in a long line to buy movie tickets, I can pass the
    time by reaching over and playing with her hair.  I particularly enjoy
    tugging on it twice and saying "toot toot".  Of course, one drawback is
    that this may annoy the hell out of her.

    o  During moments of, er, affection, when her face is near mine, the
    feel of her hair against my face and through my fingers is sensually
    pleasing.

    The one major disadvantage is that:

    o  Her long hair can get caught in my watch or in my glasses, which
    then requires a major effort in disentangling myself while at the same
    time carefully avoiding hurting her.

    Oh well, I guess there are pros and cons to everything.  I suppose I
    could always buy my own ponytail elastics.

    -- Mike

    Jim, I was just going to say that! ;-)
    
    Bonnie

    So was I.......
    
    (see H_R 16.104....;)
    
    -Jody

    	One of my neighbors had very long hair. She also had
    	a baby. Somehow, a strand of mommie's hair got wrapped
    	around baby's piggie (toe). She asked if I would help
    	(since my wife, the nurse, was not home). Result: I
    	could not get it off, either. Trip to the hospital.
    
    	The baby was fine, although the hair was tight enough
    	to cause him/her to cry until it was removed.
    
    	Scott (Love little, fat babies)