I live in the South and my hair is making me miserable

[Vanille_]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z252/onexmorexgirl/Hair/afaa3348-c777-42f9-b649-0d804e431e8b_zpsd24379c6.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/onexmorexgirl/media/Hair/afaa3348-c777-42f9-b649-0d804e431e8b_zpsd24379c6.jpg.html)
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z252/onexmorexgirl/Hair/20130105_125014_zpsa7ecb4e6-1_zpse01c57af.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/onexmorexgirl/media/Hair/20130105_125014_zpsa7ecb4e6-1_zpse01c57af.jpg.html)


I never thought I'd make one of these posts. Alas, here I am though. My hair is making me miserable. I live in Louisiana. I never leave my hair down, and if I do, I end up beyond miserable. So my hair is always up. The problem is that I don't like how my face looks when it's up. I have a very round face and it's so pale. I know it just doesn't look right when I pull all the hair back.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z252/onexmorexgirl/People/224268_1936707169807_1006185449_32282100_4828343_n-1.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/onexmorexgirl/media/People/224268_1936707169807_1006185449_32282100_4828343_n-1.jpg.html)

I've considered cutting it ... but then my problem is that I am pretty sure it will look bad until I lose some weight. If I was skinny, I feel like I could pull off shorter hair styles.

I've also considered bangs. This is a chop I did in 2006.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z252/onexmorexgirl/Hair/44913503.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/onexmorexgirl/media/Hair/44913503.jpg.html)

This isn't a great picture of me, but about three ish years ago I did a pretty big cut. My hair hasn't been shorter than this. I got a lot of compliments on it. It was inspired by Alice Cullen in the first Twilight movie.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z252/onexmorexgirl/People/Picture2037-1.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/onexmorexgirl/media/People/Picture2037-1.jpg.html)

Here's the thing. I don't wear my hair down. When I do wear it down, it doesn't even look that great. I can smooth it a bit, but there's only so much you can do without heat. I can get it pretty smooth, but there's a big difference between what I can do and what a straightener can do (I threw my straightener out when I joined LHC). When I dye my hair, it takes over an hour at this length. I can't use heat or anything that would damage it. If I cut it really short, I'd probably do whatever I wanted to it (while of course taking what I've learned from LHC to minimize damage.)

But the worst thing is this. Now when I consider cutting it, I realize I'm cutting years off. I mean .. you can see, I've done a few big chops before. And it's not like my hair doesn't grow fast enough. I've never worried about drastic hair changes until I joined LHC.

So, I'm looking for advice. Here are some of my options:
1. Bangs. I'd be looking for some sort of side swept bangs
2. Layers, especially in the front. I've always had layers until I joined LHC
3. A big cut. Preferably above the neck.

I know all about the two week rule. I've been considering this for over a month. So, any help you can give would be much appreciated.

[Vrindi]

I just wanted to say I like your face. With or without your hair pulled back.

If you want to change your hair, I'd say go for bangs or layers before a big chop, so if you decide you want to keep your hair long, it's still long. I had layers for a long time and I loved them. If it's still driving you nuts, then get a cut you love!

[Kaelee]

You and I have a similar hair type!!! I don't wear mine down either for its' own safety and mine. :lol:

I also think you're wrong about your face shape- you're BEAUTIFUL!!!! Hair up or down, you are absolutely stunning. :D

My vote is for bangs. I have the long face-framing kind myself:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/003-13_zps7fb4b339.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/003-13_zps7fb4b339.jpg.html)

My hair doing the lion's mane thing because I took it down for the pic but didn't brush it:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/004-6_zpsdebc109c.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/004-6_zpsdebc109c.jpg.html)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/005-4_zps354206c4.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/005-4_zps354206c4.jpg.html)

My bangs are self-cut and not the greatest. :lol: It's a learning curve and I can't see going to the hairdresser JUST for the bangs. Also I keep them short so mistakes will grow out fast enough. ;)

That said, I also love the short cut on you! But I think you should try bangs first. You can always change your mind and cut more off but you can't put it back on. ;)

[chen bao jun]

You actually have a beautiful face and look great with your hair back. Have you considered wearing some dazzling earrings with your hair pulled back and changing them often?

[chen bao jun]

Also, you are not 'skinny' but you are definitely not fat either and you have KILLER curves. I'd be sure to dress to highlight that little waist if I were you and not worry about getting 'skinny'. You look very feminine and are really lovely. I don't think you are the type for short hair because I think it suits more athletic or pixie types better and you look to me like a very 'girly girl'. But wear your hair how YOU like it.

[McFearless]

I think you are very hard on yourself and your appearance. You don't need to lose weight to look better or pull off shorter hair or updos. I think they look great on you. Bangs sound like a good idea to soften them, if that is a concern for you.

You didn't say exactly what issues you have with your hair down. It looks healthy, smooth and sleek to me.

[lacefrost]

I think you should try it in order: Bangs first. If it's not enough, then layers. If that's not enough, then a cut.

Personally, I think you look very pretty with your hair up. You look very elegant and lovely. The short cut is more fun and spunky but I think your face is more suited to elegance. And having looked at all of the photos, I prefer you with longer hair.

But, what's more important is that you're happy. I think that if you're not happy with your hair, you should change it.

[Ahl]

Do what you feel suits you, BUT... bear in mind, it's gettin' hot, and a shorter 'do is harder to get off your neck, so you may want to consider waiting until autumn for a serious chop.

(PS - the third [parka] pic with your hair back is my favorite one!)

[leslissocool]

If you have a round face and want to even it out, you are going to want to add volume on top. Steep parting, messy buns specially the high kind that you can see when facing forward.

Add volume on top.

Link (https://www.google.com/search?q=round+face+updo&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=TTy_UYuuBLHBywHFpIGgAw&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1066&bih=516#tbm=isch&sa=1&q=katherine+zeta+jones+updo&oq=katherine+zeta+jones+updo&gs_l=img.3..0j0i10i24.893.2154.4.2643.5.5.0.0.0.0. 113.549.0j5.5.0...0.0.0..1c.1.17.img.jVKSBN_XXrw&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.47883778,d.aWc&fp=d4b72dd20643f92b&biw=1066&bih=516), your face reminds me of Catherine Zeta-Jones and she looks great in updo's and her face, specially on her young years, is very round.

Try some sock buns and damp bunning and do half ups too! I think they would really suit you!

My mom has a very round face. I think it's gorgeous!

You can look at asian hairstyles (https://www.google.com/search?q=asian+updo+hairstyles&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Bz-_UabHHYnXygGSuoGYCg&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1066&bih=516#tbm=isch&sa=1&q=asian+hairstyles+for+round+faces&oq=asian+hairstyles&gs_l=img.1.5.0l10.111848.112482.0.116106.5.5.0.0.0 .0.123.567.0j5.5.0...0.0.0..1c.1.17.img.LG_5RvwM-Z0&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.47883778,d.aWc&fp=d4b72dd20643f92b&biw=1066&bih=516)! They tend to have a lot of round and heart shaped faces, and the styles are just super cute, and if you want a short cut I'd personally get a picture of someone with a similar face shape as yours right now.

[torrilin]

I would describe your face as oval, not round. I don't think you look particularly pale either. Pale skin and dark hair is common. Depending on your personal style, wearing a smidge of makeup for emphasis should fix things... mascara or eyeliner would make your eyes pop a bit more. Blush would add a bit of depth. And lipstick would emphasize your mouth. (for me, lipstick is the weapon of choice... I have a nicely shaped mouth so I might as well highlight it, and while mascara is super easy, my eyes are really sensitive. blush is tricky because I'm so pale. I can do it, but it's not a 5 seconds without a mirror thing)

From the pictures you've posted, it seems like the problem isn't so much you don't like long as you feel like your way of doing long is bland. Maybe look at some styling videos to learn how to do faux side-swept bangs? Twisted, rolled or braided accents might also work to liven things up for your taste. This is very much a taste thing, and I'm pretty sure what works for me won't work for you since I have a widow's peak and I usually try to play up my face's heart shaped aspects and I *loathe* bangs. But you definitely don't have to stick with sleek buns if you hate them.

Oh... also? Necklines. In your first picture you're wearing a crew or jewel neck, and it definitely looks like your face is rounder. In all the other pictures, you're wearing a different sort of neckline, and the further it is from a straight jewel neck the better it looks. For most women, a jewel neckline is an evil evil thing, and almost anything is better.

[lazuliblue]

I just thought I'd say you have absolutely gorgeous hair and a beautiful face. That being said, if you're not happy with your hair, there's no point being miserable, so why not do as others have suggested and be a few layers put in or maybe a side fringe? Then if that doesn't help, go for a bigger chop? You don't have to do the chop all in one go either, maybe 5 or so inches would make all the difference to how you feel.

[Aeris]

I think you look GORGEOUS with your hair up! You really have a beautiful face, and I will guarantee that other people see it when they look at you - they don't say to themselves, "She's pretty but she looks kinda weird with her hair up," they just see a pretty girl! I sympathize with you though, I used to hate how my hair looked up, too. I'm just now starting to almost prefer it!

A few thoughts:

First, I think you would look very cute with a side braid - maybe braiding instead of having it up with give you the best of both worlds? Down but protected?

Secondly, I would try some longish face-framing layers first, I think about nose-length would look lovely! They will soften your updos, and you can always cut them shorter if you like.

[hippie girl]

Move to where the weather suits your hair! :)

Really, though, I am surprised that you are so disappointed in your hair!

I have always loved you signature picture, and I think your hair looks beautiful in the others, too. Very shiny and a beautiful color.

Leslissocool has some good suggestions to try and add volume, and I agree with lacefrost too that you have an elegant look about you and I think your hair adds to this.

I never hope to grow out bangs again, but I think lacefrost has something there as far as starting slow with the bangs and moving from there. If you cut bangs, maybe try lighter ones first so that if you decide to go shorter you still can change the thickness/shape of them to blend into a shorter style.

[Nedertane]

Eh? I really don't see what you're complaining about, visually speaking. :p You look lovely with your hair up or down, and you and your hair look gorgeous in the "before" picture of yourself in the pink top. I think long side-swept bangs would work well for you though, since it seems like you favor side-parts. If you want, maybe try layers, but take baby steps. And in all frankness, I wouldn't cut your hair as short as that older picture. I have nothing against shorter hair, but it really just doesn't seem to suit you as well as the long side-parted hair does. If the heat in your state is that much of a bother, I second leslisocool's suggestion of trying Asian styles. Rounder faces seem to be more common for Asians, plus those countries are pretty experienced in hot and humid weather (having been there, I know Japan is, at any rate!).

Hope you find something that works!

[Vanille_]

I feel like we are looking at different pictures! Thank you so much for all of the advice. A lot of really great suggestions were made that I had never thought of.

Almost everyday, I wear my hair in a lazy wrap bun. Sometimes I do a Dutch braid if I want to show the length but I can't seem to keep it smooth. I can't stand hair on my neck. So side braids are out. (I love the Catniss braid, but don't like it touching my neck.)

[Anje]

Echoing the others, I think you're very pretty with your hair up. Down, too, but up is not at all bad and does not make your face look heavy, which seems to be what you fear.

That said, you do also look adorable in the long bangs, like the Cullen cut. But I tend to see them as a younger, cuter sort of look, where no bangs seems more adult and professional.

Do you not feel like having hair in your face is more unpleasant in hot weather? I cut bangs last winter, and this summer I'm not fond of them.

[jacqueline101]

I'd try some bangs.

[Vanille_]

As I sit outside right now, waiting for my car to get an oil change (no ac here), it strikes me that if I had bangs, I'd pull them out of the way lol. But at least indoors I could leave them down.

[browneyedsusan]

Oh.
my
goodness!
You are DARLING!
IMHO, it sounds like there is more to this than hair troubles. It's hot and your hair is bugging you. I get that. I was growing my pixie last summer, and for the first time in many years, had hair touching my neck, but it's impossible to pin up an inch or 2 of neck hair! (I'm better now that I can put it up.) Your weight looks fine, so quit that "skinny" talk, or I'll come down there and swat you!
Did you like your hair after you cut it last time? What made you decide to grow it back out? You're an adorable girl, and could wear any hairstyle you want. Shoot, if you were bald as a cue ball, you'd still be a Cutsie!

I'll share my 15 years of pixie knowledge:
--You wake up with epic bedhead every day, and have to wet it down.
--Unless you have curly hair, if your hair is shorter than 3", it won't want to lay down with water, and will try to Mohawk where you have any hint of a cowlick.
--You'll need a haircut every 4 or 6 weeks.
--You can color the bejabbers out of it!
--Hair is "up" every day
--Your hair will look about the same every day, until you get it cut into a different shape.
--You have to color often. 1/2" growth on a pixie is a lot. (If your hair is 2" long, 1/2" is a quarter of your length.)

I grew it via "benign neglect", so can't advise about chin length bobs or anything like that. Maybe someone else can?
Anyhow, you're cute as a button, so own it. You can certainly try layers, cut some bangs, or razor it all off. It is only hair. It will grow back, and you'll still be just as darling.

[leslissocool]

How about an upside down braid with a high bun?

http://www.headkandy.com/innovaeditor/assets/Upside-Down-Braid-Bun.jpg

You don't have to do it all the way to the top, you can stop midway and have a high bun instead of a top bun. Tutorial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSB6Mx-dbkw).


You can try crown braids that are done with a deep side parting too, or a braided side bun (http://www.homeheartcraft.com/resources/diy%20double%20braid%20side%20bun%20how%20to%201.j pg). Just make sure you don't put the bun too close to your face and push it back a little, the braid adds height to your face.

Lilithdarkmoon (http://www.youtube.com/user/lilithedarkmoon/videos?query=long+hair) has very similar face shape to your too. Notice how much emphasis she puts on parting, if it's a side part it's very steep and almost to the back of her head, that gives a visual effect of a higher top of the head that compliments a round face.

[Anje]

As I sit outside right now, waiting for my car to get an oil change (no ac here), it strikes me that if I had bangs, I'd pull them out of the way lol. But at least indoors I could leave them down.
That's pretty much me. I prefer to pull my hair out of the way 98% of the time, which is one of the reasons I love being a longhair. I can have pretty loose hair when I want it, have it out of the way when I want it, and I don't have to go to a salon every 4-6 weeks to make sure it stays out of my way!

I suspect your hair's straighter than mine, so you may not have this problem. Nevertheless, let me warn you that having roughly chin-to-neck length layers tucked behind your ears when you've got your hair pulled back/up risks some of the weirdest looking strands flipping out from the side of your neck. If you've got hair that gets waves at all and a tendency to tuck it back, proceed with caution. XD

[spidermom]

I think you look great with your hair all pulled back. I personally love bangs, but in a hot sticky climate they'd be clinging to your face! And you can't cut it short because they you couldn't get it off your nape.

I made the mistake one summer in St. Louis of getting my hair cut short. It had been over 100 degrees and humid for a couple of weeks, and even with my hair up it felt hot and heavy. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and got my hair cut. What a mistake! It stuck to my face and neck, I couldn't put it up, and to add insult to injury - the heat wave broke within 2-3 days. Then I was stuck with short hair.

[Annibelle]

I think you should try it in order: Bangs first. If it's not enough, then layers. If that's not enough, then a cut.

Personally, I think you look very pretty with your hair up. You look very elegant and lovely. The short cut is more fun and spunky but I think your face is more suited to elegance. And having looked at all of the photos, I prefer you with longer hair.

But, what's more important is that you're happy. I think that if you're not happy with your hair, you should change it.

I completely agree. I think that Vanille looks incredible with her hair back and long!

BUT--

Vanille, your hair grows REMARKABLY fast. I don't think you should be afraid to try something new. I prefer your hair how it is, but who cares what I think? I'm not the one who has to carry that gorgeous thick hair around in LA!

[catasa]

I also just have to chime in and say wow! you have beautiful hair, so healthy-looking and smooth, and you have a lovely face and stunning eyes :) I also don´t think that you have a weight problem at all, just very (small) nice-looking and healthy curves :) I love the "parka" photo of you, that is in my opinion the nicest one! The short styles also suit you well, but I agree with what someone else said, that the longer one looks more classy and elegant, alternatively more relaxed/easy-going depending on the rest of your outfit/the occasion.

Anyway, since I get that you are not happy even if we here on the board like your hair and looks, I would say start with some long, face-framing bangs and see how that feels, maybe as long as chin-length to start with. That would enable you to do a little of both the shorter and longer look and soften updos. If you are still not happy, then you would probably know if that was a step in the right direction so to speak, and hopefully have a better idea of how to proceed from there.

Also, I apologize if what I say next is off the mark, and it is not meant in a patronizing way at all, but it makes me so sad that you seem to be so hard on yourself/your looks. I feel that I recognize some of the self-negative views I have had of myself, I still have this problem but I am working hard on my self-love and on being at least partway as forgiving on myself as I am on other people. I know how very hard it is to change this way of thinking, but you feel som much better if you can give yourself some leeway in not having to be "perfect" all the time. You are lovable and OK in yourself, with or without a perfect face, hairstyle and body.

Again, sorry if I was off the mark, maybe I am just projecting my own problems on you... :oops: Regardless of that, I really hope you find a good style for your hair that you are happy with! :flower:

[Sharysa]

Have you ever tried braids? You mention "having it up all the time," but that tends to connote to "buns and braided buns." If you know how to braid, then you've got a lot more visual versatility that you can play with whenever you get sick of updos.

[HintOfMint]

First off, yes to any updo suggestions others are making.

Second, you look lovely with your hair up. I'm not just saying that, when you posted the picture of your hair up, I was very much struck by how elegant you looked. I might even (quoting my mother) prefer your hair up so you can see your pretty face. Also, your face isn't round in a chubby way, it's just round-ish in a very feminine and delicate way. On a side note, what (excuse my language) jackass came up with the idea that round faces aren't pretty?
Also, I really wouldn't stress about being pale. I'm very much of a non-self-hating brown girl and I think it's ridiculous that any skin color is considered inherently unpretty.

Third, I think your long straight hair is lovely and striking as is. I'm usually all for layers and adding interest with bangs, but for your face and hair, I think it'd just be distracting and unnecessary. You have an elegant and feminine face with sleek dark hair. It's a wonderful combination, own it.

Fourth, I lived for 3 and a half years in New Orleans, so I get the heat and humidity. It kills. Also as a wavy/wurly/curlywhatever, humidity made my hair BIG. I can't believe you get to keep your sleekness in that weather. God bless ya.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Well I think you look perfectly lovely with your hair pulled back. Are you sure you are not being too harsh on yourself? Others see you differently to the way you do.

[leslissocool]

On a side note, what (excuse my language) jackass came up with the idea that round faces aren't pretty?
Also, I really wouldn't stress about being pale. I'm very much of a non-self-hating brown girl and I think it's ridiculous that any skin color is considered inherently unpretty.


Actually round and heart face faces are known to look way younger than they are. My mother will be 50 years old and looks like my older sister! She wears sunscreen and takes care of her skin, but her round face makes her look 15 years younger it's absurd! So, since I got the heart shape face (and the cheeks!) I'm crossing my fingers I look like my mom at her age. And pale skin is just gorgeous! Many people actually seek it.


I think you are gorgeous Vanille! If I lived close I'd be all over doing your hair and dressing you up and taking pictures! to me you look very ethereal!

[faerielady]

Personally, I think you look gorgeous in ALL your pictures.

But on the subject of your hair, I'd do sideswept bangs without cutting the rest of the length. Those could be pinned up if you'd like, or left down.

[sumidha]

I think long, side parted bangs would look great on you. :)

[Immera]

I live in Oklahoma, and the humidity is thick here at the start of summer; you could nearly cut it with a knife. I couldn't do anything with it because it was so stuck to itself it wouldn't separate. (I used to try to do the hairstyles of the month here, and it seemed every summer they pick something with accent braids, and that's not happening).
Then the 100 degree heat sets in as Oklahoma works toward being a desert.
Unless you are an outdoorsy person, it's miserable no matter what.
That said, I'd wait a few weeks, months, get past the initial annoyance, heck possibly until October.
At least I can get it up and out of my way with a hair stick, and I probably would have it down in my face otherwise. When I can get away with it, I bun it and cover with a bandanna to get it completely out of my way.

[torrilin]

I feel like we are looking at different pictures! Thank you so much for all of the advice. A lot of really great suggestions were made that I had never thought of.

Almost everyday, I wear my hair in a lazy wrap bun. Sometimes I do a Dutch braid if I want to show the length but I can't seem to keep it smooth. I can't stand hair on my neck. So side braids are out. (I love the Catniss braid, but don't like it touching my neck.)

One of my go to styles in the heat is twin braids. Pin 'em up into Heidi braids. Do a figure 8 bun with 'em. Do an oval bun with 'em. Wear 'em loose. Everyone's braids get a bit caterpillar-like. You can minimize it some with more conditioner or oil or even hair gel, but some is unavoidable. At least on me, everyone loves the wispy fuzzy braids and says they're prettiest anyway. It's not going to look perfect, and well... you're not liking overly sleek looks anyway, so embrace the fuzz. You don't have someone to follow you around in real life airbrushing out all the wisps :D.

I'd also try varying your bun position. It looks to me like a high bun or a topknot could look very cute on you. I also like side buns for adding a bit of visual interest. With your thick hair, stacking minibuns could look really cute too.

We're all our own worst critics for the most part. It's really easy to see your own flaws. And well... we all have good features to go with the flaws. I may not have much of a chin, but my mouth does that perfect cupid's bow thing. My feet are giant (size 10 shoes!) and my legs are stupidly short, but I have really nicely curvy legs... it all balances out in the end. I assure you, I've *never* had anyone notice the size of my feet unless they were selling me shoes. The legs tho? Those get noticed.

[kpzra]

A) You are adorable no matter which way your hair is but...
B) I've lived in the Deep South (Ft Benning) and had short hair that stuck to my neck, face, everywhere and made me miserable.

You said you don't like hair on your neck but if it's too short in summer that's where it will be. However, if you don't like your hair as it is, by all means cut it. What's the point of health hair if you don't like it. I cut almost 2 feet of hair off every few years then regrow, then repeat the cycle. It grows back, why not enjoy it while we can, ya know. I'd honestly start with longer bangs and some layers. I cut my layers off a few months ago and now I wish I hadn't.


Whatever you do, pics please. :D

[alexis917]

Have you considered a wear your hair up challenge?
I'm participating to keep my mind off of my hair as it grows, and to try new styles (and toys, soon!)
Aside from that, your hair is really gorgeous....

[HumanBean]

I think Lesli and the others suggesting different updos are right on track. I don't like my hair pulled straight back either, which is why I have bangs to soften the front. But even so, higher bun placement can do wonders. Learning to create volume on top without teasing helps too. I've one the Katniss braid and coiled the bottom part of the brad into a bun. Super comfy. I think you should experiment with some other styles before cutting short.

[trolleypup]

1-The heat and humidity of the South sucks...unless you go for a buzz cut, short hair is marginally more annoying than long hair. My solution was to exit stage left and not return.

2-I like your face with your hair back or down, less so, short or with bangs. I'll join the chorus of people saying you are unnecessarily hard on yourself.

[spirals]

You're totally adorable, but I understand what you mean about wearing your hair pulled back. I don't like mine like that, either; it's too severe, or something. I don't think bangs would work on either of us--not what is traditionally though of as bangs. I have chin-length ones: just long enough to fall out of a hairstyle and not look "placed" like that. They make my hair seem....playfully adorable, and they soften my very prominent cheekbones. http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/673/iblb.jpg

[winship2]

I just have to comment that you are an extremely pretty woman and I would love to have your complexion, especially paired with your hair and eye color. You have beautiful eyes and eyebrows, and I think having your hair up shows them off-- then you have lovely cheekbones and a pretty mouth. Everything in your face seems to harmonize well. I guess if I were you I'd style my hair for comfort, in the heat, and for variety-- probably we all go back to a few tried-and-trues and should branch out more. I hope you find something you like, because I do think updos seem to suit you more than shorter styles. Though if at the end of the day a shorter style makes you feel more attractive and self-confident, then by all means cut. I'm just saying as an objective observer I think you look great with your hair up.

[AnqeIicDemise]

i think you're crazy! You're absolutely stunning regardless of the length of your hair. However, I understand your plight as it is quite difficult to take someone else's word at face value.

I do believe a bit of a change in up dos and perhaps snipping in a fringe (or wearing a clip in fringe) would make you feel better.

[Firefox7275]

You definitely don't have a round face it is oval, and your hair looks fabulously healthy down. Flat ironed hair often looks lifeless and 'dead', I'm not saying that because LHC has turned me, I've never much liked it on most people. You also talk about yourself as if you are substantially overweight, you look in the healthy range or only slightly above to me. You complain your face is pale yet I see lovely porcelain skin and well above average in the pretty department.

Overall it concerns me how critical the OP is and totally not based in reality. Are you surrounded by people who put you down instead of compliment you or are you not listening to them? I'm not being nice here, I genuinely don't see what you describe.

[AnqeIicDemise]

You definitely don't have a round face it is oval, and your hair looks fabulously healthy down. Flat ironed hair often looks lifeless and 'dead', I'm not saying that because LHC has turned me, I've never much liked it on most people. You also talk about yourself as if you are substantially overweight, you look in the healthy range or only slightly above to me. You complain your face is pale yet I see lovely porcelain skin and well above average in the pretty department.

Overall it concerns me how critical the OP is and totally not based in reality. Are you surrounded by people who put you down instead of compliment you or are you not listening to them? I'm not being nice here, I genuinely don't see what you describe.

I hear this loud and clear and it is worrysome. You are a gorgeous lady, m'dear. I've always a)envied your hair and b) envied your even skin tone. While I may have a pale face, it isn't very even. I have pox marks, hyper pigmentation AND vitiligo. I don't usually wear make up except to fill in my brow, mascara and concealer as I have dark circles. I don't usually wash out because I have a very pronounced lip color. In order for me to change my lip color I actually have to put foundation on them to mute out the redness. I also have naturally flushed cheeks.

I notice I get really 'pale' looking when I wear foundation/mineral powder along with my usual brow color and mascara. The foundation cancels out a lot of the redness of my cheeks and somehow all makes my lips look dry and pale. Even with gloss and no blush I look washed out. If you're really worried about the lightness of your skin, slap on some blush. It doesn't have to be heavy either. Just a tiny dusting would make a huge difference. And if you don't like powder blush, try a cream (elf's cream stick is amazing, not bad for a buck) or even a tint. One little drop from benefit's benetint is all I need when I wear foundation.

You're lovely. I think the issue is you are emphasizing only your eyes and nothing else making you seem 'pale'. This can give the illusion of a really round face. But I agree with the others, you have an oval face, you're not fat, you have amazing hair and you are gorgeous.

If you compared yourself to me, you'd realize how skinny you actually are. I'm fat. I won't even lie about it. My oval face is a little on the rotund side, mostly in the shape of a slight double chin and fuller cheeks. I've just been too lazy to do anything about it. Well, not for long anyway. I'm getting back on track after having gone by the wayside over the holidays.

[Quixii]

I'll chime in with the others who think you looking stunningly beautiful, so I'm not quite sure what the problem is. :flower:

[tigereye]

I love your face with your hair up. Have you thought about getting some long wispy bangs? Mine are really wispy (they started as ponytail breakage before I started cutting them in as I treated my hair better), just long enough to almost tuck behind my ears and soften up my face a bit, but that's because my features are a bit harsh, especially on my right side (my part is on the left so more wispy bangs hangs on my harsher side). You could try doing a roll or something at the front which would add some height, which would make your face look less round (if you think that's a problem. Like I said, I love it, and don't actually think its that round).
I think try bangs or layers first, since you can always go shorter if it doesn't work for you, but you can still keep more length if it does work for you.

[Mya]

You definitely don't have a round face it is oval, and your hair looks fabulously healthy down. Flat ironed hair often looks lifeless and 'dead', I'm not saying that because LHC has turned me, I've never much liked it on most people. You also talk about yourself as if you are substantially overweight, you look in the healthy range or only slightly above to me. You complain your face is pale yet I see lovely porcelain skin and well above average in the pretty department.

Overall it concerns me how critical the OP is and totally not based in reality. Are you surrounded by people who put you down instead of compliment you or are you not listening to them? I'm not being nice here, I genuinely don't see what you describe.

I didn't say anything because when someone looks for advice for a change and gets replied that there's nothing wrong it may be irritating. But, since you wrote them down, I have to admit I had the same thoughts.

Like, hair doesn't look that great? Are you BLIND? I don't know a single person who wouldn't get instant hair envy if they looked at those pics. And since when skin tone is a flaw. Etc. etc. (what Firefox said basically)

I don't know, I don't mean to mortify OP's wishes. It's a matter of tastes and everyone has the right to have their own. I just think that, talking about beauty, a person should come to a certain degree of self acceptance/realism to get the best out of themselves, and I get the feeling that is missing here.

[Kaelee]

I didn't say anything because when someone looks for advice for a change and gets replied that there's nothing wrong it may be irritating. But, since you wrote them down, I have to admit I had the same thoughts.

Like, hair doesn't look that great? Are you BLIND? I don't know a single person who wouldn't get instant hair envy if they looked at those pics. And since when skin tone is a flaw. Etc. etc. (what Firefox said basically)

I don't know, I don't mean to mortify OP's wishes. It's a matter of tastes and everyone has the right to have their own. I just think that, talking about beauty, a person should come to a certain degree of self acceptance/realism to get the best out of themselves, and I get the feeling that is missing here.

This plus 1!!!

[AnqeIicDemise]

I guess what we're saying is if you want to cut your hair and you believe you'll feel better after that, do it. Either way you are a gorgeous woman and don't let yourself fool yourself otherwise. Now, I'm off to work.

[StephanieP3]

Your hair is beautiful! I live in Florida so I get it about never having your hair down! I think you look beautiful with it up or down!!
i had my hair long and all one length then I cut side swept bangs, again, in the south, they annoyed the crap out of my! Finally they're almost grown out! I don't plan on cutting them again!

Anyway, you look great with all lengths, up or down, and if bangs don't bother you, I say go for whatever you want because it all looks great on you!

[furnival]

Overall it concerns me how critical the OP is and totally not based in reality. Are you surrounded by people who put you down instead of compliment you or are you not listening to them? I'm not being nice here, I genuinely don't see what you describe.
This, exactly. Don't be so hard on yourself, OP. In this image-obsessed society we are all under pressure to be critical of ourselves, but too much self-criticism can lead to dysmorphic issues with appearance.
Woman, you're beautiful. With hair up, down, left, right, shaved off completely you would still be beautiful.
Please take it from me, who is not beautiful at all but confident with my looks, that the key to being happy with your appearance is not concentrating on what you don't like about it but doing the visual equivalent of counting your blessings. You wouldn't criticise a friend until you had damaged her confidence in the way she looks, so be sure you don't do it to yourself. :flower:

[dancingrain91]

Actually, I pesonally just love your hair the way it is so much better but you should do what makes you comfortable.

[LaurelSpring]

Honestly I think you look absolutely adorable just the way it is. I wish I looked that cute without bangs or fringe. I would grow my fringe out in a minute. My suggestion is to experiment with bits of fringe in little stages. When I am feeling nuts I take a straight razor and just lightly razor tiny bits of fringe around my face and then see how I like that. So if I hate it then I haven't done too much damage and if I like it then it usually somehow satisfies that need to do something different. What I have learned for me is that I like fringe in the front but layers in the back are a disaster for my fine hair. Layers might be different for your hair.

As far as the heat, I have been loving a crown braid. I put it in a low pony and section that into two and braid parandas on each side and wrap it around my head and pin. This is cool easy and comfortable. Short hair means it sticks to you and you cant do anything with it and it is even worse if you grow it out again because there isn't enough to put up. I only do my roots now when I henna so it isn't too difficult at all.