Face framing layers and age

[julliams]

What are your thoughts on face framing layers (FFL)in long hair with regards to age? I'm 38 and have always had FFL's up until I started growing my hair. I've seen so many pictures of myself from the back (I think long hair is very youthful from the back) that I've not considered what the long lengths do to my face from the front.

What do you think about FFL and age or does it have nothing to do with age?

[long&blonde]

Julliams,
I've been thinking the same exact question as you:FFL might be something to think about, being older.
And I have about 2 decades on you, at 56.
But with my FFL finally past chin length, up-do's stay nice so much better.
It's quite the question!
Never check out pictures of Goldie Hawn when wondering about this!
She does FFL and bangs soo well, and is 60.
Sometimes I wonder if all the length, from the front,
Looks as if I'm still stuck in the 70s, since I'm older,
And I wonder if FFL would be more attractive.

[long&blonde]

Julliams,
I've been thinking the same exact question as you:FFL might be something to think about, being older.
And I have about 2 decades on you, at 56.
But with my FFL finally past chin length, up-do's stay nice so much better.
It's quite the question!
Never check out pictures of Goldie Hawn when wondering about this!
She does FFL and bangs soo well, and is 60.
Sometimes I wonder if all the length, from the front,
Looks as if I'm still stuck in the 70s, since I'm older,
And I wonder if FFL would be more attractive.

[julliams]

That's kind of where I am at the moment. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say. I think it's going to be one of those "depends on the person" kind of things. I'm not Christie Brinkley or Demi Moore or any of those older celebs with a stunning face so I need to do what's best for my face and bring out my best features (which actually happens to be my hair - lol).

[gingylocks]

Well, in terms of face framing layers and the effect they have on making someone appear younger or what-have-you, consider this:

My sister and I both have long hair, but she grew out her face framing layers and I did not. She is 20 and I am 23, but people usually guess me to be late teens and guess her to be mid twenties. I DO fear what cutting in these layers do to my hair, but I found a hairstylist who has face framing layers herself, and I have her cut mine for me to match her own.

Plussss!!! I love what you can do with a couple layers : ) Even if you cannot get them into updos, you can leave them down and they look so nice. I know this is a completely stupid belief, but I've always thought that people forget about what nice hair color/texture you have if you don't have a few strands down around your face to remind them. I do not wear makeup very often at all, and I feel like having hair framing my face brightens it up almost as much as a little lip color or eye color could. It just makes me feel more "feminine" I suppose.

Here's a picture of my layers. This was from last summer, and it soooo makes me want to go get them trimmed again lol
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCfnVK-Y4TI/TcdiJrfWkHI/AAAAAAAAABo/bsgSldM-7W0/s1600/5420_612307039764_14316849_36282877_2734090_n.jpg

[julliams]

Hey gingylocks, we have the same haircolour!! I've been thinking the same thing about having some hair around when I have my hair up. I sometimes think my styles look more severe.

Anyway, I thought I may as well include the photos I was concerned about. I really want to note that I'm not putting these here to fish for compliments - just some honest opinions on whether it would be nicer with some FFL. I have no make up on, this is just me as I am (with blow dried hair).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/5701813421_aa59d7f11f.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5701814359_e776a28def.jpg

[ravenreed]

I think that with your face shape, FFL would be very cute. I definitely look younger when I let mine hang loose rather than tucking them into my hair. Mine are at chin right now so I can either tuck them back in my my updo or let them down.

[spidermom]

I base my decision on the fact that it's so nice not to have short pieces falling into my face and sticking when I'm busy doing house or yard work.

You look sensational with your hair as it is now.

[Mesmerise]

I think you look lovely as you are, but that being said, I think the FFLs might look good on you too!

I haven't had any deliberately cut myself, but my hair seems to naturally have them :rolleyes:. I have lots at the moment due to hair regrowth after massive shedding lol... I almost have a fringe there's so much short hair there!

Thinking about it, I kinda like to have a few wispy bits around to soften updos and suchlike, even if they're not supposed to be there!

[Sundial]

I personally feel that FFL does make one look younger like what gingylocks said. This is based on comments I received when I had bangs and FFL.

Do you happen to have an old photo of you with FFL for comparison? I have a feeling that FFL will look good on you but it will be nice to have comparison pictures for affirmation

[Deborah]

I vote No. You look absolutely lovely, just as you are now. I don't think layers would add anything to your appearance. I think you are better off without them.

[julliams]

OMG looking for a photo of oneself that shows exactly what I want to show is DIFFICULT. You know, mum always takes the photos but is never in any of them!!!

Ok here are photo's I have dug up from the last 8 years or so - bear in mind I'm going to look alot younger because I AM. lol

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5702729382_eeb3156cff.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/5702160427_0957cda081.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5702728864_6f25560aa5.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/5701813421_aa59d7f11f.jpg

[julliams]

Ugh it's hard. I'm sure I'm going through mid-life crisis at the moment! I feel the need to change something for some reason...

[pixiestar]

I think you can get away with either:D But i do love the the top left pic and the bottom left when you were curly:D
I have bangs, and was thinking of getting more face framing layers, it is a difficult one:confused:

[Avital88]

Hello! Your hair is beautiful as it is now. But i think FFL will def look good on you too.. I agree with the idea of that it could possibly make you appear younger, i always thought that too.
I'd suggest to find a good stylist and browse the internet for a good example picture of how you'd like to have it and bring that to the stylist..
Good luck with it! And you made me think about FFL fot myself now too haha..It gives good volume too,although you dont necesarily need that :D

[julliams]

It gives good volume too,although you dont necesarily need that :D No - lol. Hairdressers are always trying to thin me out!!! :confused:

[Avital88]

Oh is saw you pictures now! I really think FFL suits you..The curls are so cute and the first hairstyle with the shortes layers looks really good on you!.. i used to have too 2 years ago, I'm still growing that one out but now really thinking about cutting it a bit,not a big chunck of hair just the sides..I do want to keep my lenght .

[caiti42]

I vote some FFL :)

[terpentyna]

I base my decision on the fact that it's so nice not to have short pieces falling into my face and sticking when I'm busy doing house or yard work.

You look sensational with your hair as it is now.

This is absolutely true for me. I like my hair all pulled back, because it tickles and itches!

When it comes to the FFL - There are some people who are not flattered by them, and I am one of those people. However, for many people, by some geometrical stuff I can't explain, it makes them look... lighter.

[MonaLisa]

I think you really look stunning with your hair as it is now!

I'm also a huge fan of layers, think they make whole thing more interesting and lively...

Hmmm hmmm .....:D

[schweedie]

You look awesome the way your hair is now, but going by the last pictures you posted, I think some face framing layers would look really great on you, too. :) But then I'm partial towards FFLs in general, I tend to like them on people. *g* Like you said, they can soften updos. I couldn't do without my fringe (althought that's because of my big fivehead).

[ilovelonghair]

Julliams, in my opinion, layers are not needed at all. Layers have nothing to do with age either (btw 38 is young), it's more a preference I guess. I have natural layers, I can't get rid of them.

[julliams]

I've just been looking at some Kate Hudson pictures. I have similar hair to her in the way my hair waves so it might work ok.

http://www.topnews.in/light/files/Kate-Hudson_3.jpghttp://www.moviewatchlist.com/cast_gallery/images/Kate%20Hudson%20%2813%29.jpg

[Lildove]

I vote for FFL as I think it would look lovely on you. :D I love FFL and as my hair grows I plan to keep some long ones cut in.

[Lilli]

I think your FFLs looked great. I think they work better on curly types. Keep them in the front and not really heavy and it will work!

[Yozhik]

I think you look good with or without the face framing layers. :)

I think for comparison's sake it might be easier if I could see a forward-facing picture of your hair now when it's curly, because I bet that gives you a lot more volume than your current photo. Since I'm a fan of volume, and your ffls seem to give them to you, I'm leaning towards with ffls, but like I said, it's difficult to judge.

[julliams]

I'm washing tomorrow so I'll take one then when it's curly. I honestly don't have a front recent photo of myself with curly hair - nuts!

[Sundial]

I think you can get away with either:D But i do love the the top left pic and the bottom left when you were curly:D
I have bangs, and was thinking of getting more face framing layers, it is a difficult one:confused:

Pixiestar pointed out my favorites too :D I especially like the curly one with FFL

[LaurelSpring]

I have been going through this same debate with myself. Recently on a whim I cut myself some bangs. I think I look alot younger with them and I am going to keep them. Also, I got brave and did a few chin length strands. I have mixed feelings about these. They do fall out of updos and tend to want to get in my mouth and this is annoying. They also have a weird curl to them now that flips out which is annoying too. I think I will let this grow back out.

[Annibelle]

I haven't read all of the comments yet, but wanted to respond while my thoughts were fresh. After seeing your photos, I think that you'd look awesome with sideswept bangs-- just something simple! Or (this may be a dumb question) have you ever tried moving your part? I've always thought that a side part looks more youthful and frames the face a bit differently.

[UltraBella]

I am all for FFL ! I think they suit you very well :)
I can't live without mine, seriously. I look awful with my hair all pulled back in a bun unless I have some softness around my face.

[growingpains]

Well you look young and gorgeous and your hair is awesome. No need for change to make yourself look any different when your hair is down. That said, I can def see the benefit of FFL on updos. I'm growing out side bangs and they are currently as long as Kate Hudson's FFL. Personally I think I want them gone. My hair would look better from the side and back when down with additional thickness from that hair.

My opinion is go for it. You have such thick hair I doubt it'll affect the overall way it looks, except from the front and in updos. :)

[jojo]

I think you look good with or without. I am 42 this week and have a blunt fringe and have no regrets at all about getting it. Its about how you feel about yourself, age is a number nothing more but confidence is how you feel.

I didn't like my hair when it was up as I felt I looked harsh, now the looks more softer for me and I feel better about myself.

[skaempfer]

I'm washing tomorrow so I'll take one then when it's curly. I honestly don't have a front recent photo of myself with curly hair - nuts!

I was just going to ask this.
I like it all one length- I think it suits you and is, as Spidermom and many others have said, nice to have the option of getting it all out of the way without using 50 pins and slides and so on.
I get what you're saying about the- let's say, 'severity' of having straight hair going down both sides of your face and was just wondering if the problem wouldn't be solved by just letting your hair dry naturally. Can't wait to see that! And FWIW, you're way prettier than this Hudson person, although I wouldn't type that if I thought there was any chance she'd read this.

So I tend toward don't-do-it, but will have a look when you post your picture and give you more of my opinions :D

[curlymarcia]

I love the FFL. I think they add sweetness to the face. BTW, you look great without make up.

[Jezerellica]

I haven't read all of the comments yet, but wanted to respond while my thoughts were fresh. After seeing your photos, I think that you'd look awesome with sideswept bangs-- just something simple! Or (this may be a dumb question) have you ever tried moving your part? I've always thought that a side part looks more youthful and frames the face a bit differently.
:DYes!! So simple to try this! I still want to cut FFL in my own hair. but am too scared to. So I do all sorts of different things until I get my courage up. Hmmm Maybe I have my own answer here! :p

[lapushka]

Anyway, I thought I may as well include the photos I was concerned about. I really want to note that I'm not putting these here to fish for compliments - just some honest opinions on whether it would be nicer with some FFL. I have no make up on, this is just me as I am (with blow dried hair).

IMO, you don't need FFL. It looks amazing, and as far as not matching up to celebs goes because you think they have features that you don't... oh, come on! :) You have a beautiful face!

I'd say you could go either way, but you don't actually need them. They could compliment your features, but they might become pesky little layers when you're trying to do an updo. It also depends on how FFL are cut, and on how much hair you let the stylist layer.

[Tatybird]

When I saw the 1st picture of you (without FFL) I was sure that it would be my choice. But then I got surprised because face framing layers are actually very nice on you. Honestly, your hair is very beautiful and it looks amazing either way. If you really feel like changing something in your appearance you should do it. FFL will add volume to your hair and something new and fresh to your face.

[angelshair]

I think you look good with both, but since you have such a soft, "youthful" colour to your hair it doesn't matter that much - it's different if you have very dark hair that kind of "cuts" the contours of your face and contrast too much. FFLs did look very good on you though, and if you want a change, why not? :D

[mistik]

I agree that you look great with both! I love the pic with the curly, I envy people with wavy/curly hair. I totally understand the need for a "change" and FFL would be a minor one that will have a BIG impact. I cut a thin layer of bangs a few months back and kept hearing "you look so different, what did you do?" It made me chuckle that such a tiny thing got so much attention and people didn't even realize what the change was. I love your hair color and can't wait to see the pic tomorrow with the natural curl!

[KatiSasha]

You have beautiful hair, but in my opinion long FFL (shortest being around collarbone) would look really pretty on you. However, I am biased, since we have a very similar face structure and that's the look I'll be going for once my hair is longer :D

[gingylocks]

I thought of something that I didn't address in my first post on this thread. One of the best parts of FFL is that you can have them some days, but you don't have to sport the look every day. A hair pin or two or a Lauren-Conrad-esque braid that includes the shorter hairs and POOF! No FFL for a day. It just gives you another option to make your look more versatile :)

[Kristin]

I think FFL make most people appear younger. I currently have FFL and blunt bangs and my students say that I look like a doll/child. (I'm in my late twenties.)

[invisiblebabe]

Julliams - You look great either way, and you look much younger than 38!

[ooo]

You look good either way, but I'm slightly on the FFL side.

[celebriangel]

I don't have any face-framing layers, but when I put my hair up, my hair seems to have little natural wispies which come to just below my cheekbones. They are easy to gently remove from my updo to soften the slightly alarming look of my face when all the hair is scraped back.

As for face-framing layers - I think you would suit soft ones, a little wispy. Not like the top right picture - to be honest, the blunt cut of a single layer at your chin isn't doing your (lovely) face any favours. I think graduated rather than blunt layers would be lovely on you. In case that isn't clear, I mean like this:

http://www.akblessingsabound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/116.JPG

http://www.wigsalon.com/img/full/angelica-nor08.jpg

I love the second one in particular; the model has your hair texture and face shape, so I think you would 1) achieve a similar result, and 2) really rock it.

Things to consider, though, are that 1) they might really annoy you by falling/poking out of updos, 2) if you have oily skin, hair on your face means spots and more frequent washing. Also, while it's true that as people get older certain styles can start to look harsh, I think you have a good 10-15 more years before you have to start thinking about this.

In summary: you don't need to get them; you look lovely as you are. If you decide to get them, however, as long as you get ones that suit your face, they'll look stunning.

[HintOfMint]

I like your hair just the way it is and to be honest, I don't think face framing layers will do anything for you.

[Toadstool]

I thought you were stunning before I saw the layers! Now I've seen them, I think you look even better with them.

[julliams]

Ok , guys. I wanted to pamper today so while I was at the supermarket I picked up a new shampoo, conditioner, treatment and leave-in by Schwartzkopf. It's the Oil Nutritive Range designed for long hair with split ends. I used the shampoo, conditioner and then I used a mask (didn't have the matching one so I bought the Ultimate Repair Anti-Damage mask for very damaged and dry hair) followed by the Oil Nutritive leave in serum just on the ends. I LOVE it. It smells nice and it made my curls very bouncy just with a bit of scrunching. Very nice for a change (not that I really need to be buying any more products!!!!)

I'm posting these photos knowing that it just is the best way for me to wear my hair. When I wear it this way I often feel messy and somewhat unkempt (by the end of the day). But I can see here that it is the best look for me. I could possibly use some FFL but the "long on the face" look I was worried about with my straight hair is not as much of a problem when my hair is wavy. I can see that. I'm posting the photos because I said I would and people might check back to see.

Please believe that I didn't create this thread because I'm fishing for compliments - please don't think that. I've been a little down about approaching 40 lately. I'm not really sure why but I've had alot of time on my hands of late and I've pretty much spent most of it online which has lead to thinking about myself (the outside). I've posted here a couple of times in the last few months asking of ways to change (like hair colour etc etc) I probably just need to get on with life and embrace what I have. I often arrive at this conclusion - now I need to live it!!!

Thanks everyone for your kind words - nothing like LHC to lift a mood. So here are the photos and I took a couple with different partings although I'm not a big fan of the side part because it reminds me of my big early 90's hair - lol. I think a long side fringe could work and I think some FFL could also work. I'm realising more and more and I think my hair needs the layers in order to achieve this kind of curl. I've hated my layers all this time and I actually think they are the reason I have curly hair. If it were all straight I think the curls would not sit the same way.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/5705565435_59bc0a3594.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/5706130784_58bf4103c5.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/5706130984_443099e6e2.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/5706131074_311925f498.jpg

[McFearless]

Awwww julliams you are so cute! You look like a teenager to me, don't be down about turning 40! We know you're not fishing for compliments but you're gonna get 'em. I really do like your hair curly. It brings out the dimension in the colour. :)

[julliams]

Someone just added one of my photos as a favourite through flickr - should I be creeped out? If I put these photos in my album here at LHC can they be shown on this page as they are now and be private on flickr or do they still need to be available for everyone to see on flickr???

[mistik]

Love the new pics, absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing!

[RadiantNeedle]

I think FFL would look wonderful, just as I think your hair is spectacular just as it is!
If you do get some layers, start with some maybe around collarbone length and longer so that you can get used to the shorter lengths and don't get stuck with much shorter layers that are going to take ages to grow out if you don't like 'em!! Its so much easier to go shorter and takes a lot more time and effort to get long again!

[Idun]

Someone just added one of my photos as a favourite through flickr - should I be creeped out? If I put these photos in my album here at LHC can they be shown on this page as they are now and be private on flickr or do they still need to be available for everyone to see on flickr???

I think your LHC album photos can only be seen by LHC members. But remember your photos can still easily be downloaded (by members) and then made public somewhere else. Not that I ever heard of a case like that.

[Firefly]

At 42, I struggle with this issue too. Even though I think I probably look better with FFL, I don't have them because my hair is naturally wavy, and they never seem to fall the way I want them too. It also drives me nuts when they're in my face if I'm trying to work in the garden. That said, there always seems to be a few wispies that fall out anyway, and help to make updo's less severe. Sometimes I'll even pull a few pieces down just for that purpose.

Anyway, I'm glad you've come to a decision. FWIW I think your pictures are gorgeous!

[celebriangel]

Oh, my. :thudpile:

[holomi]

You are beautiful! I also went through this debate with myself and ended up getting a very shallow face frame cut into the front of my dry hair from a trusted stylist. I enjoy the movement it created, and my hair feels less heavy looking, and more youthful. It just suits me more, personally. The rest of my hair is one length. I am very happy with how it turned out, and don't have a problem with pieces falling out of updos.

[spidermom]

You can't really go wrong. Face-framing fringe or not, you look terrific.

With those natural spirals, you're a 2C. I ought to know; my hair is similar.

[Regan]

i agree with spidermom - you can't possibly go wrong. you're so pretty and have such a nice smile.

[chelles2kids]

I was so glad to see this thread...I'm going through the fringe decision right now too...or rather I'm thinking of bangs...I dunno...

I know it's one of those things that "they'll grow out" if I don't like them but then it's the waiting while they grow out, kwim? :p

By the way you have gorgeous hair & I love your natural curls...

[bunzfan]

Goodness if i didn't hate you anyway for your gorgeous hair i sure do now because your so pretty ;) i am thinking the same thing because i am nowhere as pretty and i wear glasses plus my mums always telling me i have a long face.

I was thinking of just a few round the face as i already have a side fringe. A few round your face would look really nice.

[Eire]

I love the part you had on the bottom right image!