Shoulder | Armpit

**HumanBean** · October 27th, 2011, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Maisie

Ugh. I'm having an AWFUL hair week. I just started a new job, and I'm trying to make sure my hair looks cute and nice for work. I feel so blah and frumpy with my hair this length. Shoulder to APL is the worst. I have layers, so I can't really do any buns, and I feel like it's not really flattering on me right now. This is always the point that I get to before I end up chopping back to chin length. Does anyone have any style suggestions for me? I'm feeling pretty down about my hair in general right now (I've blown it dry three times this week and I keep beating myself up about it, and last week my hairstylist friend noticed that I have breakage underneath my hair from ponytails). Any words of encouragement are appreciated!

I can commiserate, cus this point is always where I cut it too. Here is what I'm doing to pass the time this time and stay focused on the goal: 1) focusing more on improving texture through CO than styling. (did my first ACV rinse today since childhood), 2) watching hairstyle videos and bookmarking for future, 3) trying out mini braid styles, 4) headbands, 5) bandanna no heat curling (works great even with my layers). Also ordered some vintage barrettes, and have worn some I already had, despite the idea that barrettes are only for young people!

**skraprchik** · October 28th, 2011, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by Miss Maisie

Ugh. I'm having an AWFUL hair week. I just started a new job, and I'm trying to make sure my hair looks cute and nice for work. I feel so blah and frumpy with my hair this length. Shoulder to APL is the worst. I have layers, so I can't really do any buns, and I feel like it's not really flattering on me right now. This is always the point that I get to before I end up chopping back to chin length. Does anyone have any style suggestions for me? I'm feeling pretty down about my hair in general right now (I've blown it dry three times this week and I keep beating myself up about it, and last week my hairstylist friend noticed that I have breakage underneath my hair from ponytails). Any words of encouragement are appreciated!

It's at this point that I started looking for cute hair toys: combs, headbands, and clips that could hold it up or back without being damaging. Ulta is a great place to look, if you have one.

**Coan-Teen** · October 28th, 2011, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Maisie

Ugh. I'm having an AWFUL hair week. I just started a new job, and I'm trying to make sure my hair looks cute and nice for work. I feel so blah and frumpy with my hair this length. Shoulder to APL is the worst. I have layers, so I can't really do any buns, and I feel like it's not really flattering on me right now. This is always the point that I get to before I end up chopping back to chin length. Does anyone have any style suggestions for me? I'm feeling pretty down about my hair in general right now (I've blown it dry three times this week and I keep beating myself up about it, and last week my hairstylist friend noticed that I have breakage underneath my hair from ponytails). Any words of encouragement are appreciated!

It does get better, but there are styles you could try. How short are your layers? You might be able to do a peacock twist with a banana clip, or a gibson tuck. It wouldn't help with your ponytail breakage but you could do a fake sockbun with a hair donut. That was my go-to style when I hit shoulder.

**Finnenna** · October 28th, 2011, 01:26 PM

I have hit shoulder! I am on my way to APL! I saw a girl with my goal length yesterday and grinned. I am so close, soon I will have hair like hers! And then it shall be styled and bunned and braided and everything. bwahahahahhahaa...ahem.

And then I shall grow it some more.

**Manzanilla** · October 29th, 2011, 12:48 AM

Im nearly APL!! I hope Im solid APL for new year! Do you think I could?

**Carina** · October 29th, 2011, 01:34 AM

Originally Posted by Manzanilla

Im nearly APL!! I hope Im solid APL for new year! Do you think I could?

Yes, I think you can get there for sure.
Why not hope for a growth spurt when we are at it

???

**Arashi** · October 29th, 2011, 03:58 AM

I don't remember if I posted in this thread before or not, but I think I'm in the "APL by Christmas" boat. I believe I'm an inch or two off, need to take a proper picture to tell though...

I must remark, though- goodness is this an awkward length on me. I have this awkwardness to look forward to until I'm well past BSL... oh boy. >_<

**missdelarocha** · October 29th, 2011, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by LaBelleVita

wear my hair up (apart from special occasions)

I thought this was pretty funny as for most out there it's the opposite.

**jaine** · October 29th, 2011, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Manzanilla

Im nearly APL!! I hope Im solid APL for new year! Do you think I could?

It's possible that you're already there... have you tried taking a picture with something under your armpits, like a tape measure or towel? If more than a few hairs pass the top of that, I'd say you're there. I am usually pretty conservative about when to call certain lengths but you have an almost-horizontal hemline which makes it a lot easier. Mine is a deeper U hemline so I'll probably wait until the longest part is a little past APL before I claim APL.

Your hair is beautiful by the way!!! It looks so smooth and shiny

**Inching Along** · October 29th, 2011, 12:52 PM

Today I had the bright idea to pull out my curl and see if my hair was shoulder length yet. Lo and behold, it is! It's too bad it doesn't look like shoulder length, LOL! My hair has layers and curls, so I know it will take longer to look like I've hit milestones. But that's OK. I am determined to enjoy the journey and to pass that pesky 23.5-inch mark that I haven't passed yet. Sooo, APL, here I come!