Ways To Style My New Hair!

Four years ago, I embarked on a hair project. I grew out my super short pixie - and its dyed platinum colour! -  to shoulder length long hair in my natural colour. I'm giving myself a medal for my patience ;)

Surprisingly, I much enjoyed my 100% natural dark blonde hair for four years. I don't have grey hair yet.

I've had long hair for a while, and it's been an interesting experiment! I last had long hair back in 2000 to 2002. 

Verdict: I am not a long hair person. 

The longer my hair got, the harder it was to maintain and style daily. I was spending far too much time on my hair, and I don't like to fuss. Salon visits were sparse and short - but daily styling I found frustrating. Furthermore, when you live in the city and are on foot like I am - you have a lot of wind, people, and rain to deal with. It's not long hair-friendly. Also, Yorkie Sam is blind, and needs extra attention. My long hair was in the way when I picked him up. Couldn't see him properly because it would fall over my eyes. 

Putting my hair into a ponytail only worked at home. Outside, the wind blew my hair out of the band - hair everywhere. URGH. 

As a result, I had my hair cut into a current bixie last week. It has lots of long razor-cut layers for structure. 

I also had 11 foils put in to add a golden glow to the top part of my hair. It's very subtle. It's primarily to add body and dryness to my easily oily and baby fine soft hair. I need to have these foils put in twice a year. Easy and fast! 

I'M DELIGHTED WITH MY NEW HAIR. It's sooooooo much easier to manage and style daily!!! I can pick up Sam many times a day with ease! A great relief!

I wear it three ways depending on my mood, and have been experimenting all week: Pics show:

  • straight
  • soft wave
  • very wavy

I will not be revisiting long hair. I will at some point, revisit my pixie but as a darker blonde. There is NOTHING easier than a wash-and-go pixie, IMO! But for the moment, I want movement and bounce in my hair, so I'm maintaining this look for a while. It allows me to change things up easily - along with varying eyewear! - and I like all versions equally. 

Thanks for reading my hair novel :) xo

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

73 Comments

  • SW Ann replied 3 months ago

    At the risk of coming across wishy washy, I loved all your hairstyles! You seemed to be able to carry off each style with perfection. But--I love short hair (and have it myself) and deeply understand wanting to spend "not so much" time fussing with hair.  The clincher is making is easy to interact with your pups, and daily life. YLF! 

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    SW Ann, those are very kind compliments, thank you so much! I much appreciate the empathy for Sam and daily styling too :) 

  • Suz replied 3 months ago

    Angie, you do carry off all your hairstyles well, but I can see how happy this new "do" makes you and no wonder -- it's just gorgeous! Your hair looks bouncy and healthy and glowing -- goes with your beautiful smile! I also think the proportions are very nice on you. What a treat that you can wear it multiple ways to change things up. And if it keeps Sam safer, that is even better! Enjoy this new style! 

  • Irina replied 3 months ago

    Looks fabulous, Angie. It suits you and the highlights look natural and pretty. 

    I’m following your hair project with interest. And I completely agree with you - while longer hair might be fun, they need more attention. I spent the summer with my hair in a bun. I’m going to get it cut shorter in 3 weeks. 

  • JAileen replied 3 months ago

    I love this length on you! I love the wavy version, especially.  You’re lucky to have such beautiful options.


    I’m experimenting with my hair, too, and am at about the same length.  I’m finding my color is much more obvious now than when it was short.  When I visit my mother at her retirement home, people ask me how long I’ve been there.  They never used to do that!

  • Nadine replied 3 months ago

    Agree with all comments above. I’ve loved all of your hairstyles, including this most recent one. I am sorry to hear about Sam’s eyesight, but glad you found a way to make things easier to manage.

  • avicennia replied 3 months ago

    Good on you Angie! So smart to prioritize time, ease and practicality. I always found your short pixie cut becoming. It gives verve and energy!

  • avicennia replied 3 months ago

    @jaileen — how frustrating! Since I grew out my silver, I’ve had a few people ask if I’m DD’s grandmother. I just calmly say nope I’m the mom. I let the discomfort rest on them.

  • JAileen replied 3 months ago

    Oh I missed that about Sam.  I’m so sorry.  Bob has gone deaf.  We realized when he stopped reacting to the doorbell.

  • Laura replied 3 months ago

    You get a gold star for patiently growing out your pixie cut! That is no small feat and you can be extra proud of that accomplishment. The new ‘do is such a flattering cut for the shape of your face. The fact that it works perfectly for your lifestyle is icing on the cake!

  • merwoman replied 3 months ago

    Love all renditions! You look absolutely radiant! I hear you on the hair odyssey, truly an extreme lesson in patience. Lifestyle practical hair styles FTW!

  • Jaime replied 3 months ago

    I have questions! First of all, is that purple in the first top you are wearing :) ?
    Love the new hair! Does it look a tiny bit asymmetrical in the first pic? Am I projecting? Although it is absolutely true that you rock everything from a pixie to long hair visually, energetically I feel you are more a short hair person. Is it the gamine in you ;) ?
    Although I am a tiny bit partial to the waves, you truly look smashing every which way here. The back view in #5 gives a sense of movement and I am sure it looks even better in person. Your gorgeous smile is infectious - thanks for sharing!

  • Runcarla replied 3 months ago

    Great length!  Perfect for looking cute in hats :-D  I like the waves too!  


    Have been thinking about changing up my style, too - but soon it will be time to switch to blow-drying and straight (colder weather, no humidity).  I’m saving short curly styles to my inspo board and will revisit at the start of next summer.  

  • Mirjana replied 3 months ago

    Great length, you look lovely. I like the waves too. Enjoy this new style.

  • Roberta replied 3 months ago

    Oooh, I love it! I confess that I think it looks more fresh and modern than the longer version. And yet it is still a swinging, bouncy change from a true pixie, and gives you several options on how to wear it.

  • Dee replied 3 months ago

    Very pretty at this length too. Lovely colour and bounce. I'm in bixie mode myself, although mine is a bit shorter than yours. I hear you on the struggles of fine longer hair. Its really challenging maintaining a polished look when weather etc.. gets at it. I fluctuate between bobs, bixies and long pixies constantly.

  • Aquamarine replied 3 months ago

    How pretty! But I’ve liked all your hair styles! 

  • kellygirl replied 3 months ago

    Love this new length and love all of the gorgeous styling options. It’s obvious this new length brings you joy! Sorry to hear about Sam—Oreo recently lost an eye so I can sort of relate.

  • Sal replied 3 months ago

    Love the new cut and colour. And your styling is fantastic as always. Incan relate as I always feel myself more with shorter hair too.

    Practical is also important especially with Sam’s needs and the weather.

    You look radiant.

  • Star (Lise) replied 3 months ago

    Very pretty and very YOU!

  • Jenni NZ replied 3 months ago

    Very pretty Angie. I hope it stays easy to style for you. I think you’re lucky that you haven’t started going grey yet. Good that it will be easier to look after Sam.
    I am with Jaime that I think you suit a pixie! But I am biased, wonder why?!

  • Sisi replied 3 months ago

    BEAUTIFUL! I like you a lot in this length. My favourite is the wavy do (# 11). Give a kiss on the nose to Sammy - and also Josie - for me. 

  • AndiB replied 3 months ago

    Oh, I LIKE this new style! It is chic and edgy and definitely YOU!

  • Suntiger replied 3 months ago

    Plonk! Love it!

  • ChristelJ replied 3 months ago

    Wow! Love the buoyancy, color, versatility, everything! 

  • Cookie replied 3 months ago

    The cut looks great and suits you perfectly! I especially like the waviest version but it’s all about which is easiest to achieve, in my lazy opinion.

  • LJP replied 3 months ago

    Ok - THIS is my favourite cut for you yet!  SO modern, interesting and versatile.  I love your super short pixie, and your long hair was lovely and flattering, but this new cut is fantastic.  I also like the lighter look too - lights up your face really beautifully.  

    Sorry to hear about wee little Sam :(. 

  • Janet replied 3 months ago

    *hugs and scritches to Sam*

    You can pretty much wear any style and look beautiful, but I do love this on you! I liked your longer darker hair as well, but this is gorgeous and best of all you feel great in it!

    Funny thing how we can all see length in different ways. I find short hair so challenging because my hair grows fast and would need constant trims to work for me, plus my hair texture and color make me feel like I’d just look wrong *for me* with a short cut. I need length and layers to be happy. It easy enough to pull it back in a ponytail for activity, and the layers mean I never feel like it’s in my eyes.

  • Kyle replied 3 months ago

    I love this crisp, clean cut, and I’m happy to hear it works better for your lifestyle, too. I also like the blonder blonde very much. Especially like it worn straight as in the first photo. Kudos to you and your stylist.

  • unfrumped replied 3 months ago

    I like it!
    I hear you about fine straight hair flying in your face. would still have trouble with those long straight front sections you have now even though it’s overall shorter. Maybe it’s one’s bone structure, forehead & hairline that all work together as to how hair behaves.

    I’ve tried to think about some new hairstyles for myself, just for change's sake, but I seam to need short, and some sort of bangs— a good while back I had Cleopatra- adjacent style; currently shorter layered/ uneven style. And of course they are the first to look like a trim is needed.

    Anyway, this is a great way to try a fun new do by making use of the extra length you have to play with.

  • Peri replied 3 months ago

    I love your new hair. And only partly :) because it's my hair too and now I can feel in this way I'm really stylish! :)

    Mine isn't as versatile because it won't stay straight. Any attempt goes wild when it hits the summer heat. Maybe I'll do better in winter. Waves and curls I can do..but who knows, maybe they will do less well in the winter. It's a journey for sure. 

  • Inge replied 3 months ago

    I totally get why you wanted it shorter, Angie, and the new 'do looks marvelous!! You wear all lengths equally well, and it's extra great that you can vary the styling with this shorter cut. Being able to take care of Sam without your hair being in the way is a huge bonus of course.

    You look amazing!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 3 months ago

    The new haircut is fantastic, Angie! I especially like the wavy looks--both slightly and more wavy. To me, the shorter looks, the bob and the pixie, suit your overall look and your personality best. They have more of your bubbly energy. It's really interesting to see, because like others, I thought your longer hair was beautiful and that you wore it well, too. I wouldn't have guessed that the longer hair was more trouble to maintain, so I appreciate your explanation--or your "hair novel"--haha!

  • Joyce B replied 3 months ago

    I am loving your recent hairstyle, although the previous ones looked great, too, I get that the current one is better for your needs.
    Angie, has Sam been seen by a veterinary ophthalmologist? My pup devoped two different eye conditions that could have been confused with cataracts but were not. Thanks to the treatments that he received, he was able to see, even when he was very sick at he end of his life. I appreciated the ophtht’ s help in improving my fur baby’s quality of life. Maybe an ophthalmologist can help Sam, too?

  • LaPed replied 3 months ago

    High five from a fellow member of Team Short Hair! Like you, I've made forays into long hair life, but I have that same fine, slippery hair that always escapes from ponytails and ends up back in my face -- not effortless! 

    Love all three versions, but have extra admiration for the wavy versions, as it's very hard to convince my hair to behave that way unless it's very, very humid out. :) 

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    WOW! Thanks for the awfully kind words, everyone. I'm blushing! :) 

    As for sweet Sam, he sends tail wags and kisses back. He's doing VERY well despite his lack of vision. He's a very happy and clever boy. Plays, walks, and enjoys life! He has us and Jo to see to his EVERY need :) 

    JoyceB, YES! We have been to several eye specialists. Lots, and lots of testing. ANYTHING for our doggies. Sam does not qualify for cataract removal surgery, unfortunately. He has retinal degeneration - which caused the cataracts, is the diagnosis. You need healthy retinas to have cataracts removed. Sam would be blind despite the cataract removal. Glad your baby doggie had a great experience though. 

    I'll be back to comment fully and answer questions later....

  • Barbara Diane replied 3 months ago

    Love your hair. It’s nice to have multiple ways to style it.

  • Style Fan replied 3 months ago

    Hugs and kisses to sweet Sam.  He is a trooper.  Your hair looks beautiful.  All the styling looks great.  I am like Janet.  Shorter hair is more difficult for me to style.  I do find layers make it easier, and I had my hair layered in February when I was in Montreal.  

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Thanks, everyone! I much appreciate the kind words and compliments.!


    MY HAIR IS SO MUCH EASIER TO MAINTAIN IN EVERY WAY!!! Thrilled.

    Kelly, my heart sank hearing about precious Oreo. I am sooo sorry. She has you to see yo her every need. Your love and guidance make all the difference.

    JAilleen, hugs to your sweet deaf Bob. You are there for his every need.

    JAileen and Avicennia, like ALL hair colours - well cut and maintained silver hair is beautiful!

    Laura, you were my grow-out inspiration! You’ve grown your hair from pixie to long many times and with such grace.

    Kyle, crisp and clean is music to my ears!

    Jaime, to answer your questions:

    - More like a pink-lliac in person!

    - A tad bit assymmetrical - you inspire that!

    - I agree with your assessment! I’m a short hair person at heart :) -

    JenniNZ,
    agreed! I will pixie again.

    Carla, it IS a great length for hats!

    Roberta, agree with your assessment!

    Sal, Inge and Suz, knew you could relate and it’s reassuring! Go Team Shorter Easy Hair - which the three of you wear beautifully :)

    Dee, YES! You get it. (Love your current bixie). Your short fringe helps with keeping hair out of your face too. Like Janet and Style Fan - who prefer their easy long hair because they have short layers in front. No long sleeping fringes like me! My long layers are harder. Irina, it’s the reason you put your hair into a bun, I bet!

    LJP, nice to hear it’s a fave! It feels like a fab fresh change from both a pixie, and long hair! I feel much revived….. and I will pixie again …..

    Sharan, my late Mama is high fiving your assessment completely!!! You are both onto something ;)

  • Cookie replied 3 months ago

    Poor sweet Sam. I know he’s getting the most devoted care in your family.

  • Lisa replied 3 months ago

    The smile says it all, your new hair is fabulous!

  • Debbie replied 3 months ago

    I absolutely love your hair at this length. You look beautiful as alway and it also lends it selves to a few styles. Excellent!

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Thanks so much! 

    Cookie, anything for Sam and Jo. Appreciate the sweet words. 

  • Laurie replied 3 months ago

    Angie, these are gorgeous looks for you. I love that you can get both the super straight sleek look and -  my favorite - the very wavy style in the last 3 shots, out of the same cut.  
    Color is perfect, too. 

  • slim cat replied 3 months ago

    New haircut is gorgeous ( like wavy hairstyle the best - but all are fab on you )! I'm staying with pixie cut forever and ever - get annoyed with longer hair getting in my eyes ;-) .
    Sorry about Sam - he is lucky to be a part of such loving and caring family!

  • Ket replied 3 months ago

    You look lovely! Short hair is just so flattering on you, and I love your highlights. It's all just so you, Angie! xo

  • MsMary replied 3 months ago

    Wow! Spectacular! Brava!!

  • sabimct replied 3 months ago

    I enjoyed reading this so much! Thanks Angie, for sharing your journey in such an honest and forthcoming way.

    I lost all of my hair to chemo 5 years ago.  While I am strong and healthy now, my hair is thinner and requires a lot of care.  Like you Angie, I am increasingly frustrated with this.  [It is shoulder length.]

    I notice that I like the look of my hair much better when I pull it back in a pony tail.  Or when I wear my fav pink baseball cap.  This to me suggests that I don't really like the look of all that extra hair - I'm trying ot get rid of it when I pull it into a pony or curtail it with my cap.

    So .... I am toying with the idea [and it is hard!] of going much shorter!  

    I remind myself: it's hair.  If I miss my longer hair - I can always grow it back!

  • Susie replied 3 months ago

    Oh all versions are so pretty on you! How nice to have such a versatile style. The highlights are spot on!

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Thanks for the lovely compliments, everyone! I'm smiling, and loving my easier hair :) 

    sabimct, your are a chemo warrior. Post treatment, I fully understand how hard it can be to cut your hair. Perhaps you can cut it shorter in stages - (I'm doing that too) - and assess how you feel along the way. Best of luck to you. Always happy to help. 

  • Gail replied 3 months ago

    It looks fabulous, I have similar length hair and would love to know how you get your your curls and waves. I have a hard time and only have mine straight but would definitely curl it if I had the know how !

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Gail, I have wavy hair to begin with. I either blow it or air dry it - and the result is wavy. Then I neaten the wave with a curling iron to even things out and look more polished. It's fast. It holds all day! 

  • Bonnie replied 3 months ago

    Love the new cut, it suits you! I agree with you about the perfect hair length. Your new cut is similar to the way I've been wearing my hair lately and it is practical and easy to maintain. 

  • Indigoprint replied 3 months ago

    INGE have been missing you....
    Angie my fav is #12 so FAB yet so simple.
    Your new hair is spot on for you!

  • Joyce B replied 3 months ago

    Angie, sorry that Sam’s problem is with the retina and vets cannot offer help for that. He has the best mom, dad and sister Jo who take care of him and give him the loved, happy life that he deserves.
    My pup had problems with his cornea and the Vet Ophth helped him, so in that sense he was lucky.

  • lyn67 replied 3 months ago

    A beautifull hair style, looking so fresh on You this bixie, Angie! Think You probably went already through this exact style during  growing out period of the pixie before reaching shoulder lengths, and yess- You managed to look impecable and fabulous in each of the intermediate stages!!! 
    I have noticed a small mention about Sam's blindness in one of your previous threads... and was really sad to hear about his condition- just didn't want to aggravate with asking details-but my heart is broken ever since...but  he surely gets the most love and care from the most compassionate  pet parents in the world!

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    bonnie, I know you relate! LOVE your hairstyle! It's perfect for you :)

    Indigoprint, thank you! 

    Lyn67, I had the length as I was growing it out,  but not the style and colour. So it feels new! 

    Dearest JoyceB and Lyn67, much appreciate your awfully compassionate words and wishes for our sweet, sweet Sam. As you can see in these recent pics, Sam is doing GREAT and loves to play. He's happy, feisty and in great spirits :) - Jo says hi too. 

  • Joyce B replied 3 months ago

    Beautiful Sam and Jo! Thanks for sharing the photos. Dogs live in the moment and have their wisdom that we could learn from. Regardless of what hand is given to them, they do what they can and enjoy as best as they can.
    All the best to you and your fur babies.

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    JoyceB, truer words about doggies were never spoken! If people were more like dogs, the world would be a better place. Thanks for chiming back in so attentively - hugs! -  and how wonderful that your baby doggie's cornea was sorted :) 

  • Brooklyn replied 3 months ago

    You look fantastic!! This is my favourite hair look for you ever. Super chic.

    Big hugs to Sam. xx

  • RobinF replied 3 months ago

    Love this cut on you! It accentuates your beautiful smile perfectly! Fun that you can wear it a few different ways too.

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Thanks awfully, Brooklyn and RobinF! I am much relieved to be fussing far less about hair these days ;) 

  • Lisa replied 3 months ago

    *pets to Sam and Jo who look darling playing together*

  • Angie replied 3 months ago

    Kisses and tailwags from Sam and Jo! 

  • Helena replied 3 months ago

    Aw Sam! Sweet little fellow :)
    I love this hair style on you Angie! Beautiful will all lengths, but I agree with Jaime - I feel you have a short hair energy and it meshes well with your gamine vibes! All the better that you find it easier to manage. YLF!!

    I have been wearing my hair the longest I've had it probably since I got married and I'm chopping it tomorrow ... Not short but a few inches off. It feels good to have a refresh come fall doesn't it?

  • Bijou replied 3 months ago

    You have proven that you can wear any hair style and this new do is gorgeous. I love the photo of Sam and Jo, what a feisty and super cute duo.

  • Karie replied 2 months ago

    Your new haircut looks fantastic! I am partial to the wavy styles you’ve shown here, but it all looks beautiful.
    Big hugs and kisses to Sam.

  • Eliza replied 2 months ago

    The haircut is fantastic! Late to the party, but have to say all the iterations look great and your face says it all. Enjoy it.

    Best to Sam who clearly knows he is beloved.

  • Carol replied 2 months ago

    I don't think I ever participated here. Such a great cut--Iove how it is shorter in the back. Mine is similar, and a similar color, but I truly need a cut.

    You will have to share what kind of rollers or instrument you use for your waves and curls...

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful words! :) 

    If you're interested in hair tool recommendations - let's start a separate thread with the questions. 

  • Suntiger replied 2 months ago

    Love it- and you inspired me to do a big chop :)

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Thanks, Suntiger! I had 4 to 5 inches cut off. SOOOO MUCH EASIER!!! I recommend it ;) 

  • Cee replied 2 months ago

    {{{ Hugs and belly rubs to Sam }}}

    ...as for your new potential hairstyle, I'm sure you could rock the heck out of this bad boy :D

You need to be logged in to comment