So I’m trying to figure out what my “mommy” hairstyle will be.
I had visions of letting my hair grow out during pregnancy so that I would have long, luxurious princess hair when my baby was born. However, I failed to consider that a)cutting my hair short at the beginning of the pregnancy would not help this goal and b) my hair
grows
incredibly
slowly.
So now I have medium-length hair that is BORING, and I’m trying to figure out my next step.
I still want the princess hair. I’ve never had very long hair, and right now my hair is the longest it’s been in years, so if I’m going to do it, now’s the time. I have curly/wavy hair, so I imagine it looking something like Buttercup’s in The Princess Bride. Yeah. Maybe after 20 years of no hair cuts.
However, I’m realizing that perhaps long hair is not the wisest choice for a new mom. It seems to be a great tug/chew toy for baby, plus I keep finding it wrapped around his diaper, his neck, his sleep sack, etc. Also, long hair can be pretty hard to style for us curly-headed lasses. Any hairstyle other than a quick ponytail requires the use of a blow dryer or straightening iron to avoid a frizzy mess, and I just don’t have the patience for that.
So it seems that a short ‘do is the way to go. I could totally do short hair. I imagine myself as an emo-chick with piecey, pointed black hair and face-framing bangs. Wait, what? No dyeing my hair black while baby is drinking breastmilk? Oh, well I can do the rest….what? Curly hair can’t be piecey and pointy without hours of straightening that requires time I just don’t have? Booooo. And the bangs? Well, if I had a picture of myself from the last time I had bangs (circa 1991) you would see why curly hair and bangs just don’t go together.
I really do want the bangs — I just don’t like short hairstyles without them. But I don’t know that I can invest the styling time bangs would require. And remember, since my hair
grows
incredibly
slowly,
if I find that my new bangs are a mistake, I get to spend years trying to undo it.
Then there is this other issue. Wow, I’m really not sure the world is ready to see this yet. Well, here goes:
That’s my angel ‘fro. I have these short, little hairs that form a halo around my head, and there is nothing I can do about them. Extreme amounts of straightening and styling product might tame them for a time, but they are always there, mocking me. Even a simple ponytail can go from decent to laughable when these things make their appearance. Apparently that part of my hair is so thin and fine that it can’t grow to a decent length.
If you would like to save me from a lifetime of looking like a Renaissance-era noblewoman, leave a comment with your hairstyle suggestion. Even better, link to a picture!
Just don’t use the lead make up, Okay?
Can I say that since I have cal-licky straight hair: I like your fro/angel hair?
Hmmmm…I’d actually say to go for the Buttercup hair. I think you’re right that it would look like hers. Most of the long-hair mom woes are cured with a quick ponytail, loose bun, etc. At least, that’s my theory. Mine might be long now because I’m too lazy and cheap to get it cut…but I would like to now officially reframe my motivation as growing into my princess hair. Thanks for the tip there. Oh, and I have straight hair, but when I stopped pumping, I grew my own angel hairs. Hormones are weird. Maybe when you stop lactating your will go away. 😉 And one benefit to hair
growing
incredibly
slowly…
I’d guess you have to shave less often than I. If I want smooth legs, I have to shave approximately every 15 minutes.
Wow, I’m glad I shared that with all your readers.
Hey! I have ‘angel fro’ too! If you see me and I don’t (and my hair is in a pony tail) it’s because I am on day 3 of no hair washing (thanks motherhood!) I have no tips for a cute cut, BUT, I also say keep growing it! I have the long hair and yes, it is everywhere and yes, it gets pulled on. I COULD cut it, but then she’d grow out of that stage and I’d still have short hair. I hate that in-betweeny stage too. You look fabulous no matter what!
Wow, I was way behind on reading your blog and want to comment on at least the last 3 posts. Ha! But no time right now, Just enough to say, I tried the long hair thing but I just can’t do it. So I guess I’m the emo mom with the purple hair/blond streaks…and that’s me!
Oh, and did you drive or fly to TX? I need baby travel tips!!!! Next blog post?? 🙂
What about a cute bob? To the bottom of your chin, a little shorter in back. That’s how I’m growing my hair. You don’t need any bangs.
Y’all are great. Thanks for the suggestions!
Finn, I’m so glad you mentioned the travel suggestions. I meant to do a post about our recent adventures, but I forgot. Expect to see one soon!
I’m a little partial to the long princess look as well. I think it would look beautiful on you…especially with how tall you are. I got my hair cut extremely short before Hannah was born. I liked it, but I would have had to get it recut every couple months in order for it to look just right. I began growing it out again after Hannah was born. I recently got some long layers cut in it, and I like it more than I ever have. The layers make a huge difference!!
No matter what YOU decide……
Cousin, you are beautiful no matter the length or color or your hair!!! 🙂 Love ya!!
I feel your pain. Finding the right hair style that(a)looks good,and(b)isn’t a new part-time job is very tough. I do have to say that I love your curls…including your “halo”. And, once again, I love your creative writing!
Kaye
Oh, my hair sister, I totally understand. I remember being in LSW 311 (MAH room), sitting on the stage with only stage lights on, talking to Nick (recital practicing, or something). He was talking to me, but looking at the top of my head at the “halo” from the light shining through all my little wispies. I think you have inspired me to aim intentionally for long hair, although I don’t think I could ever pull off princess hair. Wrong color (“mouse brown” as one stylist so nicely put it…) and too thin and wilty. However, I think you could do it. By the way, the girl that cuts my hair said that those little wispy hairs mean that you have healthy hair, that it is evidence of new hair growth. So there. We have healthy angelic hair. 🙂
Sarah, I was totally inspired in my thoughts of princess hair by the way your hair looked when we visited you at TCU.