Hi!

Firstly, thanks for such a great site and the wealth of information that I've already benefited from (this is my first post).

I am currently growing my hair out from quite short, if you pull it out straight it just reaches my shoulders but the curls make it a bit shorter than that still. I need some suggestions for "in-between" hair styles. My hair is still a wee bit too short for a ponytail or braiding, I have too many short layers getting in the way. I feel so bedraggled with this thick, heavy hair that I can't do anything with. Help!

/Kate

WELCOME Kate!!

Boy, those inbetween periods can be a real frustration.  Having grown out pixies several times, I know all too well.

You don't mention if you have bangs or not,  if not (or they are long enough), why not try pulling the hair from the front from the ears up, to the back of your head and put it in a barrette, scrunchie, or ponytailer.  This gets the hair away from the face and is great "new" look for your longer locks.  

You might also try the twisted rows from the front hair line to about the top of your head.  Take sections of hair about 1" wide and twist (gently) close to the head so that it lies close then "tie" off with a small clip or binder.  You might end up with about 8 - 10 of these rows when done.  This also helps you learn the technique for gathering the twists which you will want to learn for french braiding.

You could also start working on your french and/or dutch braid.  You might be surprised to find out your hair is long enough!  Once you have braided to the nape of your neck, tuck the little end back under the braid and secure it with a few hair pins.  This is a very nice, sophisticated style for growing out the lengths.

Give these a try and let us know how it goes!

Hi again, thanks for the suggestions.

I don't have bangs, but the hair around my face is just barely too short to clip up into one barrette. I usually French braid it when I'm at home lounging about - it looks strange but it's easy because I don't need to tie off the braid (my thick hair stays by itself).

However, I find that my French braid is always very bulky, especially at the top of my head, due to the face that my hair is curly and I have a lot of short curls right on top (my stylist thought layers were a good idea). Should I be French braiding when my hair is damp? It looks way too strange to go out with my hair like that!

/Kate

You can do your braiding when your hair is dry or damp.  Damp braiding might help with the fullness you are experiencing on the top of your head.  Damp braiding also seems to stay braided longer, as the hair is drying in the braided pattern, just like when being "set" on rollers.