Teen Hair
Here I am on a plane again, this time with my 15-year-old niece, Alanna. I am taking her home. She spent a week with me in New York. We had a blast! We dined at the trendy restaurants, toured museums, and saw what else but Legally Blonde. Leigh, "The Woman Behind the Man" took Alanna shopping, and her life will never be the same. They hit every store from Barneys to Anna Sui. Alanna definitely had more than "carry on" luggage on her way home.
I loved having this time with Alanna. It was a bonding week and a great opportunity for me to really get to know and understand her. I asked her a million questions about her beauty routine. Once she started talking, she didn't stop.
Here's the 411:
She loves long hair. I asked her if she preferred it curly or straight. It didn't seem to matter as long as it was at least shoulder length. I asked her how she wore it during the school year and she did admit that she often just ties it back. She is on the swim team, so her hair is more often wet than dry. She loved having her hair blown out. It made her look older than her fifteen years.
This was an entirely different way of thinking, hair to make you look older. What a concept! I instantly realized this is what hair is all about for a teen. Hair is the easiest way for a teen to create a look, whether it be sophisticated, punk, bohemian, pretty or romantic. This is why Alanna loved her blow dries. It gave her an instant "look.”
Cut, color, and style can change your look quicker than a new dress or a hot pair of jeans. Teens love to experiment. They love to play with their hair. You have to realize that your teen is changing hairstyles as sport. What they have to figure out is what looks best for their hair texture and face shape. Their look will change a million times. What looks best on them will not.
Here are some simple tips to help guide your teen:
- Long and thin face shape: You need to add width. Long layers are a great face framing answer. Bangs will instantly redefine your face shape. Avoid long, one-length hair.
- Round full face shape: You need a slimming style. Side parts work best to create the illusion of a thinner face. Avoid excessive fullness on the sides of hair.
- Triangle face shape: Mid-length hair with tapered ends will detract from a wide chin. Add width to top of face with bangs.
- Work with your hair texture: Blowing curly hair straight or making straight hair curly is a loosing battle. (Your teen will probably figure this out when she turns 21.)
Hairstyles can change on a whim and a blow dry. Hair color is a different story. I have four sisters. I have seen it all. They’ve given themselves white Jolene highlights, orange summer blond hair, and colored their hair back to brown that almost looked black.
Teens are not intimidated by hair color. They embrace it. They should have the proper info about hair color basics.
- Highlights are the most natural way to make your hair lighter.
- Go slow with hair color. You can always make your hair a little lighter, darker, or a bit redder with each touch-up.
- The more you change your natural color the quicker roots will show.
- Once hair is colored black, it is almost impossible to go lighter. Cross your fingers that your teen will skip the Goth look.
- Don't try this at home. All color corrective work should be done by a professional.
- Volunteer your color services. Offer your teen to be her hair color helper. You can help with those hard to reach areas and have a time to bond with her.
- Don't get your hair in a twist if your teen's hair looks horrible. Her hair will grow out and she will grow up.
My week with Alanna was a lot of fun and a real learning experience. I realized that teens love to play "dress up.” She could look like my little niece one moment and a sophisticated young woman the next.
My advice to all parents of teens is to stay calm. Tell your daughters how pretty they are no matter what style or color they choose. A funky color or cut will look different tomorrow!
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You're niece is beautiful.
And Yes I totally did all these things to my hair when I was a teen. And did not find a great hairstyle for me till my 20's! That's hilarious that you said that
We are loved long hair as a teen! Great blog.
Jess,
The teen years are the perfect time to experiment with your look. When else can you change your hair on a whim and get away with it?
Louis
Marie,
Its true! Young women and long hair go hand in hand.
Thanks for your support,
Louis
Hi, I just wanted say I appreciate you putting my co-workers and myself in your blog. If you're ever by my store again with your niece or even by yourself, please do stop by and say "hi". I mentioned to some of my friends that you were going to put my store in your blog. I must say that you're definately a person that keeps their word. P.S.- thats me with the glasses.(Vernon, assistant manager)
Am I the sister with ORANGE SUMMER BLOND hair.NOT!!!!! It must be one of the others.
Louis,
I am your biggest fan. I must admit... the relationship between yourself and Leigh "The Woman behind the Man" is something to rave about. It's great to see all these pictures. I wish we could see more pictures of you on your blog!!! You are so good looking. Can't wait for the next one!!!!
uR BIIGEST FAN
I wish I had the money to shop at Anna Sui or Barney's when I was 15 (or, to be honest, now...)
Good tips though, thanks!
i need help my natural hair color is golden brown with a mix of blonde but i dyed my hair black a couple months ago n now i want to go light brown what can i use to make it go light brown without my hair going red ??
I have a question, i was wondering if u have ever heard of a "sock bun"? the girls around my neighborhood wears them and told me that they r made with a sock...i tried it and i love it, it can go from casual to elegant just by adding a hair clip...but any i was just wondering if u heard about it and it u can give me some tips on creating buns.
thanks :]
Vernon,
I'll be sure to stop by and say hey.
Thanks for taking care of Alanna.
Louis
Vita,
You be her!
Louis
Felicia,
You are very kind.
Thank You,
Louis
Lily,
Alanna doesnt usually shop at Anna Sui or Barney's. When she's at home she shop's at the Gap. I do spoil her when she's with me.
So Shoot me!
Louis
p.s- I'm happy you like the tips.
Maribel,
removing black hair color is very difficult. You must see a professional.
I suspect that there will be a transition time until you reach the light brown color that you desire.
Be patient and good luck,
Louis
Ms. Dawson,
I think that the "sock bun" tends to make hair look perfectly neat. I prefer hair that looks a little more casual.
But there is something for everyone,
Louis
Great blog! I'm so glad I found you on here! My hair is a constant battle for me-- very thick yet fine hair with LARGE waves that always look "unkept" make me have no choice but to blow dry to keep it from looking wirey(?). My hair is pretty damaged...how can I style it naturally without using a lot of product, but still make it look put-together? The blow drying/straightening takes too long in the mornings!
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