Long Hair Seeking a Style

Updated on August 28, 2008
N.M. asks from San Jose, CA
10 answers

Hi Ladies, Now that I am approaching 40, I was thinking that a braided pony tail might be at odds with an aging face, and it is probably time I grow up and get some sort of cut. I have had my hair this way since I had hair long enough to put in a pony tail. It's a long term relationship, :) ha. My hair is confined to a pony tail and braided because of its tendency to make a rat's nest at the nape of my neck. I've tried products that smooth hair (shampoo and conditioner) and they work briefly. I think a shorter length or layering might help. I'm looking for someone who could ease me into a look. Something still soft and feminine, like Jaclyn Smith's (of "Charlie's Angel's" fame) hair on "Sheer Genius." Anyone know of a kind and gentle soul that understands hair types, understands what people are looking for, and has the skills to carry it out? Please don't recommend expensive professionals. I am a woman of average means and bank account. I live in San Jose near Cupertino and Saratoga. Thanks ahead of time for recommendations. N.

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D.C.

answers from San Francisco on

My hairdresser in Los Gatos is working out of a salon, but I think her prices are reasonable. Better yet, she has long hair herself and can give you many tips for styling it quickly with a feminine flair. She won't rush you, and is definitely kind and gentle and quite experienced. If you decide on a cut, she is very adept. Hey, I wanted to look like Meg Ryan, and she pulled the hairstyle part of it off ! Her name is Carol Eklund. ###-###-####

I can get there from Cupertino in 10-15 minutes going Highway 85 to 17. Don't try it after 3:00 PM, though !

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C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N.,

I know how tough styling long hair can be. I have long hair that is very thick. I have no time to style my hair and need something that is really easy. Sounds like you are looking for the same. I love me stylist, she is young and sweet, and cuts hair really well. Her hair cuts run around $40, I don't know if that is out of your price range, but I have a bad experiences at places like super cuts and I will always spend the extra $20 to go to a salon.
Anyway, the salon is in willow glen and is called Antoni Paiz (sp?). My hairdressers name is Nicole. Good luck finding a stylist.

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R.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N.,
I go to Nadia Saleem at JC Penney's at Tanforan Mall in San Bruno. Its a little way to drive but she is fabulous!! She is ranked n umber 3 out of 15,000 JC Penney salons across the nation. She is an expert in color and corrective color. Since I have been going to her (almost 2 years) my hair has never looked better! She will give you a cut that suits your face and grows out gently so that there aren't those stages that make you want to shave your head! I don't have the number with me but you could Google JC Penney at Tanforan and easily get it. Good luck!

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S.L.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N.,

I've been going to Kim at Z salon (on Stevens Creek near Saratoga Ave) for 3 years now. I tried several stylists in the past and was never really happy with my hair. With Kim, when I'm ready for a new style I show her a couple of styles that I'm thinking about and she gives me an honest opinion based on my face shape and hair type. She's very talented with the cut and no more expensive than most of the salons in the area.

HTH

S. L.

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A.J.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N..

I've been a long hair girl forever (no braid) and someone talked me into a "style" a few years ago. I hated it. Unless I wanted to spend 20 minutes blowing and curling, it was just shorter and stringy. I grew it right back out. Jaclyn Smith's "do" takes A LOT of work. Layers don't just fall into place. I get the rat's nest at the nape of my neck too (especially if I have a collared shirt on), but I can keep up on it by brushing a couple of times in the day.

Good luck!

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T.K.

answers from San Francisco on

I have always had long hair also, I don't think I ever want to cut it. I have seen many well aged women who have kept thier hair long even when it is totally silver and I thinkit looks better than any short hair styles. However I understand the pressure to change with age so I would like to give you a name of a stylist at a salon in Los Gatos. The name of the salon is the Beauty Bar right on Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos. The name of the Stylist is Daniel Lee. He is amazing! I hope it works out! He is pricey but soooo worth it!

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K.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N.,
we received a recommendation recently for Otis from Apollo &Ts upper level near JC Penny of what used to be Valco Shopping Mall on Wolfe Road. ###-###-####

All three of us have long hair and my son (who chose to grow his "long enough to braid" from 4) decided recently he wanted to cut his short. A friend gave us the recommendation with lots of high praise.

Otis sounded fine on the phone though our appointment is not until Friday. He stated about $25 for each of us.

If you do cut it shorter please consider "Locks of Love". You can donate hair 10 inches or longer for them to make up for use by children undergoing medical treatment that causes hair loss (eg chemotherapy). I "Googled" them to find out the details and you can print out the forms (though many hairdressers also have them ready). Some hairdressers will not charge for the cut if there is a Locks of Love donation involved. I know of one in Palo Alto.

I am planning to have my hair shortened by about 12 inches and then grow it out again. I've known many women with long hair through middle age and into elderly who have not appeared to be wearing a "young" style even when braided or back in a pony tail.

If you want shorter hair - go for it. If you don't then I would not suggest cutting it to fit what you think others consider correct. Wear your hair how you are comfortable with it.

good luck
K.

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J.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi N.,

I don't have long hair, in fact my hair is falling out. I went to several different stylists until I found someone who would work with my particular problem. If the stylist is reputable, they will give you a free consultation. Call around to a few places close to you and have them talk to you about different styles that will work. Since it should be free, all it will cost you is your time and then you won't be waiting for your hair to grow back if you are disappointed. I found a stylist who is a little pricey ($70 cut) but she does a nice job at giving me a look that hides my problems. I did leave her to go to another stylist who was cheaper but I was never happy so I went back after a year and now I just grin and bear it as I write out the check.

Good luck,

J.

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L.V.

answers from San Francisco on

So, do you want to cut your hair?
I struggled with that for a long time, but always wore it in a pony. Mine was down the middle of my back and after I hit the big 5 - 0 IT WAS TIME to cut it. I AM SOOOOOOO GLAD I DID!
I personally know a hairdresser (my nieces husband) who is a genius with cut and color and I'm not just saying that because I know him. Although I AM saying that because I've seen and experienced his work. So, I took a chance (it's only hair and it grows back!) and I am never looking back. He cut it above my shoulders and used 3 different colors of highlights to mask my grays... I've never been happier! It's been nothing but compliment-city since I had it done. Even shaved a few years off as well. He is NOT cheap, but it's been over 2 months since he colored it and it still looks decent. And YOU ARE WORTH IT! That said- I know you're looking for someone who is not expensive, but you DO get what you pay for. You won't get a "supercuts" haircut from this guy. I don't splurge on myself very often, but a gal has to pamper herself once in a while. It's time for me to get a trim and another color now though, but it still looks good. The cut grows out beautifully and he knows how to tailor the cut to your own lifestyle (mine is wash and wear) and face.
James Marez
Place 2 Be
500 Madison
Santa Clara
###-###-####

Check him out- you won't be sorry

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P.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Julie Amdur at Salon Roche in the Pruneyard, Campbell. She doesn't let me come in on a whim & cut or change color. We talk about what I want, she explains why it won't work & offers alternatives but usually she won't do the change until I've considered for an appt or two after it's first discussed. I'm 38 with 15 mos twin girls, thick, wavy hair that is constantly in a ponytail & I'm ready for a change too!

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