Fall Hair

Q. My daughter and I always fight about her hair and the styles that she wants to wear when to school. What do you suggest for back to school hair styles?

A. I will assume since you are arguing with your daughter in the mornings about her hair that she is not a college student. Beyond that assumption I have no idea from your question how old your daughter is. Hair style is an age appropriate issue. I can only give you some broad advice and suggestions on this topic. Elementary students have energetic days. They also usually require some help getting ready in the mornings. Keeping her hair from restricting her ability to work at a desk with her head looking down, being able to actively play and looking fun are all considerations for young girls. Right now ponytails and pigtails are all the rage, even for older girls. These are great choices for younger girls as well. Make her hair fun with hair accessories. Barrettes, headbands and shorter bangs are all popular options as well. If your daughter has curly hair or hair that is difficult to brush in the mornings keep a spray bottle ready with a mixture of water and a small amount of hair conditioner. Spray the hair until it’s damp and combing or brushing will go smoothly. If you need to blow dry the style it will be easier and quicker if you shampoo the night before and simply use the spray to dampen it the next morning. Junior High girls are a different story. These tween girls want to look like the older girls but still need some help in the mornings and still have very active school days. Teach her how to do a pony tail with some height on top. It’s easy you just tease the top and crown then smooth the hair into a pony. Right now it’s popular to wear a thin headband and a ponytail. If you daughter is looking for a fun new hairstyle have her try layers and some bangs (or fringe as we call it in the biz). Girls in this age group are often very active and busy with after school activities as well. You’ll want to be sure whatever she wears can last through the long school day and post school activities. High School girls tend to know what’s in style and they all want to look like most of their friends. They fall into one of two categories. The girls who want to sleep as long as possible and get up and get ready fast, these gals may also be athletes who need quick easy hair or the girls who want to play and fuss and can be a bathroom hog. I suggest to make morning easier with a teenager you assume they will need a lot of time and space to get ready. A simple purchase of a vanity mirror and a place to do their hair in their room could save you a lot of morning stress. If your daughter is taking up a lot of time attempting new styles invest in a salon visit and let a stylist give her instruction on quick and easy ways to get “the look” she’s after. All hair styles at any age have three major considerations. The time it takes to style, the money it takes for upkeep, and the personality of the wearer. In the end, like so many things preparation ahead of time and the proper tools and supplies all make the job easier. Good Luck, have a great school year.