How to Choose a Signature Hairstyle

Bust of woman, with short bob signature hairstyle wearing scarf
Bust of a woman with short bob hairstyle wearing scarf c. 1920-1948. Photo by Ruth Hollick (1883-1977) Ruth Hollick collection, State Library of Victoria.

Like the other aspects of presence, you need to think about how your signature hairstyle fits your life before you go to the salon.

Choosing a Signature Hairstyle

Let’s go through the Signature Wardrobe process to see how that works.

Budget

Getting your hair done can be very expensive. Your hair care budget places limitations on what and how often you can get your hair done.

Leaving aside what you get done, where you get it done, and who does it can make a lot of difference too. Nipping into a City salon in your lunchtime might triple the cost compared to your local shopping mall. On top of that, having the “Director” do your hair could be twice the price of the apprentice.

Similarly, if you like to style your hair every day, you’re going to buy shampoos, conditioners, and styling products and need to choose which ones you can afford.

Appropriateness

Like clothing, your willingness to spend the time and effort on your hair limits your options too. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time with blow-dryers, curling wands or straighteners, you may need to consider either a permanent wave or just getting a “do” for special occasions.

And, if you don’t want to spend hours in the salon, you might not want to get your hair coloured or permed. Maybe not even those special occasion dos. Or if you don’t want to visit frequently, then your cut can’t be so precise that it needs frequent trims to keep it looking good.

Style

Some people have hair that defines them; Lucille Ball’s red up-do, Jennifer Anniston’s “Rachel”, and up until recently Mila Kunis angle cut long straight layers. The cut and colour you can carry off are dependent on your hair’s texture, density and tendency to curl as well as your budget and sense of appropriateness.

It’s best to have something that matches your innate sense of style. If you are a conservative dresser, you may prefer a smooth chignon to long wavy boho locks. A romantic boho will probably not do well with an edgy pixie cut, and the sporty might not find a mohawk very helpful on the tennis court.

Needs

While we don’t know what hair’s functions are, according to Dr Mehmet Oz, MD (sharecare.com link no longer functional), it once offered protection from the elements, camouflage from creatures that eat us or suck our blood and possibly acted like bird’s plumage for attracting mates.

These days, some people, such as some cancer patients, need to replace these functions with wigs, hats, or creams. They may also need additional service for scalp care, stimulating regrowth, or dealing with permanent patchy hair loss. Or perhaps advice on extensions, weaves, and other hair replacement technologies.

The BlowOut

In days gone by, hair was a woman’s “crowning glory”, which is a little sad that the most notable thing about her, was her hair. It was supposed to be long, soft and shiny, and she was encouraged to brush it daily – 100 strokes! And that was about all she could do.

Mind you, last year I tried 1918 hair care and was surprised by and happy with the results.

In the end, whether you consciously chose it or not, you have a signature hairstyle. It may be that it has past its best by in your life and now is the time to get a more modern signature hairstyle that fits your life better and contributes more to your overall presence.

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