Hair can be tricky, whether your goal is short or long hair, I know we all want hair that looks like those gorgeous Pins we fill up our Pinterest boards with! Over the years I’ve gone from super long hair, to dealing with postpartum hair loss to getting extensions and then going a little shorter! I’m so excited to share my personal experiences with you and answer your questions. My hope is this will be you hair guide for getting the best cut and color!

Color Details – The color of my roots is my natural color. I used to get highlights at the root but the maintance was a lot and I really love the look of balayage so much more. To me it feels a touch more natural and the maintenance is next to nothing. I ask for ASHY blonde. No yellow, brass or caramel color. My hair pulls orange very easily, knowing this I stay away from any colors that have any hint of orange. I also use a purple shampoo, not often, just once every other week. And it’s just enough to keep the brass color out of my hair and brighten it up a little.

This picture, above, is what I try to AVOID. It is a very yellow blonde (which there is nothing wrong with) but I know my hair would turn to brass within a few weeks.

These picture, above, are what I show the stylish. Both are “rooted” at the top. Meaning you have darker roots showing and then naturally blend to an ashy blonde. The picture on the left has the end all blonde where at the picture on the right has more of the rooted color all the way down to the ends. Both are great options and fun to play with!

Do I still have extensions? Yes! Currently I have one row of extensions in place. The main purpose is to add volume and thickness to the shorter hair look. This is the first time in my life that I have loved my hair short and then kept getting it shorter. I truly believe the thickness has played a huge role in me loving my cut so much!

Reference Pictures – I try to not overwhelm the stylish with too many pictures that all look a little different. When I do that I feel like I end up saying I like her bangs, her length and her color and it can get really confusing for the stylish. Therefore, I have found it easier to I pick one person whose hair I love then stalk the crap out of them. This time for the shorter length it was Country Shields.

We didn’t end up going quite this short in the back because I got nervous.

Shampoo and Conditioner – Personal fav is Matrix Biolage Colorlast

Cut I ask for – I asked for a blunt, a line- lob. The pieces in The front are BARLEY longer than the ones in the back .

Extension Maintenance – Extensions grow out with your hair, every 8-10 weeks I go to the salon for a “move up”. They take out your extensions and literally move them up to sew them back up to the root. For more information on extensions you can you head HERE. You simply fill out a form and get a consult with Luz or Jess. They will discuss price, color and detailed questions with you!

Are extensions worth it – Personally 100% YES!! For me personally, I love the idea that I can have crazy on long and then chop it all off with no reservations. Knowing that I can go long next apt if I want to. It gives you the ability to play with styles, and have a little more fun without feeling like I have to keep my hair the same length because if I cut it I’ll spend the next 6 years growing it out.

I have decently thick hair naturally, extensions are NEXT LEVEL thickness. I have really enjoyed that with the shorter length. One row is all I have in and its amazing to see the difference.

Size Curling iron– I do not think you have to have an expensive curling iron to get the look you want. I chose to invest in this one because mine broke and I had a little extra money left over from the holidays a few years ago. It’s been really great though. Based on what I mentioned above I had 22 inch length extensions and now my hair is to my collarbone. I have used this tool to change out the barrel size and get the desired curl and look I want. I used the larger when I had longer hair and now that I have chopped I simply change the barrel size to the smallest and get the wavy curl I want!

What is my hair like naturally – It is naturally wavy and straightens easily.

Care for extensions– As I mentioned above you have to go in for trims and move ups every 8-10 weeks. Other than that it’s pretty minimal. I put oil on my ends to help with hair health and tangles. I also try to do minimal washing and heat. The shorter it is though the more heat I apply. Longer hair seems to hold its curl better.

How to get volume – Use this daily, I swear by it for volume.

** All pictures from Pinterest or Instagram.