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Temptalia Grows Up & Gets a Hairstyle

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Christine |

I’ve spent the past week or two drooling over the above haircut. It just appeals to me, and I couldn’t really tell you why. Perhaps it’s because the model has such amazing features that she can rock this cut. I’ve always gone to the same hair salon for $8 hair cuts–yes, $8 haircuts–but I’ve always wanted to go to a professional hair stylist and have them do my hair. (Not to say they did a bad job; most of my visits were fine, but I didn’t ask for anything beyond lots of long layers!)

Well, I finally took the plunge. I went to Allan’s Salon this afternoon (I was so excited that they had an opening!) after reading all the rave reviews on Yelp!. $65 (and tip) later, and I’m loving my new ‘do! Allan was amazing–I brought in the photo above, but also something less tame, a lot longer, and he said I could totally work the one I wanted. But since I had expressed concern over going super short, he said he would add more length to it. Perfection. Absolute perfection.

I watched him when he did my blow out, to see how I would need to style it myself, and it didn’t look overly difficult. It’ll be interesting when I attempt it myself, but he just used a thermal protectant (duh), thickening spray by Bumble&Bumble, and then some pomade/wax. I think what I am so happy with is it is obviously different from my hair of 21 years, but it doesn’t look overly drastic. I was also thrilled to hear I could go shorter (he said I had the facial features for it) if I wanted to. Never was sure if I could pull off short hair! Nonetheless, parts of my hair had at least 7-8 inches taken off, so it is definitely a lot shorter than it was a few hours ago.

OK, OK, I know you just want to see how it turned out. Peep my new hair…

Side-by-side comparison!

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228 Comments

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Courtney Avatar
Courtney

Oh wow! You look so different but it’s goooorgeous. Very sophisticated but fun at the same time. It does something to your features that I can’t describe, but it’s a good something and that’s all that matters. 🙂

Stephanie D Avatar
Stephanie D

Looks good Christine! Speaking as a stylist, I would say the shorter version would look better for your face shape. The length stopping at the neck and collarbone would balance out the narrowness in your jawline where the longer tapered layers accentuate it because they draw the eye down instead of up. (I totally understand your hesitation to go short with having long hair for all your life)! It’s good to feel it out though but the cuts are totally different from a stylist’s point of view (the blonde one would be considered a bob and yours more a shag). If you have the courage next time- you can definitely rock that hairstyle! Especially because your do your makeup awesome and dress nice which are big factors in determining a style to be suitable for a person. Blonde styles also show more texture and defintion of layers because of the contrast and shadowing it shows. Caramel highlights would really bring out the layers and show them off more too. We use Bumble & bumble products at my salon and I take classes there in NYC. They are really good!

Roselyn Avatar
Roselyn

Hey C! I sooo applaud you for being brave! I think our long hair is like our security blanket. I’ve always had a lemming for short hair but have been a chicken to do it. I absolutely agree with Stephanie! I DO think that you should go full swing on it and go shorter with some lightening. It would look sooooo good on you! But yes of course, baby steps…just baby steps! Anyhow, you look fab girl! Please however do keep me informed on the styling aspect of it. As you know with long hair if you dont feel like doing anything you could just throw it in a pony, but I would like to know how your styling regime will now differ in the morning. So keep us posted.

Take care

Marsadie Avatar
Marsadie

I came to comment on how much I LOVE your new cut, it looks fabulous! But I agree with the above comment as well: you could SO rock the same cut your model photo is wearing and add a little color to it to sass it up.

quynh Avatar
quynh

The haircut looks really good! There’s always something so refreshing and uplifting when it comes to changing one’s hair, as if it can actually change more than just the style of your hair.

May I ask where did you get the picture of the modeled hairstyle above from?

Gina Avatar
Gina

wow! looks amazing! i’d like to see you try out some new hairstlyes with your new cut-maybe set it up in some hot rollers or use a curling iron or something just for fun!

K Avatar
K

It seems since you started this website that you are really making a point to take care of yourself not just make-up-wise, but in other ways too! Haircare, skincare… I think this cut looks fantastic on you and really suits your personality.

Shefali Avatar
Shefali

Totally awesome! I think you look alot more mature, which is good for law school 🙂 I love getting new hairstyles…it’s refreshing and gives new perspective to things.

Lehea Avatar
Lehea

Nice! You’re proof that change can be good. =) My hair needs to be reshaped soon. It’s stick straight from rebonding, so I need to put in a few layers. I was thinking of getting bangs also. The ones they gave you are the ideal length I have in mind.

Christine Avatar
Christine
Light Medium, Neutral, slight yellow undertones. Normal-to-Dry skin. View Christine Full Profile

Haha! True 🙂

My mom said she fell out of her chair.

I love the length – though I have to get used to having them fall over my eye a bit. Probably more styling product would keep them better placed, but it’s not a big deal. Still had hair falling in my face when I had long hair, LOL.

Monica Avatar
Monica

Christine.. wow!! this is a great hair style for you! You look so modern and it frames your face perfectly. I wish I could have this kind of haircut (I’m curly.. so.. it’s a no no or years of hair damage)

Chloe Avatar
Chloe

\O/ Yeah!! This looks AMAZING!! I SO think you could rock that short look you’re after! Regardless, you look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! I’m getting my haircut this weekend and you’re encouraging me to go shorter, too! 😉

Ariel Avatar
Ariel

I think it looks awful. You are such a beautiful woman and this looks heavy and like it’s shellacked to your head. You look about ten years older then you did before. Ugh I dont know if I can read this blog anymore

Christine Avatar
Christine
Light Medium, Neutral, slight yellow undertones. Normal-to-Dry skin. View Christine Full Profile

It’s so incredibly light, not at all heavy! I’m pleased with how it’s aged me – like when I had my hair down, I looked very young (and I felt 12). I feel more my age with this cut! I’m really sorry that me changing my hair somehow makes the blog worthless to read anymore. It makes me sad that this would cause you to stop reading.

Ariel is retarded Avatar
Ariel is retarded

Ariel you are so retarded, if you have nothing nice to say don’t say it at all, it’s HER hair and it looks lovely, you never had to read her blog in the first place!

Amanda Avatar
Amanda

Ariel that was a bit harsh…hopefully its some sort of inside joke Anywho….

Christine, I love it, its a bit rock-n-roll and very classy at the same time. I wish I could be as brave as you, to get out there and set some trends! Yay for you.

AmyLou Avatar
AmyLou

OMG, that hairstyle is freakin’ AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your cheekbones are totally highlighted with this new do! I agree, you could go shorter if you want. But going on the safe side as far as length is always the smart thing to do!

Have you ever had bangs? I always get them cut in and then regret it, so you’ll have to let us know how that works out for ya.

I really really LUV LUV it!!!

Christine Avatar
Christine
Light Medium, Neutral, slight yellow undertones. Normal-to-Dry skin. View Christine Full Profile

Thank you, AmyLou!! I love the length, actually – it gives me “long hair” in a sense, but still with the perks of short hair.

I had bangs (straight, over the forehead kind) during high school and hated them. Took foreverrr to grow them out. I like the sideswept ones a lot better.

Nepenthe Avatar
Nepenthe

I like how it frames your face, it appears to have more shape and body – but I’ll be honest, I don’t love it. I do love your inspiration though, that’s a gutsy move cutting off so much.

Regardless of whether people love it or not, I’m glad to see that you’re so excited about it.. because that’s what matters. 🙂

Melissa Avatar
Melissa

Wow! Your hair looks great! This was deff a big upgrade. The bangs and angles really do suit your face. My mom is sitting next to me and she said the same thing! 🙂

pia Avatar
pia

*mouth opens wide* CHRISTINE!!!! Now I’m going to take YOUR picture to the hairdresser and have her/him cut my hair liker yours. I’ve been dying for a new hair style but can’t find anything that would suit me.

and if I haven’t said you look amazing, forgive me. You look FABULOUS & STUNNING!

btw, I agree with Betsy, the shorter cut would look amazing on you!

calico Avatar
calico

Lovely! and you can always put your longer layers behind you, to try out the shorter ‘look’. Your hair is so healthy!

P.s. agree – highlights would emphasize the cut beautifully.

Stephanie Avatar
Stephanie

Aw, I really like it! I think you could even go shorter. It’s really sophisticated and even a little edgy, and it totally works in every way. Gorgeous! I could see this transforming into a really sleek bob, that would be hot. And you totally live by me! I had a feeling you lived in the bay area. Do you shop at valley fair?

Jessica Avatar
Jessica

I think it’s a great upgrade! Updated and sophisticated, absolutely. My only suggestion would be to play around with volume! Looks like you got some great layers which allow versatility…for example, you can wear it sleek and straight like you did here, or as I suggested, put in an OOMPH factor 😀 A root lifting spray, round brushes and velcro rollers could totally give you another fun look to have in your beauty arsenal. Just my 2 cents 🙂

Chess Avatar
Chess

Christiiiiine, I’m finally delurking after all these months to tell you that you look absolutely stunning. I loved the long layers on you, but this is just do-a-double-take gorgeous. You look so sophisticated! I admire you for having the balls to make the change you want, and it sure as hell paid off!

Daantje Avatar
Daantje

Oh woooowwwww!!! You look amazing, radiant, divine, sexy, hot, sweet, cute, real pretty, gorgeous and loads of other great compliments I just can’t seem to translate into English right now.

Excellent style, totally you!

😀 Daantje

cloudburst Avatar
cloudburst

Girl, you gotta treat yourself to a pro stylist, even if it is only a couple times a year! I think next time you should go as short as the model, why not? Hair always grows back!

katja Avatar
katja

wow christine!!! this is cut is perfect for you. it really gives your beautiful face a even more beautiful shape! congrats you did it 😀 have fun with your new hair! 🙂

Jan Avatar
Jan

Wow! This is a nice change, really chic! I admire your guts to cut your hair, I have long boring hair like curtains! But I never dare to cut it too short or change the style. Heh you’ll be a chic, and stylish lawyer!

dee Avatar
dee

I love your haircut. The more I look at your inspiration photo, the more I think all you’d have to do to recreate the look is put your hair in a low ponytail and leave the front pieces out.

Diana Avatar
Diana

Looks super cute! Nice choice. My friend got a style similar, but closer in length to the picture. I want to cut my hair again, but my face shape is too varied (i.e. round meets square meets something else) so I have a hard time thinking what would look good on me.

Hilana Avatar
Hilana

Christine,

I love the new hair. And it does not “age” you one bit! It merely looks a wee bit more grown up, yet spunky and stylish. I actually copied the pic to “My pictures” on my computer and will take it to me hairdresser when I go there again.
It’s perfect. I have to grow mine a bit more to get it there, but I absolutely luv it.

Sara Avatar
Sara

Wow! I love your new cut! I am so inspired by that photo used as your picture guide that I may try and get a similar cut as a celebration if I get this job that I really want. (I have a working interview on Monday.)

Burlesque Doll Avatar
Burlesque Doll

Oh i love this i have the shape face that would pull this off so well, i love this cut specially on you. Having a heart shape face i have to be careful what cuts i get

nicci Avatar
nicci

wow, your hair looks so good! I think it looks a LOT better than the model. It fits your features and face very well 🙂 worth the price!!

Patty Avatar
Patty

Great hair cut!

I am currently looking for heat protection products, mostly for flat ironing. I am wondering which bumble and bumble one he used on you?

I currently just add hair serum to my hair before flat ironing it but I don;t know if thats enough.

I bought a spray one at Ulta a long time ago but I did not like it bc it made my hair kind of stiff and with out much natural movement.

Do you recoment any heat protectants?

Patty Avatar
Patty

I thought they were flat irons. I will look into heat protectants by FHI and T3. Also, I really like bumble and bumble so I am wondering what heat protectant your stylist used. Thanks again 😀

michelle Avatar
michelle

ELLEN PAGE! thats who valeri meant. omg. i totally love ellen too. you look amazing with this style! did you ever get cut shorter?

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