Please help....going insane

Hello everyone...My hair is driving me crazy. I need help finding a GOOD stylist, but one who does not charge over $50. Each one I've been to, however good, seem to keep cutting my hair in these layers that I really don't like. So, I am in the growing out stage. This is what it looks like: my shortest layers, on top of my head, are to just above my ear (very few of these). They taper down from there until the longest part is just past my shoulders.Basically, here is what I have tried with my hair:- hot rollers - does not curl my hair, just makes it stick out every which way- large curling iron - smooths it out and gives it a healthy look, but ends up flat and straight as a board (not a good look with my face)- med curling iron - does a good job, I like the results, but it takes FOREVER - and I don't always have that much time - this look also ends up flat within a couple hours- small curlers(sponge, stick rollers) - tried these recently and ended up looking like Shirley Temple - again, not a good look for me.So...I basically wear my hair in a ponytail EVERY day...If anyone is from the DFW area, and can recommend a stylist, please do. Feel free to email me. Any other suggestions also are welcome.Thank you very much...Rushell

hii have some input for you that i hope will help when you choose your future stylist. i dont live in your area, so i'm sorry i cant recommend one for you.i have found in my conversations with people that too often there is a lack of communication and understanding between the client and stylist. hence, bad cuts happen.i believe it is largely the responsiblity of the stylist to ask the client certain questions before doing any service. but it is also up to the client to offer as much information as possible, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. i'm not suggesting you have failed in this dept., but it's something to keep in mind for your next visit, to make sure you get a really good stylist who understand your preferences.a good stylist should either ask or be able to tell what type of hair you have: dry or oily, thin or thick, wavy or straight, etc. if they dont ask, then tell them in detail. they should also understand how much time (or how little) you are willing to spend styling your hair each day. they should even ask you about any scalp sensitivity or special concerns you have before they do *any* chemical services.another rule of thumb--a good stylist will not start cutting your hair or anything until he/she has talked to you and knows your wishes. if they pick up the scissors or even start cutting before you've explained everything, get out of their chair! it's rude for a stylist to treat you like a number and not a person.before your appt., take some time to look through women's or hair magazines. look for cuts/styles you like. when it comes to your appt. day, i recommend bringing in a photo or two or three of the cut/style and/or color you are looking for. this can help *immensely*.if you feel there's any doubt about what you want vs. what you think they think you want... talk their ear off, until they can have no doubt about you're not wanting layers anymore! or whatever else the situation may entail.(btw: i suspect the stylists may have trimmed up the layers some, just to get rid of split ends, so be sure you're going in for regular trims at least every 6 weeks. if you wait too long, you may need to get more hair trimmed due to the split end damage--it travels up the hair shaft!)good luck :) silvie