politically correct long hair help

> I posted this once and still need help. I've got> slightly wavy, buttocks length hair. I've been elected> to a political position that involves frequent press> conferences, important meetings, etc... I need a way> to wear my hair up on a daily basis that I can do> myself. Buns, french braids, and fench twists don't> look good because I need some softness on the top and> sides as they make me look too severe. I don't want to> sacrifice my hair for my job, so am anxiously looking> for suggestions.I have some pics at TLHS.org in the Hair Care/Styles section showing styles that I often do with my long hair (I'm the one in the red & black). They are based on the French twist, though, but as my hair is very long, they are variants. The half-up version could be of use to you. Check further below for the chignon, though I've not had success with that style myself. Try also tying a knot in your hair, perhaps over a hair band, as with a ponytail, and then insert hair sticks to hold it there. It shortens the hair a bit and looks so smooth and sophisticated.Jennifer Eve

Hi,You might want to try setting it overnight to make it curly, and clipping it back at the nape of your neck. If your hair won't hold curls because of its weight, the weather, or a combination of the two, then just curling the part that will hang down and using one of L. Godiva's shortening styles might help with the weight problem (let me know how this one truns out, I have been thinking of trying this myself) and well chosen styling aids might help the curl to hold temporarily in unfavorable weather conditions, ask your hairdresser what to use. Personally, my hair tends to be pulled out of curls at and near the roots due to its weight (at least I think that's the reason) and tends to frizz out of the curl into a generally wild mess during the day due to high humidity combined with its natural tendencies. About Jena's idea: this is really an option to consider. Cutting bangs, layers around the face, or both may just add the softness you are looking for. Since your hair is wavy, though, I would like to caution you about bangs and the like: my hair is also wavy, and when I used to have bangs, they were unmanagable. On some days, half of the bangs would decide to curl up and the other half would curl under. So, think carefully before you cut bangs, and consult with your hairdresser before you cut them to see if he/she would reccommend them for your hair. It would take a long time for the bangs to grow out if you wanted to get rid of them.Erika> I posted this once and still need help. I've got> slightly wavy, buttocks length hair. I've been elected> to a political position that involves frequent press> conferences, important meetings, etc... I need a way> to wear my hair up on a daily basis that I can do> myself. Buns, french braids, and fench twists don't> look good because I need some softness on the top and> sides as they make me look too severe. I don't want to> sacrifice my hair for my job, so am anxiously looking> for suggestions.

Hi,Besides doing the webmaster thing here at Hair Boutique...in my real life I have an executive level business position that requires me to meet on a regular basis with CEOs and other executives of computer related companies. I have to wear suits and other business attire.My hair is a couple of inches below my waist. I have found several styles that work great. For softness I keep my bangs feathered and texturized and I wear a few side tendrils that curl against my face.I have had great luck with very soft French twists where the hair is not really tight but neat. I also wear my hair in soft buns ala Portia de Rossi on Ally McBeal who has very long and wavy hair and dresses as a lawyer for the show.One of my favorite looks is a French braid that is tucked at the bottom.There are lots of styles in the Tips & Articles section here at Hair Boutique and several styles specifically for long hair and business hair.I have no intention of ever cutting my hair and I also have every intention of continuing in my business role for years to come. I think if you experiment a little, you can keep your long hair and look very professional.Best wishes,Karen Shelton> I have some pics at TLHS.org in the Hair Care/Styles> section showing styles that I often do with my long> hair (I'm the one in the red & black). They are> based on the French twist, though, but as my hair is> very long, they are variants. The half-up version> could be of use to you. Check further below for the> chignon, though I've not had success with that style> myself. Try also tying a knot in your hair, perhaps> over a hair band, as with a ponytail, and then insert> hair sticks to hold it there. It shortens the hair a> bit and looks so smooth and sophisticated.> Jennifer Eve