Begging on bended knee for style advice

'Allo all.

I come before you on figurative bended knee. After years of ignoring my hair as long as it wasn't actually trying to throttle me at the time, I find myself in the unenviable situation of having to deal with it. My boss/friends/everyone-in-the-free-world have banded together to tell me that-being an adult- I need to look like one. (I'm a sheep, what can I say. )

Here's the thing: my hair is down to my waist, no layers, and a medium blonde color. On a good day I look medieval, on a bad day I look like I should be out protesting something. I've left it alone for one reason, and one reason only:

I have no talent for hair. No, wait. That's not strong enough. I *do* have a talent for hair. Specifically, I have a talent for picking the styles and colors that make me resemble an enraged chipmunk. Thus, when my hair grew long enough to negate the chipmunk image I left it that way. (Wouldn't you?)

So far my one idea for how to change it is to get highlights, and possibly learn how to do a French braid that is identifiable as a braid. I fear this will not be enough. (In my more madcap moods, I fantasize about dying the whole shebang back to the color it was until I was sixteen: pure white. I hated it at the time, but hey. People can change. People can mature. I've seen other people do it, so I know it's possible.)

Ah, looks like my message is getting out of hand, so I'll leave before I bore you all to tears. Summary: Dear God, help! If anyone out there has a creative bone in their body or compassion in their hearts, please reply and tell me any secrets for making my hair submit to some kind of style.

On the other hand it was very helpful for me to write out my problem, so you all have my thanks whether you reply or not for giving me a forum to organize my thoughts. :)

Ash Jay
"Small, fluffy, and attempting to look like a human being"

Leanan,

Ah, a kind soul took pity on me! Much appreciated, I assure you. :) (I do use a good shampoo and conditioner... not that that saves me during the humid summer months. Think blonde topiary bush and you'll be close.) *hangs head in shame* But I must thank you for reminding me to get regular trims. My sense of time is abysmal, so months can go by without me realizing it.

Thank you again for pointing out the tips section and the lsh site! (Why yes, most of this message is going to be me thanking you profusely, why do you ask? *g*) Don't know how I missed them before. Some of the styles there look approachable, and I intend to give them a try. Who knows, maybe after I practice for a while I can achieve something like a style.

Actually, someone today suggested that I get my hair thinned... part of the problem is that my hair is fine, long, and incredibly thick. So, whenever I try to wrangle it into a style I end up with braids as thick as my arm or strange curls emerging from the top of my head.

Be that as it may, I wanted to express my gratitude for your taking the time to offer a lost soul some guidance. Kind and knowledgable... it doesn't get any better than that. :)

Ash
"Tempted by the warrior braids, but porcupines are a little too close to chipmunks for my liking"

Hi Ash,
Let me just tell you what I do to my dark blonde, fine hair. I don't believe I have the thickness you have, but this works for me- I get a "weave" on the top of my hair(like highlighting, but it also adds lowlights too) It's great because it doesn't have to be kept up like highlights, and it adds dimension to hair without looking fake. It's really very pretty without being a huge change.
I also feel that just cutting your hair and adding some long layers ????? would do wonders. Maybe keep it long so it's not so traumatic- like halfway up your back. That way you can still do all the hairstyles suggested by Leanan.

A good idea is to just spend the money and go to a good salon for the initial cut and color, then maintain the cut somewhere cheaper until you need a color touch-up. I usually wait quite a while- like 6 months. As for the "bush effect" you have a problem with, you may actually have to put something in your hair after your shower to keep that under control. (I know, I hate doing that too) There are millions of products, so ask that stylist!
I hope I've been helpful, good luck and have fun! Ginny