big nose + short hair: can it be done?
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Category: Hair Talk
Forum Name: Short Hair
Forum Description: Devoted to the special needs of short hair
URL: https://talk.hairboutique.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=45084
Printed Date: April 19 2024 at 5:29am
Topic: big nose + short hair: can it be done?
Posted By: fickle
Subject: big nose + short hair: can it be done?
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 10:30am
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Hello, everyone -
I know you probably see tons of questions like this, so your patience with me is very much appreciated.
My current problem is this: I am toying with the idea of getting my hair cut very short. This decision is something I'm not taking lightly. I'm giving it a ton of thought, and I need good input, because I don't want to do something I'll regret. (I've gone from long hair to bobs and while I initially loved it, I always ended up regretting it).
My hair is just past shoulder-length. It is very fine and wavy. I usually blow-dry it straight every day. Humidity makes it very frizzy. I would love to have long hair, but thruthfully, I get so sick and tired of fighting with my hair. It's so tempting to just lop it all off. If I did cut it all of, it would mostly be for convenience. However, I don't want to pay the price by looking hideous.
My main concern with doing that is my face shape and my features. I would say that my face shape is a mix between heart and oblong. I have a prominent nose and let's just say that my chin isn't exactly "delicate".
So my question is....would it be a major no-no for someone with my features to have very short hair? I have a feeling the answer is yes. But can it ever be pulled off?
Thanks for any input you can give!
Here's a profile picture of me:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/2550914970047323136axAQeH - http://community.webshots.com/photo/2550914970047323136axAQeH
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Replies:
Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 11:57am
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Welcome to the boards! My answer would be to go to a hairstyling professional. Go to a good hairstylist and have him or her show you different photos of short hairstyles that would look good on you. Best wishes lady! ------------- Brent |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 12:57pm
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Thanks, Brent. I might try that.
One question, though - will it cost me to see a hairstylist just for a consultation?
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Posted By: shorthairissexy
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 1:16pm
| By your description I expected a lot worse when I looked at your pic. Your chin certainly doesn't look prominent to me. Do you have any front pics? Hard to make a call on it. There are options for people with not delicate facial features but I think 'Brent offered the best advice. A hiarstylist should not charge for a consultation - call ahead and make an appointment - you might want to bring some ideas with you (pictures). |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 1:36pm
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Thanks for your input. Here is a front picture:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/2499817260047323136jsEhsy - http://community.webshots.com/photo/2499817260047323136jsEhsy
It's not the most recent, but I don't think I look much different than I do now. (The only difference now is that my hair is a bit shorter and it's not dyed).
I feel that I have a somewhat long face - and very long hair will make it look longer. Still, short hair probably wouldn't help, either.
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Posted By: Heratic
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 1:58pm
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After looking at both pictures there is nothing wrong with your nose. I can see what you mean about having a long face from the frontal picture, but as you point out the long striaght hair accentuates its length.
I would suggest taking it up to chin length and incorporating a fringe of some sort as a starting point.
------------- Its your hair, your choice and your decision |
Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 10:39pm
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It really depends on how you define "very short." When the hair is cut extremely short, the lack of much hair emphasizes every feature on the face, no matter what the size. With an oblong face, it can also really make your face look much longer, as well.
I think there are many short cuts that will suit you, but a little length will be softer on your face.
I am not at all trying to talk you into longer hair, but if your hair is naturally wavy, why fight it? The problem won't get better with short hair, unless you cut it super short, and again, super short hair emphasizes everything on the face and can also add a few extra pounds. With short hair, you can't just throw it in a ponytail when it isn't cooperating. If you're also straightening your hair, you may be doing a lot more to it when it's short since there's no length to help weigh it down at all.
Since you'd be doing this for convenience, I'd really discuss this long and hard with a highly competent stylist or else you may be causing far more problems than you ever imagined. I've had several consultations, and although they have to be scheduled, I've never been charged.
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If I did cut it all of, it would mostly be for convenience.Posted By: kimspikedhair
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 10:59pm
| Hi Fickle, Go to http://www.clairol.com - www.clairol.com website, and go to the "Try it on studio". It's where you can upload your picture, and see what you would look like with a different hairstyle and color. Kim http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/kimspikedhair/ - http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/kimspikedhair/ |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 12:01am
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Thanks so much to everyone for your advice!
Anne, a lot of the things you mentioned are particularly helpful. I think I'm going to make an appointment for a consultation this week. I doubt I'll be able to find a short look that will work with my features and hair type, but it wouldn't hurt to talk with a competent stylist.
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Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 12:13am
Thanks for that link! I tried a few other similar applications but I couldn't get them to work correctly. The Clairol one is much more user-friendly.
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Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 10:26pm
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Hi fickle,
You're not being fickle; you're being smart by not rushing into something that may not turn out the way you like!
Just a few more comments. When you have a consultation, get to the real root of what you want. Is it actually short hair? Or, is it something that takes very little time? Since you mentioned convenience earlier, and if you don't mention that to a stylist, he or she may actually have some styles that would be most convenient for you that you would love, but the stylist won't mention them if they think that the style must be short. Make the stylist work for you and don't give suggestions at first, just what are your most pressing needs and desires, and let them figure out different options to present to you.
Also, I wouldn't go to just one stylist for a consultation. Stylists are human and have their own biases, so I'd weigh at least two, and perhaps three opinions.
No matter what you decide, I hope it all goes well! Please let us know what finally happens.
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Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 11:30pm
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Thanks so very much, anne! Very good advice, indeed. I'll need to make a list of what my concerns are or else I'll forget once I'm there!
Some of your comments regarding my hair being wavy made me think. You asked, "Why fight it?" I've asked myself this question before, and I've gone through phases from time to time where I've tried to not fight it, to just do very minimal things to it to make it look more put-together. But it just never looks good to me. I've been through oodles of styling products to try to tame and accentuate the waves, and it always looks awful. And I can't even count the number of times I've gone into work "au naturel" and had people look at me funny and say "What did you do to you hair?!" (And they've not said that in a positive-sounding "gee your hair looks great!" sort of way....Just the confidence booster I need, right?)
 I have no clue just how short I'd want to go. If I could get away with it, I'd go pixie. But that's probably not a realistic option for me. I'd love to have long flowing hair (that is, if my hair were co-operative!), but I'd also like to have a cute little wash-n-go short cut, too.
I think what I'll do is set up a consultation this week and see how it goes. Then, depending on how that goes, maybe I'll go another place for a second.
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Posted By: CarolNY
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 7:13pm
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your features are not bad in the least for a short hairstyle.
............................ a bobbed style perhaps? or layered short hair? cjeck out one length and banged styles.
................... consult with a stylist.
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Posted By: tashanicole86
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 9:10pm
| I don't think your features are bad at all. I think short hair would look good on you if you want to do it, you should go for it. Consult your stylist to see which one would look best on you though or pick out a few picks and go around to a few stylists to see which ones they think would look the best. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 9:42pm
| Thanks, everyone. I don't dislike my features - I just think they're a bit difficult to work with as far as hairstyles go. I figure if I go with a really short cut, it will either be very unflattering or...very striking. |
Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 11:31pm
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Hi fickle, It seems that there are two big issues here. The hairstyle itself to suit your face and body and equally, if not more important, is how your hair will react when it's cut shorter. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure you aren't cutting it into a style that will fight its natural texture, unless you want to spend a great deal of time each morning on it, and if I'm not mistaken, that is one of the big reasons for the change!
So, as well as how the style itself will look on you, I'd really make sure to discuss with the stylist how your hair will react when it's shorter. There's a good chance it will be much wavier than it is when it's longer.
The best thing you can do is bring to the consultation lots of questions and pictures of styles that you personally like and get an opinion on how they would work for you.
I'm very sorry to hear about the negative comments you've received on your hair. Are people so dense that they think you don't know how it looks and especially that you really want to hear their comments?!
If you're patient and do as much homework as you can and ask lots of questions to stylists, you will probably find something that is absolutely perfect for you!
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Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 11:40pm
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Thank you for your sage advice, Anne! Yes, I find that, unfortunately, people are very dense. And insensitive. (Can't tell you how many times I've been to get a trim and the stylist has remarked "Wow, you have really thin hair." Um, thanks so much for pointing that out. I had no idea! Grrr.) Anyway, you're right that I should pay special attention to how the texture of my hair could respond to a shorter style. I have an appointment for a consultation tomorrow and I'll see how it goes. If I don't decide on a totally different hair style, then perhaps I can at least get my bangs/fringe fixed a bit (had them cut about a month ago, went for a trim a few weeks ago and the guy did a terrible, terrible job - too short and slightly crooked). Sigh.
Thanks again, everyone - have a good evening! Off to bed now.
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Posted By: Kuroneko
Date Posted: July 12 2006 at 12:26am
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Oh, I hate when stylists act like that -_- ! That's one of the reasons I stopped going to them, myself.
Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with the way you look at all, from the front or side. But if you're self-conscious about a feature, you're right to do what you can to play it down-- you've got to please yourself before anyone else, especially a bunch of message board strangers.
Some people's hair goes wavier/curlier when short, and some people's hair goes straighter. Unless/until you know which one yours does, you might want to be careful. ------------- More awesome than a manatee! |
Posted By: demodoll
Date Posted: July 12 2006 at 12:43pm
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Maybe when you are getting the consultatation you could ask the stylist about ways to style your hair to work with its natural texture rather than against it. I would think that encouraging the curl would be very beautiful but you would need the right cut and products to make it work. I think the idea of having more than one consultation is a brilliant one. You might just get a few good ideas that way.
I think I would hesitate to go ultra short if I were you. If you have been unhappy in the past with something that doesn't sound like it was really short you would probably be miserable with an ultra short cut. And ultra short does not necessarily mean less work. Long straight hair is much easier to deal with than short hair that needs some styling to look good (I found this out when I tried a very, very short spiked look a year ago). At least with the long hair you can put it in a ponytail or bun and keep on going. Short hair requires products that you cannot be without (at least for me).
Good luck. ------------- "It is better to look marvelous than to feel marvelous" Billy Crystal |
Posted By: verybored
Date Posted: July 12 2006 at 8:02pm
| Err, judging by those pictures fickle, you don't have a big nose. Well, you don't look like you have from that visual evidence. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 14 2006 at 6:32pm
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I went to a salon for a consultation yesterday. The whole thing lasted UNDER five minutes. The stylist lady was pleasant enough, but I felt like she was rushing me.
I told her I wanted to go short but that I wasn't sure what would work best with my hair type and features. She suggested I go no shorter than about an inch below my ears, and she also suggested layers. She held up the back of my hair and said "See this? I would cut all this off." (It looked scraggly, which is odd, because I get it trimmed regularly). She also remarked that I have a long face, and that really long hair will make it look longer, but too-short hair would be bad, so she re-iterated something bob-length would be best.
Then I went to Borders and bought a short hairstyle magazine for ideas. There are maybe 3 or so cuts I've seen so far that I love, but I they're too short. Possible short-hair hazard - hair could mushroom up. Ugh. I so wish I had a pixie face so I could just hack it all off.
I'm torn between going for it and not caring if it's less-than-flattering, and being extremely, extremely cautious. Contemplating seeing another stylist, but I won't be surprised if I'm rushed again.
Today was uber-humid. I wanted to shave my head out of sheer frustration. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!!
 Thanks again for all the input, everyone!
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Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 14 2006 at 7:59pm
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I'm so sorry that your consultation was, shall we say, less than desirable.
I think this is where many people may get into trouble. You really have to decide what is ultimately more important for you, to have a haircut that is truly the most flattering for you or to simply cut it real short so that you don't have to deal with it. And the answer is....something only YOU can decide and no one else.
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Posted By: shorthairissexy
Date Posted: July 14 2006 at 10:35pm
| I would try another consultation (different salon)if you are undecided. My wife use to wear a longish pixie that one stylist gave her (I loved it). Unfortunately, the stylist quite to become a full time mom. When she went to another stylist, she said that she should never wear anything shorter than a chin length bob (her current look - boring). While I know stylist learn what styles work best with certain features, I still think they "side" with their personal preferences (just human nature). Good luck, keep us posted. |
Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 1:59am
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Yes, try another consultation. And if the stylist told you that you
would look in a short bob cut, as opposed to long hair or an
ultra-short pixie, then maybe you could try that! Best wishes lovely lady! ------------- Brent |
Posted By: strawberiblonde
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 5:33am
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I'm sorry you were disappointed with your consultation, but it actually sounds like she gave you some good advice. The thing is, if you start out with a bob, you can always go shorter. With your hair type and features, I think a chin length, layered bob would work really well. The fullness around your face would make it appear less long. Definitely get another consultation, but I think it's a good idea to go short in stages. And you might just find that a bob is a great look for you. |
Posted By: demodoll
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 9:18am
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Short in stages might be the way to go. I did that and ended up ultra short but it took me some time to get there. It gives you and everyone around you the chance to get used to you without the hair without such a drastic change all at once. I kept going shorter and shorter because I just really didn't like the inbetween cuts. I tried an inverted bob with stacked back and really hated it. I had to get used to the idea of what was actually right for my face, not just something I liked on other people. That is real important when you are going short. Try another consultation. If you get the same advise I would say that maybe they are right. ------------- "It is better to look marvelous than to feel marvelous" Billy Crystal |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 9:47am
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I'll pile on agree. Look in the magazine and pick out a bob cut similar to what the stylist recommended and the pixie you'd love to have. Go see another stylist and ask him/her what he/she thinks. Then whip out the magazine and tell him, "this is the cut I'm told I should have. This is what I want. What do you think?"
If she says the bob, get that. Live with it a while. If you like it, keep it. If not, go shorter. The only way to see if the short pixie works is to try it. If it doesn't work, grow it back out to the bob. I don't think either cut will look bad on you, but what you feel looks good is all that matters. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 10:00am
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Thanks, everyone. It's great to have feedback from several different people, and I appreciate the fact that it's all been pretty objective.
I will probably schedule another consultation or two, take in the pictures, and see how it goes.
I'm not making any moves I'll regret!
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Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 6:23pm
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Fickle, It is our pleasure. Glad we could be of assistance. You seem like a delightful young lady! Best wishes in your desire for a new short hairstyle. I know you will find a style that is right for you lovely lady! ------------- Brent |
Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 6:24pm
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And let us know what hairstyle you decide upon lovely lady! ------------- Brent |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 6:42pm
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Aw, thanks, Brent! I have another consultation scheduled for Monday. We'll see how it goes. If and when I do get my hair cut, I'll post a picture. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 15 2006 at 7:08pm
I think this is a good idea to consider - going short in stages. I've had bobs before and I always felt bored with them - I'd rather have really long hair or really short hair, but in-between doesn't do much for me.
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Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 17 2006 at 8:38pm
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Hi, everyone - I went for my second consultation today. The stylist was very friendly. She really listened to me and was positive, and gladly looked at all the pictures of hairstyles I was considering. She seemed to think that I could pull off a shorter cut. I booked an appointment for le chopping on Thursday. What we decided on was it will be rather short in back (but softly done) and longer in front so as not to be too harsh with my face. The only problem is that I have bangs, and for the haircut to look really good they'll need to be grown out. Until then, I'll clip them back or use a headband. |
Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 17 2006 at 8:45pm
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Fickle, That's fantastic. You seem to have found a salon and hairstylist who knows what they are doing. Enjoy your day at the beauty salon lovely lady!  ------------- Brent |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 20 2006 at 9:48pm
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Hi, everyone!
Got my hair cut this evening! You can see it (along with a bunch of other random photos, if you like) here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiejames/194414709 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiejames/194414709
It's not quite as short as I wanted, but that's fine, as I can always go shorter later. I like it a lot; it looks rather 1920's to me. The stylist used a feather razor, which gave it a great piece-y look.
As soon as my bangs are grown out, it will be even better.
Thank you all again for your help!
Jamie
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Posted By: HAWG
Date Posted: July 20 2006 at 10:03pm
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Jamie, your hair looks great. I'm glad that you like it also. Another happy ending.
I really liked your pictures of Germany; made me reminisce about my living there. My last duty station was Stuttgart and I also lived in Heidelberg when I was younger. I loved day tripping around Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, on the weekends. So many beautiful things to see. ------------- HAWG |
Posted By: Heratic
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 1:28am
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Your stylist has done a great job and the cut really suits you. As you say you can tweak the cut on future visits to suit yourself - without having the dilemna of making the transition from long to short. ------------- Its your hair, your choice and your decision |
Posted By: SanFranBrent
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 5:34am
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I quite like it! Very stylish. It works for you lovely lady!
------------- Brent |
Posted By: verybored
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 10:16pm
| Your new cut reallly looks very good indeed. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 21 2006 at 10:27pm
| Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. It feels really nice to have all that scraggly mess off the back of my neck! |
Posted By: Ononotdon
Date Posted: July 22 2006 at 12:47pm
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A few more kind words. You answered the question you posed with a resounding "yes" (not that your features were really much of an issue). You look smashing.
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Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 11:28am
| I would love to see your new haircut! Unfortunately, the link you provided said that the photo has been deleted. |
Posted By: CarolNY
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 8:41pm
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............. the same with me when i tried it. it said the photo was deleted. |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 9:54pm
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Sorry about that, everyone. I've been tweaking my online photo albums a lot lately (switching photos from webshots to flickr, and I've reached my flickr upload limit for the month). Anyway, you can see a before and after below. (Actually, it's an after and before). http://community.webshots.com/photo/2300240440047323136NOpvhe - http://community.webshots.com/photo/2300240440047323136NOpvhe
Still loving the new cut. I find that the natural wave I had isn't as pronounced now, which is nice. Just working on growing the pesky bangs out.
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Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 9:54pm
Thank you very much.
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Posted By: browneyedgirl83
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 9:59pm
| it looks great! |
Posted By: anne6000
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 10:07pm
| Thanks very much for the updated photo. I'll bet it is a lot cooler for summer! |
Posted By: fickle
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 10:11pm
Oh yes. It's a relief!
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Posted By: kello
Date Posted: April 05 2019 at 6:57am
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I had the same situation. For a long time I was looking for a suitable haircut for my big nose, and I even more experimented with it. This article helped a lot, it’s a pity that I didn’t find it before. Hope this advise will help someone. https://www.hadviser.com/hair-for-big-nose/
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