A few tips from a stylist on how to avoid bad mom hair.

We’ve all seen it. Maybe our moms or friends got one at some point, maybe you had a version of it as a child. It’s the dreaded mommy haircut.These haircuts usually look pretty good when you leave the salon, but if you notice the amount of time and effort put in to making it look that good, then you have a problem. I was going to search the internet for photos evidence, but it seemed cruel to criticize ordinary women and moms who really aren’t at fault.

Definition: A shorter, layered haircut given to a women by a hairstylist who either doesn’t understand her hair type or time requirements as a new mother/mother to be. Think triangle shaped, poofy, too short or too round for her face shape.

If you read my previous posts, you may have noticed that I recently got my haircut, which is part of the reason I decided to write this. I do still really like the cut she gave me, but I am lucky enough to have years of training to help me when a bad hair day strikes.

So here are some tips to take into consideration when visiting your stylist for an easy low maintenance haircut that still looks good!

1. ALWAYS wear your hair natural when arriving at the salon. This will give your stylist a good idea of your hair type and how it will lay when it is cut. Even if they wash it, wet hair can be deceiving.
2. Make sure they understand what you can and can’t do in terms of styling. To some stylists, “wash and wear” means wash then add product and blow dry. Also let them know whether or not you wash your hair at night and sleep on it wet or leave it a few days between washes
3. Bring in a picture but be realistic. If they tell you a cut won’t work for your hair type or face shape, trust them. Pictures are good to show length and shape but not much else. No matter what, your hair will never look like the models because everyone’s hair is different.
4. Shorter is not always better. Unless you have the time to style it, short hair can actually be more work than long. If your hair is wavy, curly or has weird growth patterns it may end up being a poofy, uncontrollable mess. A longer cut with layers to remove the bulk and add shape can be just as low maintenance as chopping it off. They may be a cop out, but ponytails are your friend.
5. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to cut off length if it’s necessary. If you’ve never done it before, chopping off a lot of hair can be really, really scary. My advice is to first, find someone you trust. Don’t just walk into a random salon and cut off ten inches. It’s risky and the potential for tears is very high. If your trusted stylist really thinks that you could pull off a shorter cut and you are feeling adventurous, go for it! You may find it’s the best thing you ever did for your self esteem and morning routine.  For others, gradually going shorter can be a better option. It’s less stressful and lets you get used to having less length. Who knows, you might even find that you prefer a mid length cut better than the original short do you had planned.
6. Ask questions about easy styling tips. My favorite part about doing hair is teaching clients new things. How to curl with a flatiron, how to use a diffuser properly, etc. A good stylist should be able to show you how to style your hair without too much effort.
7. Don’t be afraid of product. I’m not talking about sticky mousse, hard hairspray and crunchy gel. Nowadays there are tonnes of amazing leave in products that help fight frizz, add shine and body without feeling greasy or gross. Again, ask your stylist. Salon products can be expensive for a mom on a budget, but they usually last a little longer and work better than most drugstore alternatives. Better to buy one expensive product that was recommended to you by a professional then several cheaper products that don’t work!  That being said, look online for dupes and reviews. There are some drugstore gems out there, they are just harder to find. 

I know as new mom, hormones are flying all over the place and you probably won’t be feeling that great about your post baby body. Having a good haircut can really do wonders for your self esteem and help ward off baby blues. Who doesn’t like to look fabulous with minimal effort!? Hopefully these tips will be helpful and if you have any hair questions at all, Ask me!