Lesson 21: I hate styling the pixie while growing it out

I've been grudgingly living with an accidental pixie cut for the last two months and have come to the conclusion that I have absolutely no idea how to make it look cool. On most days, my hair looks decent at best. On bad hair days, I look like my grandma. When I look in the mirror, I beg the hair gods to make it grow faster. I don't think it's working.

I was warned about the inevitable mullet phase but didn't believe it could happen to me. Denial is part of the growing-out process, I guess, because here I am sporting that dreaded 80s longer-in-the-back 'do. It is the elephant in the room; my inner circle knows better than to point it out.

I've considered going in to have it cut off, but I cancel the appointment each time the date nears. At this point, cutting off any growth seems counterintuitive to me. I NEED that length for my sanity, no matter how ugly it looks.

So, I've experimented with a few products and hair tools to disguise the fact that my cut is a hot mess right now:

1. Tying up all the front and top shorter layers then using a straight iron to add body is definitely my go-to look. For some reason, my hair seems longer this way. Bobby pins or tiny clear hair ties are key.

2. Adding a few messy curls helps blend uneven layers. I had to switch to a 3/4 inch wand because the 1 inch was just too big for my short layers.

3. Headbands, bandanas or hair wraps work when pressed for time. It's not the cutest look but it's great to hide third-day hair or uncooperative hair. And they usually disguise the mullet!

4. Spray wax adds touchable texture and is better than hairspray or gel when creating a sophisticated slicked back look à la Scarlett Johansson.

My attempt at a sophisticated look in my not-so-sophisticated bathroom.

When all else fails, makeup works wonders to distract from my hair! 

Feel free to subscribe to my blog for more updates on the grow-out process. Or, leave any questions or tips in the comment section.

Lesson 20: There’s a fine line between a pixie cut and “mom” hair

No woman goes to the beauty salon asking for "mom" hair; it just sort of happens.

Six weeks ago. . .

It felt like a bad dream. I watched my stylist's blade get stuck in my freshly highlighted blonde bob. He tugged at his blunt razor, and off came a long lock of my hair. I watched it gently fall to the floor before noticing a short, uneven half-fringe above my left eye where the hair used to be just seconds before. I held my breath and locked eyes with my stylist. I silently hoped this was part of his plan–a first step toward some awesomely cool, new haircut he had in mind. But this was clearly an accident.

He looked just as panicked as I did. He awkwardly, but quickly, moved toward the back of my head and tried his luck again with the dull blade. I should have stopped him but was frozen in disbelief. He worked swiftly as his hands shook (hoping I wouldn't noticed he was cutting way too much off) as he desperately tried to even out the back to match the accidentally choppy front. Long wisps of golden hair piled up at the base of my chair as I held back tears and resisted the urge to throw up.

First haircut. What is this supposed to be?

Trying to blend the short fringe.

"This can't be happening," I thought to myself. Just a few minutes later, he gave up and announced he was done with my cut–what could best be described as a cross between a pixie and a Justin Bieber bowl cut, better known as mom hair. GASP! Noting my quiet dissatisfaction, my stylist curled a few strands to mask the imperfections. I hurriedly payed and ran for cover in my car where I snapped 360 degree head shots to assess the damage.

I tried to learn to love it. But it was so uneven and unmanageable that I had to get it cut . . . again . . . to get a better shape. (Obviously not by the same person!) I was hoping for a style I could feel good about. That's when I officially and unwillingly entered pixie territory a few weeks later. I hated it! "It's just hair. It'll grow back," I kept repeating every morning while taming wild cowlicks.

Second cut. More manageable.

But who knew growing out a pixie would be so hard and take so long? Apparently, nearly every woman on social media. A quick search with keywords "growing out a pixie" led me to hundreds of hair tutorials explaining the arduous grow-out phase that can last an entire year. NOOOOOOOO!

Still too short. I want my bob back!

Needless to say, I've become a little obsessed with my hair fail. It's been my favourite topic for weeks now, and my husband and friends are getting a little tired of my rants. So, I've decided to document my hair journey, mostly for therapeutic reasons, on my blog. Who knows? Maybe I'll give some other gal in my shoes hope as she patiently waits for her locks to lengthen.

Along the way, I'll share tips and tricks for styling the many awkward stages and the pros and cons of each phase. I'd also love to hear from anyone who is growing out their pixie! I need all the advice and support I can get. I'd be happy to answer any questions about the whole process.

In my next post, I'll talk about the inevitable mullet phase. Embrace it? Or chop it off?