A. There are a few concerns here: The dramatically long length, the 80's sitcom star bangs, the guy thing and, your well-intended desire to ambush her into a up-to-date makeover.

No one past a teenybopper looks good with insanely long hair - weather an old hippie at heart or a Crystal Gale fanatic, there is such a thing as too much.      



Like our Rapunzel poster girl pictured, most women with hair as long as a kitchen curtain, have other issues going on whereas they just don't want to get with the calendar of life and submit themselves to the hands of someone with a scissor who can actually help them look better.

Hair that long usually looks dry, unhealthy and typically is a variety of colors from graying at the roots to a faded version of their original color by their waist. More important, super, super long hair is simply not flattering outside of a Cousin It contest and slicing off a yard or so would create more shape, volume, and movement and therefore be an instant image enhancer.

Those curled under and teased bangs have got to go! They were hideous 20 years ago when they were sort of fashionable and are even more heinous today. Usually you see this hair-don't when magazines dig up old high school photos of celebrities to show how they looked before they made it. Well, look like you've made it- lose the cringe-fringe!

After a certain age, like 6, bangs need to be a little wispy with enough movement to soften your features and flatter ones face, unless you are after a more retro Betty Paige style which usually only works on stage in a rockabilly band.

People need to present themselves in a way that makes them feel self-confident, fantastic, and great about themselves, not solely because they think the opposite sex loves it. Your sister needs to love how she looks, or put her best effort out to try to make the most of what she's got! She then may attract a more well-rounded guy who loves her for herself and because her hair fits into some fantasy.

Help those in need and donate your long hair
.Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss.
.Wigs for Kids s a not-for-profit organization providing hair replacement solutions for children affected by hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, burns and other medical conditions.

Now about you: you've got a job there. From how you describe your sister, you probably are more than right that she needs a makeover, however, it's not that simple. First off, it's her makeover, not yours. Unless she is willing to give you carte blanche to help her with a total image rehaul, you need to take her feelings into consideration. If she's had that mane for years and years, it may not be so easy for her to hack it all off in one shot. She may need a couple of haircuts to get used to a more sophisticated presence.

Bring along some photos of favorite, realistic hairstyles (our runway hair trends are jam-packed with photos of the top 4 hair looks) to your hair stylist and let your sister and the stylist consult on what style would suit her best right now. A modern hairstyle is the best step to a fresh style beginning, start small and you may work up to big results! Good luck.

--May 14, 2004


Help those in need and donate your long hair
.Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss.
.Wigs for Kids s a not-for-profit organization providing hair replacement solutions for children affected by hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, burns and other medical conditions.