How to fix and survive a bad haircut

I write about this topic today because I have once again gotten a bad haircut. (Story of my life.)

I asked for a ‘Jennifer Aniston‘, and … I didn’t get it. It’s horrible and definitely not what I asked for – now I shall go through the 6 months grieving period! However, most haircuts tend to grow out after 2 to 3 months, so it’s not too long if you think about it, although very painful at first! Here’s what you do when you have get a terrible haircut.

• Complain

I don’t like to do this – but sometimes it’s needed. If you are truly unhappy and it’s completely different than what you asked for, you as a customer has the right to voice your concern and get what you actually asked for. None of the, ‘B*TCH, OH NO YOU DID-N’T’ and finger wagging, just politely go up to the hairdresser and try not to make a scene. Chances are they will be more than happy to fix it for you – it is a business and they want happy customers.

• Find another hairdresser

This is pretty risky as well, but if the haircut is so horrible and you fear that if you talk to the hairdresser you might strangle her, go somewhere else. And please follow my tip on how to get the hair you want from a hairstylist. Find photos of what you want – and don’t want – and ask them if there is anyway your awful cut can be saved. Find a place that has a good reputation or ask a friend to recommend her hairdresser.

• Hair Extensions

Most (by most I mean all) of my disaster haircuts were that they cut off too much. I’d always ask for a 2 inch trim, and get 6 inches instead. Why does that always happen?! Either way, you can bet I have spent my fair share of money on hair extensions. There are many options available: clip ins, weaves, glue, braided in, you name it. The best I’d recommend are the braided in ones – it’s not damaging to the hair like those crazy glue ones. Also, clip ins are the most convenient, you can always take them off before bed (hair extensions are really annoying to sleep with).

• Play around with new looks

This is a good time to get your creative juices flowing. Also, it could be good to get a new ‘look’, especially if you’ve had the same hair for years. You might even find a look you like! Sometimes, a bad haircut can look better styled differently. For example, my God-awful cut looks decent curled, so I’ll be bringing out the hot rollers for the next few months! Try changing the style – it might look better straight/wavy/curly. For example, if you have curly hair and it was cut too much, straightening it will make it look longer. You can also try to change the parting to play around with the lengths. Tie it up, pin it back, twist it around, curl it, crimp it; anything. Hopefully something will look acceptable.

I won’t suggest wearing a ponytail everyday for the next 6 months (although you could), but there are plenty of awesome hairstyles that are updos. These hairstyles I wrote about will hide any weird cuts, and are very stylish and beautiful!

• Accessories

Bring out the hats, scarves, wigs; everything. If you’re that ashamed, I guess a face mask would solve everything. Hair will grow out after 2 months and your haircut could look surprisingly OK after that. Meanwhile, you could always use accessories to hide it.

• Hair Vitamins

I have never tried any before but I do hear that some may work. I have heard prenatal tablets also do wonders for hair growth. HOWEVER please do your research and ask your doctor before you take anything. Hopefully no one is that desperate or has that bad a haircut – I really hate screwing up with your body just for the sake of ‘beauty’!

• Shave it off

My friend (who is male and doesn’t understand our pain, obviously) says the only way to save yourself from a horrible haircut is to shave it all off. Yeah, right.

• … Or, just accept it

So the shaving thing didn’t sound so appealing, did it? But really, what can you do? After the millionth bad haircut (like me) you learn to accept it. It’s only hair after all. In the meantime, it’s always good to take care of the hair you do have right now. Avoid harsh heat and chemicals, and deep condition regulary. That way, your hair will grow out nice and healthy.

For tips on how to grow out your bangs/fringe, check out this post.

Those are my tips on surviving a bad haircut. At the end of the day, like I said, as horrible as it looks – it’s only hair. I would say the best tips that have helped me the most were tying my hair in updos (which I do most of the time anyway so I think I’m safe) and hair extensions. However, most of my problems were lopsided and too short cuts; it could be way different for you! What do you do when you get a bad haircut? I’d love to hear any added tips and any horror stories of haircuts from hell! :)

You might also like:

1. How to Get The Hair You Want with a Stylist
2. How to Grow Out Your Bangs/Fringe
3. Kate Gosselin’s New Hair – Do you have a new ‘look’ this year, too?
4. How to Fake A Bob Hairstyle