Establishing the Routine: Hair
Today we enter the third week of January (and I return from break UGH), This week the focus is on establishing a routine for hair. Like my clothing, I have always experienced my hair as a kind of raw material to express myself and my identity. Hair is probably your most forgiving friend. No matter what you do to it, it always grows out and back.
The second friend you need when it comes to hair is someone who really knows how to cut the kind of hair you have. When my hair was very long, this was not a difficult challenge as visits to the salon meant trimming the ends and a little shaping. Once I decided to have short hair it became a serious problem. I could never seem to find someone who knew how to give a short cut to hair that was thick and bone straight. Stylists always wanted to give me layers which only served to increase the heaviness of my hair and really looked old-fashioned.
It occurred to me one day, not that long ago, that perhaps a Japanese hair stylist would be a good fit for me and just like I love the clothes that are designed by Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, I love every style created for me by my Japanese stylist Jun. He has been an integral shaper of the Accidental Icon as it was shortly after my first haircut with him that I started my blog. He has patiently listened, reined me in when I want to go too crazy and always gives me the look that is just right for me right now.
As you may have noticed, after a long run with my undercut bob, I felt in need of something new. I have a new haircut that is I think, my response to the times we are living in. There seems to be the need for women to feel their own power. For me that meant a more androgynous and punky look. I have been taken by the Dior campaigns where women wear leather berets and the clothes are utilitarian, yet feminine because of their cut. One of the models, Ruth Bell, served as my current haircut inspiration.
I would have to say the January “Re” word that applies to my attitude and stance towards my hair is “re(mix)”, because for sure there is one thing you can count on with me: I am always mixing it up.
What is your “Re” word when it comes to your approach to your hair style?
.jpeg)
When it comes to my hair my re word has often been re(gret). Today I would say re(growth) as my roots need doing.
Ah why regret?
I did notice – and admire – your new cut two posts ago. My re with my hair is re-peat because my asymmetrical grey hair gets more compliments than any other hairstyle I have had in my life.
Isn’t that funny? Me too since being grey.
Lyn, luv your edgey new cut, hair holds such an identity with us and yours reflects your inner strength.
Joan of Arc?! LOL
Great haircut.
Note typo: "reigned me in"
Thank you twice❤️
Thank you!
Re:Design. but simple.
This makes me think of a question: How often or ever do you change up your hairstyle?
every 5 years…
I gave up trying to “wrangle” my curly hair years ago. Keep short and it still looks different everyday as the curls take over. I get a lot of compliments on my hair including from men which is always surprising to me. Love the hair and your blog.
Ah look at what magic happens when you just let go of attempts to control and go with the flow!
I love that Dior campaign, everything about it! I’ve had short hair for as long as I can remember, and I agree that it’s hard to find a stylist who really pays attention to your particular ‘head.’ Japanese stylists pay attention and listen! They are also very well trained. Love your short hair, it’s definitley right for the times.
Contrary to myths, short hair makes me feel more powerful than when I had it long.
Lyn, I love your new haircut! I just went back to a classic pixie myself and it feels right. I’m very lucky to have a great stylist (also a friend) who knows my hair and knows what will work.
I noticed and that style is perfect for you!
Very cool hair cut!
Took your latest haircut photo to my stylist last time as a starting point for the change I’ve felt coming. The androgynous edge has always appealed to me as a starting point for liberated fashion. My philosophy is that fashion choices should be made to complement the specific frame and face, and not be forced to conform to gender, class, or historical period. Still working on the haircut… living in a small city requires some patience in opening the eyes of one’s stylist… but we’re getting there. Many thanks for your great ideas about style and care.
I’ve always loved short hair because to me, a woman who does not feel the need to hide behind long locks is a strong woman. Sounds cool, but honestly -my hair is very thin and sparse. Short hair cuts make the most of what I don’t have.
You look beautiful and the cut is magnificent. Would your stylist come to CT?
Your hair looks great. I love short.
About ten months ago, I returned to the only hairstyle I’ve ever really loved. The short Louise Brooks bob. It worked for me at age 3, and it’s working at age 62. Thanks, and BTW: I love the colors that run through your hair. Big ups to Jun, and to you. Très élégant!
I love your style! I use to be a hairdresser and I use to be pretty popular with the haircuts I was creating. I live in a small city in New-Brunswick Canada. It’s ont easy to find a hairdresser who is able to think outside the box. I wish I could have your stylist! Your style makes me think of David Bowie through the years. You trully are my new hero!
My friend just introduced me to your blog. Omg. I have never followed a blog before but reading yours for the first time resonated on a deep level. I’m 61 and have just recently let my hair go natural. I’m in love with it, but it’s taking quite awhile to really thoroughly embrace it. It’s similar to yours, but it’s more of a pale silver all over. I think what I am is actually in the process of reinventing myself. Quite an interesting journey! I’m thrilled to have found inspiration.
Join the gang!
My re word is to “resign myself”.to the fact I have lousy thin, straight hair and not a lot of it. I have tried different styles over the years and cried many tears. I now have found a very good hair dresser and a bob that works with my hair, my face, my long neck and broad shoulders. Yes a lot to take into account.
If I had your hair I would go wild from time to time as well.
Alas.
Now I giggle when somebody says to me: “ oh what lovely hair you have” whahaha. As I said..great hair dresser.
Greetje