Last summer I did what many new mothers do: I chopped off my hair.  My little guy was one, and I needed a simple hairstyle, and one that didn’t get pulled every direction (or out altogether). I didn’t stop there, though.  I dyed it blonde.  Super blonde.  I LOVED it! So when this summer came around, I thought to myself: I need to do that again.  But this time, I wanted to do something a little different.  You see, I love changing my hair.  I grow it out, I chop it off.  I dye it blonde, then I go auburn.  It’s not that I’m not extremely happy with the hair God blessed me with.  It’s just that I like to keep things interesting and fresh.  However, THIS summer, I went a little crazy and asked for an asymmetrical cut.  Let me give you a little background knowledge: I have thick, naturally curly hair.  It used to be in ringlets, but it has loosened a lot in the last 10 years since birth control, two babies, and just aging (if I’m being really honest!). Sooo, an asymmetrical cut sounded great in theory, but it was a little too ambitious for my locks.  Now: my hairdresser is phenomenal!!  I’ve known her for years, and she’s been cutting my hair for the last 15 years or so.  She is really good at telling me when I’m being too risky, but also allows me to experiment and make my own mistakes.  Well, the asymmetrical cut was just that–a mistake!  The day after I cut it, I went to put the front up a little to get it out of my face, and all I got was a lopsided mess!  So what did I do?  Cut it, of course! (My hairdresser always laughs at me for this, but I never learn!). Well, now my hair was super short and A. HOT. MESS!! Due to scheduling, I couldn’t get back in to her for 5 weeks, so I just had to deal with it. I recently had a hair appointment, where she evened out my “duck tail”, and added a few highlights.  I am officially growing out my hair.  BUT I still need to be able to fix it for the summer and in a timely manner.  I still have two small children, and I just don’t have the time to spend on my beauty routine!  So I decided to compile some of my favorite hairstyles for growing out hair.  These styles work on either straight or curly hair, but if you have fine hair, a texturizing spray will help you achieve these looks easier.

First, here is what my hair looks like on the first day of shampooing.  I towel dry, and then run some gel, mousse, or combination of both through it.  Finally, I use a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer to achieve the curls. If there are any unruly pieces (especially around the frame of my face) I use a straightening iron to tame those.

Style 1: Down

Never underestimate your hair “just” down.  I always start with this look right after a wash.  Why not?  It takes just as much time (if not a little more) starting out wet, and it looks great!

Style 2: Simple Side Braid

For this, I take a section of hair on the short side of my part and do a simple braid, pinned back by a couple bobby pins.  If you have enough hair, you can pull the braid out for a thicker look.  I do not, so what you see is what you get. P.S. I LOVE how highlighted hair looks in a braid!!

Style 3: Thick Side Braid

Here, I just took the thicker side of my part and basically did the same thing as style 1.  It’s amazing how this changes the entire look.

and from another angle

Style 4: Change Your Part

This seems like cheating, I know.  But it is SOO simple, and like the two braids above, can completely change the look of short hair. Just flip your part, comb it a little to shape it, and spray to secure!

Style 5: Middle Part Back Twist

Part your hair right down the middle.  Twist each side back and secure with two bobby pins by crossing them and flat side up.

Style 6: Slightly Part Up

I don’t know why, but this can be so tricky!  There are days I just can’t get my hair to look right in this style.  Here are some tricks for getting it right every time.  Draw two imaginary lines above the middle of your eyebrows up to your hairline.  From here, grab a small section of hair and push it up until a small bump of hair forms.  Secure it with bobby pins and spray.  I always check the hair that is around my face to make sure it is smooth and curled the right direction.  Sometimes I use a straightening iron for this.  Yes, you can use a straightening iron to curl.  I do NOT recommend using a curling iron to straighten though.  There are better options! 

Style 7/8: Headband (with/without bangs)

I usually save this hairstyle for the last day I go before washing my hair.  I do this for two reasons: One, the hairbands hide greasy hair well.  Two, the hairbands will dent your hair, making all other styles IMPOSSIBLE, so a wash will be necessary after this style is used all day.  If your hair is full and thick like mine, not much back combing (teasing, if you will) is necessary.  However, if you have straight hair, a little texturizing spray with a tease will make this look so much better.  To tease, pull a small section of hair up at a time (all the way up), take a comb or teasing brush to the ends of the section and comb down.  Remove the brush or comb and take it to the ends and repeat until desired fullness is achieved.  DO NOT just back and forth comb the section.  You will end up with a tangled rat’s nest, and possibly a hair cut like mine as a result! If you have bangs, you can leave them out or push them back with the rest of your hair.  I have both pictured below.

There you have it!  8 simple looks for short hair.  Hopefully these will keep me satisfied until my hair grows a little bit and I can do more with it.

Until that post happens, what simple hairstyles are your go to?