Bear
In need of a redesign since 2011.

Thursday 12 February 2009

Girly friends

I have a special place in my heart for my girly friends, mainly because there are so few of them. I'm just one of those people who's always found guys easier to get on with. No drama, no bitching, just a bunch of blokes and me sitting around watching Power Rangers all day without a trace of shame (ok, maybe a bit...)

Unfortunately, this means that there are some aspects of being a woman of which I remain woefully ignorant. Every now and then someone will take me in hand and show me how to put on makeup (still not sure how to pick a foundation), or what shape of dress looks good on me (where the heck are you supposed to buy them?), but the rest of the time I'm left floundering in a sea of ignorance, making it up as I go along.

Now some of you will have noticed that I recently got my hair sorted out, and thank you everyone who's said it looks nice. But the sad fact is that once I've washed to salon product out of it, it just goes in the same scraggy ponytail again. I have no idea whatsoever what to do with it.

Any suggestions? I mean, now that my readerbase has expanded a bit, I'm hoping that some of you can tell me what to do with it. Tips, hints, pictures, anything!

And for those of you (us) who've found this post a bit too feminine for your liking (although what did you expect from a blog that looks like it was farted out by a unicorn?), I give you the Interesting Thing Of The Day: The Art of Manliness. This blog is devoted to how to be a proper man. Since western culture lacks a rite of passage (I mean, let me know if I'm wrong, but when did you last see a young lad spear a boar?), these things need to be taught. As usual, the link's going up on the left.

77 comments:

  1. Shave it all off.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RicharJohn! I'm honoured by your presence. Don't think I haven't considered it! I am under strict orders to NOT do that, ever ever.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gav said he likes it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I honestly don't know how hair works either. (it has no command-line interface, no manuals or man-pages, and it even seems to be different for different people!)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the "Art of Manliness" link too. Somehow it's both funny AND profoundly practical (which is a fine combination!)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What I did is go back to the hairdresser that styled your hair and ask how they did what they did (then go and buy the products at a different store cause they are SO expensive at the salon and not all that much better). If you want to mix it up, find pictures in fashion magazines (or the like) and find something you like and try to replicate it. If you can't take the picture to the hairdresser and ask them to show you how. It worked for me, I was hopeless and wore a ponytail most days as well... now, I have 3 or 4 styles that I love and can do - for me if it isn't quick I don't bother! :o)
    Side note, I am sure you can find dresses to buy on line! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think it's teriffic your blog was featured as a "blog of note," great writing and very entertaining! Really glad I checked it out -- nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the "The Art of Manliness" link! I would offer suggestions, but from what I can see, you "meet or exceed standards accepted by the imaginary committee of Qupid".

    ReplyDelete
  9. I must say first off that I liked the tone of your blog and I feel I'm in the same place you are. I grew up without girl friends and thus have no idea how to put makeup on, am too pale for foundation, and have no concept of the ability needed to wear high heels. In terms of your hair, I recently chopped most of mine off into a pixie cut. I like the low-maintenance but it's certainly not for everyone. In fact, my boyfriend likes it although he likes to comment that his hair is longer than mine.

    ReplyDelete
  10. try using a hair straightner its easy to use and just takes some practice. have fun with that.

    please visit my blog:
    http://ellestakeonlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Know how you feel I'm a girl among guys. but girls don't get me cause of the things i like to do. I yet pratice at the girly stuff if i can do it anyone can.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have more girlfriends now that I am a Mum (common ground I guess) but I still feel more comfortable as 1 of the lads.
    I wear make up when I remember...eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss.
    As for your hair, experiment, mine is too short.. but my eldest daughter has long hair and I HAVE to play with that to achieve the stlyes she wants.
    Great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  13. heather had great advice so i will echo hers! but i had to say that you made me REALLY laugh out loud with the unicorn statement! thanks, i needed that!! :D

    blessings,
    Tracie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Either go back to the salon and ask for a lesson in styling, or get a cut that does not take a lot of time and effort. That is what I did, and no it is not short. But a cut that works with your hair type will be easier to take care of and will look good.

    ReplyDelete
  15. hi anna, interesting blog you have here. mind if i read more? tell me about wales, if you please....jc

    ReplyDelete
  16. Actually a lot of guys like the look of a pony tail. Guys really don`t care how many hours and or dollars you spend fixing yourself up(trust me on this one).I am not sure how I got onto this Blog, but I can`t help laughing at the material.
    Just be yourself and have fun. Guys like girls that are down to earth. Also don`t worry about your looks, if you are 21 years old, your looks are fine. Still laughing, over and out.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Finnegan, now THAT's the kind of thinking I can get behind! So much easier, for one thing. I generally take good care of my appearance, and as you say, at 21 there's no huge need to panic. No real need to panic anyway; I plan to grow old gracefully.

    JC, that sounds like a good idea for a future post! I'll try to get something written in the next couple of days; in the meantime you can use the search bar at the top to see what I've written about Cardiff so far.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow, cool blog. I thought I was the only blogger who wrote about my hair. LOL!

    I am a natural curly though, I swear I have it tougher! ;)

    Glad I checked out the Blogs of Note, and congrats on becoming one!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awesome blog! I have to say that though i have tons of girly friends I love hanging with my brothers and all of their buddies. Playing with the boys is always lots of fun. The crude and crazy humor is my fave!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anna, you sure look at lot better then those people they have on Coronation Street. If that is what people look like in the UK, you must be getting all the guys you can handle.
    You also seem to have nice hair.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hahah, I can relate. My sister is always trying to convince me to wear foundation and pluck my eyebrows.

    I found your page via blogs of note btw.

    I think hair always looks nice when its curled (but usually nicely with an iron).

    ReplyDelete
  22. Never test foundation in a store on the back of your hand. Put a little just above your jawline and go outside in natural light. Always wash your face at night, even if you didn't have foundation on that day. Don't wear empire style dresses unless your are expecting. I like the natural eyebrows look not plucked, although get rid of any unibrow. Blue eyeliner is never good. Great blog

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bellissimo...
    Lo sfondo colorato mi piace.

    http://guardiesvizzereoffida.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Well Darling, I have been where you are, so don't despair! By the time I was interested in learning 'girly' skills, I didn't really have anyone to ask. So I just started asking every woman I met what her opinion was. I got a lot of feedback that really helped. I even asked a girl in the check out line who cut her hair? That sort of thing. And it didn't stop with outward appearance either. I had no idea how to keep a house. And if the fate of the world depended on my having a garden, we're all dead. The beautiful thing was that a few of those random questions to strangers gave me a few of my girl friends now. So don't give up, ask a lot of questions and draw your own conclusions. Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I feel like you. I've always been more comfortable around boys. As for my hair I figured lately that having layers made my hair girl in a nicer way. So thinning your hair might be an option.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Clare, thanks so much for the practical advice! That's exactly the sort of thing I need to know. Much appreciated.

    Mandapooh, you're a brave lady! I'm so glad that worked out for you, I'll give that a go when I'm feeling courageous ;)

    Again, huge thanks to all of you for commenting, it's really overwhelming!

    ReplyDelete
  27. hehehehe ... totally know what you mean ! how do they do that !!!???!!!

    looooooove your gorgeous golden yellow curls !!
    dont loose them !!
    try a curling gel ! i dunno what products u get there .. so would'nt be able to name a brand !
    but ... walk into the super market .. go to that big imposing section with all those hair products and buy one of those leave in thingies they make ! ull be fine !!
    hehe
    oooooooooooooooooooooooooh but dont stop experimenting with your hair !! ( even though everyone falls for u and not it .. )
    its fun !!

    ReplyDelete
  28. heyy
    i completely understand your hair dilemma lol
    dont shave it offf!!!
    argh anyways going to the hairdresser and getting layers/it thinned always makes it more exciting to play around with ive found.
    theres heaps of ways to tie up ur hair besides a ponytail as well so its worth having a look in magazines for ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. good writing btw lol

    ReplyDelete
  30. I say buy you some product and equipment like a blow dryer and get cracking. Me, am going the dreadlocks way, less of a hustle I think.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello from France, this is my first visit. I am 66 now and have preferred mens' company all my life--been married 41 yrs and sadly widowed 8 yrs ago, but now have a new man in my life, and happy again. Regarding haircare, Catherine Zeta Jones reckons that rubbing syrup into your hair and rinsing it of with beer is he only way for an instant pick-up!! Sounds daft to me. Delphine

    ReplyDelete
  32. Having curly crazy hair myself - and a life where hair and make time could be spent travelling or having fun, I recommend the GHD and a heat protection cream thing...... it's quick and easy and well straight hair.....

    Great Blog!

    ReplyDelete
  33. i say wear it however you feel comfortable... i wear my hair in a pony tail almost every day... an i think it is fantastic!!!! i am a single mother.. i really don't have time in the morning to deal with it!!! hope you find something that works for you!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I too used to have trouble with my hair... Then I decided to start to play with it... the most important thing I have found is get a good round brush a good small brush a good strong comb and a good fat straight brush.... silicone tips or natural bristles seem to work best for most types of hair I have found (I have 3 boys with medium length hair with all different hair types) decide if you want to try it curly or if you want it crimped or straight... or maybe just curled at the ends... then start looking at the local beauty supply store (or walmart will do too)...

    If you want body add mousse just to the scalp while the hair dries

    If you want "just got out of the water" beach style curls get the sea spray from in the semi clear blue bottle (it says beach curls on it lol)

    If you want spiral curls I suggest a curling gel, some curlers and some extra strong hair spray...

    If you want straight hair I would say some hair balm, a blow dryer and a big WIDE brush (silicone tips on these brushes work best for taming even the most unruly hair)

    If you want curls on the end... slightly damp hair, pomade, a round brush (natural seems to be best) and a blow dryer...

    if you want techniques for any of the styles just shoot me a note by e-mail... I'd be glad to share my secrets...

    Hugs,
    Christina

    p.s. if you would be so kind as to check out my website and leave me a comment as to what you think I would really appreciate it... ~ youreasyleads.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a new reader. Hi, I'm Renee', and I love your blog.
    I love hair and makeup. I know, typical, but it makes me happy! So, I suggest scrunching. You have a great face for curly hair, and if it's "frizzy" like you say that usually means your hair has a personality and likes to be curly. I suggest going to Wal-mart or something and get TRESemme hair MOUSSE for about 6 dollars. When you get out of the shower, with your hair still considerably wet, put a healthy dose of mousse, then scrunch! I am going on the impulse that you know what scrunching is, if not, let me know. It's the best way to get a cute look fast! Then, this goes to preference, blow dry while scrunching, or just leave to dry naturally. I prefer it either way myself. But remember, gel weighs down the hair and mousse LIFTS it, making it bouncy, natural looking and not greasy. Hope this helped. =]

    ReplyDelete
  36. A little product goes a long way. I'm a huge fan of the Big Sexy products, cuz I have very fine hair and it is very drab without these products. They help give volume & body to the hair. There are also shine serums that help make it silky and shiny. Hope that helps! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I found your blog under the blog of note. You are so awesome. I really enjoyed reading. As for your hair. The picture looks so beautiful. You have really nice hair. The only help I can offer on hair is to make sure you are using a product of some kind. I see you have gotten that advice already though. I hope that you figure it out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Cool blog. I had my hair almost shaved off and was totally frustrated with it. Most days I looked like a peacock with it standing straight up and refusing to lay down. LOL
    Anyhow, now I am at the awkward stage of trying to grow it out, at least to the point of getting it past my ears.
    I would love to exchange links with you.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The best thing to do, is on a day when you aren't working or going out any where, EXPERIMENT. I mean you can ask the next time you get your hair done, to have them show you what they did, and that will help, but first and foremost, play with it.

    Figure out for you, what feels comfortable, and looks stylish, and takes the amount of time that you can deal with on a daily basis. It just takes practice.

    Also, check out YouTube.com , I know there are tons of people who do makeup application How To's and well Im sure there has got to be some about hair too. If I find any, I'll let you know. Even if the style isn't "you" some of the techniques that can be learned could really help you out!!!

    Good luck and have fun!!! Go play with your hair!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Even i have a problem with setting my hair, at times it gets sooo messy that the only option left is PONEY.. I feel it requires loots of patience & care & maintainence.. So if u figure out some easy & quick way do share it :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. wow ! i'm prolly cheating by commenting again ! :P

    but thats a hell lot of advice ! ( and u asked for it !! hehehehe ) .. useful too .. for a change !!!

    i'm totally trying out some of these !!!!!!!!!

    thank u !!!

    ooooooooooooooooooh ! and let us know what u do !! and what happens !!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ok, ready for some girliness??? I work at a hair salon, I hate to even hear myself say this disguisting consumerist comment, but it really is all about the product. Bumble and Bumble has a new curl line, try the spray, it will revive your curls and waves and give you soft and shiny prettiness. Ok. I know it's gross sounding, but you really should try :)they also make really nice creams and a mousse now just for girls with curls!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow people have given you some intense descriptions on how to do your hair. Who knew there were so many caring people just floating around on the internet. I'm just starting out blogging and you seem pretty good at it. I cant give you any hair advice but I can say I'm sure it looks good as it is. Any tips on my new blog would be apriciated. : )

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your Hair:

    Buy a blowdryer and a big brush (the more the bigger the brush), buy a root boost product.

    Before you blowdry make sure your hair is no longer dripping wet (a towel works well :)). Put a palm size amount of product all over the hair starting at the back and top of the scalp working to the front and down to the ends. Its ok if you run out of product, you don't want too much.

    To blow dry: turn it on a medium heat. High or low pressure is fine-its up to you. blow dry the thickest part first (usually the back) and brush through it at the same time. When you get to the front or top of your head, be sure to either brush up away from your head, or blow dry in different directions to give your hair the 'boost' part of the product. Finish when hair is COMPLETELY dry.

    DON'T put it in a ponytail. The more you get used to it being down the easier it will be to dry in the morning and the more you'll want to try different styles. When you feel comfortable with the blow drying, buy a curling iron and have fun, there is no wrong way to curl. :)

    As for dresses, they aren't necessary. Buy a dark wash pant and a top that has 2 of these; cute, properly fitted (not too tight), scoop neck cut, color.

    Get mineral makeup, foundation is easier to pick out with it.
    I like guys better too, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace your feminine side. :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Haha. I pretty much just got all the tips on how to do my hair from these comments on your hair.

    Great blog, and I know what you mean about special places for your galpals. They're few and far between.

    Write again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  46. wow Anna- I was going to come give my slightly girly expertise and found an enormous amount of comments- you're famous now hun- no pressure!

    i echo what people have already said
    -a little bit of product goes a long way
    -trying out different things helps you work out what looks good on you
    -don't be afraid to ask the hairdressers for help
    -definitely dont need a dress, dark jeans and a cute top is the way to go

    love you my dear, talk soon xxx

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ha ha, whenever I ask my male friends what I should do with my hair next the answer is always the same. "Shave it off!".

    As for keeping your hair salon fresh, I'd be terrible at advising as I will go and get an amazing style done only to not go back 6 weeks later so it all grows out.

    I just hate having to small talk at the hairdressers :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I hear that. I still get hairbrushes stuck in my hair from time to time, and I'm somebody's mom and a person with advanced degrees and shite. You'd think I could engage in competent acts of styling free of mishaps. That said, the greatest hair thing I ever purchased was one of those barrel brush hair dryer things. It (in combination with assorted Aveda products) works perfectly with my hair, which is inclined to wave weirdly and frizz and stuff when left to it's own devices. But now I have hair that is layered! And sexy! Yay hot round blowing brush!

    ReplyDelete
  49. hello...I completely understand the inability to do hair...it has just been in the past few years that I have figured out my own hair. A tip I would have is layers, moose, and a defuser its really easy and once you figure out what youre doing, it looks great :) When you get out of the shower comb out your wet hair, then scrunch moose into it, then put it up in a towel for a minute (not much longer than that), then take a blow drier with a defuser on it and dry it on a low heat and depending on how your hair is you might also put a little hair spray on it also...anyways that my suggestion but note this works best if you have layers in your hair but isnt too bad without layers :) Anyways I like your blog and if you use the suggestion I hope it helps

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh I can so relate!! I hang with almost only guys so my girlfriends treat me like a little sister that needs to know the ways of life. And the hair (at least for me) is ALWAYS braided back into a bun with a million clips holding everything in place. I've just discovered this trick, by the way, of keeping my hair back. I don't even bother anymore trying to style it. (I have really thick, really long, really curly, really weird, really poofy/frizzy hair).

    Found your blog by Blogs of Note by the way. I think I might follow it!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Oh and DON'T let them use a razor on your hair to thin it out!! Eventually, it makes frizz worse because it screws up the hair shaft somehow. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks BB! So much easier to just keep it all out the way, isn't it. x

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanx for your comment on my blog! Actually I don't usually post fiction, as can be seen in my new post. They're not usually that long and I rather enjoy talking about the deeper parts of life. Often art is a topic.

    HAIR! Okay, so I was exactly like you. Watched power rangers, played jedi ninja power ranger warriors, etc. I'm just one of the guys (which sucks on occasion but in general is ok).
    My suggestion for hair is Mousse. I know, sounds complicated, but in my experience it's the easiest way to make myself look better than my typical "just-pulled-an-all-nighter" look. I work a handful of the stuff through my hair and blow-dry while scrunching (grabbing giant handfuls of it and bunching it up, then letting go). If it feels too big, put it into a ponytail. It makes an uber sexy ponytail, mousse hair does. good luck!!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love the blog! I want to thank you for the link to The Art of Manliness. I'm a single mom of two little boys and I hope to teach them to be better men than the rest of the hillbillies around here.

    ReplyDelete
  55. My dear, I am the definition of the Art of Manliness!


    Or so I like to think.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but you could always YouTube it.

    ReplyDelete
  57. lol, i know a lot of girls just like this. Your work is great.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Lol..your hair looks nice and I will admit...I always wanted to be the pink ranger! I was into the original power rangers; not the new freaky alien crap. My brothers used to fight about whos gonna be the red ranger...ahhh those innocent days.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Im not sure if the picture i saw was before or after the haircut but you have lovely hair. I ca probably help you because i go to cosmetology school, that is where i learn all wonderful things about hair. Buy sponge rollers to get soft curls. practice rolling them and sleeping in with them @ night so it is easier to style in the morning. A tip with make-up, and even clothes. Green will look hoit on you. try to stay away from pink and reds. check out my site, im a new blogger. :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I have that same feeling about doing my hair. I am a college student and I never feel like doing my hair, and part of it is because there is no one here to impress and my hair is just a pain in the butt. Occasionaly I find that the easiest thing to do is crimp/ scrunch my hair! as for the girls part.. I honestly have the worst luck with "girl friends." For some reason I always lose them :/ & thats why I decided to do a blog, so that I could hear other peoples opinion, because right now, my life is not looking so exciting..

    ReplyDelete
  61. I disagree a little with Finnegan about us guys not caring about what a girl does to her hair. Once in awhile theres nothing like lounging on the couch almost falling asleep because shes locked herself in the bathroom getting ready. After all that waiting she appears and chirps 'i am ready!' and you just feel all entranced.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I feel ya. I am the same way when it comes to "girly" things. I wonder where all these women learn these things? Its like they've got some secret books. We should try to find them!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I find that using some type of polish on my hair before ironing it makes it silky and soft. Dove shampoos and conditioners have been my friends for years. That's my "you go gurl" for you and many guys prefer the natural look regardless.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I must admit that I'm in much of the same situation...I did not grow up in a household where I learned how to be a girly girl and am now a 22 year old woman who does not know how to style her hair or do her make-up. I must say that teen magazines usually have easy to follow make-up and hair tips. Sometimes, I post them on my blog if I come across them. http://naturallyfabulousfashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Boys are way cooler friends than girls. At least they'll be honest enough to let you know when the ponytail you're wearing has gotten old and that you need a new style. Girls will just talk about you behind your back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Anna! You and I have something in common, it seems, with hair issues and guy friends. I got my hair sorted out, finally, though, and here's my advice:
    1. know why you pull your hair back all the time (is is because you want it out of your face, or off your neck, or both?)
    2. know what you want your hair to look like
    3. know how much effort you really want to put into your hair
    4. have fun with it

    I have problem hair, so it's always getting yanked back. Got a long-layered cut with texture so I could still pull it back, but now it's a bit chippy and there are a few pieces that fall around my face (looks less severe than a plain ponytail), and for kicks I have crazy color pieced in for an incentive to wear it down more often. Right now I'm sporting a bit of Electric Blue by Scream--total fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. We all need friends because who mothers...mothers...other mothers :)
    Ruthie
    http://Ruthietalk.ning.com/

    ReplyDelete
  68. Spend like five minutes curling your ends. it gives you the I woke up like this, yet I'm still dashing look. ")

    ReplyDelete
  69. I have hair issues all the time. I'm a guy though. There's really no one in society to teach us blokes how to make our hair not look like a mess.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I wouldn't worry about your hair.

    Is it now a trend for girls to call themselves a man's girl, with more fun to be had hanging out with men than women? I've heard so many women say this lately and I can't help but feel it puts women down a little. Women are very cool. You just have to find the right ones.

    ReplyDelete
  71. woooww, can I relate to this one!!

    ReplyDelete
  72. This post totally speaks to me

    ReplyDelete
  73. Haha good lord you know you remind me of? Okay I will tell you. Georgia Nicolson. There is a series of books called the Georgia Nicolson books and they are quite literally a hoot and a half. You should check them out. Anywho, she is constantly complaining about her hair and I believe at one time shaves off her eyebrows! Don't ask. Seriously though check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Anna,

    Just stopping in on your blog via Blogs of Note. I was just noticing how some of your phrases sound just like me! I absolutely love reading "daily life" blogs.

    http://midlifecomeapart.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  75. do u really watch power ranger ? coz i do but my friends say stuff like itz kiddo and other things. which is ur fav power ranger series mine is SPD and btw ur blog design is cool

    ReplyDelete
  76. Unlike you, i have more "guy" friends at heart
    but girly friends are cool too :)
    haha, farted out by a unicorn, that's what makes this so special!
    thanks for the Art of Manliness link, that's a new thing to show my friends x)

    ReplyDelete

Do you have relevant / irrelevant things to say? I thought so. Comment!