Expert: Dana Sear - 6/25/2009

Question
Please, only answer this question if you know what a shadow-box hair style looks like.  In fuller detail, here is my specific question; I am wondering if I should shadow box my hair, cut it a few inches and make it choppy.  Now, I want to keep my main hair color the same, but just make it a bit shorter, choppier, and have it two-toned so that there is black on the ends.  I did something similar to it last summer where I got black tips and kept my hair the same length.

example:
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/120/l_cd33507087ecae20af04b2637a31b0...

I thought it looked good, but it looked stange to just have the ends black randomly. I also think shawdow boxed hair looks better on people with shorter hair.

Just for reference, this is what I look like now:
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/65/l_d9827e8e874344d295240153e27b367...

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/53/l_7ff3853dd79c422cb4a29eb98593181...


My hair is VERY long, and cutting it will probably change my look pretty drasticly.  What should I do?  

Answer
Hiya Hannah,

The great thing about hair is that it grows. I can't really tell you what to do. I like getting my hair pretty long and then cutting off a lot at one time. I think it's fun.The shorter, choppier layers are a bit more in style but then again, not everyone can grow their hair long.

As for the shadow box color, I don't know where you live but it's a bit out of style now where I am. A lot of people still do it, but it isn't the freshest look in town. However, when given the choice, I don't do it on longer hair. I have once client that I do 3 colors in. Black on the bottom layer, red in the middle and very light blond on top. It looks great on her but it isn't for every one. I agree with you, though. I think it is more suited to shorter hair. Based on the photo, I think your hair would look great with the choppier layers and putting a darker  color underneath will make it look thicker and fuller.

I'm sure that is very little help but all I can do is tell you if what you want will look good. I can't really tell you whether or not you should do it. I think the longer length looks good, but the choppy, shorter layers is a style with a bit more kick and personality to it.

Hope that helps. :-)

dana