Hair we are.

A note: this post is the direct result of an uncanny confluence of events. First, I am working on two family projects that require massive hours of photo viewing/sorting/scanning. Second, I need a haircut in the worst way. Third, I clearly have entirely too much time on my hands. And, finally, I've apparently decided that I'm perfectly a-okay with humiliating myself in front of the entire world wide web.

Those things in mind, here's a little jolting journey down memory lane, featuring those priceless hits from the hairstyles of the young and clueless.

<<< Circa 1963. Probably my best look, if you can get past the lazy eye. That my dad "fixed" by putting me through an unrelenting series of daily eye exercises.

>>>Another decent look, owed entirely to my very stylish mother. Bless her  heart, she tried. I remember that red velvet dress like it was yesterday. And also, see those Mary Janes? I still wear them.

<<< A reminder of the torture we used to endure. Although, as I recall, I BEGGED to be allowed to sit under my mother's hair dryer. I also recall that my hair was "rag rolled" under there and that smile on my face? Was wiped out first thing the next morning as I endured the torture of the "comb out".

>>>> True fact: I was famous in certain circles for my trademark "top knot" shown here. Was my signature look for a good four years.

<<<< The longest my hair has ever been. It looks a little ratty here, but that was pretty much the norm. Looking at this picture, I sort of wonder why I ever cut it off, but then I remember: Johnson & Johnson's 'No More Tears' detangler was a fraudulent product. Are you seeing the trend here? Me + hair = tears x (all too often).

>>>>> I have no words. I take that back. I have three words: What the fuck?

<<<<< Junior high, and I was all about the short hair. The shorter the better. In this shot, obviously I didn't quite get there, because it was still long enough for me to abuse with a curling iron. I was then, and sadly remain, completely inept in the world of hair styling implements.

>>>>> Okay, it's horrible, yes. I call it my "Dr. J phase". But there's a story. During the winter of my junior year of high school, my family went to Hawaii. In preparation for the trip, I decided my longish-at-the-time hair needed dealt with in a big, bold way. But what to do? Cut it? Bo Derek dreads? A perm? Can you guess which one I opted for? This photo - which is in my class yearbook for all perpetuity - was taken after ten days in the sun, chlorine and surf. In case you aren't aware, these things are fundamental anathemas for a week old perm. As is made clear in this picture. See that smile on my face, though, in the face of such potential long term humiliation? I can't swear to it, but it is entirely possible that I was totally stoned during the taking of this photograph. And also, possibly, when I paid $45 for the perm in the first place.

<<<<<< And finally, what are the lessons learned by embarking on this journey through my stylistic 'don'ts'? Well, there's this picture, about three years old. It's very telling that it is the only one I've had taken in the past twenty years (give or take) that doesn't make me cringe violently upon viewing. (This also explains why it's the only recent one I've ever put up here in five years or so of blogging.) My hair isn't quite this short right now, but I'm thinking it will be again. Soon.

Comments

[colleen]

Same cute smile. Glad I got a peek.

[colleen]

Same cute smile. Glad I got a peek.

[Laurie]

Oh my god. I was the only white girl in my high school with a 'fro. I was not quite as fetching as you but our photos look very much alike.

[renn]

Oh, wow. I am giggling in horrified glee over the perm picture. I had the same hairstyle in 8th or 9th grade, but the photo included a bandana around my neck...and suspenders.

I giggle from understanding.

[poopie]

Oh, how I remember those hair dryers....and I have several years' worth of *wtf* pictures myself ;)

[Jen on the Edge]

I like your hair!

[kenju]

I have hair issues, too. I am trying to decide if it would be best to let it grow out and keep it in a top knot or bun. Certainly would be less expensive! I wore the top knot in the early 70's - the only way to keep my (then) long hair in check.

Love the photo series!