Forward Hair Growth Pattern

Cut for hair with a forward growth pattern
Photo: Minerva Studio/Shutterstock
Q: For many years I have worn my hair long and tied back because I can't stand it hanging in my face. When I had short hair, I hated when I slept on it and it would stick up in a cowlick. Therefore, I need to have longer hair in the back, but short enough in front so it doesn't hang near my mouth. Bangs suit my face well, so that is the only hair that is now short, but the only way bangs work for me is to start from the middle of the crown instead of closer to the forehead.
 
I cut them myself and use thinning scissors, so they look professional. Most of the time, I like to just wash and airdry my hair, since I can't manage a blow dryer properly. I do use hot rollers and hair gel on occasion, and my styles look nice the first day, but the next day it's back to the old pony tail. I'm ready for a change, so what would you suggest I tell a stylist that would work for my forward growth pattern?

 
A: Being honest, because I have so little information to go on, I have to make some assumptions based on the things you do say.
 
Since bangs suit your face, I am going to presume that you have a long or prominent forehead. Since you don't like your hair to hang near your mouth, I presume you would be content with a shorter style. You explain that your "go-to" style is a ponytail, and that you have difficulty with a blow dryer, so I presume that you prefer a simple hairstyle that would be easier to maintain and likely would work well to allow to air dry naturally.
 
Presuming these assumptions are true, the style that comes to mind is what was known as the wedge. It would take your fringe (bangs) and build on that look. The line of the bangs would be extended around the sides of the head, and a weight line would be cut on a downward slope, or perhaps with a curving line. The hair below the weight line would be layered and cut according to your needs.
 
The hairstyle could be adapted in a number of ways in order to flatter your face. The layering in back could create a rounded shape and taper to the sides. You could also opt for very short layering below the weight line and undercut the edge of the weight line in order to allow the ends of the upper portion to curl under and give a "bowl" effect.
 
You can add a lightweight styling product to give the hair some texture and let the hair dry, run a comb through it to break up any stiffness and get on with your day.
 
I hope this helps.
 
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See also:
 
How do I figure out how the hair grows on the crown of my head?
 
What could be the cause for my different hair growth patterns?
 
Is it possible to change your hair follicle direction or is it set?
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