QuestionHi! Okay, I decided that I want to change my appearance a lot over this summer, since I'm going to be a freshman next year. I want to change drastically, but not too drastically, because even thought I'll be in 9th grade, my district is set up so junior high is from 7-9th grade, so I'll still be at the same school. Can you help me? Thanks. Btw, here's my description of what I look like:
Hair: Right now it's in braids, but in a few days I'll be taking them out & probably relaxing it, unless you have other suggestions. I have African-American hair.
Makeup: I don't wear makeup on daily basis, except for special events. I don't wear mascara at all, because my eyelashes are already thick & curly.
Face: My face's pretty clear, except it's oily. I used to have severe acne, but i've got rid of most of it, except for acne on my forehead.
Clothing: Usually I wear Delias , Aeropostale, & Old Navy. I'd be open to new stores, as long as they aren't too expensive.
Eye Color: Deep Brown
Hair Color: Auburn- Brown, I guess, and yea, it's my natural hair color :)
Height: 5'5''
Weight: 112 lbs
Thanks! (:
AnswerHi there, what a great idea to have a summer-make over.
Firstly, African-American hair is so wonderfully versatile. I'm sure you already know that as well as the braids, you can use beads and extensions to express how you feel, or match an out-fit. However, you mention that you have had braids and are now relaxing your hair, which is a perfect first step to a really different look for the summer. Your hair will have increased volume and length and will offer a completely different frame to your face when it is out of the braids.
There are specific oils that help to keep African-American hair soft and supple which may help your hair if it has been in braids for a while and may be a little fragile.
You are so lucky to have thick long eyelashes and such clear skin. I know you mentioned that you have a few spots on your forehead but you may find that the summer air and spending a little more time outside helps to clear even those. You can buy cleansers for oily skin reasonably cheaply which also may help to reduce the oiliness.
For school, the make-up and clothes are a little dependent upon your school's policy and so the change of hairstyle is probably going to be change enough for school time.
Moving to school holidays and parties though, it will be dependent on how much of a dramatic new look you are after.
Being tall and slim as you are, you are able to carry off a lot of different styles and look amazing. The clothes you have been wearing up to now are cool! For a change you could consider that summer is a great time for bright colours. Given your age and that you are lucky to have darker coloured skin that looks so beautiful with colours like turquoise, green, yellows and so on I would invite you to see if a brighter look makes you feel more summery. I think rather than me suggesting specific stores, you might like to look around for clothes that reflect your personality and make you feel happy when you wear them.
You mentioned you don't wear make-up apart from on special occasions, which sounds to me to be the right decision as you have so much natural beauty. Sometimes we can do more harm than good by using too much make-up. However, if you are going to a special party and want a complete new look, I'd possibly suggest Barry M cosmetics as they are for younger women who want a fun, funky look with lots of glitter and colour!
Perhaps take a look at: www.barrym.com to see if this sort of style would suit you.
I think my main advice is to spend a little time considering how you would like to look. Everyone is so different and only you know what makes you feel confident and beautiful. You can check magazines for how other people are looking this season but this is just for ideas. The person that you are inside and how you would like to express your individuality through how you look is the best way to get the result you want.
Have fun trying out different styles and have a really fantastic summer and the best of luck for your next year at school.
Take care, Claire
