Apologies for the lack of a post yesterday; I had intended to put the CSSA Petticoat tutorial round-up post online, but I am feeling quite under-the-weather (I suspect a cold is the culprit!), and managed to loose all my energy halfway through the day. I’ll have that petticoat post up later today though!
Before and after the cut. I had a few more layers put it to lighten the thickness of my hair.
I got my hair chopped earlier this week! A much-needed cut too. It has been well over a year since I had it cut into a proper “Middy” cut, which while I enjoyed having super-long “mermaid” hair, it was getting too long to even do a Veronica Lake ‘do. For a short while (maybe a weekend) I toyed with the idea of getting it cut very short (at least for me) so I could do a more 50s look, but in the end, my beloved Middy won out. How good it feels to have a bit of a lighter load and not feel like I’m wearing a carpet on my head! hehe.
Trying out Victory rolls!
I got several requests from readers to include some before and after pictures, and I was happy to oblige! I got about 7 1/2” taken off the length, and it was cut into a modified Middy. A proper Middy cut is essentially a cut all one length across the back with a slightly rounded shape, and then angled up the sides to the front. However, because I have so much hair on my head, I always get a few extra layers put in—otherwise my thick, naturally wavy hair ends up too poufy!
The results of a quick dry-to-damp sponge roller set.
Of course, having a new ‘do means playing around with hairstyles! The first I did was simple Victory rolls and a half snood I made. I rather liked the look, and putting on a snood was so much easier with shorter locks, I have to admit. I tried a quick dry-to-damp set with some Lotta Body and sponge rollers and achieved a fairly good curl. Every new cut presents a bit of a learning curve to get the set pattern just so; I am hoping to have the time to do another set (overnight this time) soon. But I do like how this came out!
Next Comments →
Wow Casey! It had grown so much! You look gorgeous with your new cut,and the styling pics are just fab. Bet you feel awesome with freshly cut hair…..I always find it makes me feel amazing after I’ve had my hair trimmed
Hope you feel better soon. Hugs xx
Love your hair. It looks wonderful.
I know only too well how challenging thick hair can be. I wonder if it automatically comes with having red hair?
However, you have ‘tamed’ it beautifully
My hair is actually not naturally as red as it looks (the henna treatment I did almost a year ago is still affecting my overall color!
), but my mom (who is a natural redhead) also has fairly thick hair, so maybe that has something to do with it? (Though I get the thick hair from both sides of my family, to be truthful–my dad has insanely thick hair, which is where I think I get this from! 
Who knows?! 
♥ Casey
I love coming home from the hair salon. I always feel awesome when I leave! And good call on sticking with a longer cut. I’m sure you could pull of a 50s do, but you really do the 40s quite stunningly. (Plus is a whole lot easier if you change your mind!)
My sister, who has been sporting a short ‘do for the past year or so, reminded me that having shorter hair requires me upkeep. Since I’m pretty lazy about getting regular cuts, I figured it’s better to go long at first!
hehe!
♥ Casey
Gorgeous. Totally and completely GORGEOUS!
You are so photogenic – you look amazing in every photo you post on this blog! And I love the new hair cut – can’t wait to see some of your new hair styles as a result. Now that your hair is closer in length to mine, I might be able to give more of a hair tutorials a go.
Your new do looks gorgeous Casey and clearly you can still do an awful lot of styling as well, which I’m sure was the whole point! I can’t believe how long it was before and the thickness is incredible, no wonder your hair styles always come out so well!
The new cut is super cute! and looks so fresh. You could easily pull off a shorter cut as well, but I know all too well how hard it is to go beyond your usual limit
. Hair is part of our identity, so going too much out of our comfort zone can have it’s drawbacks.
I’m always a bit terrified about getting my hair cut–although I’m not particularly attached to the hair itself, it affects the overall look! lol. I figure one day I’ll work up to something shorter, but for now, I’m happy to stay within my comfort zone.
hehe!
♥ Casey
Looking sharp and sassy! Love it! A new haircut feel so nice, doesn’t it?? Like you said in your other post, it’s a great time of year to sport a new ‘do, too. I was much more carefree with my hair myself this summer (what else are you going to do in all that humidity, lol), but it’s back to fun sets. Looking forward to seeing what other fun styles you try out!
(p.s. the photo of you laughing is just too adorable for words!)
Aw, thank you!
Yeah–the humidity is my biggest enemy for any set that requires a set during the summer! I’m so glad it’s finally getting a little less humid. 
Looking forward to seeing what you do set-wise with your hair this fall too! 
♥ Casey
So love the cut, and it looks even more amazing with victory rolls (a trick I’ve yet to master). : )
It’s interesting how you can see the detail of the back of your striped top now…interesting. I loved the front previously…the back is equally adorable. I like your hair shorter now and it’s still long enough to do different hairstyles. Congrats on doing the big cut!
Funny story about this top (which is a refashioned piece I made years ago…): the reason the back is so low is I forgot to separate the front and back before I started cutting a new neckline–which was only supposed to be for the front! lol. What started as a “disaster” worked out in the end–it’s one of my favorite pieces.
♥ Casey
Love the new cut. It looks great! You said you used Lottabody as a setting lotion. I’ve never heard of it, but I’m always on the lookout for a good styling product. I also have wavy hair, but it’s fine. Does it add any weight to your hair? Where do you buy it?
I get Lottabody at Sally’s Beauty Supply. It’s fairly cheap, and because I dilute it slightly (otherwise it tends to leave my curls crunchy!), it last for a long time. I just put it in a spray bottle with some water and spritz it on individual sections as I set them. It doesn’t add any weight that I’ve noticed to my hair at all. Plus it holds up relatively well throughout the day!
♥ Casey
Thanks!
Your hair looks fantastic! It was lovely long, of course, but it lends itself so well to vintage styles, you lucky thing!
.
I’m so glad I cut my long hair into a modified middy, too; long locks are striking and all, but nothing beats a neat set
Lovely Casey! I am in the hedges that awkward stage of growing my hair out past my ears…sigh I think by January I might be able to enjoy it again! It is a long story that I may one day share:) I love the curls, my hubby loves it when I do. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love how the cut came out – your first set looks gorgeous! I hope you plan to do some updo tutorials. My hair is about the same length as your new cut, so I’d love to see some tips on how to style it up.
Will be working on some new tutorials next month!!!
Just need to get the new set pattern down (it always take a couple tries after a new cut) and start playing with a few ideas I have! 
♥ Casey
i’m so jealous of how thick your hair is! mine used to be that thick… before i basically killed it with years of black hair dye & bleach with 50 vol developer :B
anyway, it’s so pretty! yay haircuts!
I love your hair! Have you written a blog post about what kind of hair products you use (besides Lottabody)? I would be curious to know if you use regular brands, hairdresser brands or possibly organic products.
I haven’t really talked a lot about products I use, as I don’t tend to buy anything special. Right now I’m using the Pantene curly formula shampoo and conditioner, and generally that is it (besides hair spray and sometimes a bit of a smoothing serum). Although sometimes I’ll use a clarifying shampoo because we live in a region with very hard water that starts to give my hair a green tinge! Ick! I’m a pretty simple gal when it comes to products! I’ve used a lot of higher end, expensive salon products before, but never found that it makes a difference with my hair.
♥ Casey
How wonderful to get a “new” hairstyle! I love the feeling of change when coming from the hairdresser =) I used to have superlong hair, but cut it off a few years back, and I don’t regret it, it’s so much easier to play with now. However, last time I cut it like you thought about doing, and while it was pretty and fun, I’m now growing it out to a middy again. Good thing it grows fast =)
Btw, I have a friend with long hair, and I just wanted to say thank you for all you great tips and tutorials for easy but pretty hair do’s for long hair. I showed her your videos, did a version of one of them on her, and she’s now experimenting on her own, being much more comfortable doing her hair. So thank you for all the time you’ve taken to put together these tutorials!
I’m so glad those tutorials helped your friend, Erika!!!
I really enjoyed being able to do those for gals with longer hair–I got some great feedback since there seems to be a dearth of long hair how-to’s out there. 
One day I’ll probably grow this back out and go back to doing those! 
♥ Casey
Isn’t it fun to get a new haircut now and then? You look lovely! I really like the sponge rollers set! I can’t remember if you’ve done a video tutorial on that one, but it would be great to see how you did it. Somewhere along one of my moves, I got rid of all my sponge rollers. Unless Mom has them somewhere! But I’ve been thinking of trying them again.
Thank you, Anna!
I haven’t done a proper tutorial on the sponge roller set yet. Although I’m hoping once I work out my new set pattern for this cut, I’ll be able to record one from start to finish (and I just came into possession of a gorgeous, 1940s velvet dressing gown, so I can do it in style! lol.). It’s really simple–and takes me about 15 minutes to throw the rollers in! 
Also: the cheapest place I’ve found for sponge rollers is Wal Mart or Sally’s. I have three sizes (small, medium and large), but primarily stick with the medium and large for most 40s-style sets since the curls aren’t as tight and I want waves.
♥ Casey
I love the before and after shots of your hair. But I do have to say, I think your hair looks lovely either way. But you certainly do seem happier & brighter with the new, shorter locks.
Do you have a good source/tutorial on how to do the victory rolls? I’m quite a newbie with my longish hair and can use all the help I can get.
I probably look happier and brighter because a weight has been lifted from my head! rofl!
Actually, there was a moment of “oh my gosh–I just cut off all my hair! What was I thinking?!” and then I realized it was a good thing. 
lol.
Twila Jean just posted a good tutorial on victory rolls this week, and you might also want to check out Ashley’s YouTube channel for tutorials (she’s the best vintage hairstyle guru out there!).
♥ Casey
You look so pretty!!!
Oh wow, I didn’t realize how long your hair really did get since your middy. You’re right that there is a certain length that it gets to that just makes it really difficult to do 40s and 50s hairstyles. I miss those styles myself, but I like long hair too much. hehe. I adore how your hair is looking and it certainly SUITS YOU!!!! Lovely, lady!!!! Always.
It’s pretty insane how much my hair had grown in the past 18 months! lol. I always love seeing your hairstyles, Victoria–because you have such long hair! You were a big inspiration to me to figure out how to do some fun ‘dos with my longer locks.
♥ Casey
You look fabulous!!!!
Love the new haircut! We have such similar hair, I always enjoy seeing what you do with your’s!
You are inspiring me to cut my hair. I have a hard time doing anything with mine because it’s so long.probably a reaction against how In the old days women over 40 like me would chop off all their hair. Have you ever noticed how elderly women have such short hair?
Both my mom and I have had long conversations about the propensity for older ladies to have really short hair! I go back and forth about it; but am pretty determined to keep mine longer as I get older! But then again, I’ve always though longer lengths, done right, look just as lovely at 40,50 or 60+ as they do at 20.
♥ Casey
You are so lucky to have curly hair! Mine won’t hold a curl even with copious amounts of hairspray! Gorgeous cut and styles.
You look great! Love the new haircut
OH! I just cut mine even shorter.. ugh I wish I could have the lux locks you have right now. Your hair cut, is FANTASTIC! and looks fabulous paired with the snood!!! Love it.
Thanks, doll!
That victory roll and snood style was inspired by YOU!!!! 
♥ Casey
Wow! Gorgeous!
Wonderful change;)
What a great haircut!! You have such beautiful hair!
Hey doll! I love the new ‘do!! Those victory rolls with the half snood are FABULOUS!!!
a great look for you. you are fortunate to have thick hair and multiple styling options. each one is lovely. thanks for sharing.
i love you Casey, i just adore you!
love love love the new locks
much love, Autumn x
Your such a doll, Casey! I think we have similarly textured/thickness of hair (though I never do such pretty things as you do with yours…mine is usually up in a bun or in braids, tee hee). Your new cut looks so pretty! Happy Autumn to You!!!
New hair cuts are always exciting! I love the curly look. It’s very glamorous but fun and bouncy, too.
Beautiful
Ooh! It looks great! Wow! You hair really did get long. I bet it feels funny when you wash it. I like all those curls, myself.
Mom
I love it! The victory rolls look amazing!
Dazzling! Especially the last style. It inspires me to be more creative with my hairstyles
Oh you look beautiful! Love the new look x
Your new cut is wonderful! Looks perfect!
oh gorgeous! Ilove your new hair! I’ve been so tempted to cut to that length recently. So versatile!
I love it – We seem to have very similar hair, very thick and wavy. I’m always at an end as to what to do with it, as mine seems to be so heavy and pins never hold it up. Do you have this problem too? how do you overcome it? I’ll have to check out some of your styling tutorials and see what I can do. I love the curled look you get from the roller set
I do have a problem with pins staying in my hair! But I’ve found over the years that crossing two bobby pins so they “lock” together helps keep things in place really well. I think I talk about it a bit in one of my earlier tutorials…
♥ Casey
Beautiful!
I understand what its like to have hair like yours. Mine is curly, thick, and heavy, but those layers do wonders! Although I tried a middy cut before and I dont think the woman who cut my hair knew exactly what to do (I brought her a vintage hair diagram to study) and it didnt fall right. Any suggestions?
Having brought the diagrams along for reference before, I think most modern stylists really don’t know what to think of them. So I’ve taken to bringing along the diagram, pictures of the unstyled cut (as many as I can find–Google has a few in their image search!), and then a few pictures of the styled cut. I find between those three sources, it usually communicates what I’m looking for.
♥ Casey
Love the new hairdo! I am actually a new follower, I love your blog! Can’t wait to check out the rest of ur blog posts! If you get the chance pass by my blog or YT channel & say hi!
Reyna
@glamourglory
http://www.youtube.com/reynalay
Beautiful, beautiful… And, as ever, I marvel at your skill with curlers. The sponge roller set reminds me of Gene Tierney’s hairstyles.
Gene has always been one of my biggest inspirations with my shorter hair cuts!
I just love how she styled her hair in the mid 40s–it’s kind of my goal to get a basic set down so that look is one of my “default” styles to do. 
♥ Casey
I love your new haircut! The last hairstlye is my favroite!(the sponge rollers) Would you do a tutorial on how to do it? It looks great
Thank you, Olivia! I’m hoping to do a tutorial next month, once I have my basic set down for this cut (like I said: there is always a bit of a learning curve with a new cut!
) and have been able to play around with a few sets too. I’m hoping to try some looks from various decades as well (I’m itching to do a couple 60s styles!). 
Stay tuned!
♥ Casey
You have such lovely hair! I wish I could get mine look like yours after the roller set!
Love the new haircut, Casey! You have the best hair… I’m always so impressed and inspired to try new things with mine once I’ve seen yours!
xoxo Achaia
don’t cut your hair short! you look too stunning with a veronika lake do. also, you can leave the short haired looks to those of us that don’t have such lovely thick hair ; )
It looks lovely. I wish I would have waited a couple of weeks before cutting my hair. I had became so frustrated with my inability to do the updos I had been struggling with that I had it all cut off. Removed about 14 inches and I’m basically left with a modified pixie … how could I have forgotten the horror of my preteen years when my mother gave me a pixie ! If I had been thinking, I would have simply asked you and other readers what is the best length for the older hairstyles. Oh well, time to let it grow again.
Next Comments →