Chop & Change | My New (Year) Hair

This week I've basically become a stereotype of January- I've made lots of resolutions, tried to change up my style a bit, planned out a health kick and last but not least got a 'new year, new me' haircut. To be honest a big hair chop and change has been in the pipeline for a while, but now seemed the perfect time to put my plans into practice and freshen up the barnett ready for 2014. If you follow me on Instagram then you've already seen a couple of results shots but this afternoon I took my lovely boyfriend out into the garden to capture some better photos for you. I've been heading back to my more natural roots (quite literally) since getting my previously platinum locks subtlety ombréd last summer. As much as I loved this look it was almost too subtle and faded in a couple of weeks back to bright blonde making my dreaded dark regrowth noticeable again. So this time I asked my salon 'Take 2' for a slightly bolder ombré colour contrast with a shade a touch darker than my natural brown roots placed through the top/mid lengths and a gorgeous ashy blonde blended through the bottom to freshen up my ends (these shades actually look even more nicely blended in real life). I also decided to go for the chop and cut off the ratty lengths that had come about from too many years of growing and not enough cutting, so asked for a middle parted collar bone skimming blunt cut with face framing 'bangs'. I've got to say I can't believe I didn't join the mid-length bob brigade earlier as it's made my hair feel instantly thicker, healthier and more manageable and the style just suits me so much more than long hair ever did! The top is a tiny bit darker/warmer than I originally planned but it's nice to have a bit of a bigger change and I do think it's quite similar to the classy Alexa Chung ombré look which makes me a very happy bunny, obviously. Plus, it should take a longer to fade and then match my natural colour exactly when it does- my hair is thanking me for the low maintenance already. All in all I adore my new do and people have even said I look closer to my 22 years of age now opposed to 16, maybe my days of having to show ID for matches is over!

I'm writing this post from the sofa in my Chelmsford flat which my parents brought me back to today after an amazing Christmas holiday at home. As much as I'm sad that Christmas is officially over and me and my boyfriend are long distance again, I am pretty excited to get my teeth back into work and all the challenges that 2014 has to bring. Particularly as I have new hair to tackle them with...

Are you going for the new year chop & change?