I'm looking for ideas on what you ladies and gents do when you get to that point with your hair when you want a change.  I think this must be a seasonal thing with me since this is the time of year that I have in the past cut bangs and/or dyed my hair.  I don't want bangs this time, and although I'm really considering henna I'm worried about doing anything with my hair that will require the upkeep of roots, or having to grow them out again...

I am going to try to avoid buns for a while and work on braiding my hair most days.  Those take a bit longer and create a different look, and maybe that will be enough to get me out of this hair funk.  But any suggestions would be appreciated.  

Egad. Hide the scissors. And the dye.

I've definitely been there before. Every so often, I start thinking, "What if I did this?" But I know such thoughts are dangerous because they go against my knowledge, experience and whole hair philosophy, really.

A style switch might do the trick. But hide the scissors & styling aids just in case. And pay all of your bills so you can't afford to do anything to your hair.  :P  ;D

Yep, the winter soltice tends to be that "depression" time around here.  This brings on thoughts of radical changes.  There are some days I just feel like this:
http://www.bestsmileys.net/hats/bag.gif

But, instead of the dye or scissors, how about trying to learn a new braided style?  Get some new hairsticks or pretty hair clips?  I've been known to go shopping to look for unusual things to put in my hair, and purposely NOT shop in the places where you would normally go.  Toy stores, dollar stores, even the hardware department can have interesting things!  One of my favorites, it to look for swizzle sticks to put in my hair!

Maybe treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment.  

Hang in there - this "time" will pass!

I love the conditioning effects of henna, however I have since changed my mind and now I want to be blonde again.   ::)   So definitely think carefully before you do anything drastic.  You could try cassia ('neutral henna') for the condition and shine, or senna ('blonde henna') for more gold, condition and shine.  If you want to do this though, I recommend collecting your shed hair and dyeing the hairballs to see what color you may like, or if you do.

For a subtle color change, try Fia's Henna Gloss recipe on the Henna for Hair site.  Wish I had found that recipe first instead of now! ;)

While change is good, perhaps taking up a new hobby will distract you.  Winter solstice creates the environment for introspection-one place most of us won't willingly go.  Seeking distractions is our way of not looking within.  I'm sure your hair looks beautiful all the time because of how you care for it.
Perhaps you will create a completely new style.  Then you have to share it with us, of course.

Good Luck on your journey, Valerie!

LOL!

"Dyeing The Hairballs" is the name of my new band.  8)  :P  ;D

Thanks everyone!  I will definetly avoid scissors, and will keep waiting on any descision on henna for the time being.  

I managed a crown braid today that was decent enough to go out in which was fun and exciting.  If this feeling doesn't go away with styling I think I'll stop in at the wig store by my parents and see about some bangs, or maybe even an entire wig for a change without commitment.   ;)

I definetly feel like I'm revamping my entire life right now.  You'd think I'd be happy to have hair that just stayed out of the way, but no, now I want to change that too.  

I was thinking of hennaing my hair, but I have about 2 inches of highlights at my ends and I've heard horror stories from using it on chemically treated hair. What about trying unusual hairstyles? I came across a website: http://starfilly7.cjb.net/. Some of them were very umm unique. I dont think I would wear half of them in public, LOL. But it would be fun to try them.

Sexywitch-thanks for sharing that site!!

Valerie, I think you should try Starfilly's "mohawk".  Then post a pic (hint hint)

Sexywitch--I love her site with all the great sci-fi/fantasy movie do's. I haven't visited it since we got the new computer.  Thank you so much for reminding me!  

Sakina--That mohawk style would definetly take alot of time which should alleviate boredom.  I'd have to leave it in for days since it would take me hours to do.   ;)

When I get bored of my hair, I take lots of pictures. Not only does it give me something to do, but it shows hair's multiple personalities.

And winter is the WORST time for my wallet because I stay indoors and shop online all the time!

Valerie, your hair is fabulous and I hope you find a change (or a non-change) that works for you.

Hugs and happy holidays
Anais

Long hair is versatile- take advantage of that. New styles, new accessories...there's so much you can do to your hair without doing anything permanent. If you know that this is a seasonal thing, maybe you could promise NOT to do anything "dramatic" until the season passes. If you have a truly great idea now, it can wait a little and no harm happens. :)

I love Starfilly's site. I don't probably have half of her hair, but I still love her Star Wars styles. When my hair has grown, I'll give some of them a try.

Every so often I get a terrible urge to color my hair.  It's very hard to resist, but I know I'd never keep up with the roots.  I try not to look at my hair any more than I have to, try out new styles, and buy hairtoys.  

Sometimes I'll scour the internet for different hair recipes.  That can keep me occupied for days.  

When it gets really bad I sit on my hands and ask myself "Do you WANT to touch up your roots for the REST OF YOUR LIFE?  Do you WANT to spend the next 5 years growing out a whim?  DO YOU??"

It eventually passes.  The last one was a few weeks ago and it was a bad one, but it's gone now and I don't have to deal with my roots.  8)