Topic

Where are you from? And how would you bring bad news about someones hair?

Following up on the thread Average Age of a Glitcher I am curious about the location of players.

A country or a region can say a lot about a person, e.g. in England people are very indirect to strangers/collegues/non-close friends when they need to say something less nice. In the part of the Netherlands where I live people are very direct, to the point of being rude. The part of the Netherlands where I am from, people are again more indirect.
Example: you have a new haircut, and it's horrible.
And englishman: That was a nice hat you wore last week. (Even if you don't own a hat.)
The Hollander (sort of the part of the Netherlands that's very direct.) Geez, who did your hair? It really looks awfull.
A Dutchman from the southern provinces: Ah you changed your hair. Where did you have it done? It's truelly different from before. Say, haven't we had great weather the last few days?

Now where are you from (you can be as specific as you like: Planet, Continent, Country, Province, City, Cityblock, Street, House, Room, Chair.
What would you say if you see that an acquaintance very obviously has a new hairdo which you think is ugly and unsuiting? Would you say anything at all?

Posted 18 months ago by Miriamele Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • I'll go first:

    Earth, Europe, The Netherlands, The Hague.

    Ah, you changed your hairstyle! That's courageous, I wouldn't dare do something like that. It's quite a change, I wouldn't have recognized you on the street! Luckily it doesn't rain today. Have you seen the weather?... ( I think I would want to change the subject as fast as possible, before I start lying about how it suits them.)
    Posted 18 months ago by Miriamele Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Finland - you probably wouldn't get a comment at all. They might look at you funnily and give you some fake compliment, or compliment your shoes instead.

    Israel - They'll go on and on about how horrible your hairdo is until you shave your head! They will do this loudly and in public and with no shame.

    Personally, if it's a friend I would gently tell them my opinion, trying not to be insulting. "Ooh, that's a big change, but I think I like the old one more. Are you happy with it?" and then some trying to calm them down if they are upset. 
    If it's family, like my brother, I would threaten to attack their hair with scissors in the night to get rid of that atrocious peach-fuzz you call sideburns and generally nag until they get rid of it.
    If it's someone I don't like, I'd maybe even compliment them.
    If it's someone I don't care about, I probably wouldn't mention it.
    Posted 18 months ago by Ann-Mi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I reeeaaaallllly wish people posting these demographics threads would use a survey service to collect responses. 
    </data nerd>

    I never know what to answer for this. Just when I was  getting comfortable with saying [Earth, North America, United States]  "DC" (where I spent the last 4 years), I up and move to Charlottesville, VA!
    Posted 18 months ago by Sheepy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, North America, United States, California, Los Angeles.

    Re: Hair disaster. "I can fix that for you."
    Posted 18 months ago by Violet Faulds Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earthy, North America, United States of America, California, San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo

    First I have to +1 Ann-Mi for making me laugh with "If it's someone I don't like, I'd maybe even compliment them."


    Ok -  if it really is an awful new haircut then you and the person with the botched head both know it and to ignore it makes it even worse. On the other hand what appears to me as a horrible hair cut just might be their fantasy dream cut. Still un-ignorable, so if they are a close friend I would might ask them if they were able to get their money back. But it really really varies from friend to friend. Some would laugh, while others would cry and/or punch my face. To this latter category I would most likely acknowledge that they got a hair cut with something like "Ohhhhhh yes just in time for Summer weather!" and then distract them by asking if they have ever heard of Glitch and possibly even suggest the Glitch Vanity page as a great way to try out some new looks before their next trip to the salon.
    Posted 18 months ago by The Cat Face Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Bubbaville, Florida, USA -  Geesh.. didn't yo mamma cut your brother's hair just like that last week?
    Posted 18 months ago by MzMunchken Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Fairly rural Tennessee.

    Hey there Junior. Did the wife take the weed whacker to your head again?
    Posted 18 months ago by Poney Tails Subscriber! | Permalink
  • i don't like these "demographics" topics much at all but the hairstyle question is a seriously excellent question so here we go..

    North Eastlake, Seattle, Washington, United States of America

    i wouldn't mention the hairstyle at all.

    if asked by the bearer of the hairstyle what i thought of said hairstyle i would think very deeply about why they would have chosen such a hairstyle and mention that reason.
    Posted 18 months ago by striatic Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth-New Zealand-North Island-Waikanae

    Hairdo:*walks up* Hey! I really like your hair! Where did ya get it done? *person says where* Oh *walks back to group of friends*
    Posted 18 months ago by VickyAlice139 Subscriber! | Permalink
  • North carolina USA

    Oh your had your hair cut, It looks ok, might take some getting use to it, liked it better before.
    Posted 18 months ago by miskey Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth-Canada-Alberta-Edmonton

    If they asked what I thought of their new hairstyle, I would simply ask them if they liked it.  If they like it, that's all that matters.  If they continued asking, I would tell them that it's so different that I'm not used to it yet.
    Posted 18 months ago by Mer Maid Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm from England (South West, Devon).

    I tend to assume that people know themselves when they look awful, as most people I know own mirrors, so I don't feel the need to rub it in.
    I know there are some days where I feel like crap and on those occasions, the last thing I want, when I don't even want to look at myself in the mirror, is other people commenting on my looks lol

    Personally I just avoid the topic of hair altogether and quietly hope they didn't choose the look intending it to turn out that way.  

    To be honest, I don't see the point of criticizing others unless it's something that directly affects me. Others hair doesn't really affect me. 
    Posted 18 months ago by Ebil Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, North America, US, Midwest, Midland but in a rural area, my house, den, my computer chair.


    Oh, a new hair cut? That sure is different! Interesting!
    Posted 18 months ago by Zany Serendipity Subscriber! | Permalink
  • US, Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
    [Don't say anything negative (just an acquaintance, be polite!), but talk about it with everyone you mutually know.]

    UK, Scotland, Glasgow.
    Oi Gemma, what'd y'do to yir pooer heid?! Where'd ye get it dun? Oh, aye, nivver go to that lassie, she's right mental.
    Posted 18 months ago by Lianne Subscriber! | Permalink
  • West of Denver, Colorado.... 
    To someone I don't know well: "Your hair is different", wait for their response. If they like it be supportive, if they hate it be sympathetic.
    To someone I know well, and has a sense of humor: "Something new? Are we calling this the <insert-colorful-descriptor > look?"
    To my husband the last time he thought a $10 cut would be better than visiting my salon: "Did the salon lose power or is a blender the latest salon tool?"

    Generally I refrain from negative commentary on personal appearances. People have enough self-esteem issues in this world, most of them stemming from comments, imagery, and societal pressures. I'm more likely to be supportive and point out the awesomeness of a different do in an effort to make the person more comfortable in their own skin, especially if they are on the fence about it.
    Posted 18 months ago by Travinara Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, North America, United States, Illinois, Chicago, Uptown
    (no mention of hair)
    Let's go have some beers!
    Posted 18 months ago by serfer0 Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, America, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, San Juan, (at work.... shhh!)

    Hey! (if I notice) New hair! When did you change it?

    I would talk about other things regarding the hair change (who did it, where, how much it was, how weird it feels to radically change your hair...) and keep on talking until we're on a completely different topic.
    Posted 18 months ago by Joy La Maru Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth...glad most of us on here say this but wonder why. North America, United States, O-Hi-O...

    Have you been waiting to play Glitch again? Looks like you've been pulling your hair out!
    Posted 18 months ago by ~Senorita Snerkles~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Umm.....I wouldn't say anything?? Why would you???
    Posted 18 months ago by Cupcake Subscriber! | Permalink
  • United States -- Michigan -- Grand Rapids (depending on which side of the state you are from determines your attitude) Grand Rapids (West Michigan) is usually dubbed the more cultural area of Michigan, seeing that its a conservative state we are much more liberal & into the art movement and such. Grand Rapids is also a very community oriented city, and I think all of Michigan is pretty humble & modest. 

    If I saw someone with a bad haircut, or a good haircut, I would compliment them on the style & call it unique or a breath of fresh air. In return I would expect them to (again whether it was good or bad) shy off the compliment and say in return either "Thanks! I dont really like it, but it will grow back" (Regardless whether they liked it or not) OR "Well, thanks! Its not nearly as pretty as yours though!" 
    Posted 18 months ago by Taylor Swift Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Napa California USA- I would say, "honey, you look like you've been rode hard and put away wet."
    Posted 18 months ago by napabeth Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina. Earth, I guess.

    "Pero te quedaba realmente bien como lo tenías."
    "But it really suited you the way you had it before."
    Posted 18 months ago by Ximenez Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Whether they are good, or bad, my grandfather always comments on haircuts the same way. 

    -You've got the 'isit' hairdo I see.
    -The isit hairdo? What's that, grandpa?
    -Is it a mop? Is it a do? Is it a brush to clean the loo?

    Loosely translated from Polish. My mother on the other hand always says:

    -Oh, no. You've uglied yourself up again.

    I guess that means we're pretty direct as far as vanity comments go...
    Posted 18 months ago by Cefeida Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Ireland - what's the craic with your hair? Wise up
    Posted 18 months ago by hoppy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • From Planet Claire
    But currently living in my own private Idaho.

    My haircut comments have less to do with where I live than who I am, my cynical, sarcastic and jaded POV and how well I know you.

    If I know you well and I've read the story about your *adventure* on Facebook I'm likely to say, "Sorry to hear about your tragic run in with the weedeater" *snicker

    If I don't know you well I'm likely to do my best to avoid commenting unless you do first.

    If you're my bff I'd probably say, "That's a bit of a change for you. Is that the look you wanted?"

    And if you cut me off in traffic, take the last cannoli or generally tick me off, I'm likely to say, "I didn't realize Donald Trump opened a salon!"

    PS @Sheepy -- I'm the same way. I'm very unlikely to add to the opportunity for someone to steal my identity. I worked hard to get this quirky geeky. I want to foul it up on my own. :D
    Posted 18 months ago by g33kgurrl Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, Northern Hemisphere, North America, United States of America, California, Southern California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, Koreatown. That's a mouthful! Originally from North Carolina (Carolina girl at heart!)

    Now with the hair, being a proper Southern Girl, I'd start the conversation with "Oh, well bless your heart..." and then tsk and hufflepuff and start getting that mess back into order.
    Posted 18 months ago by Kippsi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Jupiter, Io

    What is this hair? We don't have anything like that here.
    Posted 18 months ago by Tofu Casserole Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Ohio, USA

    I don't think I'd feel the need to comment on a bad haircut. I figure the person either knows that it's bad, in which case there's no need to rub it in, or thinks it's great, in which case, who am I to burst their bubble?
    Posted 18 months ago by Chronicler Subscriber! | Permalink
  • California,

    OMG I know a hairdresser that can fix that mess.

    or

    Did you get a role playing Donald Trump?
    Posted 18 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth (most of the time), North America, Pennsylvannia, Pittsburgh

    I usually comment about what they did.  If it's cute, I'll say it's cute.  If it's hideous, I'll say "Oh, you (whatevered) your hair.  Good for you."  People usually just want to be noticed, so acknowledging it would make them feel good.  Plus hair is hair:  it grows back.
    Posted 18 months ago by Homura Subscriber! | Permalink
  • São Paulo, Brazil

    WHAT did you do to your hair?!?
    Posted 18 months ago by Caralampia Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @g33kgurrl and @xoxJulie: 

    ha! 

    loving the Trump responses!
    Posted 18 months ago by The Cat Face Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Canada, Calgary

    We would not mention it till they brought it up, we can be a bit too polite sometimes. If it is a friend I figure "They are big boys now and either they or their girlfriends can figure out their haor problems."
    Posted 18 months ago by Ani Laurel Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Austria- Vienna

    If i dont like it, just ignore until they bring it up and then tell them that i liked the hair better before! 
    Posted 18 months ago by Shoobido Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Chicago via Kansas City, but originally from Northern California.

    "Wow, that's quite a change for you!" and then go from their response... commiserate if they're bummed, encourage if they're happy. I certainly have no sense of style or fashion myself, so I am in absolutely no position to judge others.
    Posted 18 months ago by Lilith Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Wow you are all terribly polite.

    I'm from London and the usual convention is to say:

    "What the #!%& have you done to your #&!?ing hair you utter #&@*wit! For $&?@'s sake get it sorted out before a small child dies of fright!!"

    I should stress that I would probably be more blunt with a male friend.
    Posted 18 months ago by SQUIRT Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Boulder, CO, USA

    were it one of my close guy friends... "nice hair... did you lose a bet or something?"

    females require a touch more tact, so something along the lines of what's been mentioned: a simple "hey, you changed your hair!" and either leave it at that, or, if pressed, "honestly, i think i liked it better before, but hey, you never know if something new is going to work until you try it, so i applaud your adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment. anyways, the important question is, do YOU like it?"
    Posted 18 months ago by BeatFreq Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I live in Alabama, and I recently died my hair bright red for a photoshoot....most people hate it, so I usually get things like:

    "Wow, that's, um, red!"  (No, really? I thought it was brown.... ;P) 

    I've also been told that I look like Ariel, and one little girl asked me if I was a rockstar, 'cuz I look like one ;) 
    Posted 18 months ago by NutMeg Botwin Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm not sure that I've ever had any friends whose haircuts were bad...where on earth are all of your friends getting their hair done? :DDD

    OK one friend once went to the barber who took far too much off...but he pointed it out himself. I didn't have to say anything! My answer was of course...'it'll grow back'.
    Posted 18 months ago by Violet Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Florida, USA...

    One of the guys I work with just got a bad retro 80's haircut...my comment to him after a beer or two was...
    "So, what bet did you lose to have to cut your hair like that?!"...I've noticed he's been growing it out since...lol...
    Posted 18 months ago by b3achy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @SQUIRT -- I have lived in London for 3 years now, and yeah. That's what I would do as well! :P
    Posted 18 months ago by Jessabelle Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Oi Oi Jessabelle, good to find another Londoner in here!!!!
    Posted 18 months ago by SQUIRT Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Oklahoma..  I either wouldn't say anything until they did, or I'd say, "I see you got your hair cut." and let them guide the convo from there. That's if it's a good friend. If it's just an acquaintance, I'd probably say nothing.
    Posted 18 months ago by Little Miss Giggles Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth, North America, the picturesque ruins of Detroit.

    Brutal comments among friends are common on the hair subject. If we are friendly enough, we know how we truly feel about the current style. If you don't know one another well enough, words are never spoken but eyes may be rolled or funny looks may be exchanged.
    Posted 18 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Earth - Europe - Romania. (yes, the country with Transylvania in it)

    We fall roughly into the "direct" category of people, so my personal choice of comment would go from the subtle "You had your hair cut. Why?" to the "Well I guess you'll just wait 'till it grows back, then".
    Posted 18 months ago by Epilepticon Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Los Angeles, response would depend on person and if they're a WATB. So it would be, either:
    "Your hair." *shakes head* or "blinks*
    or
    "Wow. That's a very different style on you!"

    As a side note to Epilecticon, my husband is actually from the region of Transylvania. Oradea to be exact. He would not notice a new hairstyle. =)
    Posted 18 months ago by Jarhaven Subscriber! | Permalink
  • south america - BRAZIL

    rio de janeiro: que merda é essa na tua cabeça? What is this shit over yout head?
    people are so dirty direct there

    in são paulo no one would notice you had your hair done. people would expect you discover by yourself that your hair is awfull. but no comment at all. they quite don´t notice any people around.

    I live inward SP in Ribeirão Preto: não ficou pior nem melhor, só tá diferente. It is not better or worse... just different. =)
    Posted 18 months ago by acreditando Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Well I'm actually from the Philippines (and I don't have any knowledge of Tagalog, sorry) but I live in the US, in the inland empire of southern California as it's called. And within California's crazy church belt as I call it. Where there are three churches for every block, and two of them preach of the end days. I would say it's a medium-sized town with its own mall. Also, it's impossible to walk here. There are sidewalks but any attempt to cross the street is suicidal, and thus it's almost impossible to find anyone having a stroll.

    OK perhaps that's too much information. The point is I can't actually vouch for what people from my "area" would say, only that there'd definitely be talk behind certain backs. But I can say about what I myself would probably say, and that really relies on our relationship, and the hair. Generally though, I'll be direct, but not actively malicious, and have fun with it, but without mocking the other person's integrity. Sometimes though, if it's really hilarious, I won't be able to help but giggle.

    Some months ago my boyfriend got a haircut, and complained the hairdresser cut it too short. I... couldn't help but laugh and tell him it made him look like a butch lesbian. We were both laughing when I said it.
    Posted 18 months ago by Liridona Subscriber! | Permalink
  • The England born part of me wouldn't say anything unless asked because your hair is your business. If asked I would say something as diplomatic as possible without lying. 
    The part of me that has lived in Italy for the last 30 years would still act as the Brit I am, but would watch all the Italians snicker behind that person's back. 
    Posted 18 months ago by Zira Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Miriamele! I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I lived in the Bay Area nearly all my life and just moved here a few months ago from San Francisco. I love the directness of the Dutch!

    If I saw an acquaintance with terrible hair, I probably wouldn't say anything. Unless it was really outrageously bad, then I might say something euphemistic like, "That's really.. amazing hair!" Which would be kind of true as in it's amazingly bad. :D I'm not too judgmental about people's appearances... at least not to their face ;)

    If it was a friend of mine, then I might suggest they go back to their stylist or say "I liked your old hairstyle better!"
    Posted 18 months ago by KP Doody Subscriber! | Permalink