I received a surprising number of questions regarding my hair. I’ve addressed it on Facebook, but a lot of people don’t use it. I color my hair because I’m going grey. A lot of people look lovely with grey hair. I’m not one of them. I’ve tried to grow it out and it is terrible on me. My mother was blond, so you would think it would work, but I guess I lean more into my dad’s side of the family.
Anyway, I usually go to a salon and this time I asked for a slightly different color. Everything seemed fine for a few of weeks. I was distracted by work and other things and the hair was the last thing on my mind.
Then we needed a new author picture because ours was too old. And we needed it it kind of quickly because of the UK press release, so I decided that I should probably recolor the hair. As I was examining my lackluster hair in the mirror, I realized that I have a lock of hair that is two inches longer than the rest of what I could see. That was not normal.
I made an appointment at a different salon. They were able to fit me in quickly, so I was really happy about it. I came in, sat down int he chair, the stylist looked at my head and said, “There is extensive damage.”
My hair broke off. We are not sure what went wrong. She thought a wrong developer might have been used by mistake. Anyway, four inches of hair had to go.
Here I am with preliminary cut, looking kind of alarmed. As you can see, I am in my hedge witch era here.
I texted Gordon and told him my hair will be short. He asked if I was getting a “Can I talk to the manager?” haircut. I asked my stylist and she said, “Of course, not.”
I think the hair really turned out. I love the color. I miss the length, but it is healthy, light, and I can still ponytail it.
Here it is in the author pics:
The last time I had my hair this short, I was 12. I was worried about what would happen if it naturally dried, but it’s not too bad. I will just have to style it a bit more for the formal meetings.
And that is the hair saga.
PS. If you are looking for a good salon in San Marcos, Salon MINK is awesome. Ask for Jessica.
LOVE the new author pic! Well done!
It looks great! Even au naturale!
+1
+1
Super cute
It looks great! And it will be a lot easier to care for at that length
I love your new look and you both look fabulous!!
#1
That is wonderful, and y’all look great!
Your hair looks great. Your color looks very natural. Love the new picture. Both Gordon and you look seriously good. Both hair and picture are nice updates.
I concur that it is a good color and style on you! Not having bangs also help busy women because bangs require a lot if mainetenance. Your new dynamic duo author portrait is lovely.
Couldn’t agree more. You guys look awesome.
+1
I think it looks great . Your path to this length was fraught and uncertain and that may color (no pun intended) your perspective.
So, who did Gordon’s hair?
Gordon does his own hair. 🙂 This is the “grown out” version. He buzzed it all down this morning.
I thought he had more hair than I remembered.
My coffee hasn’t quite kicked in — I read that as “grown up” version.
You look fabulous! Love the author photo of you two!
The shorter cut looks good on you, and a nice colour … I’m one of the lucky people that went grey with a nice silver … looks like my hair was frosted …. Or as I say, God’s own “Frost & Tip” ….
love the new picture! I love you hair!! y’all both look great!
I love your hair in the author picture! It looks sleek and well cared for. Go you! (I commiserate the road to get there was bumpy 🙈)
I love it! So cute!! The shorter hair works really well on you.
My hair is a couple of inches shorter than yours– above the shoulder– and I love the cut. So easy and cute! If I say so myself 😉
I have about that as well. I was about to start chemo and had my hair cut to a short bob (no bangs). Well, the chemo got cancelled and I got to keep my hair. But I don’t regret the cut, it’s so easy now! Before it used to take hours for my hair to dry.
I used to have waist length hair and then chemo made it fall out by the handfull. My husband joined me in getting our heads shaved. Treatment is over and I’ve grown it out to a short bob. Really grateful to have hair that covers my ears again now that winter has come. All my best wishes for your battle and know that the war can be won, Pam
That is a really good photo! You and Gordon look great! Summer haircuts get a bit of getting used to but with the damaged hair taken care of it will be easier to maintain in general. Thanks for all the wonderful writing you both do!
Love the hair and new picture.
omg you hair is gorgeous 🙂 The new author pic looks fire
Your hair is gorgeous!! Love the new author picture – blue looks good on both of you!!
(I should be so lucky to look like a hedge witch – I mostly look like the hedge….)
Hahaha I am so with u!
Oh wow, this post came LITERALLY right after I got my haircut, too!! Don’t worry, Ilona, let’s go on this short hair journey and rock the look together!! 😤😤
Aww!! I adore the picture! Your hair came out great.
You both look fantastic. And is that Curran on the shelf behind you? I love this author photo.
Love the new hair and pic. You both look great!! Don’t you just ❤️❤️those hair emergencies right before photo sessions (ugh). Yours turned out lovely!
I love the new look. I have extensive graying in my hair, but am also lazy, so I allow some of the grey to grow out and then go and have a colour that is a similar to my natural one and the grey put in. I have a grey streak in the front of my head since I was 23, so I make sure that stays the same colour as it distracts somewhat from the other grey until I can get myself to the hairdresser. The grey in the rest of my head gives me “free” highlights when I do put in colour. Trying to work with what nature is giving me. You both look fantastic, that length suits you and once it can be put in a ponytail that is all you need.
The author picture looks great!
The new salon did a great job fixing your hair(thank goodness).
Being told your hair is damaged (reference previous salon) is not what any woman wants to hear.
The new ‘do looks great, Ilona! Lovely photo of the two of you.
I’m with you on the grey. I see so many women with gorgeous shades of natural grey or white that look so good on them. But mine on me, not so much. At least we have hair, right? Anyway, nice colour!
Going gray early in my family is a thing. One brother started going gray in his 20s. I was in my 30s. I started coloring it because it was coming in unevenly. If it had been a strip like Rogue from X-Men, I would have left it, but it either sprinkled or clumps, so coloring. Plus guys can get away with gray early, but i didn’t want to give a prospective employer the idea I was older than I was.
I’m semi-retired now, so I might let the color fade to see if I have a full head of silver hair.
I was recently told that the new trend is younger (late 20s and up) women dying their hair gray/silver. I don’t really get it, but I deeply admire the confidence it takes to do that!
It’s so hard to fix color. Yours is gorgeous and really well textured, and the style is flattering – love the new pic!
i’m kind of imagining Jessica getting lots of calls, and when she asks who recommended her, they would say, oh we’re House Andrews’ BDH.
It’s a great photo and you are a gracious conqueror of hair disasters. Best wishes!
I let my hair go gray during Covid to see how much I really had. It looked good and I get questions on the shade of gray now.
Like everyone else posting, the hair looks great on you Ilona.
No grey hair on my head. My curly hair is brown with silver streaks running through it. My hair started streaking silver in my late 40s. Everyone I came in contact with thought I had my hair streaked in a salon. I got complemented on it, especially when I wore my silver hoop earrings that would show through the hair.
Great new author photo!
I hate hair drama. I’m glad you were able to get someone good to fix you up. It will grow back. I chop my hair off to pixie short every few years and grow it out to mid back fairly regularly so I’m pretty chill about it but I know some people get super emotional about length. As long as it’s healthy and you’re happy, it’s good!
I actually had my hair done today. Unlike you, I keep it short — or I try to. The problem with me is that if it’s long enough to go in a ponytail, it IS going in a ponytail, period.
The other problem with me is severe ADHD. So historically, I’ve gotten a haircut, after 6-8 weeks it’s long enough for a ponytail… and a year later I’ll organize another haircut*. I am also crazy picky about my color, I like a specific Goldwell combo. In the past twenty years, I’ve found two stylists who can get both the cut and color right, and neither of them live in my city. The first was the one who established the standard, the second was one I visited on vacation in Amsterdam, when I gave myself a toe-to-head spa and hairdressing day (I also found out how long I can be pampered without getting bored, and the answer is, unfortunately, about 90 minutes less than the ~6 hours I booked).
But I’m training a new stylist and I have high hopes for him. We got the color right today AND he went short enough. Next is getting way more layers. It’s hilarious to me that I go to stylists twenty years younger than me and so much more conservative.
Even better, with the ADHD meds, I put my hair in a ponytail for the first time since the last cut and made an appointment the very same day (finding a salon that uses Goldwell colors AND books online made a big difference).
Your hair looks great. And the best thing about it? It’ll grow back again. Although speaking from my own bias, the shorter the hair, the less time you need to spend on it.
____
*I was badly in need of a haircut when the COVID lockdown hit. By the time it was over, I was able to do the “braid it and just cut it off” thing, and my braid was over 35cm (14”).
You look like you are about to get up to some Marten-Desandra mischief.
Definitely different, but as flattering as your usual.
Right? ALLLL the mischief. Love that.
Over Christmas, I went in to get my hair cut. The last time I had it cut, it didn’t look the best. Well, the stylist told me, it is very uneven and you have a lot of damage. My hair went from below my shoulders to around my ears. It was a shock, and I actually found myself mourning it, but it felt and looked so much better. Long story short, I understand the hair trauma. I will say your new cut looks fabulous.
I think you both look wonderful. It’s a very nice photo!
Love the pic and the style/color look fabulous on you! Gordon is giving very “serious professor” vibes to me, but it looks wonderful! Your office backdrop goes really well with your blue color scheme too. Glad the hair drama turned out for the best! 🤗
Jessica is going to get sooo busy, you better set a reoccurring appointment time with her to keep on her books! 😄
Good stylists are worth their weight in gold! It’s a very cute cut, and the author photo is amazing. 🙂
Great new author pic of you both. Re: your hair story, Claire Shannon (Silver Shark) said it best–walk into the salon, wave hand to hair, “Fix this” and come out fabulous!
Yep. This Blog post immediately made me think of Claire’s makeover at Allure.Funny how life imitates fiction!
Congratulations. The author photo looks fantastic. Although, I do feel nostalgic about the original photo I associate with discovering HA and the BDH. Maybe there&’s a place for it in the “road to publication” entry?
You look great in this color and style! This hairstylist is a keeper!
Great new photo and great cut! ♥️
I 100% acknowledge that my, a rando on the internet, opinion matters not. All the same, I think that hair cut looks stylish and compliments you quite nicely.
As someone who has chopped their hair inches in the past I will ask the real question – have you stopped hitting yourself with the brush when you unexpectedly run out of hair yet? (muscle memory’s a bugger! 😁)
When I chop mine off, it’s the amount of shampoo or conditioner that gets me. I do way too much. And then when I think I’ve got a handle on it and I’m not thinking about it anymore, I’ll randomly do it again! 🤦♀️
You both look very nice. I see Gordon is trying to pass as an adult.
The new author photo is great 🙂
I saw the picture in IG first! both of you look great!!!
love the “hedge witch” era, don’t we all show up from month to month?
Ilona, you look lovely and Gordon handsome. This is a beautiful picture of you two 😊
I’m very luck. My stylist is a good friend of mine. She’s been doing my hair for 25 years. I get my hair cut and colored every 4 weeks and any time I see her between appointments she’s always checking out my hair and telling me things I need to do to keep it in good shape. Once she even drug me to her car when we were having lunch and she pulled out her scissors and touched up my bangs because she didn’t like how they were growing in. Your new cut is lovely. So glad you found a good salon.
I am a guy who was a little obsessed with hair in college. Your hair looks great. My hair lost its curl and is now a little thin and flat. 65 will do that to you.
It looks great! About every 7 years I do something radical. I’ve cycled back to the hairstyle I had 40 years ago, but it still works. Covid was long hair, but mine takes so much work that I got tired of that.
The new author pic looks great! The new salon did a fabulous job, your hair looks healthier in the new picture. I too have hair issues, what a drain on my confidence. It’s a lot of work to keep it healthier than if I just left it alone. I had alopecia areata in my late twenties. 😩 It all grew back by my thirties, then menopause hit. No one else in my family has any issues, the wieners! Lol, my sister/cousins (fathers are brothers and our mothers are sisters) still have black full thick hair she’s sixty-four and no greys!! I have better boobs and legs, so there is a God.
I love the cut and color. Y’all look so cute in your new photo!
The picture of you and Gordon is wonderful! Your shorter hair frames your face (and, while new and different to you) is really an attractive look.
Thank you both for sharing your craft with the world!
I started dying my hair because of the pandemic. I do a lot of virtual meetings and with my grey verging on white hair I looked bald.
However, if I’m going to dye my hair, I want everyone to know I do, so mine is currently a mixture of peacock blue and purple.
You look lovely. The new author picture is great. You both look awesome, like very serious librarians.
I think your new haircut looks lovely! Great author pic! I’m glad the stressful experience turned out well.
I think the new color/cut rocks!!!
I like the color; it looks quite nice. My hair is sort of salt and pepper gray that comes and goes, but I’m not sure if I have the patience to dye it. Maybe a purple streak or two.
Looks excellent!!
A friend once tried to color her own hair (going grey) with a semi perm color. She did not like the color and used a stripper to strip the semi perm color. Well, the upshot was 2 visits to 2 different colorists later her hair was… pale lavender. No joke. Could not be over dyed, so stuck she was. With pale lavender hair, long before it was a thing. She embraced it and dressed to match nails, clothing and shoes too! Moral of the story is don’t mess with your hair if you are coloring let a professional do it! And even then, as your experience shows, you can get some interesting reactions to colors… the good news? Hair grows back! I like both the color and the style. And as for Gordon, he (I’m laughing) reminds of a cross between Mr. Rodgers and a posh toff LOL. Or in other words, my my Gordon, you do clean up nicely – meant in a good way, LOL 🙂
I saw your author photo both on Insta and the blog post via email. So I went to the blog to say how lovely it is when I realized there was no photo on the actual blog post. Well, at least not mine. Then I saw this post, so here I am to say that I LOVE your new photos. “My” authors look great. And now that I know about your hair dilemma, I reassess and think you all look FABULOUS!
Love the new photo, and the hair looks lovely!!!
The two of you look great in your author photo. Plus I did a double take as you look exactly like an older sister version of my niece. It’s uncanny! Love the blue top too. Cheers!
Love this new look. It looks shiny, health and wavy. A good look for you. You might consider keeping this length since it (in my opinion) lifts your whole face instead of flattening it. See how it grows out.
the new hairstyle looks great!
New author picture lovely! Glad the stylist was able to fix it your hair looks amazing.
Your hair looks great! And the new author pic looks fabulous too!
Actually, the current length looks really good on you.
Love your NewHair style/color. You need to keep going to this salon MINK because they KNOW what they are doing.
Great author pic for the author team Ilona Andrews.
Your hair looks incredibly awesome and the new picture is fabulous. Perfectly sable!
That Author pic looks fabulous!
You look fabulous!
I LOVE your new haircut! I’m glad it turned out so well, and that you can still let it dry naturally or wear a pony tail. Though you did not plan for this, I think the new do looks very nice and very stylish! 😁
Years ago, my dopey sister destroyed her hair when she decided she wanted to be a light blond. She dyed her naturally brown hair herself, every TWO weeks, using cheap hair dye bought at a grocery store.
The many resulting shades of blond and her dry-as-straw hair after a month of this nonsense did not convince her to go to a salon…but all of her hair breaking and falling out did. She had to go extremely short and grow out the mess. Did she learn a lesson? No. No she did not. She still dyes her hair herself. 🙄
I think your current short hair looks rather nice to be honest.
Nice new photo! And your hair looks great!
Frankly, my feeling is pretty much no one looks good with gray hair. My dad, who grayed in his 30s, had really pretty white hair eventually, but I spent years dying his gray for him. I didn’t gray quite as fast, but I spent years highlighting mine before finally going blonde. Which I am still, in my 70s! I have however toned it down from the darker blond I used to use. Easier to hide the white, hehe.
You and your hair look FANTASTIC!
Small Advice: Stay with the hair stylist that makes you look good. After having spent many years bouncing around to different stylist, I found one that is consistent and I’ve stayed with him for over 20 years.
your hair looks fantastic. the color and the cut are both super flattering.
you just reminded me I need to find a new hairdresser. I have been going to the same person for over 10 years and she recently moved to Miami. heartbroken doesn’t even begin to describe it.
I feel your pain. My neighbor owned her own salon, then cut back to just her, but is terrific. I get my hair cut about once a year and donate the braid, unless I don’t get around to it and go longer. When covid hit it had been 2 years and I realized it was past time-but covid hit…Then my wonderful neighbor moved to Florida! Noooo! Why is Florida stealing our hairdressers!?
It’s now been 7 years since my hair was cut. And finding someone new is complicated by my severe garlic allergy. If someone has eaten a lot of garlic in previous 3 days, they’re sweating it out- and if they touch me I will get hives. (U can literally see the fingerprints on my skin. My husband has given up garlic because of this!) On the plus side, I can tell by the stench from across the room. But I can’t really call a new place to make an appt and ask them to avoid garlic for 3 days. And this makes going out to crowded places frequently unpleasant.
My husband seems to b with Gordon and buzzes his as short as possible himself.
I’m glad Ilona’s hair drama ended looking so good! But it still sucks to have it involuntarily shorter than you wanted it to b. It’s like this niggling little thing that constantly bothers u, while everyone else tells u it’s good. But u know it’s not right. It will get better as it grows in, so there’s that. And one day you’ll suddenly realize it’s finally back to how it should b, and the nightmare is finally over. Hang in there! ((Hugs))
Ilona. Truely. Its so much better! Its healthier shiny! The new photo is fabulous. You look so much younger!
You look great! And I like the author pic, can’t wait to see it in hardcopy when the book comes out! Sometimes it’s fun to try something different with your hair, given it grows back. Far lower stakes than tattoos or piercings!
You might not be Aware, but you can Save your Hair a lot of damage using “Cover hair powder make-up” and only Color a few times a year. Mine is called ”make up your hair”.
I like it, It lifts your face… beautiful person that you are. No one could wrote like you if they weren’t an amazing spirit.
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I have naturally curly thick hair which is the exact opposite of silky thin beautifully blonde Finnish hair. This has confused most Finnish hairdressers for years. Luckily, about five years ago I found a Turkish hairdresser who does a great job. We cut it every three months (it grows into a bush) color it to give it life every two years and I travel an hour to get to her, because it is worth it.
I think your hair looks really good. If you are looking for low maintenance, just try various styling products for after shower and let dry naturally. I have very, very frizzy hair and I am too lazy to style it every time I wash it. I just use product and let it dry. Most of the time it goes in a ponytail.
Let’s not forget to mention the handsome distinguished Gordon.
I know you are use to have long hair, but you look great in shorter!
Cut and colour really suit you! And Gordon is looking dapper as well 🤣
You look lovely. A beautiful style for you.
The hair looks wonderful, both cut and color.
I can relate to your story. I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for a really long time, but recently I’ve thought about switching because there’s always something not quite right about it.
I’m right there with you – I involuntarily had to grow my gray roots out during lockdowns and it cemented the fact that, while it’s a nice shade of gray, it absolutely does NOT go with my skin tone or preferences. So I’m 51, probably 90% gray at this point, and will be keeping that hair appointment every 5-6 weeks forever.
I’m also getting probably 5 inches cut off at my next one, because the ends are frizzled. Sigh.
Love the new hair look. Perkier and youthful
You both look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
You look amazing!
Cool! Looks terrific! I’m letting my hair go gray because the stylist I’ve used for decades switched to a hair dye that makes my head itch. We decided that was probably a bad sign.
It’s a beautiful color! I like the cut too, but I understand that it takes a bit to adjust to a new length.
You two look divine… especially after so much stuff happening.
This is the first real look at you two since 2015… and you both look great! 🙂
I think it’s absolutely darling!
I think your hair looks fabulous!! I love the color so much, and the cut is fantastic! That is the length that I get mine cut to as well (I have curly hair). If I have it a bit shorter (like slightly under my jawline) it looks better but I can’t put it into a ponytail with it that short. And I live in ponytails, much to my hairdressers chagrin. 🙂 Fantastic photo!!!
I think it looks great.
I absolutely understand about missing the length, but the new cut looks great on you! (Not to mention cooler for the Texas summer, lol.)
You’re beautiful. This hairstyle suits you really well. You look so much younger.
It looks fantastic, truly! A wonderful picture of you both!
OOOHHH. The author pic! That’s the Ada/Elias look.
Ilona, I love your hair that length. You look fabulous (as does Gordon).
Your hair looks fabulous – the cut and color are beautiful on you! And the wonderful aspect of a new ‘do — you can always change it in a few months if you want
Beautiful hair color and cut. I think that you are look awesome!
Ah, hm, I wonder if your dark eyebrows discombobulate the look with greying hair?
I’ve been reading up on how our contrast levels change with age, lighter skin tends to reduce levels, darker skin gains levels, and mid tones are the question mark depending on original hair color.
And that can be very disorienting, because our old standby colors and shades may no longer look “right.”
Your photo looks great Ilona snd Gordon – both setting and subjects!
Love the new picture! Your hair looks fabulous!
The new hair color and style look great on you! And the author pic is very well done. And you found a new to you skilled stylist. Congrats!
Love the color! and the style is pretty too! It’s a wonderful Author pic <3
Wow you guys look great!!
You both look great! Glad that you were happy with the end result. 🙂
I totally feel you on keeping your hair a longer length, I am the same way! I love that color on you though, you look fantastic!
I really like! the color is gorgeous. it’s a very good look for you! ♥️♥️
It looks terrific! Great cut and color! You and my daughter are in the same place as to “short” hair. Your length doesn’t seem short to me! She also has always had long hair and it’s short to her anytime more than three inches come off!
Hi Ilona, I’m 59 years old i have had every hair cut that has existed since the 1970 when I was 4 years old lol. I personally think the mid length bob looks good on you. I know that no one wants to always fuss over their hair all the time but when you do you rock the look. Yours Kathy xx
Havent had much time to comment lately but had to for this: it looks super cute!
I too dont have nice grays, I just look tired and run down if I dont color it so I understand the struggle.
Your hair looks so nice and healthy and the color is lovely! God bless good hairstylists, amiright?
I think the new ‘do is cute!
It looks a-maz-ing!
Wow! Your hair looks awesome. The picture is great.
It’s tough finding a good stylist. Looks like you found one! Love the new Author pic!
I hope you warned her about the BDH. That stylist is about to be swamped after that endorsement and resulting picture. 😂
I was just thinking that. I’m picturing the Texas branch of the Horde going to San Marcos, finding MINK, asking to book a hairstylist named Jessica, and waiting for her. If asked how the Horde found the salon and Jessica, the response “Oh, Ilona mentioned Jessica in one of her blog posts.” 😀
My hair changed colors after I had kids. I went from a light brown with a little red and blond to a very dark brown. I kept it dyed to the original color for years. Then I retired, my stylist retired, and I decided it was just too much trouble. So now I have dark brown hair with a little gray. Wish I was totally gray–maybe I’ll get there some day.
My hair changed too after my son was born, but it went from straight w/a bit of a wave, to “Oh my gosh, she stuck her finger in the light socket!” curly.
Your hair looks fab!
You gotta love Gordon; he is always so supportive. I love your hair. The color is lovely. I finally grew my hair down below my shoulders, and have torn my rotator cuff – again. The other shoulder is frozen. My nephew’s referred to me as Auntie T-Rex. That means I can’t do anything to style my hair and can barely wash and comb it. I have an appointment next week to have it cut in a style I can just run my fingers through – which requires even more gyrations. It will always grow back.
You both look fab and the color and shorter style are very flattering! One comment… sometimes public water systems can have excessive amounts of chlorine and additives that can affect hair quality and color. I had more problems with my hair (colored for years) when I lived in Biloxi and also when living abroad in Thailand and Bolivia (USAF family )- so much chlorine added to the water! !!!!! . Using the expensive conditioners and shampoos- you know, the ones that are $25 for 10 oz— that are “sulfate free” and have “bonding chemicals” can help with the frizz… as can having water quality checked.
You both look fantastic!!
When I saw the photo on Instagram, I thought it was it was an older one. You know, back a while when we were all a bit younger.😉
Your hair is gorgeous! I believe the shorter length makes you look even younger, if that is possible. Well done!
I love the new pic! You two look fabulous! The shorter style frames your face perfectly.
I had a similar problem. I went in for my 6-week highlight (my hair is soooo fine, I have to get it highlighted or my natural curls fall flat & I look like a drowned rat) and my stylist (who is also a long-time friend) said, “Your hair is fried”. My hairdryer malfunctioned (probably from being dropped one too many times), overheated, and burned my hair. Several inches had to come off, so it’s now right below my ears, and I still have burnt hair. She said it would just have to grow out, and in the meantime, I have to put a deep conditioning mask on once a week, and I had to buy a new, better hairdryer.
It looks really good! She did a great job!
It looks really good. The picture of the 2 of you is perfect.
I get the ponytail thing too. I prefer a hair clip.
At 55 mine is about 80% white – genetics – now it’s ok but I dyed it through the turning stage until it was more white than brown. I can no longer dye it – doesn’t hold – and am envious that others can.
The worse part is husband’s who don’t have any gray… not fair.
Looks fantastic!!! Stick with this length!
It is lovely. Yay Jessica!
It’s hard to lose length! I agree that it looks lovely & give 3 cheers for the good salons everywhere!
Maybe we should start a hedge witch community, it seems to be the time for it. You look lovely! anytime you want to talk herbs speak up, my Rosemary grows like it was blessed by the gods, now if only the Toms and Peppers would! sigh
Your new length looks great and frames your face well. The photo is also great. Whenever I get a photo with my husband, he always has a goofy grin or his head is tilted so you’re looking up his nose. I’m curious what you had to do to Gordon to get that stern look on his face. He’s such a jolly guy.
Love the length and color, it suits you! And the author pic … woohooo… looking sharp!
Actually love the official picture. And your hair looks amazing.
Your new length and style looks great! Since it still goes into a ponytail there’s no real problem with length. Ages ago I modeled for a hair coloring company. As part of the deal they colored and styled my hair. My hair grew like mad so I didn’t care if they cut it. Mostly I loved it but in one rather unplanned event I ended up with pink hair for about a week. Ooops. At the time I was living in Harvard Square, MA and it rather fit in. Especially when I walked my Persian cat on a leash. LOL Enjoy the new do, and make the most of it.
+1
wow! mine sometimes looks really dry like that and I have to heavy condition. and you have waves!! looks lovely “done” and plain. author picture is great too.
Your hair looks great.
Gordon looks dapper and Ilona looks spritely in the new authors pic. Love it!
Heh, when I first saw the pic I said “mischievous” but then someone on Fb said “puckish”, which matches it more exactly!
You’re hair looks great! You also have great eyebrows. Mine started disappearing sometime in my 60’s. I’m jealous.
You hair looks terrific. The salon did a very nice job and the color suits you perfectly.
the new author pic looks lovely 🙂
glad hair drama turned out ok
Looks great!
I have to color my hair too. I have this pretty silver and grey hair but it would totally make me look faded if I grew it out. I seem to have to color it every three weeks at home. Use lots of conditioners for your hair to avoid damage. Mine really got bad a few years ago, so its a preventative measure for my hair, which is to my lower back right now at the young age of 56.
And I have to agree, your hair looks great!
I like your hair at a slightly shorter length. It looks glossy and healthy. When you get a little older (as I am) you find out when you are going gray your hair texture changes and not for the better (usually). I’m glad you found a good stylist. There are lots of stylists out there but a good one (especially for color) are hard to find. The other issue is finding one that can do color well and give a good haircut. So are I have found one that does good color and a decent (not good) haircut. Sigh, but you can’t have everything. I’m enjoying inheiritance as I do all you write. Love and Hugs. T
I deal with the gray by coloring my hair blue or magenta. But I love the color on you and the cut is great!
I agree with all the other comments, and think both you and Gordon look great in the photo!! You look as if you just recently returned from a very relaxing and rejuvenating vacation! I think I can recall what that feels like, but it is a dim and distant memory. You both do look wonderful, and as if you simply belong together. Gordon appears very serious and dignified. You have a softer, lovely look, and seem as if you have found the answer to the question “Why are we here?” and think the answer is hilarious! 🤩
Thank you both for continuing to share your literary labors! You are an immensely talented team, and your new photo projects a sense of what a strong bond you have!! You seem so different, yet perfect together. May you long continue to support and bring out the best in each other, and for many more years share your extraordinary talent for storytelling with readers both lucky and discerning enough to know what a great thing they have found in your work! I was hooked before the end of the first chapter in the first book of yours I read! I have since been recommending you to anyone who asks me if I can suggest a good book or author.
From Calamity to Classy! Your hair looks beautiful in both your styled photo and your everyday life pic. I love the color, it’s rich tone is very complimentary. I’d say that emergency salon and stylist are keepers!
I think your hair looks lovely! And thankfully it is healthy – no lasting damage. I live in the area so thanks for the tip about the hair salon.
That style looks wonderful on you!
Your hair looks beautiful, both color and cut!
The cut really looks terrific. Yes, it looks healthy, shiny, and bouncy! I know what it’s like to be attached to long hair. You did good. 😉
Dear Ilona, I think the new authors’ picture is fabulous. But I am biased and have to admit that the new au natural pic looks even better to me! Here’s to healthy, happy hair days!
Also, I don’t know how you and Gordon let us read your work before it’s published – but I love that you do and appreciate your altruism! I look forward all week long to Fridays and Mondays – I will always buy copies of your books once you publish but the fact that you give so much of yourselves without expectation is somewhat stunning. Not sure how you can manage it financially – you are such *good* people, trying to do really good inclusive things. Thank you again.
You look great! Yeah something definitely went wrong and your hair got fried. Good news it was easily fixable and hair grows back. ❤️
I love the new cut. It is very tiny and soft looking.
may i ask what is the “can i talk to manager” hair style or color?
been living under a rock for more thanna couple years now and didnt know there is a hairstyle for that 😊
It references a popular online meme 🙂 https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/speak-to-the-manager-haircut
The new hair style and color turned out great! I hope you don’t need to have any more “adventures” with your hair.
I think your hair looks great! Love the color!
Hair issues are hard. I also get too busy to deal with my hair, which is why it’s so long, dry, and has bleach blonde spots from areas that are two years old. I need to do what you have done! You look fabulous throughout! I especially love the photo of you and Gordon.
You look great together. Glad you got things settled to your liking.
Long live House Andrews We love all your hard work
I love the new hair!
Looks good on you 👍🏻👍🏻
So happy you got expert help so fast.
I love it. I think your new picture looks great. I am very grey. I started at 26 years old (I blame the children 😉) and I am too lazy to dye it. Enjoy the new length.
it looks beautiful Ilona, if I am allowed zo say.
I like the shorter cut on you and the color is great!
Looks great! Happy to hear you found a winner. It’s always terrifying when you first go to a new place. (shudders)
Hair trauma is REAL.
It looks wonderful!
You look fantastic! You have found a winner!
Your first picture was so wistful and sad, it made me want to hug you and say that everything would be alright. Your stylist did a super job. Both Gordon and you look great in the formal picture and the everyday style has that “carefree” look. Love the color.
Awesome…I love the length. I’m doing ok with letting mine go totally gray, but been afraid to cut it. Seeing yours, I’m going to make an appointment!
Sorry you had the problems, but it looks great now.
I think it looks lovely and the shorter length is very becoming!
I think the new “do” is lovely!
I think your hair looks great. Modern and fresh. It’s a nice look on you.
And great new picture.
You two clean up really nice. Just laughing at the contrast to the Zoom tell all sessions when you can stay home and be comfy.
Had a similar experience and the new shorter cut (with bangs) looks good. And your new pic looks great. Gives you a lot of body and makes you look younger.
It looks good
I’m like you, grey hair is not my friend… so coloring is in my life forever…. but I also find that some women who go grey judge others when we don’t… Go Grey Don’t go grey.. the choice is always the individuals, and I don’t judge…
I also cut my hair that was chest length to chin length three weeks ago.. and I did it myself (with the dog scissors) and it’s quite good …I haven’t been to a hairdresser’s since 2020! 😂
I think you look fabulous, younger and like you lost a few pounds. not that you looked terrible before, but it’s really better. lovely.
For what it’s worth, I think you look lovely with the new cut and color.
Oh COOL!!!!
You look like a promo picture for a new tv series — wife and husband write books for a living ….. and also solve the crimes they just keep on falling into ……
In case you’re wondering, this is GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your hair looks great at that length, Ilona! It’s a new, freer era for the moment. 🙂
I think the hair style suits you. Looks great. Looks natural. Love the author picture.
Love the new do, you look amazing darling. So happy for you and Gordon on the UK deal going through. Happy for the UK readers because they will get to read more of your books. Really enjoying the Inheritance episodes, from what I have read so far it will be another hit. Looking forward to reading when it is available.
NO BARSA here. In reading the Inheritance, the Dairy Queen comment, really resonated with me. Growing up in a very Small Texas town, it was a really BIG treat when we got to go to Dairy Queen several cities over. I could relate to the character about wanting a turtle blizzard.
As always thank you
Absolutely beautiful!!! I am also struggling with aging hair. You always give me hope!!!❤️
The picture looks great! And the “Can I talk to the manager haircut” comment is hilarious.
Lovely!
Looking good y’all! I love your hair cut and the color is awesome too.
Lovely 😍
Honestly it’s a good look! That’s a fine author pic. And what the heck, having a bit shorter hair might help in the summer heat.
That is a truly lovely couple photo. I can imagine casting you as Sean’s parents.
You look great, Ilona—your hair looks so glossy and healthy!
I adore long hair, and mine is down to the bottom of my back, but I would much rather sacrifice length than have stringy, damaged hair(and I *have*, due to also being a platinum blonde—many times), so you definitely made the right call getting the chop☺️
Your hair looks great and healthy 👍 I think your stylist made the right choice in cutting it short and removed the frizzy and damaged parts.
this new haircut looks really great on you! very elegant and feminine.
The hair looks great 🙂
I colored my hair for years. I was a medium brown color, but as I colored it got darker. I finally went to a salon, and asked to go lighter. They said no problem. The reveal was copper Penny red. HA! 3 stylists worked to make it dark brown. I am white haired now
Well I think your look adorable! I love the hair. It look very pretty and healthy. Have a great day.
I think your new hair style is darling!
The new cut and color really do look great! (Also the “hedge witch era” had me laughing inappropriately loudly at my desk – LOL for real.)
I think it’s lovely! Ask your stylist for at home treatments to help strengthen your hair and I am sure it will grow out quickly!
You guys look very handsome! And I love the hair color.
I think you look fabulous! I have hair horror stories I could share… SO glad it turned out so well. Thanks for sharing.
You look amazing, the new author picture was lovely !! The hairstylist did you justice, and the color is nice for your eyes and complexion !
It looks great! Great color and style! And it has great shape even when dried naturally. Really nice conclusion to the hair calamity!
Your hair looks great! I have found that my hairstyle gets shorter the older I get. As someone who has had multiple disasters trying to color my hair without brassiness I can say I am so sorry for your experience. But you might find the shorter length is more flattering and easier to take care of.
You look very professional!
Love the cut & color!! I take after my Dad….grey, grey, grey….a little brown still sprinkled in…..went in early 40s…..my mom’s hair stayed dark brown until she passed at 67…..
Looks great!
Picture looks terrific. And, take it from me, who has super fine as well as thinning hair, your hair is wonderful!
You look gorgeous!
Oh it turned out so much better than my hair calamity. I had adhesive capsulitis in one of my shoulders and literally couldn’t lift my arm more than a couple of inches. It was so painful and difficult trying to take care of my long hair I got it cut really short. Apparently the girl thought short meant just cut chunky sections. So embarrassing and I am so grateful to be working from home. At least now, physical therapy has me where I can blow dry my hair correctly again so I am just waiting for it to grow out.
Being able to ponytail it is the important part
You look fabulous. Your hair is still so thick.
My hair is thinning which troubles me more than the graying (or whitening in my case). I used to color it but when I noticed the thinning (and after consulting a doctor), I decided to stop using chemicals, so no dye. I now use henna, which has given my dark brown hair some interesting red highlights in places. But my hair is healthier overall. I feel quite bohemian sometimes! When I need to be more conservative I just spritz the redder areas (primarily my temples) with one of those temporary dye sprays.
It is a shock to really cut your hair after keeping it long for a while. I am so glad you found a new salon that you like. I love how your eyes are more featured with your new color and style.
I finally cut my long hair after a romance went sour (the guy ghosted me while I was pet sitting for him while he was out of town for a family thing). I finalized it was over (once he was back for his pets), bought a house on my own, cut my hair and went to a literal ball (in Vienna!). Heh.
Y’all are so cute! I love the new photo, and your hair looks great. That’s a really good color.
I think you look awesome with the shorter length and colour.
Your hair looks adorable in the new author picture! They did a great job!
That is any absolutely beautiful color for you! And I like the shorter look too
You look terrific! Your hair is wonderful!
My wife is still surprised I can do a decent job cutting my own hair with scissors and a fillet knife. I’m probably older than you, and can tell you it doesn’t make a difference how its cut, what matters is how you wear the cut. Being a man, grey is not an issue to me so no help there.
I am hoping to see you have the time to give us a snippet of the upcoming invasion wedding though. 10 months to prepare the wedding, can you spare a few hours to tell us about it. With the new door from the inn I’m sure Sean wouldn’t mind helping out either.
I think your hair looks great – both colour and length/cut.
I think it looks great, both your new color and the new author pics. 😄
Your hair is lovely. Hair disasters are so nasty.
I love the hair color, cut, and the picture. The older I got, the shorter my hair got.
I honestly thought that was an older picture because you look younger in it. That is a great color and style for you.
You hair looks amazing and healthy. That color is so flattering. Well done Jessica
Your hair looks lovely.
Um, it’s different? I mean, ah, Love the new hair! Yay! (Yes, I’m currently single, why do you ask?) 😀 Also, I agree with Gordon that there is absolutely no reason for a serious literary figure to smile in a publicity photo, and he absolutely does not look like he’s chained to that chair and blinking “help” in Morse code. 😉
All kidding aside, it’s a cool photo. Did y’all take it yourselves, enlist a family member, or was someone sent by the publisher?
I think it looks great!
Love your new cut and colour! I like this length on you even better than when it was long. It frames your face so much better.
looks lovely and change is good, As in change that stylist either incompetent or bad products which is incompetent
That’s a great color! My hair is usually long, even now.
When I was still coloring I got better results with L’Oreal Preference at-home color (takes about an hour) than anything I ever got from a salon-and it was MUCH easier on my hair; when I went in for a trim, even the hairdressers complimented it. Salon dyes ALWAYS left my hair brittle and frizzy, I expect it’s the chemicals they use.
I embraced my grey back in 2019. Genetics blessed my sibs and I with naturally thick and wavy hair; the tradeoff being that we seem to all go just about completely silver by age 40. I waited until my ‘skunk stripe’ was pure silver before I took the plunge, and it’s gorgeous. More so now that it’s starting to go platinum.
Throw some shine spray on and it’s blinding.
Salt and pepper does not tend to be a good look on women in particular. Wait until your hair gets more one color-then have them strip the old color and lighten it.
lovely!
The haircut looks really good on you!
Your hair looks lovely! and the author pic is awesome