Shall I have my long hair cut short?

[TheOriginalFAB]

I have been growing my hair for quite a while but no real idea why. Was due to have it cut this weekend but have cancelled as it doesn't need doing. (Not at £48 anyway). Just sat here feeling too hot and with mt hair tied up out of the way, thinking my hair is pretty much always tied up and thinking why have it long then? I use my hair to hide behind and when it is short I feel exposed and vulnerable. I also look about 12 and usually always regret it and grow it again. I had it coloured 2 months ago and hated that was well. Cost me loads and you wouldn't have known it had been done. I am also wondering if I am too old for long hair. I told my hairdresser I wanted it long enough to stay behind my shoulders, out of the way, but she said it won't get that long .

[stripeybump]

Get it chopped but into a choppy bob with a fringe of some sort that suits your face shape? Then you can hide a bit but it's a proper 'do' that you can't scrape back into a pony. Go somewhere posh - although £48 is pretty posh for just a cut IMO!

[Nippysnippy]

How about a long pixie crop with a long side swept fringe to hide behind?

[ArmageddonOuttahere]

I went from long hair constantly scraped back to a short asymmetric bob and I love it. It frames my face and is easy to style.

My advice would be to have a good browse through a website like UK hairdressers then save / print the styles you like and go for a no-strings consultation at a really good salon. The stylist should give you lots of advice as to what suits your face and hair type, and what would work with your lifestyle. Then if you feel confident, book an appointment!

[TheOriginalFAB]

It is washed and blow dried for that price but I have the senior stylist and pay for it. Last time I had a bob I looked about 50 and was only 30 so would have to look at photos. I usually let the stylist do what she wants as I have no idea, after saying cut it all off which she refuses to do. My first cut with her must be around 2 years ago and I did go short and have it coloured as the last person had cut it wonky at the back. (That hairdresser said my head was wonky ). I did like it but started growing it long again. DH prefers it long too but just wants me to be happy.

I will look at the link, thank you.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Well firstly no big hair decisions when you're feeling fragile.

Secondly, agree with finding some photos of hair you do like. And getting a good style cut that works with your hair and your lifestyle.

If you're not happy with your current hairdresser ask someone whose got good hair where they get it cut - personal recommendation is key I think.

I've also got a choppy bob and its less aging on me than long hair which somehow drags my face down. But I have fine hair and not a luxuriant mane.

[nancythursday]

I'm nearly 39 and my hair's almost waist length. I have had it very short in the past but always end up growing it again. Long hair is great for hiding behind.

How about colouring it yourself?
I use a john frieda one that's usually a tenner (was on offer at sainsburys the other day) you get enough in it, to do long hair... Some of the other brands need 2 packets.

If you're not happy with the colour at the moment, i'd do that.

I think long hair can look great as you get older, aslong as it's in good condition.

[TheOriginalFAB]

My hair is in good condition and I have a lot of it. TBH I am not attractive at all, bordering on the plain, so my hair is just there.

[nancythursday]

If you're having a crap week, then I second Mrs c-b and say do not, under any circumstances have a drastic haircut... you will regret it!

Are you the lady who wanted jeans advice a couple of weeks ago?

[TheOriginalFAB]

Yep. I found my missing jeans though!

[deltawab]

My hair has always been 'longish'. It was at its longest and thickest in 2006. In 2008 i got it cut up to my shoulders as i wanted something different, then i had shorter layers put through to give it some definition and volume at the crown. However, it looked awful when tied in a ponytail as i had all different lengths, so looked as though it had been hacked at by a toddler! Anyway i let it grow at bit for a while and then i got a bit bored again and had it cut again up to my shoulders because it became really dry and damaged with all the colouring.

A few months ago i found some old photos of me in 2006, before i had the layers put in had it cut shorter and i really wish i had my long hair back. My hair is so thin now, could be because of the layering and thinning techniques used and also because of some medication i'm on. But i really miss my long thick hair now :( I'm 38 and i don't think you can be too old to have long hair! If you are undecided, wait another week or so. Look at your photos and online at hair pictures before you decide. You can always just have a trim to begin with or another colour. Whats your fringe like? you could change that, just changing that can make a big difference to a hairstyle.

[MrsSeanBean]

There's nothing wrong with long hair tied up. I'm not sure why people use this as an excuse to cut it off. If someone really wants short hair, fine (but you sound unsure), however, the great thing about long hair is that you can do so much with it depending on your mood - i.e. put it up (=short hair); pony tail, half up-do, or leave it down. You have lots of choices. I have heard people who have had long hair cut short say that they also need to spend much longer styling their short hair, whereas with longer hair you can just leave it be a bit more easily. I would urge caution, drastic change when you are not feeling right is not a good ideas IME.<br />
If you still fancy a change, have a bit off the length and some long layers.

If you aren't happy with your colour in future, have a word with the salon. Anywhere worth it's salt will be happy to correct the colour so you are happy (free of charge). If they're not, change salon.

[TheOriginalFAB]

I had forgotten I used to have loads of hair things and have it in different styles. I did, but then I had kids. I am not making an decisions yet.