Want to grow my hair - Cut now or later

[Bluejumperandbluejeans]

My hair is short and thick and I think it looks like a helmet shape. It is a bit wavy so sticks up at the sides and is cut into my neck at the back with some longer wispy bits. It won't sit properly over my ears either. I've decided I don't like it short and want to grow it but I don't like the messy shapeless look that I have now
So, should I get it cut into a better shape now and then grow it or just grow it regardless and then in a few months get it cut??

I'm itching to get my thinning scissors onto it but I know what a mess I can make when I do this so I'm resisting the urge.

Don't go near it with thinning scissors! If there's not much length ATM, you're better waiting a few months before having it restyled.

I second that - don't use thinning scissors! It'll take you much longer to grow as you'll create little layers. And as they grow out they'll go all over the place.

I speak from bitter experience.

Ok, no thinning scissors :)
Not even on my fringe?

How short is short?

If you are growing out a pixie cut it can often be better to keep the back trimmed to give you an inverted bob kind of shape whilst growing it out. Grow the front/sides out (with a restyle when you get mad with it - but very much with clear instructions that you are growing it). Keeping some kind of style helps. Google for advice - here is one link I found womenshair.about.com/od/haircutsstyles/ss/Growing-out-a-Pixie-Cut-a-Step-by-Step-Guide_7.htm#step-heading

Do not attack it yourself!!!

I second going for a short bob. It gives you a style whilst it is growing down and the sides.

I had a pixie and now have below shoulder length hair. Straight as a poker and think. There is no way of avoiding the bob stage so, I'd do as others have said. Grow the sides then go for the inverted bob.