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Have you had the chop? Should I?

17 replies

JasmineByTheSea · 23/08/2018 09:31

I often look enviously at women with short cropped hairstyles but am nervous about chopping my locks. Have you cut your hair from long to short? Did you regret it?

I know this sounds terribly un-feminist by my worry is I’ll look less pretty, especially as my face is ageing. On the other hand short locks can look so cool and modern, plus will be quicker to style. I seem to wear my hair in a ponytail most days now anyway. Help me make up my mind!

OP posts:
MadisonAvenue · 23/08/2018 09:38

I went from long to short and I had short hair for 7 years although I’ve recently grown it out and it’s now past shoulder length.

I loved the ease and speed of styling it but I didn’t like the fact that, because my hair grows very quickly and is thick, after 3 weeks it really needed cutting again.

JellySlice · 23/08/2018 10:15

It's hair: it will grow back. If you don't like it, it will be layers down to your shoulders in a year's time.

Be brave! Try it!

JellySlice · 23/08/2018 10:18

BTW I have tried it and never regretted it. Nonetheless I've also had different lengths and different styles. I don't feel like a crop person all of the time, that's all.

MySkirtHasPockets · 23/08/2018 10:26

I've had short hair (as in I get it cut with clippers at the barbers short) for the last six years... Tried growing it a few years back but didn't like how it looked long and ended up shaving it off... It's still super short and I have no plans to grow it back!

Go for it, if you hate it you'll just have to grit your teeth and grow it out but it doesn't take that long in the grand scheme of things!

Funnily enough I often feel prettier and more feminine with super short hair, I love going out all made up with a chunky pair of earrings and that confidence is definitely reflected in the way I carry myself!

JasmineByTheSea · 23/08/2018 10:56

Thank you for the positive replies. Yes it is only hair- definitely leaning towards doing it now

OP posts:
Fatted · 23/08/2018 11:01

Not quite as severe as you are intending, but I went from mid back length to a short bob this year. I did it in stages. Went shoulder length, then the bob. Definitely don't regret it. Much easier to wash and style each day. Only thing that is annoying is needing regular cuts.

saganorenscarandcoat · 23/08/2018 12:13

I'm a short (clippers short) too and I love it. I've never felt so feminine and together as a person. Plus it's soooo easy to do. Go for it!

TheOnlyAletheia · 23/08/2018 14:14

I have a long pixie after having long hair for most of my life. I love it. What kind of style are you after?

thefirstmrsdewinter · 23/08/2018 14:19

I cut all mine off in stages (though I didn't like the mid-stage cuts so from long to short would have been fine). I have a round face and am 50 so I was worried short hair would be ageing but the key was to leave it longer at the top (think Tilda Swinton) so I have the benefits of a short cut with the option of different styles.

Re styling, I think it depends on what sort of cut you have. Some short styles take longer because you don't have the option to just tie it back. I miss my messy bun sometimes.

I would find someone who will chat with you about your options and what will suit you, your likes and dislikes etc. It can be a great feeling to just take the plunge but if you have any reservations I'd work it out with care so you reduce the chances of getting something you don't like. Hair grows of course, but if it's short all over, the top and sides have a long way to go before a completely different shape will be possible.

I do love my haircut and find it easier to deal with than when it was long.

GraceMarks · 23/08/2018 14:49

I did it years ago, and would only advise that you think carefully about how fast your hair grows and how easy it will be to grow back if you don't like it short. I only say that because I once fancied a change and I tried to grow my crop out, and it wouldn't do it! I have very thick frizzy hair which tends to acquire volume instead of length so I just ended up with a sort of afro instead.

If I could go back, I wouldn't have cut it off. I only did it in the first place because it was so unmanageable but the products and styling tools that are available now are so much better these days than they used to be.

EraOfTheGrey · 23/08/2018 20:43

My hair has been every length and I absolutely prefer my hair on the shorter side. I always felt a bit blah with my hair either long or bobbed. I've had a pixie, a long pixie, an asymmetrical pixie and a shaved head and I've enjoyed each one in different ways. I currently have an undercut with longer hair on the top and I love it. I have so many options for ways to wear it. My hair is also 100% grey/white.

My tip is to find a short hairstyle that you can style with a winter hat. Your head and ears will get cold in winter. I had trouble styling a hat with my shaved head but I have no problems with any other short style.

PutANiceFloorIn · 23/08/2018 21:01

Mine is clippered up the sides and back and longer on top too. I had it cut short just over a year ago from being about armpit length and I love it, don't regret it at all.
However, I haven't loved all my short styles. If you don't like it at first don't immediately think you have to grow it out, I'd recommend trying a different short style.
My hair is quite 'severe' I guess, it's not a particularly feminine pretty look and like you I was worried about that. I balance that out by wearing dresses, skirts and interesting jewellery. I feel like I've finally found my look.

AuntyJackiesBrothersSistersBoy · 23/08/2018 21:14

I’m in a “ponytail everyday” rut because I had long hair, cut it and hated it. It grew quickly and I’ve no idea what to do with it now. Am watching.

Yogagirl123 · 23/08/2018 21:19

I have just had a major (for me) haircut, my hair was very long, had it cut into a lob style, I am pleased with it, getting used too it easier to wash & dry etc. My friends like it too, it was definitely time for a change, go for it OP.

FannyAdmin · 23/08/2018 21:20

I went from a long ponytail everyday (Oh God, the tedium) to a short pixie cut a few years ago. I love my hair now, and I can't imagine ever having long hair again.

bigsighall · 23/08/2018 21:29

I went mid back to short bob and gave the hair to that princess charity (maybe someone you’d consider?) Tbf it’s grown back now and I’m back to the pony tail! Need to do it again!

CountFosco · 23/08/2018 21:36

I have a very short pixie (although I'm now letting it get a bit longer on the top) and love it. I am from a family of short haired women though, my Mum in her 70s has a fab salt and pepper very short hair, and DD1 (who is 10) has just had hers cut into a asymetric mid length crop (according to the hairdresser, looks like a long pixie to me) that looks incredible. She's very chuffed with her first proper hairstyle after always having a bob.

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