Long hair or short hair?

[MadameSapphire]

Lots of threads bouncing around at the mo about post-lockdown hair ideas, so here’s my dilemma. Super-long hair, always a bit of a feature and I suppose tied up with my identity, often positively commented on and is good growing hair, but am very tempted to go for a sharp bob.

I’m aware that some seem to think that women have their hair cut when they pass a certain age, but I’ve seen women of all ages with long hair who look fabulous. Similarly, I’ve seen women of all ages with short hair who look equally as fantastic.

Should I go for it? I’m mid-30s, a Mum, a professional... Am really interested to hear from those who have gone for the chop, are thinking of it, or have strong (but kind!) opinions about either long or short hair. Inspirational pics of brilliant haircuts would be great too!

P.S. I have had short hair before, many moons ago, and it does suit me (apparently!). 🙈

Thanks in advance! 😊

Your hair - your choice. It seems like you want to, so why not.

I had long hair (nipple length) for about 6 years. My hair's naturally straight and I get a trim every 6 weeks.

When salons opened here (start of May) it hadn't been cut for 3 months and seemed to have grown a lot longer than usual. I went and got it cut to collarbone (photo in the pink jumper).

Then last time I had a cut I went shorter to just under the chin (white top and scribbly face) - it's already grown out lengthwise as you can see. I really like it this cut BUT can't tie it up to go running which I do every morning, but I'm used to that now.

I've got a few friends who are hairstylists and most of them have told me (from photos, as can't see each other in person) that they like the collarbone length best. However right now I prefer it in the shorter bob I've got.

I would experiment, OP, it will grow back, and you already know short hair suits you.

Thanks @MikeUniformMike.

@Chochito - I love your shortest do! Looks gorgeous.

Thank you, that's really kind. I would encourage you to go for a new style, with a stylist you trust.

I just went from bra strap length to chin. Love it! Wouldn’t usually go that short but find with a shorter cut it feels too long very quickly so hoping this buys me an extra couple of weeks at a more optimal length.

I agree with Lilybet1980! With short hair you need to get it cut shorter than the optimal length, another poster advised me this when I complained that ny collarbone length cut had grown out quickly. Sound advice!

just be aware that as you get older, it may not grow back as long as it was before - in some people the lifecycle of hair follicles shortens as they age. so 'it grows back' is not always true.

Urgh

Don’t

I’m a longhaired person and each time it’s been cut I’ve regretted it and started growing it again

I am also looking forward to a long awaited hair cut!

Lilybet1980 is right. Chin length is a good post "lockdown" cut to feel fresh and see how you like it shorter.

Chochito Your hair is lovely at every length but the shorter cuts seem to work well with your face. OP, maybe ask for something like Chochito's cut that hits an inch under the chin, if that's the kind of thing you're aiming for. Very pretty cut if you have fine features and a good jaw/neck.

I ask this on every thread about bob hairstyles so here goes: what are the defining characteristics of a bob? Every time I google or read an article it appears to mean 'hair style'. Is everything above collar length a bob?

A bob is a blunt cut, usually one length.

A lob is a long bob. A graduated bob is a blunt cut usually much shorter at the back.

It might have a fringe, usually a block one, but long fringes that fall to the sides are possible.

A bob has clear "lines", it's quite a sharp haircut (can be very very precise) although there are softer versions and you can style it to look less sharp, or to emphasise the lines. At the front it frames the face, whether or not there is a fringe.

Go for it 😎

You can't beat a classic bob IMO

Full disclosure ... I have one 😉

I’ve had a bob for years now. I grew it linger about 10 years ago but I just end up tying it back all the time (which is less flattering for me). Since lockdown it’s grown into a lob. It looks nice down but it annoys me. I suppose it is slightly higher maintenance to keep a bob, I dry mine with a Babyliss big hair and straighten it most of the time and usually get it cut every 6 weeks. Honestly though it suits me far better than longer hair and one thing lockdown taught me is that my bob suits me and I’m going back to a shorter bob ASAP!

I'm wondering the same OP.

My hair is the longest it's been since I was 18 (I'm 43).

A few years ago I had a long bob.... quite extreme so short on the shoulders at the back and much longer at the front. I think a one length bob would be a bit boring for me.

My trouble is hair envy,I see short hair and want it. And then when I have it shorter I really want it longer!

Deffo go for a Babyliss Big hair if you go shorter. They're brilliant.

How do you use the BBH to style a bob?

Dont do it! youll regret it and it ll take years and years to regrow

Chochito- how do you make those curls then, if your hair is dead straight? They look amazing

I'm long hair all the way. Probably because I was forced to have short hair growing up.

Some people look fantastic with short hair because of their bone structure. Even famous people (Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron come to mind) don't necessarily suit short hair. Scarlett's bob looks pretty great though.

I'm not a fan of long long hair and much prefer something with a bit of a style. That being said, not being able to tie your hair back is annoying. Why don't you go for a lob initially and you can always work your way up. Hair is meant to be experimented with

Hadley i rough dry it first then use the BBH to get it into shape.

NooneElseIsSingingMySong I mean literally HOW do you do it? In sections? In which direction do you direct your hair/the BBH? How long does it take? Would love to know this technique!

7ofNine GHDs - it doesn't take long but is fiddly (I'm cackhanded) and unfortunately they slip out of my hair quite quickly. But, thank you!

I’d keep it long, because i’d Kill to have long hair. Mine is currently just past my shoulders, I’m trying to grow it longer. It was quite long several+ years ago then gradually I’ve had it cut shorter over the years.

I suppose coupled with my age (late 40’s) and colouring it, it’s taking ages and ages to grow. That’s the thing, people say, get it cut, it’s hair, it’ll grow back, but it does take time & a heck of a lot of patience!

Hadley I rough dry it in sections. Then I use the BBH on the highest setting, it turns my hair like a round brush would would but I find it easier to use than a brush and hairdryer. I start with the bottom of my hair and work my way up.