At what age can you no longer get away with long hair?

[mamamamama]

I'm 36, work at a senior level in a professional firm. I know very short hair suits me because I used to have it. I now have very long hair. I'm toying with having it cut short again because I'm starting to think I can't get away with long hair anymore. And before you suggest I go half way, shoulder length / bobbed hair just doesn't work for me. The problem is that once it's done it's done and I'll be stuck with it because it takes so long to grow out. Realistically it will mean I will never have long hair again.

i found an engagement card in a shop a while back. It had a picture of a girl with beautiful long hair and underneath it said 'single', beneath it was another picture of the same woman with a bob, underneath it said 'married', the final picture had short hair and 'married with kids'.

Why live to some old stereotype. Well styled long hair in good condition looks great whatever your age.

Neglected hair always looks awful!

Regardless of what the "rules" are, you just need to be honest with yourself. Does it look good and suit you?If so, stop worrying about it. That said, do be honest with yourself, and get a second opinion from those you trust to tell you the honest truth. Alternatively, post on MN and we'll tell you............

do what you want! Cut it, then grow it back. Who says you can never have long hair again?

Cut it! Around here 95% of mummies have a shoulder length bob and I got soooo fed up with being a Stepford wife I had a short funky crop with great highlights and I look and feel 'edgy' again, not conformist at all. You do have to rethink your makeup and over a certain age (I'm 47) don't do it if your jawline is beginning to sag. Otherwise, go for it, girl!

my most recent take on the same thing is getting my long hair layered (it's wavy so it works) This means i can still wear it up and look pro [or practical] as i'm also a manager, but the length is still there cos i just like it longer. I honestly don't think there is an age-thing to the length of you hair. btw i'm 37 if that counts

the winona crop was the style i got when i first went short...i was around the 21 mark. I loved it and got lots of compliments but I was about 2 stone lighter so less of a pin head. If you're ssying you know it suits you I would go for it.

Mine started to have quite a bit of grey in at 36 so it got the chop. I love having shorter hair - less time to dry, more I can do with it, easier to keep looking good etc.

I have long hair, I'm nearly 37 and I'm gorgeous

I think it's more about the condition and style as to the length - short hair can look very dull if it's not well cut or cared for.

I'm amazed at the OP and her 'I'll never have long hair again'. I have been ringing the changes throughout my life and had very long hair cut off five times! Each time the hairdresser was in a state, asking 'are you sure?' while I could not wait for the chop. After a bit I get fed up with short and grow it again. Shoulder length is no good on me as I am 'neckless' so I have to wear it up until it gets long enough to hang down properly. I recommend a curly 'piece' to pop on top whilst it is growing.

Currently, I have a jaw length, swingy bob which well disguises my double chin(s). However upkeep is expensive - it needs trimmed professionally ever 4/5 weeks. With v long hair you can centre part at back, bring forward over shoulders and trim easily yourself. As to colour, I have been bleached pale blond since I was 15 (now61) and though I suspect I am probably naturally white by now, I do not intend to stop dyeing to find out.

The reason I say that granny22 is because I know how long it took me to grow out last time and mid-length hair looks terrible on me. It will take a lot of perseverance to grow it long again. You're probably right though, if I cut it I'll probably get bored in due course and grow it again! (Name changed since OP BTW)