Ok, so I spoke to people on here. I asked for recommendations on a local mailing list. I went to a hairdresser who was strongly recommended. And I don't like the cut.
It's early days, he just did it today, but I wanted to keep some length, I wanted a bit of life, and I didn't want a cut that needs gel. I got a short cut that (in theory) needs gel.
Was my mistake dressing in shorts and a tshirt? Do they give you a more 'girly' cut if you dress like a girl? Gah.