Long or Short Hair, You Decide

There’s something special about long, flowing hair. Men love it, your friends are envious, and there’s so much you can do with it. But think back to your wild, teen years when you may have cut it with garden shears, dyed it fuscia or gone down the dreadlock route. Think how far you’ve come since those experimental years. Your hair defines you. You’ve worked hard to build your sophisticated style and maintain your hairstyle but maybe it’s time for a change. Are you ready to chop those fabulous locks?

Sometimes, long hair can make you look older and dated especially if it hangs loosely or you let it dry naturally. So you blow-dry, curl or straighten it. Or you do something outrageous by going for bangs or layers, hoping that will break it up. There is absolutely no way you’ll ever go short. But maybe it’s time to shake things up.

Ready or not, here you go:

1. Determine what your self-image looks like. Close your eyes and imagine what you want to look like – someone with long hair, a pixie crop or mid-length layers. Can your self-image handle a new look? If you are deeply tied to your long hair, lose a couple inches and add layers, or try a mid-length style at the most.

2. Are there good reasons for you to cut your hair? You may be ready for a change or you’re tired of your old look. If your partner has a preference, that’s fine, but don’t make your choice based on his opinion. Hair is something you should do for yourself.

3. Consider your hair’s health. Is it dry, damaged, or over-bleached? Cutting your hair will make it look and feel silky-smooth again. You don’t have to go overboard to be healthy. Cut as many inches as you need to. Ask your stylist what she recommends.

4. Can you handle change well? If you’re stuck in the same style, job, house, etc. then maybe you better proceed with caution before cutting it all off. Running out of the salon in tears is not good. Or maybe a drastic transformation is necessary and will inspire change in other areas. Live a little!

5. Look at your face and ask yourself, will short hair make me look better? For oval-shapes, hair can be any length and look great. Square faces look better draped with long hair, and round faces require some height, length and enough hair at the sides to conceal those apple cheeks. Pin your hair up, study yourself in the mirror and ask your best friend. If you love an updo, that is a good indication that short hair would frame your face nicely.

6. Think of the timeframe. Do you have an important event coming up? Rule of thumb is, do not change your hair drastically before a class reunion, your wedding or the first day on a new job. If you want a change, cut your hair at least two months or more before a major event. When something is that important, the last thing you want is regret and a nervous breakdown.

In the end, consult your stylist. A good stylist will be honest and tell you what would suit your face, hair type and needs. Most of the time, you will be told to chop off as much as possible if no amount of hair masks, serums and treatments can save your severely damaged hair. Think of your hair first.

Are you ready now?

Author: Sarka Kocicka