To Cut or not To Cut

Woman with long hair before her haircut
Photo: Depositphotos
Indecision when facing the scissors and how to make the best choice
 
Even though you love your long hair, there are times when you catch yourself fantasizing about sporting a cute short cut. Magazine pictures and websites have inspired you to dream up a makeover with a sassy, low-maintenance look.
 
Your favorite actress is already sporting a trendy short hairstyle and even your best friend just returned from her recent salon visit in an adorable pixie cut. All the signs are there, and you have a deep desire to lose those inches.
 
Another look in the mirror, and you remember how long it took to grow this long mane of yours and how proud you were when you could finally pull your hair into a cool ponytail. This is when indecision creeps in, and you often end up doing nothing.
 
Let's see how the transition from long to short hair can be easier for you. You know you want it; all it takes is perhaps a little push and some ideas and steps along the way, which will make the process less stressful. This is how you will have the most fun with your makeover experience:
 
Evaluate your Motivation
 
With every big change we make, we fear regretting an irreversible decision later on. There is no guarantee that this won't happen, but you can lower the risk by examining the source of your desire to make such a strong change to your appearance. If you're mainly looking for a fashionable change, easy maintenance, more fun styling options, then go ahead and cut. Do your research, find the best short style for you, and hesitate no longer.
 
If your motivation is fueled by an emotional change in your life, such as the end of a relationship, the need to make a statement, or another type of loss, ask yourself if you want to show that something inside you changed or if you're unhappy with your life and want to turn things around and need to start somewhere. Perhaps start your transformation with a reversible hair color and, once you're less emotional, reconsider those short looks.
 
Freshly cut long blonde hair on the salon floor
Photo: Pixelshot/Canva
Take it Step by Step
 
Some women prefer the radical approach and get it all cut in one sitting, but others need to take a slower route and make friends with short hair through gradual steps. From mid-back to shoulder length, perhaps with some layers, can be very typical and facilitate the adjustment process. The next step could be a bob with as much texture as you're comfortable with, and from there, it's only a few inches more to the short sassiness you've been craving.
 
This is a very safe route to take, and you can always change your mind and let your hair grow again. There is only one downside: you may never get your really short cut for this very reason, and you will miss out on a great experience.
 
If your hair is very long and you decide to cut it inch by inch in several sessions, someone else might miss out on the benefits of your long hair.
 
Donate your Hair to Locks of Love
 
If your ponytail is 10 inches or longer, you can make a child happy by donating your hair to this wonderful non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children who have lost their hair due to long-term medical reasons. You can find plenty of information about Locks of Love online.
 
Men Love Short Hair
 
If you think that your long hair makes you more attractive to men, think again and observe their reactions to women with short hair. Long hair still has the allure of being sexy and luxurious, but not everyone is into high-maintenance glamor. Short hair can be just as sensual with a fresh and sporty appeal or an irresistible androgynous touch.
 
If you have a significant other in your life, you should discuss your plans ahead of time or at least give him a little advance warning. Include other family members as well to help them ease through your change. Explain your reasons to them so that no one will feel threatened by your sudden change, and there will be no need for speculation about what might have brought it on.
 
In case your loved one opposes your plan and even insists that you keep your hair long for whatever reason, you might want to reconsider your relationship but keep your appointment with the stylist.
 
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