I’m still stewing over the big chop, which really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone since I don’t possess even a sliver of the “oh what the hell, just do it” gene in my body. Nope, I approach my hair decisions exactly like I approach every decision in my life — very methodically, looking at it from every perspective, and perhaps making a list or eight.
But hey! It seems you have plenty of questions and comments of your own regarding my hair, so I thought we could dive right in.
1. Why don’t you gradually transition to the pixie cut? Maybe cut a bob first?
Great question. The reason I am all or nothing about the cut is because I want to donate my hair to the Beautiful Lengths program, and you have to donate at least 8 continuous inches of hair. It’s as simple as that…if I go halfway, I can’t donate, and donation is a huge part of this.
2. A pixie can be a real shock to the system. Maybe keep it a bit longer than a true pixie?
I think you all had great advice about this – I am definitely thinking of a cut similar to most of the above photos — a little longer in the front and crown. A little more Ginnifer Goodwin, a little less Mia Farrow.
3. You’ll need to use lots of product when it’s short. And it’s not truly “wash and go” – styling time is necessary.
Yes, I’ve heard this, and I am all ears for product recommendations. When it comes to shorter hairstyles, I have no clue, so bring it! As for doing it up, I willingly accept that I would be styling it in the morning, although I AM SO PUMPED that the styling time would decrease from about 45 minutes of blow-drying and styling to about 5. Wheeeeeeeeee.
4. You hated your hair when you cut it collarbone-length, remember?
I remember, but you know, my general displeasure regarding that haircut was less about the loss of length and more about feeling like the style itself was kind of boring on me. I just didn’t really see anything stylish or chic about it, and it felt very in-between to me. The short haircut seems like more of a definitive style to me, and not so mehhhhh.
5. Growing it out will be the biggest pain in the ass.
I’m sure it will be, and to be completely honest, this is a huge part of what’s holding me back. I really want a new look, and I’m psyched at the thought of having short hair, BUT I keep thinking about that day…whether it be in one or ten years, when I decide I don’t want short hair anymore and have to start the process of growing it out. It definitely seems daunting.
6. Most guys don’t like short hair.
You’re a douchebag. Well, my husband does, and he’s the only one that matters to me. (I also think many men would beg to differ with that statement.)
7. No more Pantene commercials for you.
TRUE THAT. Sayonara, swishing.
8. It’s just hair. It will grow back. What’s the big deal?
You’re right. Yes, it will. I don’t know.
9. Please don’t cut your hair. It would be a shame. You will regret it. You will cry. You’ll look like a soccer mom. You seem like a long hair type. You are crazy. You’ll hate it. It’s too pretty to cut off. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Well, thank you for all of the really lovely things you’ve said about my hair. Let’s all hug it out. It’s just lately I feel like my hair has its own online persona or something. I’m over it.
Also, thank you for leaving this in the comment section.
I probably shouldn’t have laughed as hard as I did.
10. DO IT. DO IT. YOU HAVE TO DO IT.
You rock. (I did notice that all of my very favorite people told me to go for it. Coincidence?)
11. Um, are you really going to do it?
I would say I’m 50/50 right now. One day, I am in full-on chop it off mode, and the next, I can’t imagine it. Not to mention that my daughter loves touching/holding/using my hair as her security blanket. (That might be the hardest part for me.) I showed her photos of shorter hair on Pinterest, and she looked at me wide-eyed and said, “No, mama. No.”
Speaking of security blankets, let’s talk about what this really boils down to. Confidence.
First, it was Sizzle who commented, “as someone who has had short hair for most of her grown life, you have to know that it’s 75% attitude, 15% face, and 10% styling.” Then I read this by Leandra of Man Repeller, who recently chopped her locks.
Everything is always about confidence, isn’t it? If you feel good, you will look good, and if you look good, because you feel good, you will rule the fucking world. There really is something to stepping away from your comfort zone and recognizing that wherever you settle feels somehow…better than where you’d previously kicked up your feet.
How spot on is that? So spot on. Do I possess the confidence? Yes. (I think so? We’ll see? Here, have another question mark!) I will say this…I am so intrigued by the thought of not being able to hide behind my hair. I can pretty much use it like a scarf these days.
I want to do it. I just need a gentle nudge…okay, maybe a friendly shove.
One thing that gets me excited is the thought that maybe, just maybe, there could be a way to benefit others, beyond donating my hair. While pinning/googling pixie cuts (can you imagine how much of that is going on right now?), I came across a great project from last year. What an awesome concept. I’m thinking some sort of charitable component could be really fantastic. Plus, once I make a commitment to helping others out, there’s no turning back, right? Let’s make this about more than just a haircut. (Even though, wahhhhh, I’m still scared. #getoveritwhoorl)
And that concludes Deep Follicular Thoughts by Whoorl™ for the day. Peace be with you and your hair.
Christina
January 31, 2013 at 8:33 amThe two top left pictures have been saved in my hair folder on my computer for so long. I think every woman should have SHORT hair at least once in her life. It is very freeing, but you do have to be very confident. I loved mine, even though I always end up growing it out eventually. It is very nice to know you can rock it, and have something to go to when you need that big change. Right now I am growing it out (the longest it’s been since probably elementary school…), and it suits my life right now, but I will never rule out going back to a pixie (maybe even before the end of the year).
And, I have to agree with you on #6. My husband started dating me in high school when I had a pixie, and he likes it when I change it up. I really don’t think I have ever gotten more compliments from guys than when I had short hair.
The short, short pixie is the easiest to manage styling wise. I like the longer front and crown better, but I actually had to blow dry the top to calm my waves. Still only took 5 minutes to style though!
Catie
January 31, 2013 at 8:38 amYes! Do it! No, seriously – it’s so clear that you really want to chop it all off. Inspired by your thoughts, I recently re-pixied myself after ten months of growing it out while I was pregnant and from the second the scissors hit my hair, I was giggling like a schoolgirl. I LOVE my hair short. It’s so easy to deal with in the morning! It takes ten seconds to wash it and maybe fifteen to style it since I decided to start with a longer “short cut” this time around (in fact, I even showed your pic of shannon sossamyn to my stylist). I will say number one inspiration in getting it cut short the first time (when I donated ten inches) was the fact that I just didn’t want to be afraid of a haircut. There are so many really scary things in the world that seemed infinitely more deserving of my anxiety and every day that I wanted to cut it but didn’t just made me get angry at myself. And yes, the growing out is a pain in the neck but who knows, maybe you’ll love it short (I bet you will!) and you’ll keep it short for years! Live for today! Oh, and regarding the whole soccer mom thing (because I was worried about that too)? I just decided to own it. Just because you occasionally write about Wito and Wita doesn’t make you a “mommy blogger”, right? Well just because you get a short haircut doesn’t mean it’s a “mom-cut”. You’re a person, not a haircut. Good luck!
D
January 31, 2013 at 8:41 amI went from shoulder blade length hair to pixie and I LOVED it…and while I did grow tired of it (as i tend to do with hair styles) and growing it out was a HUGE pain (so many in between styles, many of which I didn’t like, until I found my hairstylist and I love her and she made the HUGE pain, a little less painful – so, definitely have a great stylist to work with the in betweens) I will do it again. It was easier than my long hair to style because the drying time is next to nothing, normally just a little gel and a blow dry and it was done. Use the straightener to change it a bit if you want. Pixie was the easiest haircut ever. Coming from a girl that goes to work most days with her (sometimes wet) hair pulled into a braid or ponytail.
Catherine
January 31, 2013 at 8:49 amI completely understand not wanting to take away your daughter’s security blanket. It probably will be hard on her…for a while. BUT I also think it’s a good opportunity to show her through action that it’s JUST hair and that our appearance doesn’t define who we are. Your long hair may be gone, but you’ll still be “mom.” Likewise, if she gets gum stuck in her hair one day and has to chop it off, it’ll be okay. It’s just hair, and she’ll still be the same Wita.
Auntie G
January 31, 2013 at 8:57 amFull disclosure: I have had a pixie that I loved for quite a while, and I have currently had at least shoulder-length hair for the last 8 years or so. I sometimes really want to chop it off but generally feel long hair is better on me. *brisk hand clap* Okay!
A few thoughts (I didn’t read all the comments on your last post, so my apologies if these are redundant):
1) Though you have a lot of hair now and it would involve hella-pinning: you could get yourself a kicky short wig to try out the look for a while. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a decent costume wig.
2) Speaking of spending a fortune: the thing that always surprises me when I go signficantly shorter is that it changes how all my clothes look. The proportions are all different. This is not necessarily a bad thing! Some things look better with the extra space…but it is worth considering or at least being aware of — you may end up adding a few new silhouettes to your wardrobe, and if you have things like fancy dresses that you only pull out every few months or years – be ready to maybe not like them as much with your different look. Also, earrings — you may completely change your mind about all your earrings.
3) Years ago I played Shelby in Steel Magnolias, and that scene where she sees herself with short hair for the first time? That is among the most honest moments of playwriting, ever, IMO. It’s the only moment of the show where I legitimately teared up in performance. ;) It’s okay! Hair IS a big deal, even when we love and need a drastic change!
4) I think it would be a FANTASTIC experience for the “Hair Thursday” author to go super short and then grow it back eventually (or, not, of course — you may fall in love with it and be a pixie FOREVAH). It will make for an interesting series of columns, but I would also think it would give you added perspective on what you recommend to others, if you were going through the transitions yourself.
whoorl
January 31, 2013 at 9:46 amEarrings! I’ve been thinking about that…I only wear a pair of tiny studs on a daily basis, but it would be totally bizarre to actually be able to see earrings. Usually they are completely hidden in my mess of hair.
As for clothing, I’ll take any excuse to buy more clothes. ;)
tracy
January 31, 2013 at 11:23 amI used to wear big earrings before i chopped my hair. I can’t wear them as much cuz it interferes with the view of my neck. But I wear studs all the time now and it makes me feel SUPER classy. I think I get more attention/stares now that I have short hair. There’s just a power you exude. I can’t describe it. And omg. I don’t have to put any product in my hair. Just a little shine goop and done did. I don’t even blow-dry most days and it’s totally fine.
Darci
January 31, 2013 at 11:50 amTracy –
What is your “Shine goop” of choice? I currently use Garnier Shine but it is being discontinued and I am struggling for a replacement.
Staci Magnolia
February 1, 2013 at 7:10 amI agree with Tracy!
I’ve never gotten so many compliments from so many demographics in my life!
I tried to grow it out a bit a few years ago and HATED it. I always wanted to have a short hair and this style has become such a huge part of who I am.
You can take the look from refined and elegant to fun and edgy with a few swishes of your wrist. How awesome is that?! My favorite is to mix a super classy/fem/blazer-ish outfit with messy, undone hair!
At the very least, all you should do is try it.
lynn
January 31, 2013 at 9:09 amGo for it!!!
My thoughts: my hair is thick and wavy – looks a lot like yours, long. I LOVED having a pixie.
(a bit shorter than this: http://pinterest.com/pin/190277152975882448/. Also had a mia farrow one, and didn’t like it as much). I’ve grown it out, but I’m always tempted to go back and probably will in a couple years. A couple of things from my perspective:
– it was super easy to style. that post you pinned about it being harder to style than long hair, needing lots of products, etc.? NOT TRUE when your hair is thick with natural wave. The pixie was the ONLY haircut I’ve had that I could wash and go just used my hands to mess it forward. I would use a Paul Mitchell wax to make it piecey-er, but that’s it. (Side-note: this is also a huge perk when you’re a big exerciser, as I am. Not fun to deal with sweaty long hair but pixies require no pony and can go right into the shower – no need to worry about that blowdry, the restyle, etc.)
– it felt way more feminine than i expected. In fact, it did so much face-framing that it was almost like wearing makeup – needed less, not more, to look fem. Also, added a surprising vulnerability, in a soft and feminine way, to my look. Ended up being way less edgy and way more ingenue-ish – I think this is all about the cut – need to go more Audrey Tautou than Miley Cyrus, you know?
– it gives you a ton of “with it” cred. Seriously made me look chic no matter what I was wearing. Mommy haircuts and pixies are in totally different categories, IMO.
– Took ten years off my look. As soon as I got the pixie, I also got loads of, “There is no way you have three kids, you look like a college student!” comments.
– Growing it out was not that bad. In fact, it’s been kind of fun to have so many different looks over the last year.
– There really is something creatively rebooting about yanking yourself into a totally different look.
Hope that’s helpful! :)
whoorl
January 31, 2013 at 9:48 amI love this comment, Lynn. I always love to hear from fellow thick and wavy girls. (Although my hair is weird in that it gets wavier as it gets longer…might not have too much wave, but I’m sure it will still have lots of texture.)
Are you in sales? Because you should be…you’ve got me pretty much sold! ;)
narmalie
January 31, 2013 at 10:24 amUh, YEAH. I’m pretty much sold on a pixie myself after your comment, Lynn!
Christina
January 31, 2013 at 10:51 amMe too! I just got a color and trim, but if I hadn’t I would be calling to make that appointment right this second. I have 8 weeks to make a decision :)
lynn
January 31, 2013 at 10:59 amSo glad it was helpful! Last thought: remember that you will have to find the pixie that suits you best – may take more than one cut to get there. Have fun!
ris
January 31, 2013 at 9:29 amI say doooo it! It’s just hair, it’ll grow back, and I’m supremely confident you can absolutely rock the look. Also, from what I can tell from pictures and stuff, your proportions are totally right for short hair. You’re on the smaller side and have delicate features, so a pixie is going to look absolutely darling on you (think Winona Ryder in Girl, Interrupted). Go for it!
margie
January 31, 2013 at 9:36 amAfter I got married, I decided I was tired of my elbow length, triple processed hair. One day I picked out the Kirsten Dunst pixie, the next day I went to see my stylist, and when I came home my husband was shocked as hell but as I remember we had pretty awesome sex that night. And most people loved it- people said it made my eyes pop, made me look younger, was so fresh and different, etc. And for the people who didn’t like it? Who knows. No one said anything, and even if they did I wouldn’t have cared b/c I love love loved it. Styling was gloriously minimal compared to elbow length hair- I washed it, and when it was still damp used some bumble and bumble brilliantine, and I was out the door! And washing and conditioning? Holy crap awesome new time in the day I never knew I had. What I am saying is DO IT. Growing it out sucked, but my hair is back to elbow length now. So your hair will grow back, and once it does, you will be wanting a pixie again. DO IT.
Jen
January 31, 2013 at 9:53 amBefore my wedding, I fussed over bridesmaid dress material in a fabric store. The owner helped me. “Izzit gonna affect your life?” he asked tiredly. I thought, “No, it will not.” I bought the fabric, had the wedding, and am living happily ever after. You obviously want to do it. DO IT. :)
(I say this with empathy. I am a deliberate decision maker too.)
p.s. Except WITA. I think Catherine (#4) made a great point.
Emily
January 31, 2013 at 9:53 amOkay, so I have cut my hair short many times. And it’s awesome, I have already told you DO IT many times but here are my other thoughts.
I have similar hair to you in that it is wavy (and sometimes not in the greatest way) but like you my hair also gets wavier as it gets longer. And I have a lot of hair (although it is not particularly thick) so I have found the best products are a texturizer (I really like the Loreal Out of Bed line) and some kind of shine balm (love the Rusk deep shine sea kelp one). Keeps short hair from getting too puffy which can be an issue. Also shampooing & conditioning less is definitely a good thing cause short hair can start to look a little mushroomy if it’s too soft and clean.
Also I understand the growing out part is daunting but it’s really not that bad. And your hair seems to grow pretty fast. Maybe you will love it and keep it short for two years or something though — you never know!
I think it would be so awesome and so fun! :)
whoorl
January 31, 2013 at 10:20 amThanks for the product recs, Emily. I have to admit, it would be fun to experiment with product again!
Camille
January 31, 2013 at 10:11 amYou are gorgeous with long hair, and I think you would be equally stunning with short hair. So, either way, you’re going to come out on top!
Jamie
January 31, 2013 at 10:11 amYou must do this. Why? Because it’s so much fun! WHY NOT?
I donated my hair in late 2006 to Locks of Love – the before, the initial cut, and the extended growing out phase pics (albeit unorganized and out of order) are in my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/parallelfirst/sets/72157603852443435/
I’m actually considering a keratin treatment + the Karlie for my next cut. Here’s to having options! Have fun and keep us updated!
Shannon
January 31, 2013 at 10:31 amDo it! It will look amazing. Your long hair looks amazing as well, but it is kind of exciting to think you could donate it and share the joy of beautiful hair with someone else.
I also have to admit part of me wants to live vicariously through your getting a pixie as I am currently trying to grow my hair long (damn you long hairstyling times).
Do it do it do it!
sizzle
January 31, 2013 at 10:34 amI’m glad my comment helped. Or maybe it scared you. Ha. Either way, it’s so natural to worry about making such a huge change- especially for someone who has her hair tied to her brand in a lot of ways. You’ll look beautiful any way you cut it. (HA, I’m punny!)
That pixie project is the bomb. Love it.
Alecia
January 31, 2013 at 10:38 amLong-time reader, first-time commenter here. As someone who had a pixie cut for 15 YEARS, I say go for it. It’s just hair. It will grow back. You will ALWAYS wonder if you don’t do it. Even if you hate it, you will applaud yourself for being so brave to do it. AND you will be a symbol to your daughter that her hair does not define her, that she can change her look as she changes her mind, and she can still be a confident and beautiful person. I see so many people whose whole identity seems to be in their long hair.
One more thing: If you’re going to do it, you might as well go full-on pixie. Excuse my French, but don’t “half-ass” it with a longer fringe short cut. You will get that eventually as you grow out your pixie, so why not just go for the pixie to begin with. Then get creative as it grows out. The important thing to remember is to continue to get cuts and style as you grow it out. Do NOT just start letting it grow and refuse to even get trims because that will take away length that you spent SO much time growing (been there.)
I hope I didn’t offend. Really didn’t mean to, but I am truly excited to see you with short hair since I think you have the delicate features to be able to pull it off amazingly well. And, as someone with short hair for a very long time, I hope I was able to pass on some good advice.