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.
Sarah | The Cyclist's Wife
January 31, 2013 at 10:43 amJust go for it lady! It will be cute, you will love it! The only time you will hate it is when you go to grow it out, it’s a pain, but not too bad, I’m in the middle right now. As for products get a good wax or styling cream. I can’t remember the name of mine now but I’ll check and get back to you. Your answer to #6 is spot on!
erin cooper
January 31, 2013 at 11:00 amI’m firmly in the “DO IT” camp. I wish I’d have cut my hair ages ago. It’s super easy & everywhere I go, women say enviously, “LOVE your haircut! I bet it’s sooooo easy” and I say,”Yes. YES IT IS.” and then I feel awesome. And more badass. :) And I use a daub of setting lotion and blow dry for about 3 minutes, and a little dry shampoo in the crown for volume and that’s it. Easy breezy.
Roxanna
January 31, 2013 at 11:07 amI love long hair, and I love your long hair, but it sounds like you are ready to do it. DO IT. You will look gorgeous — in the Audrey Hepburn/Anne Hathaway mold. GO!
I donated to Beautiful Lengths when I did my bob two years ago and it was a rush. They even send you a nice letter.
As an aside, “You’re a douchebag” is my favorite response, ever.
Cass
January 31, 2013 at 11:19 amA few years ago on Hair Thursday you hosted an online chat and encouraged me to go for the blond and short again. I went for the Sienna Miller short and I loved it. I’ve grown it out again and am seriously considering chopping it again. Especially after reading you every day! I honestly love the thrill of going to the hair stylist with it super long and saying “cut it off.” There’s something absolutely empowering about it. My friend just told me that when I have short hair I seem “so on and that it informs everything else I do.”
Growing it out was not bad at all – it was kind of fun to have a new hair style every few months.
Maybe you should have an online “Pixie Day” and see how many readers go for it. I am 99% in!
Heather
January 31, 2013 at 11:19 amYou will look absolutely gorgeous with short hair. This I know. But I can’t help it! I LOVE YOUR LONG HAIR! I don’t want you to cut it. HMPH. FOOT STOMP.
Ashley // Our Little Apartment
January 31, 2013 at 11:35 amYou should TOTALLY DO IT.
I have always toyed with the idea of a pixie cut (some serious flirting, actually), but the fact that I’d have to get my hair cut more than twice a year has always stopped me. But you! You probably take good care of your hair already.
DO IT SARAH.
Julie
January 31, 2013 at 11:47 amI have super short hair (was rocking about mid shoulder length) and I took it to one inch around and about 5 on the top, the longer in the front works great for me and yes, it is shocking but YOU WILL LOVE IT I PROMISE. At first, you won’t but give it like a day and it will sink in, it’s so freeing! The only downside is maintenance, I have to cut mine twice a month but if you go a little longer it won’t be that often. Bed Head Manipulator, any wax or matte pomade and dry shampoo will be your best friends. If you want to see pictures of mine, I can show you!
Stefanie
January 31, 2013 at 11:48 amRecently I opened up my long hair that I usually wear in a low ponytail, brushed it and got undressed. The hair felt amazing on my bare back, and thought to myself that it is so sensual to wear the hair long. Shorter hair will also cost you a lot more money, because of the very frequent trips to the hair salon. You can guess in which camp I fall… please keep your hair long!
Rachel
January 31, 2013 at 11:55 amYou’re going to loook maaahhhvelous, either way. Cut it, be bold!
Keri
January 31, 2013 at 12:01 pmJust do it, already! You know you wanna.
;)
Alex
January 31, 2013 at 12:22 pmAs a 23 year old cancer patient, I can’t tell you enough how your beautiful hair will make a future patient’s day with a beautiful wig! I’m in between treatments now, so my hair is growing back a little, and the short hair is fun!
Staci Magnolia
February 1, 2013 at 7:46 amOh my goodness! Just happened to see your comment and wanted to wish you lots of health and strength throughout your recovery!
Alex
February 1, 2013 at 7:49 amThank you so much Staci – I really appreciate it!
whoorl
February 1, 2013 at 7:13 pmThank you, Alex. I feel like it’s a great gift to give someone. Hope you are feeling strong! xoxo
danielle
January 31, 2013 at 12:26 pmI loved it when Blair did that project and she is rocking the cut. And you will too. I am all about stepping outside of my comfort zone these days and doing things that feel a bit off…stretching my wings. Yes, growing it out will suck, who cares. This is your chance to try it. To try something new. I say go for it. Crap….fly home and I’ll do it with you sister. No but really….go forth and chop. As far as Wita…she will see you do something scary and new and exciting..and that hair is just hair.
Darci
January 31, 2013 at 12:31 pmAs I have posted before – Do It! I have been on both sides of the hair length and my 2 daughters loved styling and hiding it my hair but I just know I am a short haired person. I rocked many a spiky hair and barrettes when they wanted to style it.
And thank you so very much for your photo grouping – I have a hair appointment on Saturday and want a new style as my hair has had quite a growth spurt this 8 weeks.
Allison
January 31, 2013 at 12:50 pmTotally DO IT! You’re beautiful. And hair has nothing to do with it.
Pamela
January 31, 2013 at 1:06 pmI say do it! it’s just hair, it will grow back.
I’ve donated my hair twice, most recently 13″ about a month ago. The first time I went for the full pixie, this time a chin length layered bob. I have LOVED the change both times. and I completely disagree that it’s hard to style, these short cuts are the only time in my life I’ve had hair that I could blow dry with a little mouse (in about 2 minutes) and be good to go. It’s so great to have a “style” every day, so much less work that long hair that always ended up in a pony for me. I have thick, slightly wavy hair.
The growing out part can be a pain, but the key is a good stylist. A good stylist will create cute in-between styles to make the transition less painful :)
good luck!