What to do about my hair . . .
 

I've had long hair every since I was little . . . and I've NEVER had it cut short, ever. I wanted everyone's opinion on whether or not I should have a radical change and chop it all off. I think I've really hidden behind it for a long time and I think I might want a drastic change when I get to my goal weight. Here's how I look now:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../Smurfs019.jpg
Here's the back view:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../Smurfs020.jpg


Do you think I would look decent with a shorter haircut? And, yes, those are its natural waves, and I'm also wondering if cutting it short will make it really curly because dealing with its waves is a pain in the butt enough (with the frizz and all).

Another issue I'm having is that its the one thing I have always been complimented on (even at 300 pounds). You know that scene in Little Women where Jo sells her hair, and Amy gasps: "Jo, your one beauty!!!" I keep reliving that scene in my head.

Hmmm...You have really pretty hair. I say no to the whole chopping thing. I go from long to short once in a while (prolly 3 times in my life) and every time I say "NEVER AGAIN!" I geuss I have a poor memory;) My friend has hair as long maybe even longer than your and she cut it once as a teen...No bueno. You two even look alike! Try bangs or highlights first...see where that leaves you. BTW you loss is absolutely fantastic!

Hi there,
Firstly congrats on your loss - that is completly amazing!

Secondly. My advice - cut it! I always had long hair...it never saw a pair of scissors, so long I could sit on it. Then one day I decided I had enough, I was 23 years old and it was the best decision I ever made. I got it cut right up to my ears :-). It gave me a whole new lease of life and confidence I never knew I had. Much like you say, I hid behind my hair...people noticed it before they noticed me. I've since grew it again, and cut it, styled it etc the difference it makes is amazing. People just will not recognise you.

Go with your gut instinct, its only hair and it will grow back.
Fionnuala

I would say cut it. I just got 11 inches cut off mine to donate to Locks of Love. It's a great organization that makes wigs for children with cancer. I would also suggest not to cut it too short at first. Maybe just to about the shoulder. It will always grow back if you don't like it.
Hope that helps.
CE

Finn: You look just like a friend of mine that goes to my church...you could be twins...except she has dark hair.

HCG: I think it's true that when someone hides behind their hair have slight insecurity issues. The fact that you're willing to go under the scissors speaks miles about your confidence level after losing weight and you're ready to really come out and shine. You're hair is GORGEOUS. You don't have naturaly frizzy hair, you have over worked hair. I'm looking at the last six inches of your hair and it's curlier than the rest and the weight of your hair MAY be making things appear smoother up top, but I think your frizzies are coming from this: Think of the last six inches of your hair...how long has that been on your head? How many times have those strands of hair been brushed, snagged, tugged, blow dried, ironed, hot rollered, etc. They've had about all they can take and they're springing up like curly ribbons on a present. Run the brush down then and BOING, up they curl. I'm looking at the upper to middle part of your hair and it looks shiney and like you'll end up with beautiful, healthy waves.

Trust me...you're hair is NOT going to frizz up if you take some weight off it. My daughter's father is Italian/half Sicilian and has that frizzy afro-like hair. My daughter has her father's hair and really, really wanted to have straight blonde hair (like my son has - isn't it always the way that the boys get the features the girls want? Long eyelashes, beautiful hair, etc) So, I come from a long line of straight haired blonde Germans and with her blended gene pool, her hair is mostly very wavy, but in the front, from her ears forward, it's downright nappy. I'll try and attach a picture of her. If you run your hands from the top of her head to over her ears, her hair feels like crinkle cut french fries. Now, SHE has hair that if I cut it short, she'll have a complete and total afro. And she'd kill me in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping, I'm sure of it. So, we keep hers as long as possible and, I'm a hairdresser and I got one of the professional salon ceramic straightening irons and use that Chi stuff and her hair pretty much laughs at it and within an hour, it's well on its way to being back to normal.

Anyhow...I agree with both Finn and Stevie. How exhilarating it would be to hack it all off at once...you might even be able to sell it, like Jo...but what a SHOCKER it would be!! Imagine if you took a picture of Katharine McPhee to your salon and had them cut off about 6 inches...maybe even a foot!...and ask for long, long layers...the layers should be no shorter than your chin. You will feel strong, healthy ends on your hair, no frizzies and you'll feel like a new woman! What you'll do is get some of that Fructis shampoo for Sleek and Shine and the matching conditioner....get some mousse or spray gel, towel dry your hair, brush it out with a nice paddle brush and then tip your head over and blow dry it that way. You can also get one of those big ceramic round brushes to smooth out the ends the way you want...the heat of the blowdryer heats ti up and it works like a big, giant 1980's brush curling iron.

Once you get that first chopping done, then you might think...hey, that was exhilarating!! and then you can always go back and go shorter if you want to. But be advised...you're hair is so gorgeous...I think people will always be noticing it.

Also...the most important thing...go to a well-recommended stylist...someone that is recommended by someone you know that has gorgeous hair. Do NOT scrimp on price on the stylist. We're talking about another appendage here of yours and you shouldn't trust it to just any ole hair stylist. I worked at Penney's for 10 years and other smaller shops for 10 more years and I've seen hacks, as well as great, stylists at both the big salons and the small ones. Look for someone that has great hair, that looks like it was well styled and, even if you don't know the person, go up and ask them who their stylist is and go there.

I wish you lived near me so you could come to my house...I'd make you look fabulous, dahling...

Good luck!! :D

I tried to post a picture of my daughters hair, but I'm on my Mac and it's not cooperating. :mad:

Ooooh! Those curls would look gorgeous in a shoulder length bob , just long enough to pull back on occasion and leave some tendrils around your face and loose on the side!

The Locks for Love idea is a good one:)

Mel

Ohh! how exciting - actually I have dark hair too so maybe we are! It is a small world after all...I badly want a picture of her now! :D

It's very long! I'm with Mel, I think it would be great cut just short enough to tie back but long enough to be softly tendrilly curly around your face. I wish I had curls.

I flip back and forth too. Just recently my daughter and I were looking at pictures. Since I've learned that I'm little and rather 'straight' ... we think I look like a boy with short hair. I like my ponytail :)

Harpo, you're so beautiful. :)
Your hair is too gorgeous to hack right off. I'd take about 18 inches off... the lessoned weight will feel and look wonderful.

I think the insecurity thing is true for some (not necessarily for you... I'm just talking generally), but on some people, long hair just looks better. :)
I've always had long hair (I keep it just below my shoulders now, although it used to be as long as yours), and it suits me. (so I've been told. ah, vanity. heh heh) Sometimes I envy those people with "the perfectly shaped head" for really short hair, but I'm never cutting my hair.
My 81 year old mother grew her hair again when she was about 60, and she always wears it up in a big messy bun on her head. It looks great... she's beautiful. :)

I agree with the 'cut it' people. I know that when I had my hair cut shorter, and got bangs (what we call a fringe), people said I looked 10 years younger. Many people didn't recognise me, but EVERYONE loved it.

I believe that a shorter style would be very flattering on you. I am trying to picture you with bangs, and I think they would suit the shape of your face. I do agree that you may want to still have it long enough to tie back though. That was the only rule I had when I got mine cut. I still wanted to be able to tie it back when I exercised. Mind you... I'm almost ready to go for something even more dramatic. I'll have to think about it a bit more though.

If you DO get it cut, don't forget to post a pic so we can all see the new you.

Zelma

I was about to say donate it if you cut it but someones beaten me to it.

get it cut midlength to get used to it and then go for a short cut you have a great face shape.

I agree, you should cut it, but I'd go for a length that would fall to a little past your shoulders first. I once cut my hair from almost waist length to a chin-lenght bob, and it was a little too short for me at the time (too different). I am overdue for a haircut myself, and am planning to go a little bit longer that shoulder length and if I feel brave enough go shorter later in the summer. But I am taking baby steps - I don't want too much of a shock.
And definitely donate to Locks of Love! That would be awesome!

You have great hair!

I think you would be cute with hair a little longer than your shoulders. Cutting that much off will make you feel lighter, I chopped mine off about a month ago, and I felt lighter instantly. I agree with the locks of love. every two years I chop off 12-16 inches and donate it. I am getting to be a pro at styling my hair no matter what length it is.

All I know is don't do it till you are ready.

If you do it, I would love to see pictures of your new style.

Girl..your hair is gorgeous! If you do decide to cut it, go with about a inch or a little more then have long layers put in it. My step daughter did that and it really looked great. That way it won't be such a big move and you regret cutting too much. I also agree with the others about donating it to Locks Of Love.

I, too, have hair long like yours - except I have ZERO natural curl. I have contemplated cutting it.... and, although I know it will grow back, I love my long hair.
However, I grew up with short hair; I was sometimes mistaken for a boy, and my mom didn't want to deal with long hair. I do not look good with short hair at all. It wasn't until I was in high school that I decided to grow my hair out. It took about 4 years to go from chin length to my waist. (I am now 24).
You might cut it off and hate it, but at least it will grow back.
If you truly LOVE the length, maybe you should start with a new hairstyle - perhaps bangs and layers with some highlights or a whole new color. Then go from there.
I would consult with a good stylist to see what they can do and would recommend to help frame your face and would be easy to care for.

I have to agree with cutting it :) I've had my hair long, medium and short length. I prefer it shorter. Shorter hair tends to make you look younger and gives you greater versatility. Plus you can always grow your hair out if you don't like it.

I also agree with cutting it & donating it to Locks of Love. I think a nice "right below shoulder length" cut would look fabulous on you. Good luck:carrot:

You have beautiful hair! I wouldn't go any shorter than shoulder length though, atleast not at first. It would be too much of a shock I think.

I also have frizzy hair and it's really thick and POOFED out into a triangle shape on my head for the longest time! If that's a concern for you, a stylist finally introduced me to these really cool scissors that cut out hair, with out taking off length. So it just takes out bulk. So may hair doesn't frizz out to the sides as much!

I agree w/stevi-rocks! I think that highlighted would look so nice!
I love long hair and yours is BEAUTIFUL!!

I have very curly hair and made the mistake of going very short. I now have long layers just about my shoulder blades, but it angles towards my face so the sides are just a little longer than my chin...I can wear it stratight or curly.

I think getting the 12 inches cut off and layers would make your natural curl easy to work with and beautiful with losing the securtiy of your hair.

I'd also say a bit longer than shoulder length with some layers framing your face for the first cut. You'll have to keep us updated on what you decide :)

I like the donation idea. I had long hair for years and I have gradually gone shorter. You might want to have it cut in stages until you get adjusted to going shorter unless you want the shock value.The thing with hair is it does grow back if you absolutely hate it!!
My only suggestion would be to go to a good hairstylist--maybe someone whose hair you like can recommend one to you.

You have such beautiful hair :)

When I was heavy, I used my hair as "camoflage." The bigger my hair, the smaller the rest of me must look in comparison. When I lost weight, I was finally able to cut it - show off my newly slender neck and amazing new cheekbones.

I was happier with my hair short, if you think you might be happier, cut off a little. It would be good for it and you can always grow it back if you aren't happy.

You can see my before/after pics here and what a difference a haircut made for me! I also donated my hair to Locks for Love and received a nice post card that I hung on the frig :)

http://gloriana.myphotoalbum.com/vie...umName=album02

I heard once that cutting your hair is a sign of a spiritual rebirth. Who knows if that's true, but it's kind of fun to think about.

I have long hair, and I'm doing a donation to Locks 4 Love sometime. I'm not ready to cut it yet, though.

Before I started in the dance and costuming field, I managed a hair salon. In my professional opinion, and from the thousands of heads that I have styled and cut during those years-here is what I think.

Yes, your hair is pretty...BUT...it is *too* long. There is such a thing. :D When hair gets below middle of your back, it doesn't do any justice to it at all to have it all one length. One length hair that is longer than the middle of your back does nothing but "hang" there. It is too long and heavy to have any body to it, is too long/heavy to put up in a lot of updo styles, etc. and pretty much you are left with:
~it hanging there, limp..
~a braid
~a ponytail

I don't think that you should go from where it is now, to something super short...but SOMETHING needs cut. If you want to keep the length of the hair, then you need to add some layers to it so that there are different lengths in there-to give it some body, and to revitalize those weighed down curls. You would have GORGEOUS curls with the right styling product, and some of the weight taken off. Because your hair is so heavy, those curls are really drooping.

If you want to keep the hair unlayered, then my advice would be to take about a foot off of it or more-maybe just below the shoulders or about the chest area. If your hair is unprocessed (no color, perm, etc.) then it could easily be donated. (Some places will not make wigs out of processed hair.)

My SIL has naturally curly hair, and her hair is just like yours-too long, too heavy, and she alternates it hanging there, a braid, or a "scrunchie". Her curls are BEGGING to come out and play...

I have naturally wavy hair-not so much super curly, but wavy-and I have found that the best thing to do with it is to accentuate the curl in the hair, rather than trying to battle it. It is much easier to style it with the curl, rather than trying to blow it out, "weight" it down with more hair, and so forth. Work WITH what nature gave you, not against it.

Oooooooo...I want to vote too!!!

Cut it! I had hair longer than yours for the first 24 years of my life. I seriously struggled with cutting it, but was so glad when I did. First of all, DON'T let a friend cut it! You will be dissapointed how it hangs if someone cuts it that doesn't know what they are doing. Secondly, get a rounded, bra strap length cut...it will do HUGE things for your figure! Thirdly, get some layers in there! Not anything to make a "shaggy" look, but enough to fill things out a bit. It is amazing what a layering will do for you! NO BANGS!!! I regret having that done once...you have to hassle growing them out and then if the wind plays with your hair, you are scrambling trying to set them to rights again. And lastly, get a 'face frame'....it will really complement your face a lot. I really think you would look awesome with this kind of hair-do....and it is 'playful' and hard to mess up during the day!

Take a pic when you get done whatever you decide!

That hair is too gorgeous to completely let go (except to locks of love, or something). I suggest changing your part, maybe some side-swept bangs? Also some long layers would look good too, I think. is that your natural color? Lucky!

Ah, thanks everyone for your input & compliments!!! I can't believe all of your differing opinions. You are all just as torn as I am. (And darn it, I should have made this thread a poll!!)

After reading your responses, I think I'll take the advice of getting it cut, but not too extreme. And I do want to try layers, but I'm not sure about highlights (It's never been colored, that's my natural color). And I've seen some frightening highlight jobs. But it's a good idea to be able to have two stabs at it in case I don't like the first cut, because if I cut it REALLY short, there's no way I can get it cut again.

Thanks Aphil for your professional advice. I was hoping someone had hair styling experience. I agree my hair is VERY heavy and that's why it is so straight at the top.

Oh, I will DEFINITELY donate my hair to Locks of Love. I think I may definitely cut off more than 12 inches.

Glory Your hair cut is adorable. :D

I'm definitely going to a very high end professional salon. I wouldn't want someone who didn't have a lot of experience (and I'd never let a friend or a family member get near my hair with scissors).

techwife Thanks for your advice as well. I think the frizz is natural, because I never blow dry, I've never dyed it, and I don't brush it wet either. I would love to come and let you make my hair fabulous!!!

Thanks to everyone!!! You've really helped me. I think something too short may be too much of a shock, but I will definitely go shorter and I'll be sure to post pictures of my new hair!!!!

I'm in the KC metro area, so I'll probably be going to a salon on the plaza. Another question, although I'm on a limited budget, how much would a high end hair cut cost? I'm thinking about $200? Am I way wrong?

Thanks again!!! You girls are so great!!!!

I go to a fairly nice salon near Seattle. A hair cut is 50.00 + tip (that includes wash/blow out). Color/highlight adds big bucks and the colorist must also be tipped.

I get my hair cut at a stylist I followed from a privately owned shop to a JC Penny Beauty Salon--the wash/cut/style is $27 plus tip.

I agree, long layers would be GORGEOUS on you....you're SO pretty!

Check around your area...I've heard that some salons will cut your hair free if you are donating it to Locks of Love. Or you can look online...might list a place in area that does it free. Anyway...hope you like the *new* you!

Your hair is SOOOOOOO gorgeous! You are so incredibly brave to make a change! :carrot: Your weight loss is AMAZING and you certainly deserve a "new look" !

I had long hair for over 30 years!!!! I could sit on it. And it's wavy, curly on the ends like yours! For my first cut, I got it cut halfway between my shoulders and bra strap. I think that's a good length to first try----you can always cut off more, but once cut, it's gone.

I LOVED it! It felt so much lighter and was much easier to care for. I literally felt like an airhead, so light and airy! :D I got tons of compliments! :)

I agree, you'll look awesome with a long layers and some bangs. I think hilights would look great but I wouldn't do that at first. I have hilights and my hair is still long. It is too hard, imo, on my hair to keep touching up the hilights as my hair grows very fast---plus I am concerned about damaging my hair---due to the length and it is naturally dry.

Whatever you decide---you'll look FABULOUS!!! Please make sure to post a picture! I'm excited for you!!!! :dance: PLUS, you will be lighter on the scale---I bet you have at least 5lbs of hair! Rapid weight loss!!! WOOHOO!

I got my hair cut about a year ago. It was long but not NEARLY as long as yours. Here is a pic of it longer and me younger. But anyway, I died it dark (it's natuarlly dark) and cut it short and I LOVE IT! Yes I REALLY miss my long hair but at the same time, I feel so sexy with my short hair. It takes me less the 5 min to blow dry! Before it took me like half an hour!

As much as I ADORE my short hair, I am growing it back. But it was nice for a change and fun while it lasted! My boyfriend gets upset everytime I get a hair cut, haha.

Harpo: Have you considered sharing your story on a talk show? They LOVE this kind of stuff--especially Maury Povich (believe it or not, his show is not ONLY about the topic "Who my baby daddy?").

You could possibly get a trip to New York (or Chicago for Oprah) and get a transformation by a top rated salon.

Why not give it a thought? You can get more details at www.mauryshow.com for Maury.

Now that would be nice!! A free hair cut, I was just going to go look up some more information of Locks of Love and then call around to some salons.

Elizabeth I thought about how much weight I would lose cutting my hair!! It's pretty heavy. Only in my dreams though would it be 5 pounds!!! I think I'll cut it at my bra strap, I think I'll like it at that length, and if I don't, I can cut it again!!

sotypical I love your new hair!!! I've always noticed it in your avatar pic and said, "She's got a great haircut." I always wondered if I'd feel sexy with shorter hair.

Jen I haven't considered going on a talk show because I'm really shy and would probably come out and begin to hyperventilate and eventually pass out on the host (or throw up on him). But if I did go on a talk show, it would be to share my story, not really get a makeover (but if they wanted to do one, I'd be totally up for it). Although I do find Dr. Phil a bit grating, I'd like to go on his show so he would offer me free counseling (which I need more than a makeover). It'd be really great to go on Oprah too. I think I'd make an interesting guest, but I'm not even at my goal yet. I'm definitely going to contact a magazine to share my story with, and I'll see how that goes before I start writing Maury or Oprah. But thanks for bringing it up!!!

Thanks Cassie!!!

~~~~~

Boy was I WAYY off about the cost of a good hair cut, I must have been influenced by watching makeover shows in CALIFORNIA. But if I can get it free, that would be even better.

My niece cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. She had gorgeous dark red - not auburn, but red-gold - hair down to her bottom. She cut and donated something like 15 inches. She got a great free cut and style.

Check with Locks of Love - they have guidelines as to what they can accept.

You know... it's so rare these days to see a woman with a head full of gorgeous hair. I'm going to give an opposing opinion, as I see many have suggested to cut it off.

Don't.

When I see hair like that, I look. I stare. It's beautiful. My hair is almost as long as yours, it's an auburn/chestnut color. I've had women all my life tell me how beautiful my hair is. Will I cut it off?

No way.

Now, I think yours would look good like someone else suggested, in long layers. Gorgeous. That's how I plan to get mine cut soon because, like yours, it's all one length. But I want something different. However, I'm not giving up the length.

Do you know how many women would give their souls to have hair like yours? I have women tell me the same thing all the time. I can't count how many times I've heard, "God your hair is gorgeous! I would LOVE to have hair like this!"

No way I'm cutting MINE off! ;)

P.S. I too have had long hair most of my life. I cut it one time. Up over my shoulders. And I cried for 2 weeks.

Thanks :) It looks different now then in my pic because it is starting to grow, but I loved it like that the best. You won't know unless you tried it. I think donating your hair is awesome, but maybe you want to just cut off alittle a time, just to make sure. Like try a few inchs and layer it or something. That's what I did anyway.