I have relatively long-ish hair. It's about down to my chest. I've been having the great urge to get it cut and dyed for a me-christmas gift but I'm a bit worried about how I'll look after. The last time I cut it I hated it because it made my head look massive, and I'm afraid that it won't look right in proportion to my body (if that makes sense) because I've always kind of felt (not to offend anyone, this is just how I see it) that shorter hair on larger women kind of make the body look larger.
I'm just wondering what other people thing? I know that there are websites where you can upload your photo and see what you look like after but I can never get my photo just right.

I'm usually a fan of longer hair...mine always has been, except for the one time I cut it above the shoulders, just because I'd never done it. Ever since then I've been letting it grow back out again. Have you ever had layers cut in the back, or around your face? That's one way to get a different look but still be able to keep the length.

I agree about those websites! They never look quite right.

I've always felt it's more about how you wear your hair than the length. Bigger women look best with some volume around their faces (IMO). Personally I like short, full hairstyles to balance out a bigger body.

untamed's suggestion of layers around your face is a great idea. You could dye it and go with the layers first. Then if you like how things look you could always go a little shorter later on.

Good luck to you - I think a Christmas present to yourself is a great idea.

Personally? I'll never go back to short hair. Even when I'm at my goal weight. I think my hair is definitely one of my best assets now that I know what I can do with it, so I won't be cutting it.

Why don't you go for a consultation? talk to a hairdresser you trust and see if they can help you make some changes without going to drastic. You could go a little shorter now and then go from there.

I still have my length, but, for example, the last time I went in I got even more layers. My hair is now curlier than ever and I love it. I also got red and purple low-lights. Something different But before I did anything I told my hairdresser exactly what was going on in my mind and she helped me make some decisions.

I think it depends on the type of hair you have, how much time you have, etc. I really wanted my hair short about 10 years ago, so I went in on a whim and had them cut it super super short. I have naturally curly hair that tends towards the frizzy side, and short hair was not a good idea. I either had to spend an hour and a half working with it so it wouldn't look terrible, or go out in public looking like an overfed, underloved poodle.

Ivillage.com used to have a program on their site where you could upload a pic of yourself and try on different hairstyles. You may want to look around and see if you can find something like that - the photo doesn't have to be perfect, but it should give you at least an idea of what you'd look like!

Yes, thank you everyone. I think I see what people are saying. I think maybe I'll try the layer thing as I don't want to totally regret it if I just cut it all at once. I think I'm going to go to my salon today and see when I can get it done!

Big women always look big and hair has nothing to do with it It does have to do with the shape of your face, so if you do have a round face, it does mean you're going to have a different kind of hairstyle. I love how really confident women have really short hair, I find it really sexy.

That said, on myself I love very short hair, (like 2-4 inches) or slightly above the shoulders and layered. The shorter you go, just make sure you go for a higher end stylist because you don't want to get hair that's too "coiffed" (too "granny").

LOL@bacilli. When I was yonger I had much thicker hair, and I got a short haircut that looked awful! I have much thinner hair now, and when its long and not layered right, its so flimsy. I was scared very short hair would make me look bald, but no, I lurve it.

I love short hair on me. My last hair cut was an angled bob about an inch to two above my shoulders. Unfortunately, my fiance likes longer hair.

I like angeled bobs! I think they are quite...sexy. haha.
And to souvenirdarling like I said it's just how I see things. I guess maybe it's just me seeing more flat styles?
And yes, I guess I agree. I got this one awful hair cut when I was eight that made me look like Bea Arthur from the first season of Golden Girls. And it's not that it's a bad hair cut all together but it just....wasn't right on me.

i also believe short hair adds a few pounds to your look thats why im sticking to my long hair if i were you and you absolutly want a change try going blond if you are a blond go dark.. try bangs.... i too want to make a change but im waiting till im at 180 so i have awhile to decide.. you could also ask your hair dresser she will know better seeing as hair is her job..

I'd say go with what your are most comfortable with.

If you think short hair makes you uncomfortable, then don't go short.

I love shortish hair and I think it flatters most people, but you just have to find the right cut for you. Right now I'm doing a bob style and I like it a lot.

Not to sound stuck up, but i think short & long hair looks good on me, lol. I've had my hair super long (to my waist) and I've had it short (to my ears). My hair is really really thick, so I tend to love having short hair more. I think it also depends on how you style it too.

Hair is a very touchy subject for women. I think quite the opposite of you, I think long hair on large women looks terrible. Unless it has volume like a victoria's secret model's hair (yea right) then it just plasters against your face, brings out pudgy cheeks, and then points straight down to the butt. It's not very flattering but I see many overweight women thinking that they are hiding behind long luxurious hair when it really ain't all that - just because hair is long doesn't mean it's pretty.

Cutting your hair short can be exhilirating. All men prefer long hair because they think it's very feminine, sexy, and... well not much else. It's not daring, it's not spunky, it's just hair. The truth is that it takes a lot of courage not to hide behind your hair, just think about all the women who cut their hair short - strong, confident, take charge women like sharon Stone, Victoria Beckham, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz - these women are known for being talented, outgoing, fun, and ballsy. Victoria Secret Models who have long flowy hair are only known for one thing - sex appeal.

I've had my hair long, short, curly, straight, blonde, brown, etc. I find that I am most happy when it's between my chin and shoulder, medium length. I really like my face and I have no intention of hiding behind a blanket of hair. I noticed that it starts to grow out when I have a general feeling of insecurity. But I get it cut and my sense of empowerement comes right back. Hard to explain why.

Be courageous and ask your stylist to pick a haircut for you. It can be terrifying but I always think about how they are a professional, they study fashion for a living, and they know how my hair will frame my face best.