If you want an idea of what might look good on you, look through a bunch of magazines for models and actresses who have similar face shapes to yours. Pull all your hair back (even that halo of curlies in the last pic) and real, really take a look at the shape of your face. I think since people look at themselves in the mirror every day we kind of forget what we look like to others. Then see if you like something on someone with similar characteristics. Don't forget facial features too — look for someone who vaguely looks like you.

Different designer levels are just a reflection of how much experience they have. Personally I find this to be very hit or miss. I've had great $10 haircuts from chain barber shops and really shitty $80 haircuts from private salon owners, including one who was my boss! (I was a receptionist). The most important thing is finding a stylist who will do exactly what you want, even if you what you want is for them to do their own thing.

You are beautiful just the way you are. You will be beautiful no matter what you decide to do. Your beauty can be seen in your eyes and your smile. If you love your hair, hold onto it. If getting it cut will make you cry, hold onto it. If you are changing just for change sake, hold onto it. If you're truly tired of messin' with it, go for it and don't look back.

Feh. No matter what you do, it'll grow back.
I've never understood this anxiety with hair. I could spend two years growing out, then whack it all off without another thought.

You mentioned that you've been going through some changes. Great! This is the opportunity to freak out the squares, to zig when others expect you do zag and to embrace the only constant in the universe.

Be bold! Everything is temporary, so a new look isn't going to last forever. Looking at the notes you made on your photos, I think you might be a tad hard on yourself. You have lovely, soulful eyes. That's what I noticed when you pulled your hair back...not your curls.

Know no fear - I once shaved my entire head bald because I lost a bet. I went for three months with people either accusing me of Nazism or commisserating with cancer stories.

It'll grow back.

The best thing about hair is that if you cut it, it grows back!

Generally salons charge by how much experience the person has - as Brittanie says though it varies.

Definitely start thinking about styles rather than length though at this stage.

I used to have very long hair, too. Not quite as long as yours, but down to my waist.

I think, for me, the biggest psychological stumbling block was: "what if I cut it off and I like it so much better?" Which seems kind of weird, but I had to almost mourn the possibility of never having long hair again.

It's true (obviously) that it grows back, but the statement is kind of glib if you feel like your hair has been a huge part of your identity for what feels like forever.

I agree with Gaspode. I had really long hair for years and cutting it all off (it's now really short) was a deeply emotional event for me. It felt almost like I was sacrificing a limb. It took me a while to get used to it too -- for weeks after I cut it I would look in the mirror and be surprised at the person looking back at me. And I didn't even like my long hair, unlike you. However, I've never regretted my decision, and my hair continued to be thick and healthy (or so my hairdresser tells me).

Bad haircuts really don't last that long, especially if your hair grows quickly. Also, I spend less time on my hair now than I used to when it was long. Then again, I tend to go in for a rather rumpled look to start with, so it might be different for you, but I remember those long hours of washing and drying my hair when it was long and am rather glad I don't have to do that any more.

Do it! You're beautiful. Whatever you decide, if you wear it with confidence, you'll radiate.

We need iconomy to photoshop your haid. She does the best virtual hairdos!

Also, you're lovely, and your hair is beautiful... but I bet a new style would be very fresh and liberating. Maybe something like Kate?

≡ Click to see image ≡

≡ Click to see image ≡

Go for it. You're very lovely and have a lovely face. That will always be true no matter what. BUT - objectively, I feel like you would benefit from a shorter cut. It will frame your face better, and it will feel lighter.

It's really stressful if you haven't been going to someone regularly, and don't have good recommendation. Do you ever see strangers with good haircuts? Stop them, and ask. That's how I found my hairdresser. (Though now I've decided to move on for a change.) You can always chat with a hairdresser before you commit to getting a haircut. Do you they listen to you? Do you like the way their hair is done?

Junior, senior and master speak to their experience. The master may be the owner of the salon and will cost the most. Junior could be anybody. Unless you really are comfortable taking a chance, I would say try and opt for a senior.

Also, if you cut a lot of it off - will you consider donating your hair to make wigs for children undergoing chemo?

Where is iconomy when I need her?

I really do feel that my hair has been a big part of my identity for my whole life, and that this is a big decision - whether it grows back or not. And if I do get a haircut, I will definitely donate it. They require at least 10 inches, and I could probably donate a foot or two.

Asking a stranger is a good idea. Maybe I'll go loiter at the mall today and "interview" people for their stylist information.

What I would love is to go on one of those makeover shows where they have some super-fantastic stylist that will Make My Dreams Come True and tell me what will look best on me. In a perfect world.

Having some experience with those reality shows, I think actually you would make a good candidate. They are looking for stories and different locales. Alaska would certainly apply! No hurt in sending in an application. They take their time, though.

You also don't need to cut it all off right now. You don't have to go super short. How about something in-between which will give you a chance to test out a hairdresser with less risk?

How about Keri Russell? You seem to have similar hair, you're both beautiful, and you could wear your hair any way you want.

*green with envy, as I've always wanted curly hair*

Look for women with great-looking haircuts and ask who cuts their hair. It's a great way to find a good salon.

I used to have waist-length hair (no, really) and then went short. It was a nice change and both empowering and rejuvenating.

Bad haircuts? Short ones are gone in a month.

Gosh you're beautiful! I'd say go just below the shoulders, no shorter, to avoid total shock to the system. Then you'll see what the reduced weight does with the curliness factor.

I think, for me, the biggest psychological stumbling block was: "what if I cut it off and I like it so much better?" Which seems kind of weird, but I had to almost mourn the possibility of never having long hair again.

Ohhh, I can sympathized with this. I just had my hair permanently straightened and I went through the same thing — what if I like it better than my natural wave? What if it never grows back wavy again? I like it a lot but now I sometimes wish I could go between the two.

The reason I straightened it, though, is because I'm trying to grow it out and the waves were just getting unmanageable without some kind of weight to hold them down. My hair is chin-length now, but previous to that it has been short for several years. Like, pixie short.

I think you guys have convinced me. My boyfriend also thinks this would be good for me. Now to find a stylist!

rhapsodie - I cut my hair dramatically shorter right before high school, so when I see women freak out over getting a shorter hair cut, I totally understand. I almost broke down in the stylist chair.

But you know what? It was OK. And it's still OK. I cut about half the length off then, and I've been cutting it steadily shorter and shorter over the last 8 years. Now, I'm thinking it's a little TOO short, so I'm growing it out a bit. After cutting it once, and seeing how fast it starts to grow back, I'm not really that afraid to do anything with it anymore. I guess I'm not as emotionally invested as I was while it was long.

And from your pictures it looks like it'll be naturally wavy if it was shorter, which is super cute IMO.

You look like you've got hair just like mine. I have the little wispy face-curls too, and I've gone from long (mid-back through childhood and teen) to dead short (think 2-inch pixie). I've cut off twelve or more inches at least a few times by now.

I'd try cutting it to roughly shoulder-length, maybe 2-3 inches below your shoulder, and getting some layers put in. That's about where my hair is right now, and it is GORGEOUS. The layers let it curl up way more than it would otherwise, and the weight doesn't pull it down. Get some pieces cut shorter than that around your face, so they frame it (I *want* to rock the face-framing curls look and I can't; it drives me utterly bonkers to have hair in my face, but you may be less sensitive to that).

It'll also be less of a shock to your system and might embolden you for future hair cuts. (Be prepared for it to be super-weird the first few nights you wash your hair after getting it cut...you'll keep running your hands back and there's NO MORE HAIR.)

I'm working on being better at letting my hair down (no, really, literally - anytime I have long hair it's always up in a ponytail or braid or bun). I've got a center part too, and I'll also do the two side bunches (usually with pins or little tiny clips rather than ponytail holders). With less length it'll be a good bit easier because you'll need less grip to keep the weight in place.

I wouldn't suggest going pixie short with your (my) hair - I had to use loads of gel every morning to keep it from going all Annie-curls. But as you get more adventurous you might have fun with some cuts that are closer to chin-length.

P.S. Herbal Essences Totally Twisted (the purple one) is SO AWESOME for this hair. Give it a few days to break your hair in, but then total curl city. Put a smidge of water on your hands whenever you go to the bathroom and run it through your hair; as the day goes on your hair will just keep getting BETTER and BETTER. No joke.

Thanks, Fuzzbean! That's the kind of cut I'm definitely leaning toward, and it's good to know that it is working for you. It will at least let me get used to the idea of not having hair sitting in my lap.

Seriously, everyone, you are making me braver and braver about doing this. Whuffles to everyone!

As for shampoos: I am completely in love with Frizz Ease Curl Around. It emphasizes the curls at the nape of my neck a ton and hydrates everything very nicely. I also like Neutrogena Cream Lather. I usually don't even need a leave-in conditioner after using these two shampoo/conditioner combos. I'll have to try the Totally Twisted next time I buy shampoo (and with as much hair as I have, it won't be very long).

Here is what my hair looks like: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/1770403540_294c7cc5fb_b.jpg


I've been using Devachan's One condition and No-poo.

I want beautiful curls, too! It ain't fair! /whine

Actually, I've been thinking about getting a perm and/or colouring my hair.
Decisions, decisions...

That junior/senior/master thing has to do with how long they have worked there. At least if they are at Penney's salon.

Your hair is beautiful. You have the ability to grow it that long, so it probably grows pretty fast.

If you get it cut shoulder length or a bit longer, and have it layered, the curl will really come out. I recommend Aussie shine gel, or any similar product with silicone. It makes it shiny & silky.

I've had the best luck with hairdressers who have hair similar in texture to mine.