going from long to short..... scared

If I could make a list of questions women should ask themselves to be sure they're ready for a drastic style change, those would definitely top the list. Women meant for long hair enjoy taking care of it and experimenting with different styles, so if you're feeling like yours is a burden to take care of and find yourself pulling it back the same way all the time, you're definitely ready for a change.
The part about being scared, I used to not understand when women said that, but now I think I do. For a while I used to have a buzzcut, but then I spent close to four years working on the very specific style of a fictional character I love. Part of her style involves a very long ponytail, so I spent those years growing mine to as long as it would go before it stopped by itself. When I got tired of attempting that style and wanted to change, I just kept thinking how long I'd been working on that pony, so when the time came to be rid of it, I was really nervous. I gathered the pony and picked up the scissors, and was just about to do it, when I got scared and put them down again :-P . That happened like three times in a row, and I got angry with myself for being such a coward. *laughs* But I knew if I didn't do it that day I'd never do it, so I took a deep breath and just started cutting. Once the pony was free, I felt all excited and optimistic, and was able to get the rest over easily.
From time to time I feel mildly disappointed I can't use my ponytail holders or some of my bigger hair clips anymore, but overall, I can't say I've regretted it yet.

nwhorselady wrote: OK, I have had long, wavy hair, passed the small of my back for year, 20+, I am 39 years old, well almost and I am ready for a change. Here are my reasons: 1. I am involved with horses and have to wash my hair almost daily, at least every other day, drying time is about 2-3 hours, don't like blow drying, takes forever and dries out my scalp. 2. I have my hair in a pony tail pretty much 24 hours a day, including when I go to sleep. Rarely, if ever, do I wear my hair open, so therefore I look like I have short hair anyway from the front at least. 3. I am ready for a change, kind of tired of the old look. I am scared of the change however. I know it's only hair and it'll grow back, but to get it back this long from short hair could take 4-6 years. I went to thehairstyler.com and aquired a membership to see what kind of hairstyles are out there, uploaded my picture and got an idea on what I would like to have my new style look like. So now I need to find a hairstyles and muster up the guts to cut my hair off. Any suggestions???? Is there anyone on here that went from long to short??? Any things to consider??? I really appreciate any suggestions!!! Thanks in advance!!! Dee

I went from fairly long hair to medium short hair a number of years ago. My wife went from mid-back length long hair to super short hair a year ago.
It was a transition for both of us but neither of us regret it.

I don't think you will regret it either. I'm sure you can look sensational with a short hairdo.
It may be true that I am partial to women with short hair, but if people are objective there are many women who just look terrific in short hair styles. I find my wife incredibly attractive with her hair so very short.

I had hair to my elbows for a while and I liked it a great deal. I've also had a shaved head (not a good look for me). Currently, I have a number 1 on the sides number 2 on top buzzcut. Getting long hiar cut short can be traumatic initially.

However, the day to day upkeep is much simpler and less expensive. I don't regret it for a minute.

When I first cut my hair it was for a job, but I wasn't forced to do it. If I wanted the job, which I did, I had to make consolations.

Point of all this blather is, I went from very long hair to a typical bussinessman's haircut and the change was both dramatic and liberating.

The suggestion to change your hair gradually is a good one. The important thing is to be happy with who you are and how you look. I'm turning 40 in November and can't imagine having my hair that long again.

Yes, it's a change, yes it can be scary, but if you want to do it (and your reasons seem very valid) don't let anything friends or strangers tell you sway you. It's a decision you have to make for yourself.

Good luck and keep us posted.

If you're nervous, it is a good idea to cut a few inches, see if you like it, and if you want to go shorter. If you do, then cut it again.

There are a few of problems with that. It is more expensive, takes awhile, and doesn't really give you what you want. You want a short style you can wear down that looks good with minimal work. Medium length styles may be more work than your long hair and more time consuming to style. And that's your goal.

You have a tough call. Go for the style you want now, and maybe regret it, or take it a little at a time.

As for styles, try here:

http://gallery.hairboutique.com/default.asp

OK, I have had long, wavy hair, passed the small of my back for year, 20+, I am 39 years old, well almost and I am ready for a change.
Here are my reasons:
1. I am involved with horses and have to wash my hair almost daily, at least every other day, drying time is about 2-3 hours, don't like blow drying, takes forever and dries out my scalp.
2. I have my hair in a pony tail pretty much 24 hours a day, including when I go to sleep. Rarely, if ever, do I wear my hair open, so therefore I look like I have short hair anyway from the front at least.
3. I am ready for a change, kind of tired of the old look.
I am scared of the change however. I know it's only hair and it'll grow back, but to get it back this long from short hair could take 4-6 years.
I went to thehairstyler.com and aquired a membership to see what kind of hairstyles are out there, uploaded my picture and got an idea on what I would like to have my new style look like.
So now I need to find a hairstyles and muster up the guts to cut my hair off.
Any suggestions???? Is there anyone on here that went from long to short??? Any things to consider???
I really appreciate any suggestions!!!
Thanks in advance!!!
Dee