Women Suddenly Cutting their hair short

Hi,

   Just wondered if any of you ladies can shead any light on this. Why do so many women get married and then suddenly decide after years to have their long hair cut short ? I know a lot of new mums do this also but I can see a practical reason for this. Any insight for me ?

Thanks.

bob wrote: It does seem to me that on the whole, women tend to go from long to short at specific "milestones" in their lives such as getting married, childbirth, divorce, retirement etc.  Any other thoughts?

Hi there,

For me, society has nothing to do with thoughts of cutting my hair in this phase of my life. I believe for many, it is hard to steer clear of the Stepford ways. In my opinion, the self-appointed upper crust society has created an unwritten book of rules we should all follow, lest we fall beneath a certain level - which mimics third grade behavior. "Eww, she's wearing white shoes at the wrong time of the year."  Please.

Geography plays a big part, I agree, though it seems the more social an area, the higher fashion choices are in priority. If I lived in Tulsa, I'd be laughed at and mimicked for my long hair at 40, yet it would not convince me to cut and get in line with the rest of them.

Personality plays a big part, too. I have a heavy flower child streak and a strong sense of independence. It would be true to say that part of my long hair is defiance.

I've made sudden cuts on a few occasions in my life, which I did regret. Once it was a longing to sport the style everyone else had. (Think Stepford) Once it was cut, I realized I was just another face in the crowd.

Another time I cut thinking I would appear more attractive with shorter hair. I ended up sad over the cut. Looking back now, I laugh, because I cut my hair for fear a man would prefer another woman with a more styled look. Today I find humor in that because if a man didn't want me due to my hairstyle, I can't imagine trying to further win his affections.

Certain events do indeed contribute, be they a phase of life, a new marriage, wanting to feel fresh and springy, etc. Much like a garden. Though I enjoy a large patch of Four O'Clocks and they smell wonderful, it would be interesting to yank ten years of root and in it's place plant a flowering shrub half the size. In comes the sunlight, new mulch is added, etc. I realize it may be an odd euphemism to compare hair and one's garden.

Control issues may also affect hair cutting decisions. Perhaps a lady lived under the thumb of a dominating man for quite some time. In the event of a divorce, a short cut would indeed serve as a statement of freedom, a new lease on life.

Who knows why women cut so suddenly. Though it would be interesting to see the results of a poll on Hair Boutique. *hint hint* The only thing is, you may have to aim the poll at those who cut a drastic amount of hair, not just a few inches.

Karen Marie

The issue of older women have to cut their hair off at "x" number of age really bugs the hek out of me. 

Personally I think that LONG HAIR ADDS YOUTH!!!

I have 29 year olds tell me all the time with beautiful long hair,"I am turning 30 next year, I guess it will be time to cut it off".  I always reply with horror and first tell them "how old do you think I am" ( I have long hair half way down my back, Jessica Simpson style)

Then I tell them if that's the reason than i won't be the one doing the cutting.

I also require a one month waiting period for such a drastic cut.  I hate tears in my chair, and if you cry, I will cry right with you because I love long hair, when it is properly conditioned.

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of short hair cut people too.

Just my thoughts.....

phil wrote: functionality over sexuality

Yes, this is exactly how I feel. Although, for me, it means: keep the hair long.