Yes, I am new to the forum. I have been lurking for a while but now I need to speak up and get your advice.  I am unable to attach a photo to give you a visual, but I will describe my hair and my situation.  For six years I have had basically the same hair style.  I have gone from the mid-length version to the long version (for my wedding) and back to mid length (just brushing shoulders with longest layer.).  My hair is thin, naturally curly, and naturally red.  It is thinning a bit at the crown and it is most obvious at the hairline.  (That is a gift from my Mom!)  I have long side sweeping bangs, and multiple layers to give me some height.  My face is very round.  For years I have heard that I cannot go to short or my face will be as round as a "moon pie".  I am "pudgy" to be frank, and I have gotten used to my hair being at least an inch below my chin to hide my double chin.  When it has been shorter I have felt "un pretty" and fat.  I have always been taught that more hair balances out more body.  But I never get compliments on my hair  when it is shorter.  When it is long people remark on it- which all my life I have been used to because the red is so unusual.  I need a change but I do not know what.  I have had the same "shape" to my hair all this time.  I have thought about doing bangs like Tiffani Theissen in the circle of hope print advertisements,  or like Jennifer Love Hewitt on the gallery.  But are those bangs a good idea for my round face?  Or do I have the wrong idea about short hair? I just get so self conscious when the cut shapes into my jawline.  My husband loves long hair, so I have a real uphill battle here.  I really do appreciate your advice and thoughts on this matter.  Thank you so much!

Melanie

Also- I am only 29, and I am tired of people thinking I am much older.  I think I need to keep it modern and young. If one more person asks me if I am my nephew's grandmother (his mom is 29 also but doesn't wear makeup and still has her Class of '94 hairstyle- she looks at least 15!)  I might die! 

My stylist is a close friend, and she thinks I am nuts that I say I have had hte same hairstyle all this time.  Because she did it!  I have the school group photographs of my with my class each year to prove it.  The length varies a little but that is all!  But I can't really leave her because my father in law is a stylist also and he would love for me to  come to him- but his specialty is blue rollerset styles.  So I pledge allegiance to her and therfore I kind of have to stay with her or else it's off to his chair. 

Does anyone see my frustration and desperation here!!!!!!!!

I like these I think but will they work?

This is very similar to the Tiffani Thiessen look I was talking about ...

And this is kind of what I have now more or less....

Which has been great because I can put it in a ponytail and put on my "fake pony" when I am running late.  I blow it out pretty smooth, but for those of you in the know- will it curl up more if I cut it off?

Red? Curly? Natural? Just think of how beautiful it would look at waist-length! I used to have a bobpixie and when I grew it long, it coincided with my feeling better about myself. I know for a fact that the long hair had something to do with it. If short hair makes you feel "un-pretty" as you said, then I would consider growing it out and leaving it natural.

I would also reconsider your motives for which hairdresser you go to (or whether you "need" one at all).

stuff to inspire you:

here's one by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Botticelli's Birth of Venus

Best of luck with your decision

Anais