My hair vs my appearance - Haircut advice, please! (lots of pics)

[Liz_H]

Right now my hair is mid back, with no layers. Except for my old bangs at collarbone length. I like the hair, but not how I look in it. Jowls, Ugh. Help! I'm almost ready to go back to chin length.

I've included current photos as well as some of the haircuts that have looked good on me over the years. I tried to size these correctly. My apologies if some of them are too big. I can't tell the sizes on Postimage.org
https://i.postimg.cc/5NyQm7MD/Liz-2019-March.jpg (https://postimages.org/) https://i.postimg.cc/C5QTYL5C/20181127-173157.jpg (https://postimages.org/) https://i.postimg.cc/GmpKGJMp/Liz-Christmas-2019.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


This photo is 20 yrs old, but I had the same hairstyle a few years ago. Very flattering, probably because it pulls the eye up from my chin.
https://i.postimg.cc/KjgQkZQD/Liz-2001.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


lots of layers here, but no length to pull down my chin (5 yrs ago)
https://i.postimg.cc/vZ7qtZyP/IMG-0039-FB-2014.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


about the most flattering style, but I don't want it this short! Besides the monthly DIY haircuts are a pain. (2009)
https://i.postimg.cc/Pqt63nrd/Liz-2-c-2009.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Sparkles122]

Right now my hair is mid back, with no layers. Except for my old bangs at collarbone length. I like the hair, but not how I look in it. Jowls, Ugh. Help! I'm almost ready to go back to chin length.

I've included current photos as well as some of the haircuts that have looked good on me over the years. I tried to size these correctly. My apologies if some of them are too big. I can't tell the sizes on Postimage.org
https://i.postimg.cc/5NyQm7MD/Liz-2019-March.jpg (https://postimages.org/) https://i.postimg.cc/C5QTYL5C/20181127-173157.jpg (https://postimages.org/) https://i.postimg.cc/GmpKGJMp/Liz-Christmas-2019.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

This photo is 20 yrs old, but I had the same hairstyle a few years ago. Very flattering, probably because it pulls the eye up from my chin.
https://i.postimg.cc/KjgQkZQD/Liz-2001.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

lots of layers here, but no length to pull down my chin (5 yrs ago)
https://i.postimg.cc/vZ7qtZyP/IMG-0039-FB-2014.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

about the most flattering style, but I don't want it this short! Besides the monthly DIY haircuts are a pain. (2009)
https://i.postimg.cc/Pqt63nrd/Liz-2-c-2009.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I actually really do like the hair you have now and think you look much younger in the first 2 pictures

[JennGalt]

I agree with Sparkles122. I think your current hair is most flattering for you, but if bangs would make you happy then you should cut in some bangs. Longer hair is well suited to you, but perhaps you haven’t gotten as accustomed to it as you may think. It can take a while—I still expect to see my hair somewhere between CBL and APL when I look in the mirror even though my hair has been longer than that for quite some time now.

[Groovy Granny]

I think the first 2 pcs look nice :shrug:
After a certain age we all get jowls :lol:

Half ups or buns pull the hair away from the face....just as much as short hair would.... probably more because shorter hair would frame/accentuate it?

Shorter hair means maintenance cuts, more frequent shampoos and styling = more time and $.

Personally I find long hair easier to care for, with more fun and versatility :cheer:

But it is your choice; it always grows back if you choose to go shorter.

[Liz_H]

I actually really do like the hair you have now and think you look much younger in the first 2 pictures

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Thanks.

[ynne]

A thought: if you are trying to draw attention up, does it help when you have an updo? Perhaps with a colorful accessory or headband... or just as something to add some volume to the top part of the hair. If it is an option for you, I would consider consulting with a stylist/a really good hairdresser and see if they come up with something that would make you happier with your hair! Personally, I think it looks lovely, but obviously what matters the most is how you feel "in" it.

[blackgothicdoll]

I think your hair looks better long. Maybe some face-framing layers would be the best of both worlds? Then you could wear your hair up, with shorter layers down. But the first three pics - how it is now, I'm presuming, seem to fit you wonderfully. :)

[akurah]

I agree, your hair longer makes you look younger. If you want to draw the eye up, put your hair up as high as you can comfortably wear it. I typically wear my buns on the top of my head, but that isn't just too hide the (barely noticeable currently) sag in my neck and reduce the pull on my little bald spots, it's actually also the most comfortable for me anyway.

[enting]

Try a few more hair styles first before deciding whether to cut or not. I'm thinking some sort of half-up coronet braid or double french braids might look quite nice on you and bring the eye up as well.

[Stray_mind]

Actually to me both lengths look good on you, but long hair is better imo, because it requires less care, has more hair style options to offer and costs less.

You can always cut it, it doesn't take much, but regrowth takes years, so think very carefuly wether or not you will regret it.
Also can i just say that i Love all the pics in which you smile? Your face just lights up and looks so so pretty :crush:

[Lady Stardust]

I think long hair looks lovely on you! I’m self conscious about my face shape (I have a long face) so I understand the feeling. I’ve had some face framing bits cut in around chin length to make updos more flattering for me. I honestly prefer your hair longer though.

You look lovely in all your photos, and I agree that your smile really lights up :)

[Begemot]

I second wearing your hair up to kind of mimic short hair style :) You look great in second and third pics so even a half-up style can make a difference imo. Bangs, fringe and long layers while keeping length would draw attention up if you feel that's important. Personally I like you with long hair, it's gorgeous!

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I also much prefer your current hair. I wouldn't cut it just because you have jowls, I'm getting jowls and there's no way I will cut because of that. Long hair is so much fun, and cheaper, and I also think it makes you look younger as well :D

[illicitlizard]

I reckon you look good with the long hair! If you're concerned about the length dragging you down (I'm always concerned about that because I've got somewhat of a long face) maybe cutting in more face framing layers as blackgothicdoll suggested would help you feel better about it :)

[lapushka]

IDK. I think it looks good just as is. I'm sounding like a broken record here, because I always seem to give the same advice: don't change a thing. LOL! But I mean it. I think it looks great.

And your face / face-shape: can't change that. I think something chin-length would even accentuate what you think are your problem areas, personally.

Looks great! :D

[Aerya]

I think the long hair looks good! And I agree with others, if you feel your hair is dragging your face down, some face framing layers would help lift the focus without cutting it all short. I think updos work the same way as well, especially paired with some loose layers in the front; it softens the look while drawing the focus up.

Of course if you want to go short, do it, but it should be your decision, not because you feel like you have to. :)

[Caraid♫]

I also think your current hair looks best and accentuates your youthfulness much more than the shorter styles! The third pic looks especially nice, That style really looks great on you!!

[spidermom]

You should have the hair style that makes you feel the best, but I do encourage you to experiment with some up-styles. They have a similar effect on your appearance as short hair does.

[lithostoic]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you will look the same whether you have long hair or short. Don't let something as silly as your appearance affect your love of long hair! I think your hair is very pretty.

[lapushka]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you will look the same whether you have long hair or short. Don't let something as silly as your appearance affect your love of long hair! I think your hair is very pretty.

Very true. ^^ And also, those pictures are "moments", yes some are nicer looking, but I doubt it has to do with the hair, but rather with a good picture and a good picture day. Seems like you picked some great ones for the shorter cuts, to me at least!

[2gaits]

Well this is a long hair forum so it makes sense that we like the longer hair. Trying to be objective as possible though I do think the longer hair is more flattering. I wonder if you would feel better about it with a professional cut that layered in those grown out bangs and updated the look? I also think you could try some different styles. If you're like me that may be tough. I have trouble creating updos and don't want to take the time.

[cjk]

This will be a potentially unpopular opinion around here, but do whatever you want. If you don't like the way you look, CHANGE IT.

But I will caution you against a big chop, done on a whim. Take time and consider it.

In the meantime I'd suggest styling your hair. I'm a big fan of braids and updos, and you have plenty of length to achieve many of them. You commented that shorter hair drew the eye upwards, and you're right, so try moving your hair upwards to achieve the same thing.

Hair grows, on average, 6 inches a year.

[deeisme]

You should do whatever you feel will help you feel best about yourself. I add my voice in caution to really be sure if you choose to cut your hair. I've gone through those thoughts too and my daughter reminds me that shorter hair was lots more work and frustrated me. I wish you well with whatever you choose to do.

If you choose to keep your hair long I agree with the suggestions of wearing your hair up to draw the eye up.

[bokeh]

I hope that you keep your hair long. It looks great on you and can be so much fun.

I never wear my hair completely down. To explain why I'll use an analogy to a cottage garden. A cottage garden is a mass of colorful flowers growing in wild abandon. It can look like a mess if the edges of the garden aren't neat but put a white picket fence around it and it is a joyful, charming, tumble of plants. Updos and tie-back styles represent the fence to me. I find that an updo is like a face-lift because the sides curve back and up in a gentle sweep drawing the eye upwards. I think that a half up would be an especially nice look on you. I love the way that the hair flows down while the sides sweep back and up. I would also get beautiful barrettes to really set the look off.

I've shared my advise and opinions here but as always the main thing is to be true to yourself. Wear your hair the way that makes you happy!

[Lizabeth94]

I think it looks best long! The length also draws attention away from your neck/chin if that is something you feel self conscious about. Of course, do whatever makes you happy! :o

[Carolyn]

I agree with what others have said. One thing I noticed is in your other pictures you have your head tipped back and the camera angle is directed to your neck and under chin area. I think that's what is emphasizing your neck. Try some pics where you tilt your chin down slightly and take the pic from higher up. Also you could mess around with some contouring. A slightly darker shade of make up or powder very lightly applied might make that area recede a little for you.

[MsPharaohMoan]

I'm pretty sure blunt bobs emphasize neck and jawline, not the opposite. Isn't that why you use horizontal stripes if you want to create the illusion of width or whatever? I'd imagine a hem at your "problem" spots would only draw the eye.

Love your silvers btw, you looked good with red hair but the cooler tones suit you as well. Are you growing out dye? Depending on where the demarcation line is, that might be annoying you. Good advice and company in the growing out the dye thread and the growing silver thread.

[Longlegs]

I like it longer, and if you're worried about jowls then I think keeping it longer would take attention away from that part of your face.

[Kake]

I like it long, but I think it looks nicer in photos 2 & 3 than in 1. I think the pulled back look suits you better than all loose. :)

[Liz_H]

lkjoiyiklkjwe

[Liz_H]

A thought: if you are trying to draw attention up, does it help when you have an updo? Perhaps with a colorful accessory or headband... or just as something to add some volume to the top part of the hair. If it is an option for you, I would consider consulting with a stylist/a really good hairdresser and see if they come up with something that would make you happier with your hair! Personally, I think it looks lovely, but obviously what matters the most is how you feel "in" it.


I think the first 2 pcs look nice :shrug:
After a certain age we all get jowls :lol:

Half ups or buns pull the hair away from the face....just as much as short hair would.... probably more because shorter hair would frame/accentuate it?

Shorter hair means maintenance cuts, more frequent shampoos and styling = more time and $.

Personally I find long hair easier to care for, with more fun and versatility :cheer:

But it is your choice; it always grows back if you choose to go shorter.


Actually to me both lengths look good on you, but long hair is better imo, because it requires less care, has more hair style options to offer and costs less.

You can always cut it, it doesn't take much, but regrowth takes years, so think very carefuly wether or not you will regret it.
Also can i just say that i Love all the pics in which you smile? Your face just lights up and looks so so pretty :crush:


Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you will look the same whether you have long hair or short. Don't let something as silly as your appearance affect your love of long hair! I think your hair is very pretty.


I'm pretty sure blunt bobs emphasize neck and jawline, not the opposite. Isn't that why you use horizontal stripes if you want to create the illusion of width or whatever? I'd imagine a hem at your "problem" spots would only draw the eye.

Love your silvers btw, you looked good with red hair but the cooler tones suit you as well. Are you growing out dye? Depending on where the demarcation line is, that might be annoying you. Good advice and company in the growing out the dye thread and the growing silver thread.

@Jenngalt You're right. I am still getting used to it. I hadn't thought about that.

@Stray_mind Thank you so much!

@lithostoic, very true. I may as well get used to it.

@MsPharaohMoan yes, the growing out dye does annoy me.

Thank you all for the comments. You've reassured me enough that I won't cut it. :)

I will try to work on some updos. 6 months ago I didn't realize what a learning curve there is for styling long hair. At least I can do a sloppy bun, and my sleeping braid looks nice now.

ps My short hair pics look better because they aren't selfies.

[vpatt]

You were smiling in the older pics with shorter hair. It makes all the difference. I suggest playing around with up styles or face framing layers for a while....in the end do what makes you happiest.

[Wendyclaire]

You look nice! We are all so hard on ourselves . I also grew out layers and bangs but I think we all get in those moods where the hair seems all wrong but don’t do it! Don’t cut it because you’ll wish you hadn’t! You might try oil or mouse or something different like that! Hang in there!

[LongHairM]

I really do think you look great either way, just different looks. At the end of the day, you should do what you feel like suits you at this moment, and what you enjoy more right now, you can always cut it/grow it again :blossom: Just don't cut it because you think it doesn't look good, because it does, and take time to think about it :)

[Kalamazoo]

Hi Liz. I like the long hair! I also like the short hair. I notice that you had bangs. How 'bout trying some pseudo-bangs, á la Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled? I mean, you look good with that deep side part. Just use bobby pins, or side combs, or hair clips, or a head band to hold your hair so that it swoops across your forehead. Reducing the apparent height of your forehead will change everything.

And SMILE! :cheese: Smiling becomes you.