Thinking of cutting after 5 years, help?

[Peter]

Hey everyone, this is gonna be a long post so I’ll put a condensed version just below. I would appreciate input from all of you, especially those who have grown long then cut it off.

Short version
I started growing 5 years ago with no specific goal length. I decided that I would stop growing when the benefits of long hair no longer outweighed the drawbacks. I reached that point about 1.5 years ago and have been maintaining at around waist-hip since then. Lately I’ve been wanting to cut it all off because of the trouble it causes (takes a long time to dry, gets in the way at the gym and when I sleep). The only reason I’m hesitant is because it took several years to get long hair, I’ve had it for so long, and I’ve grown extremely attached to it as a result. It’s become a part of my identity and I’m scared that I’m going to regret cutting it. I love that it differentiates me from everyone else and I don’t want to lose that. What do I do?

More details
Reasons I want to cut:
:o I don’t play sports as much as I want to, because washing/drying is such a hassle.
:o I don’t go to the gym as much as I want to, because I always have to fiddle with my braid/bun to sit or lie down properly.
:o I don’t wear a hat in the winter because it leaves my hair all flat/stuck to my head/looking awful, so I just deal with the cold.
:o I have to bring my braid in front of my shoulder when I sit down, and I don’t like how it feels.

Reasons I don’t want to cut:
:) My hair is one of the biggest things that separates me from everyone else. I don’t want to just be some guy, and I like being “that dude with the awesome hair”.
:) Perhaps a bit silly but I like how it's feminine... again, which separates me from most people.
:) During the growing out process, I got a lot of harassment for being male with long hair. My hair became a defiant middle finger to those people, and that mindset may have stuck with me even though the harassment is no longer there.

I've thought about cutting before, but now I’m really starting to think that the drawbacks are no longer worth it for me. Some of you noticed that I took down my pictures a while ago (the “Hair growth journey” album), because I didn’t see the point of it once I stopped growing longer. During my journey, I think I grew just as much inside my head as out, having to deal with all sorts of problems that I never had before. I felt like I knew who I was, and long hair was part of that. Now I don’t know, and I’m scared to cut in case I regret it. What do I do?

Thank you in advance,
Peter

[xoxophelia]

Well, looking at your list of issues with your hair currently, I think maybe cutting back to BSL or APL would solve most of them. You would still be the guy with the long hair instead of short but you wouldn't have to put your braid in front of you and perhaps it would get in the way less.

Your hair will look good at any length. If you want to avoid having regrets definitely don't cut shorter than APL. You can always cut more but I find after that point, hair really does feel short. Where as... I don't notice much of a difference between APL and BSL.

I used to have maybe a little bit longer than hip length hair and then I cut it to a bit past shoulder length. It was fun for a little bit but I think best of both worlds would have been APL-BSL. Easy to manage hair but it still has some length.

[getoffmyskittle]

Your hair is amazing, and I'd hate to see it go.

Honestly, all the things you've listed have crossed my mind too. I don't play sports, but I used to swim, and now... :shrug: I guess for me, the difference is that I'd never cut it enough to make a huge difference. I'm not a pixie or bob kind of gal, so I'd always have it at least shoulderlength or longer.

That said, the washing/drying time could be reduced if you just cut it shorter, and so could the length and discomfort of your braid (or you could just wear a ponytail). Guys still look pretty cool/different with shorter-long-hair, just because most of them have such short hair.

At least re: the hat, earmuffs help a lot. You could just get a black headband-earmuff thing and that would probably solve it. I've seen tons of guys wearing those.

[duchesswannabe]

Well, looking at your list of issues with your hair currently, I think maybe cutting back to BSL or APL would solve most of them. You would still be the guy with the long hair instead of short but you wouldn't have to put your braid in front of you and perhaps it would get in the way less.

Your hair will look good at any length. If you want to avoid having regrets definitely don't cut shorter than APL. You can always cut more but I find after that point, hair really does feel short. Where as... I don't notice much of a difference between APL and BSL.

I used to have maybe a little bit longer than hip length hair and then I cut it to a bit past shoulder length. It was fun for a little bit but I think best of both worlds would have been APL-BSL. Easy to manage hair but it still has some length.

I agree with this. You don't have to go shorter than this. Once your hair makes it too difficult to do the things you want to do or you begin to resent it, I think you do need to reevaluate how long you want your hair. It should make you happy, not be a handicap.

As to the hat situation, could you clip it in a barrette to avoid the flat head look when you take the hat off? You can look at my album where I'm wearing the braids (it's clipped back on top) and holding the dog at the kitchen table (same deal, but no braids). Don't pay attention to the ponytail holder pics; I know I'm breaking the rules by wearing those, even if they don't have metal fastenings.

[MonaLisa]

It's beautiful - don't cut! :D

Seriously...those reasons, you can overcome them, they just require a bit more effort.
I've had long hair my whole life so i don't know for easier ways, and I'm really active, and do sports and everything...Just be a hero :D

[Madora]

Hey everyone, this is gonna be a long post so I’ll put a condensed version just below. I would appreciate input from all of you, especially those who have grown long then cut it off.

Short version
I started growing 5 years ago with no specific goal length. I decided that I would stop growing when the benefits of long hair no longer outweighed the drawbacks. I reached that point about 1.5 years ago and have been maintaining at around waist-hip since then. Lately I’ve been wanting to cut it all off because of the trouble it causes (takes a long time to dry, gets in the way at the gym and when I sleep). The only reason I’m hesitant is because it took several years to get long hair, I’ve had it for so long, and I’ve grown extremely attached to it as a result. It’s become a part of my identity and I’m scared that I’m going to regret cutting it. I love that it differentiates me from everyone else and I don’t want to lose that. What do I do?

More details
Reasons I want to cut:
:o I don’t play sports as much as I want to, because washing/drying is such a hassle.
:o I don’t go to the gym as much as I want to, because I always have to fiddle with my braid/bun to sit or lie down properly.
:o I don’t wear a hat in the winter because it leaves my hair all flat/stuck to my head/looking awful, so I just deal with the cold.
:o I have to bring my braid in front of my shoulder when I sit down, and I don’t like how it feels.

Reasons I don’t want to cut:
:) My hair is one of the biggest things that separates me from everyone else. I don’t want to just be some guy, and I like being “that dude with the awesome hair”.
:) Perhaps a bit silly but I like how it's feminine... again, which separates me from most people.
:) During the growing out process, I got a lot of harassment for being male with long hair. My hair became a defiant middle finger to those people, and that mindset may have stuck with me even though the harassment is no longer there.

I've thought about cutting before, but now I’m really starting to think that the drawbacks are no longer worth it for me. Some of you noticed that I took down my pictures a while ago (the “Hair growth journey” album), because I didn’t see the point of it once I stopped growing longer. During my journey, I think I grew just as much inside my head as out, having to deal with all sorts of problems that I never had before. I felt like I knew who I was, and long hair was part of that. Now I don’t know, and I’m scared to cut in case I regret it. What do I do?

Thank you in advance,
Peter

You have a wonderful mane, Peter! It would be a shame to see all that hard work lost..but then, it is your hair.

I can only say that I cut from 47 inches to shoulder length and enjoyed it...for a while...but I missed my long hair because it was so versatile, and started growing it long again.

As far as your braid bothering you, perhaps it is just a case of braiding it too tightly? Maybe if you tried a looser braid it might be better? Or perhaps a fishtail braid instead.

Also, for the sake of your scalp and hair, wear something on your head when it is cold. A cap or calormetry..something. As far as your hair is concerned, just divided it in two at the back, cross the sections, then bring each section forward so that it lays on your chest on either side of your neck. That way your hair is protected under your coat or jacket and is not getting mussed up hanging down your back.

Shampooing long hair is a hassle, as you know. I found that much of the hassle could be eliminated by parting my hair from forehead to the nape so that there are 2 sections. One section is banded with a soft scrunchie to keep it separate from the rest of the hair. I then shampoo the unbanded hair, taking care to use my fingertips in one direction at a time..i.e. from crown down one side of the head and from crown down to the other side of the head. Then I repeat, but this time from the front of the head to the rear. The idea is to try and keep the motions of your fingers in a pattern, and NOT up, down, across, sideways, etc.

Detangling with your hair filled with conditioner really helps!

Whatever you decide, your happiness is the most important. You can always grow it out again, if you decide to cut.

[share801]

I am wondering how much you are thinking of cutting.

As the others have said, you would still be a long hair (esp by male standards) with considerably less length.

I personally find shoulder length an extremely annoying stage, so I would advise staying longer than that unless you are gonna go real extreme.

If you don't enjoy it, there is no point, but it seems better safe than sorry to do it gradually.

[Avital88]

well believe me, from someone whi went from long to short and to long again.. you are gonna miss your hair if that are just the reasons.. if it looks good,keep it.. or try small cuts like others suggested.. not more than 2inches at a time or so

[heidi w.]

The truth is that just about every uber longhair officionado I personally know somehow has at times thought about cutting their hair. I can certainly speak for myself, at least.

I've been toying with the idea of cutting because like you, I can't easily swim (not that I can with shorter hair because I can't afford a gym with a swimming pool anyway), and it being so long, it's kind of a hassle in so many things I might undertake. Hair washing itself isn't a big deal, but it does take time to air dry, and some days, some situations, the length of time it takes to dry is a bit on the long side.

I just think some days it'd be a trace bit easier if it was shorter. At this length, and now in my life, I just tend to put my hair up and go. I take shortcuts now that I'm unemployed and don't wash it as often cause I can get away with dirty hair a bit longer. In workaday world, that's just not an option. One MUST have clean hair all the time.

But I'm simply not ready. My biggest thing is that I can't do it and not miss it. I just can't. It's a huge part of my identity somehow, that I can't quite figure out really.

I can't overcome so far the feeling that I'd regret my decision because while it's "just hair" and I "could" grow it out again, it took a heckuva while to grow this parade out. I just don't know how I'd feel about it. Nevertheless, I don't despise it or find it so irritating that I just want it gone. I'm just not there.

Maybe someday I will be. I don't know. Just not now.

BUT I have always thought that if I cut, I'd do it in sections, not lop it all off in one slice. I'd probably go classic length and maybe hip length or something like that. You could try just a bit shorter, but not as short as the whole thing, as a kind of frontrunner to your idea. And you might be happier with a bit of length off, in a kind of compromise with yourself, and then see how you feel after that.

The OTHER factor for me is how the cut is treated. If someone lops it off and allows all of it to fall on the floor and then sweeps it up to trash, that to me is disrespectful of the time and what was. I'd like to braid it and instead save the cut length, perhaps. It just seems so nasty to allow hair to just billow around the floor, and so disrespectful of the event of cutting, and of the effort at getting to longer tresses. I have not found a single stylist that seems to get it. To me, shoring such length as I have seems a bit like a ceremony deserving of some respect, dignity and honor.

But that's me. I do hope I've been helpful somehow.

In my case, shoring my length could affect my reputation to a slight degree, or so I imagine.

Good luck to you. You're right: it's a hard decision because you can't undo what you do.

heidi w.

[pinupdancer]

Well, looking at your list of issues with your hair currently, I think maybe cutting back to BSL or APL would solve most of them. You would still be the guy with the long hair instead of short but you wouldn't have to put your braid in front of you and perhaps it would get in the way less.

Your hair will look good at any length. If you want to avoid having regrets definitely don't cut shorter than APL. You can always cut more but I find after that point, hair really does feel short. Where as... I don't notice much of a difference between APL and BSL.

I used to have maybe a little bit longer than hip length hair and then I cut it to a bit past shoulder length. It was fun for a little bit but I think best of both worlds would have been APL-BSL. Easy to manage hair but it still has some length.


I agree that cutting some, but not all, length is a good solution. That way if you wind up regretting it, it won't take as long to grow back. And if you're happy with the shorter length, then all of your cons will be gone and you'll still have your pros. :eek:

Besides, like everyone else said, it would be so sad to see all of that beautiful hair go. :)

[Becky9679]

I can only speak for myself but I've had very long hair once, cut it off and regretted it deeply (see my signature for how long it used to be compared with how it is now). It is certainly a decision that you will need to think long and hard over. I think what others have said is a good idea about going shorter but not too much shorter - what about cutting only a couple of inches off, see if that works better for you, if it doesn't then cut a little more off and keep doing it that way? Then you'll (hopefully) end up at a point where you've cut off the least possible so it's still long but also comfortable and manageable.

[kittymallow]

Oh no! think about all The maintaining to keep the hair short! Regular cuts, styling gels and waxes, always a struggle each morning to make it look good instead of just braiding it. I an so impressed that you are a guy with long hair.. think about when a girl is going to run her hands throug your hair.. you don't want her stuck in wax og gel?? Just my thougts ;)

[Annalouise]

Well, hair does grow, that is a fact, and so you can always get it back but it won't return for 2 years.
I cut my almost waist hair to shoulders this summer.

The thing that bothers me most about shoulder length hair is that my hair wraps around my neck and its irritating. It encircles my neck. I don't like it. I want my hair to go over my back again and get off my neck! :p

I would say don't cut it or just cut it to bsl. Don't go as short as your shoulders. Or better yet, just get a trim.:D

[Night_Kitten]

I agree with the cutting in stages idea, that way you can stop before you cut a lot off in case you change your mind and deside to keep it long.
You can always cut more later if you deside to, but you can't re-attach it if you cut it all at one go and then realise it's not what you want...

[Mesmerise]

I think you should cut to waist to start off with, then gauge how you feel and go more if you feel the need to (BSL next... although errm as a guy you don't really HAVE a BSL lol). I think it's better to do it in stages because then if you suddenly realise "OMG I miss my hair!" you're not going to miss as much as if you chop it ALL off and have to start again!

[moxamoll]

If you aren't sure, I think the idea of cutting it off gradually has a lot of merit. On the other hand, in my previous incarnation, my hair was waist length and I whacked it off to a pixie cut. And I LOVED it - wore a pixie for years after that. But I was totally ready to cut it off, I had no hesitation at all. And growing my hair has never been the agony for me that it seems to be for some others. I find that if you stop cutting it off, it just gets longer. :shrug::D So the amount of effort it feels like to you, to grow it back if you don't like it short should definitely be part of your decision making process.

[spidermom]

Don't cut it until you've put some effort into solving your issues in other ways. For example, I am learning to rinse or wash my scalp area after a workout while keeping the length dry.

Don't worry too much about the hat effect. We all have rather squashed-looking hair while wearing hats in the winter. Plus there are alternatives. I've got a really loose angora hat that I can wear if it's freezing outside, and it doesn't flatten my hair.

[AJoifulNoise]

I grew my hair out for about 5 years and then cut it shorter than an inch. No regrets. I am growing it back now, but I maintained it for almost a year.

What I did was cut in stages. First I cut back to BSL. Then I waited a couple days to see if I would change my mind. But, I didn't. I went to the salon and had it cut the rest of the way professionally.

I enjoyed spiking it up and being different (not too many women around here with hair that short). I'm even a little leery of growing it back! I passed the salon today after work and I'll admit I was tempted to go in and tell them to buzz it all off again. :lol: But, I miss my hair sticks.

I think my hair was very much tied to an older version of myself, though. I felt it still made me look as I did when I was in the Pentecostal church. So, cutting it off was a way to free myself from that image. Growing it out now, for me and me alone, is a whole new journey.

[Amber_Maiden]

4 years ago I cut my hair from TBL to chin length. I was happy with it, but I'm now growing my hair back to that length. I also cut it because it was getting in the way, and who knows, I might have to again someday.

I'd cut it, but not go past BSL when cutting, that will solve your issues.

[adiapalic]

Don't cut it until you've put some effort into solving your issues in other ways. For example, I am learning to rinse or wash my scalp area after a workout while keeping the length dry.

Don't worry too much about the hat effect. We all have rather squashed-looking hair while wearing hats in the winter. Plus there are alternatives. I've got a really loose angora hat that I can wear if it's freezing outside, and it doesn't flatten my hair.

(bold) This helps me a *lot* in the wintertime because I hate letting the length air-dry when it's so cold

I think the loose angora hat idea is good, maybe even a head scarf/wrap—since Peter's not averse to wearing more traditionally feminine styles.

I second the ear-muffs (they have nice sporty ones now, I have some like these (http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2006/03/wentworth-miler-earmuffs.jpg)) and wide headband idea by the way (I'm thinking something kinda like this (http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/1/4/5/1/8/6/1451869-p-DETAILED.jpg). I've considered this myself so that I can be warm and wear buns—my cashmere beanie only allows for braids or my hair down.

I hope you consider some of the options suggested here before you cut! Either way, if you cut, you could still have short-long-hair like Skitts said.

[jeanniet]

Hi Peter--

Have you considered cutting back to a shorter length that would still be long, but manageable for what you want to be able to do? I'm thinking around APL the wash/dry would be less of a chore and allow you to be more active.

I understand the reluctance to cut and let go of something that's a part of you, but at the same time I think your desire to be more involved in sports and working out is something you need to heed as well. If you can tweak your routine a bit to make it easier that would be best, obviously, but if not, I'd cut it back to whatever length would work best for you. This especially stands if you're at an age where you can be really active without it taking too much toll on your body. You don't want to look back ten or twenty years from now and regret not doing the physical things you wanted to do.

[Quixii]

I think most everyone with long hair has thought about those things.

Personally in your situation, I might consider cutting back to maybe shoulder or APL. Still long enough to be "different," but short enough to be more out of the way. The fact that your hair is in the way for your athletic activities seems to be causing you the most distress.

Another thing I might look into first would be: Am I using the best methods? When I was in gymnastics my hair annoyed me so, because I would have to redo my bun several times each practice because it kept falling out and getting in the way. Then I learned a new bun that was a lot sturdier, and my hair ceased to be an issue.
Perhaps you need to learn a new, sturdier updo, or one that disguises your roots so you don't feel as obligated to wash it, or master scalp-only washing so that you don't have to wait for the whole length to dry each time, or look into things like plopping or special towels that cut down on drying time.
Will these be enough? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you do need to start over. :shrug: It's certainly not a bad thing! Maybe re-establishing your identity is really what you're looking for.

[SimplyViki]

I get urges to cut sometimes. I recently added a U-shape and shortened it about 2 inches, which eased the urge.

I really like your hair, and agree with the description of you as "the guy with the awesome hair". :p It would kinda suck to see the hair go, but it's your hair.

I think cutting in stages is a good idea, if you do decide, or if you are undecided (at least only losing a few inches won't take that long to grow back).

[NotInPortland]

I had classic length hair which I got cut up to shoulder when I was younger, I missed it terribly and did regret it. From the reasons you've listed I think maybe you should think a bit more about it before you just go and cut it off if you're still in doubt.

I don’t play sports as much as I want to, because washing/drying is such a hassle.
Perhaps try just washing the scalp and hair down to the ears and keep the length as dry as possible-it doesn't need to be washed as frequently as the rest anyway. This would cut way down on washing and drying time.

I don’t go to the gym as much as I want to, because I always have to fiddle with my braid/bun to sit or lie down properly.
With a bit of experimenting I imagine you could find some sort of up-style for the gym that wouldn't bother you so much? A bun is no good to me for the gym because it never stays up with all the moving around but a ponytail or a braid with a hair band of some sort to keep the hair back off of my face works perfectly and I don't even notice my hair. My hair is only a bit past waist right now though. Maybe if you find the braid is too long double it up on itself as in just fold it over and tie it at the nape of your neck to hold it, it mightn't look great but it's just for the gym who cares :p I would experiment with a few different styles rather than just giving up and stopping going.

I don’t wear a hat in the winter because it leaves my hair all flat/stuck to my head/looking awful, so I just deal with the cold.
I'm not really sure what solution there is for this, I guess if it annoys you to have your hair like that there's nothing much you can do. However remember no matter what length your hair is (unless it's a buzz cut basically) you're going to suffer from hat hair, my brother was always giving out about this happening to him a while back and his hair was only barely to his ears then.
I personally have no problem wearing hats, if I have to take them off and my hair is up anyway it still looks okay albeit a bit messy, if it's down I just rustle the roots up with my fingers to rid myself of the dreaded hat hair. It just doesn't really bother me. :shrug:

I have to bring my braid in front of my shoulder when I sit down, and I don’t like how it feels.
Not much I can say here either except maybe to stick to buns more often? I can't relate to this one because side braids don't bother me at all in fact 95% of my braids are side braids I keep over my shoulder. I'm so used to having my hair over my shoulder I barely even notice it any more.


I've had moments as well where I really just want to lop my hair off but none of these things you've listed would be deal breakers for me. With your first two reasons for wanting to cut, I would just experiment and find a way to make my hair work for me because I love it too much to cut it off when I know I could find a way to keep all the length and still have it suit my lifestyle. But that's just me and maybe for you it's just not worth the hassle any more, that's something you'll just really have to think about yourself. If you cut it back to BSL or shoulders or something you won't be annoyed by the length when sitting down but you'll probably still have to endure hat hair :p You could also try an alternative to hats-loose scarves, hoods, earmuffs, headbands?

To sum up my ridiculously rambling post (congrats if you made it this far :p)I think you just have to decide whether you want to go to the effort of finding solutions for your current irritations or if it's just way too much hassle for you to bother, in which case then maybe you would be better off just cutting it. Either way don't let your hair stop you from doing the things you enjoy!! Best of luck with your decision whatever it may be :)

[UltraBella]

I cut my hair from TBL to BSL recently. I had been contemplating it for quite some time, but I was nervous to have regrets. Everyone tried to talk me out of it, but that nagging feeling that I should cut it persisted. I am so glad I cut it !! The amount of hair I had became a burden for me. It was too much, and I was tired of my hair defining me. I enjoy my hair now. I have never regretted it. It's a hard decision to make, but it might be the right one for you at this point in your life.

[sweetestpoison]

Please please PLEASEEEEE DON'T CUT YOUR HAIR!!! It's so awesome sauce!!!! Every time i think of cutting mine i think of how much of a pain in the but it is having short hair, especially when used to having long hair. Don't do ittttttt!!!

[RitaPG]

I agree with xoxophelia, and everyone that's already commented on the "cut it by stages".
It is obvious that at this point your long hair is interfering with your lifestyle. But it is very clear that you are attached to it. I understand that, long hair is kinda part of our identity, right?
Go by small stages, see how much length you are willing to sacrifice at this point, maintain that shorter length for a while and see how that works or if you still feel like it's a little too long. Just don't go crazy and chop it all off at once. It's fun for a week or two, but then not anymore :o

[KwaveT]

I am with all the others in cutting it off in stages. The worse thing would be chopping it all off and regretting it. Doing it a little at a time you will discover where that place of regret is and not have as long to grow it back in that case.

[EdG]

I think you will feel colder with short hair.

I agree that you shouldn't do anything too quickly. Your hair took a long time to grow. You may want to try a small trim.
Ed

[Peter]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. I appreciate every one of your replies. :flower:

I'll try some of the suggestions that have been offered up. First thing is a small trim... we'll see how it goes. :)

[Crysania]

if youre gonna cut it short, find a haircut that looks special, different, theres a lot of haircut possibilities,search the web maybe you will find something that appeals to you;)

[Lostsoule77]

I think your hair is gorgeous as it is, but if it is hampering your life then maybe it's not worth it. I think if you cut to BSL it would resolve your issues, but still be long for a male. I see your going for a trim. I hope it makes you happy so that you don't have to trim more. :) It'd be a shame to cut it all off.

You've gotten some great suggestions here and I hope they help you make a choice. :) It'd be great if you could find a balance between long hair and quality of life.

[|Xei]

Everyone else has pretty much said what I wanted to, so I'll save you the trouble of more reading :P

But trust me, you're going to get hat hair no matter what length your hair is (unless its an inch or less, then it's probably easy to just run some water through it to fix it). My brother gets hat hair all the time, and his hair at the longest is around 2.5 inches.

[woolyleprechaun]

I think the best rule is to cut off a little bit at a time, so you can get used to it. You never know, your hair problems may be eliminated if you hair is only slightly shorter!

[julya]

I cut from about hip to a short pixie style when I was 20, and I didn't regret it. It was fun for a few years, then I started growing it back long. I did cut off the whole ponytail at once, because I wanted to keep it, but it does seem logical to cut in stages if you are not sure what length you will like.

[BeatlesFanGirl]

Peter, your hair is gorgeaous!!!! :) Too beautiful to be cut! :D You have the hair I want for myself: black, wavy, thick, waist length. :P Well, it's your hair, do what makes you happy. :)
If the length bothers you, cut 2-2,5 inches off.
1. That amunt grows back quickly if you regret the cut.
2. If you're still bothered with the length, you can cut 2 inches more.

[Arctic]

I agree that all hair length get hat hair. In my personal experience, short hair even more so than longer. I suggest fedora type hats, they are not bad in this regard, don't make hair flat at least on me. And they are stylish!!!

[irishlady]

My hair was past BSL this summer before I cut it to neck length, it's at shoulder now. I cut it mainly for health reasons though, but also because I couldn't shake off that urge to cut it! Needless to say I regretted it soon after, and am growing my hair once more.

I would suggest that you maybe find a medium between the two. Instead of cutting it very short, maybe cut it to around shoulderish or APL? That way you still have some length, but there's less of it to deal with.

[turtlelover]

I agree with what many others have said -- maybe a big trim is in order if your hair is no longer enjoyable. You could keep some of the length, but cut to a length that is more manageable for you. Nothing at all wrong with that!

[Sunsailing]

Looking at your pictures, your hair appears to be above your waist. You talk about wearing it in a braid. Once you braid your length of hair, it would be even shorter. I'm not sure why you need to bring your hair to the front every time you sit down? (You can just lift it up when sitting down so you don't rub against it, then let it back down, etc.)

Concerning being active...look at some of the current football players. Some of them have hair that isn't much shorter than yours, yet they deal with it somehow. You might want to try to find out what their solutions are.

You still have not answered the many questions about how short you're thinking of cutting it. Your post could be interpreted in many ways (a little trim....lopping it all off...). Are you even considering cutting it all off?

I concur with the majority about trying new solutions and trimming a little at a time. You could end up with an in-between hair length that could make it more difficult to deal with, especially when being active (too short or not short enough).
Good luck.

[Monkey962]

Arrrgh, I had a couple paragraphs typed out and LHC decided to eat them. Oh well. Anyway, a condensed version of what I had said; last year at about this time, I often wondered if cutting might be a good idea. My hair got in the way of my gym workouts, and getting on the bike. I was self-conscious about being a guy with so much hair too, so I'd often braid my hair and hide it under an article of clothing, assuming weather permitted. This made it very frizzy which made me unhappy. I even blamed it for my lack of attention from the opposite sex. However, I didn't go through with anything. I felt fearful that I would regret it, and that if I did, I'd practically go insane dealing with the fact that many years of work and care had gone to waste. I also feel that it's become part of my identity. Few people have seen me with short hair. If I did have short hair, I don't think I'd feel complete.

A friend of mine has been considering cutting her hair short and has been asking people if she should or not. Natrually I've been offering my honest opinion that I think she should keep it long because I think she has beautiful hair and she looks good with it long, but in the end I think hair is a very personal thing. What you do with it should be guided by your own decisions because it's YOURS, not your best friend's, or that of some people in the internet.

(It does look awesome though, dude.)

[Peter]

A few extra notes to answer some questions:
- I was thinking of cutting it short again, as in a few inches long.
- I don't want medium-length hair (shoulder-APL) because it's quite wavy at that length, so my ends curl everywhere and just look messy. So it's either short-short or at least BSL/MBL.

Again, thank you to everyone who offered their input. :flower:

[bte]

It seems to me, reading your original post, that much of your reason for considering cutting is that your hair is getting in the way of things you want to do. Why not try some styles which shorten the apparent length, like folding your braid into two or three sections so that it no longer gets in the way. I am sure that there will be plenty of people here who regularly do that for similar reasons, and that would give you more time to think things over.

[Bluebell]

I would appreciate input from all of you, especially those who have grown long then cut it off.



Well... I just did this a week ago!!
My hair was over hiplength, almost reaching tailbone and I chopped it!

First I went to waistlenght last spring. This week I chopped it off to bsl!

I thought about it for a long time. Because it took a long time to grow it and it is a part of who I am, 'the one with the long hair'. I wouldn't feel like myself with short hair.

:)But I wanted to be able to do more with it (different updo's) because it was so long, I always had the same bun or had it down. When it was shorter I always enjoyed making it look pretty with different kind of updo's and hairtoys.

:)I wanted my hair to flow around my shoulders and back instead of the long straight length hanging down my spine. When I looked at photo's growing it out, I liked the way it flowed over my back and the main thing:
It was still long hair! Bsl still looks like long hair, to me when I saw my older pictures and to other people too. I'm still the one with the long hair! It just feels more versatile and to my surprise... Nobody even noticed or mentioned my much shorter hair!!!

For now, I'm happy with my shorter hair. I like it and I still feel like me. I might keep this length for a while or grow it out again.
Cutting it in two steps gave me time to make sure I would not regret it.

[summergreen]

I would think mid-back would be a good compromise. If long hair is an important part of your identity then don't cut it short! I've only done that once and was already regretting it on the bus home from the hairdressers!