Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Hair Styles

In the spirit of living intentionally, I'm going to cut my hair short.

Not too short, mind you. Like a bob short.

I haven't had hair that short since I was 15. That was over 20 years ago.

Why haven't I ever cut it?

Because I had short hair all growing up. And once I grew it out, I loved it. Like love it. I love my long hair. I love pulling it up. I love having it down. I love, love, love long, dark hair.

And because I'm a chicken. Cluck. Cluck.

But every time I need a haircut, I toy with the idea of trying a bob to mix it up a bit. I love shoulder-length hair and longer-than-that hair, too. I think longer hair is easier to care for than short hair. It does take a long time to dry, but I don't wash my hair every day (it would dry out way too much). So, I think about cutting it. I think of these things and then I chicken out.

The girl who cuts my hair says if I gave her total license, she'd cut it short. She claims I can pull it off with my "petite features." That's a euphemism for "you're short and small."

I haven't cut my hair since this past June (I kid you not). I cut it just before our cross-country road trip for the family reunion/pictures. Haven't cut it since. It's so long, it's unruly. Won't stay up when I put it up. It's too long. I could even donate much of it to Locks of Love. It's that long.

I usually cut my hair about twice a year. I want to do it. But I'm nervous. And I'm warning you now, the phrase "If you don't like it, it'll eventually grow out," does not make me feel better. It actually makes me nervous. It's like saying, "You'll only look crappy and feel rotten for several months."

That being said, please, please, please submit photos/ideas. My hair is down past the middle of my back. I can tell her to cut it into a bob, but I don't just want to do that. I want something chic and stylish, but I don't know what. Suggestions, please? Please?

Comment with links and ideas and maybe we can even have a vote. (And thank you in advance to Jessica who sent me some cute Katie Holmes pictures back when I considered doing this a year ago . . . right before I chickened out).

I think I'm scheduling an appointment for this Friday evening, so comment soon! Oh, and anyone want to go with me and hang out while I do this? I don't like going to get haircuts by myself--I always feel like such a dork. I'll treat you to a drink at MJ's afterward. They have the best hot cocoa. Any takers?

Can't wait to see the links! Go!

16 comments:

Vivian said...

If I were any good at finding pictures of great haircuts, I wouldn't always sit in the chair waving my hands and trying to describe what I want. I always come home kicking myself. Last week I got a new style and nobody has commented on it. Either it wasn't as much of a change as I thought or else it doesn't look good and they are avoiding comment.

Anyway, I hope (other) people send you some great ideas. And please post a picture of you in your new 'do.' Fun, fun.

Jagged Rocks said...

I am a little odd with my hair. I have no problems chopping it off. However I always do the same thing, because it is what I like. Straight accross no shorter then my chin. Usually when I cut it, it is half way down my back.

Anonymous said...

I feel dumb commenting to this post, but I don't want you to think no one's listening...

I vote the Marge Simpson 'do. Everyone knows it but yet it would be unique.

J Fo said...

Haha! I forgot about the Katie pics I sent, but those would still be super cute for you! Here's a cute bob, too. I like the layers and how it can be sleek or shaggy. It would be a great length on you!
http://www.strayhair.com/celebrity-styles/jessica-alba-cute-bob-cut-hairstyle/

And here's another: http://gimps.de/pictures/269-Hairstyles-for-Short-Hair

Let me know what you think or if you need more ideas!

Make sure to do before/after pictures!

Emily said...

I loooove Reese Witherspoon's hair in this picture: http://emilyssomething.blogspot.com/2008/09/seriously-cute-hair.html

I had short hair all through college and I miss it a lot. I think my face is too round to pull it off now, but I can't wait to see what you look like! I think short hair is way easier (for me) than long because it takes like 5 seconds to round-brush and make it cute. My long hair takes 10 minutes just to comb out after a shower. Ugh.

Emily said...

So Jess, what's up with Charlize Theron's eyes in that second link you left? It's all brown and weird-ish and the other one is blue and normal. Whack.

Lindsay said...

Go for it! Change is good for you and fun. But I guess I am somewhat like Jagged Rock and don't really think twice about cutting my hair. I will see if I can find a picture! Have fun...

J Fo said...

Haha! I'm pretty sure that is not Charlize Theron, but those eyes are trippy. Weird I didn't notice them before.

Jillo said...

Cut it off! Cut it off! I would totally go with you. Maybe we can meet in the middle? I want to do the Chicago hairdo,http://static.desktopnexus.com/wallpapers/41068-bigthumbnail.jpg but so far have chickened out. Maybe your hair cut will be just the incentive i need.

Tara said...

I completely understand feeling like a dork at the hairstylist. It's the pressure! Carrying on mundane conversation with a hairstylist - weather, ah, the weather. See? Too much pressure. You're going to look great.

Ok, so just finished a great read. Do you like history? "Dancing to the Precipice." A-MAZING woman.

bythelbs said...

You're a brave woman. And I'm sure you'll look cute no matter what.

Alena said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alena said...

Hate to be a devils advocate here, but, I think you look really really pretty with your long hair! I love it the way it is. I guess I can understand wanting a change though. My only advice is not to layer it too much or its annoying to grow out. Im sure you will look dashing however your hair is :)

Swawa said...

Your hair now looks beautiful now! I'm sure you would also look adorable with it short!

Boquinha said...

Thanks, everyone (you included, Jimmy--your comments never disappoint)!

Oooh Vivian, post a picture. I bet your DILs will notice (of course now we know to look, but I bet we'd notice anyway)! I did notice Gary's hair and smaller glasses, which he said were your suggestions. Nice ones, by the way.

Oooooh, Jessica! I might do that Alba one! Is that crazy?! Oh I wish you were here!

And YES, the mundane conversation! UGH. Plus, while I love what they do with my hair at this one salon and I like the girl who cuts my hair, I feel like I'm back in high school again and I'm the geeky girl and all the stylists are the popular girls and I just don't know how to talk to them. It's rough. This may be part of why I only cut my hair twice a year . . .

And does anyone know what is an appropriate tip? I HATE tipping at places like this. Restaurants everyone knows. Salons? I am clueless!

Love the comments, everyone. Thanks so much. Keep them (and the links) coming! My appointments is Tuesday and I'm starting to chicken out. I can feel it!

Emily said...

I usually feel a little weird talking to the stylist too, like we have to keep the convo going for three straight hours. That's why I LOVE my new stylist. I've been 3 times and every time we never run out of stuff to talk about. Just love her.

If I love the haircut/color I tip well (like if it's $65 I'll tip $15) but if I don't love it they get $5. Or if they charge a lot (like one place I went they charged $100 and I was totally shocked) I didn't tip at all. Sylists generally get all the money unless they're doing a percentage with the salon--most places do a booth rent where you just pay each month to rent the chair and then you keep all your money from your clients--and a tip is just icing on the cake for them.