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I cut my hair short a decade and a half ago and I have chosen to rock short hair ever since. This is not to say I don’t toy with the idea of growing longer locks from time to time. In fact, I recently had thoughts of growing the mane yet again and, just as many times before, I am now in mad pursuit of a reputable stylist to trim it up again.
I think it has something to do with the entrenched myth that long hair, in itself, possesses the power to make a woman look younger.Β However, my reality has never lined up with this commonly held notion. In fact, the shorter my hair is, the more compliments I receive from others; most of which include the observation that I look younger. I have often joked that I should just shave it all off; then people might mistake me for a teenager again…smile.
I rock short hair over 40 because it works best for me. I realize the prospect of short hair is extremely scary for someone who has always sported long hair. So, here are a few reasons why I prefer short hair.
- I have a long face, so longer hair tends to draw the eye down lower. However, shorter hair adds width and fullness to my face.
- I have thin textured hair. So, shorter styles and multiple layers make my hair look thicker.
- I am naturally about 30% gray, which causes my natural hair to look more charcoal than black. So, I color my hair regularly (except for the accent streaks in the front). Frequent haircuts keep my ends trimmed causing my hair to look healthier and softer.
- I like to maintain a styled look on a regular basis. My short hair can be completely styled in five minutes.
- Soft bangs and shorter layers help soften and camouflage the look of fine lines around my eyes and forehead.
Tips To Rock Short Hair
If you have been considering a major length change, here are some tips to rock short hair.
1. First, you need to know the texture of your hair.
I have wavy thin textured hair, which does not lend itself to longer styles; especially as I age. Β Try this Good Housekeeping Article to help figure out the texture of your hair.
2. Know the hairstyle and length that best flatters your face shape.
What works for me will not necessarily work for you. Check out this helpful article from Instyle.
3. You need to collect pictures of possible hairstyles.
A hair stylist cannot read your mind. Don’t ever give a stylist free reign with your hair unless they know you and your hair very well!
4. If you are planning a drastic change, consider cutting the length in stages.
Sometimes, it takes a while to work into a new look. Whatβs more, cutting the length by stages can really help your loved ones adjust to the change as well.
5. Have your stylist fix your hair the way you intend to wear it the majority of time. Watch them closely and ask questions about styling products,
If you like the messy tossed look, then ask your stylist to fix it that way. You should leave the salon with a clear idea of how to style your new look. Check out this post on getting the short haircut you want for more helpful tips.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to go for a new shorter style? I would love to see some of your before and after pictures. Send them to my email shelliebowdoin(at)thefabjourney(dot)com. I would love to share them in a future post!
35 Comments
I just found you from a link on Pocketful of Polka Dots and I’m so glad!
I have had super short (1″) hair for about 8 years now and I looovve it! A bottle of hampoo lasts forever! I can wash, dry, and style in 5 minutes! My hair is super healthy because when I went mega short (I’ve almost always had it on the short side), I quit coloring and got rid of my blow dryer and all my heated tools. I don’t even own a comb or brush anymore!
Can’t wait to read more of your posts!
I am so glad you found me, Maryanne! I definitely agree that short hair takes a lot less time to manage. I have yet to go quite as short as you, but I think I will one day when I finally get gray enough to make the switch to all gray.
You look fab with short hair, I had short hair before having my son and it was just too much maintenance for me.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hi Alice, I perfected the 5 min style long ago, but I think it has a lot to do with hair texture.
I rocked short hair for many years but right now, growing it out a bit. It’s summer, so there is the chance that it won’t last past July, but who knows. I haven’t had long (ish) hair in some time now and so I figured I give it a try. But I’m also lazy and if I have to spend more than 20 minutes blowing out my hair, it won’t stay long.
Yea, I really like the short drying time of short hair!
I love my short hair. I wore it long for years because of a man, silly me, but when I got rid of him I got rid of my hair. lol And I love it. I, like you, will get the urge to grow my hair out but after seeing myself in pictures from the last time I grew it out, I know it is not a good idea. I to get told I look younger with short hair.
I have heard a lot of women say that! I am happy to have a man who likes my hair at any length.
I have mine at about chin length Shellie but would really love to ‘rock short hair’ as you do! I find because I run and exercise I’m always having to shampoo and style my hair. I would love something that is just wash and wear – not sure if there is a style like that unless it is a crew cut! I love your style and you might just have convinced me – I’ll send you a photo if I do. Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty.
I am the same, Sue. My head is always wet after a workout. When my hair is short I can dry and style it in 5 min.
I was just toying with the idea of growing my hair long again. Only because I should have gone to get a trim but hadn’t and the weather turned so hot, I wished I could put it up in a ponytail again. I think my hair is very similar to yours. I have waves and my hair is thin, so short hairstyles give the illusion of thickness. Ok, you convinced me to go make that long overdue appointment. P.S. I am so glad you got the laptop back!
Short hair is a great option for people with our hair texture, Elena. I am so glad I got it back!
I love your ‘do’ and I’ve been tempted to try a shorter, edgier hairstyle but I fear that it will age me or otherwise not flatter. Thanks for your tips. Maybe I will give it a try.
Cutting in stages may be the perfect option for you, Rena!
Hi Shellie, Boy the tips about not giving a hairdresser full rein cannot be emphasized enough and even then things can go arie, Every Time I have my haircut, there’s always a place that does not suit me, I cut my own and have for years. You short style is always perfect, and looks really cute and so easy to care for, especially when you travel a lot.
Thank you for stopping by to share, always a pleasure!
Hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend!
Wow Karren, I am impressed that you cut your own!
Have had short hair since I rocked my Dorothy Hammil look in 1976!!!! Have tried to let it grow several times and it just drives me crazy and never looks good. I get lots on compliments on my short hair and it’s easy. I LOVE your look.
Yes, I am at that crazy stage right noe, Cathy! I don’t have a stylist in Florida yet.
Yes Cathy, I am at that crazy stage now because I don’t have a stylist in Florida.
I love short hair and believe you wear it so well, Shellie! You are tempting me to stop this growing out process and chop mine off again. π Great tips – thanks for sharing!
You also rock the short hair,Jennie!
You are so rocking the short hair. I’m looking forward to going back to the Good Housekeeping article to see what cut is best for my hair texture, I’m still doing the long hair thing but as my hair changes it’s becoming more challenging! You look amazing!
Yes Rosemond, I think that change in texture eventually nudges women into going shorter. My hair really responds well to frequent trims.
Thanks for this primer! I’ve been seriously thinking of chopping mine down; I’m a curly sue so I’m always frighting frizz. I did a pixie one summer in college and loved it but ended up growing it back out before I got married and have never cut it back down. I might now π
It helps to have past experience with short hair. If it looked good on you then, it’s likely to look just as good now!
I’ve worn short hair for the past 30 years. I find it is easier to take care of and with the changes in the texture, graying, etc. in mid-life it is more flattering on me. It does require frequent trips to the salon for upkeep, but I couldn’t have it any other way. Yes, you look really good in your style!
It’s nice to meet another short-haired girl!
I love your hairstyle, I beleive it is perfectly suited for your wonderful personality. I have a love hate relationship with my hair I have a post scheduled about hair (LOL) xo
Yes Katherine, hair is always a big deal with us gals!
Your tip about not giving a hair stylist free reign is great! So true!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Yes, so many women seem to lose their words when they hit the salon chair!
You look fabulous in short hair. And I did enjoy the analysis – really helpful info! My very fine fuzzy hair does best at about my shoulders. Thanks so much for sharing, xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti!
You totally suit short hair.! I have always had long hair and just recently had it cut to my shoulders..I thought I would die with it that short! It is easier styling for sure and getting older I just don’t think I want long hair anymore! You look lovely!
VAlerie
Thanks Valerie!