https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:26:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964748 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:24:55 +0000 Astrid 964748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look fantastic with a bob! You should definitely do it, it sounds like there's no downside to going shorter. Personally I had my hair at every length from pixie to mid back, but I had never a problem to cut it just off if I felt like it. It' just hair! I never understood why people got so emotional about it when I cut off a lot at once. And I really love the shorter lenght I have now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964661 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 05:48:34 +0000 lyn* 964661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being an Asian, I know the pain of long hair ... and when I had my hair short, EVERY ONE UNDER THE SUN nagged me to grow it long. Now when it's long, I hate it!!!</p> <p>Sometimes it is just a matter of making yourself happy first. They can go and suck it. Or you can send them to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964607 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 02:40:25 +0000 Adelfa 964607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm one of those envious non-Asians....</p> <p>I love having a bob. It takes five minutes to blow dry and then it's neat all day. Very important when I'm at work all day! You've had one before so you know what it's like.</p> <p>It seems super clear that long hair isn't making you happy right now. Looking forward to seeing your cut! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964588 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 02:20:14 +0000 Jaime 964588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is so interesting! My two cents: I also hate when long hair clogs the drains (I have thick hair and shed a lot). I think the shorter length in the second picture suits you in terms of your style and personality (from what I have seen of it). Rachy is right about hair and magical thinking though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964574 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 02:00:50 +0000 Anonymous 964574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think when you have the right hairstyle for you, you absolutely know it down in your bones. &nbsp;You don't need to ask for advice or validation. &nbsp;In my experience, it's usually a hairstyle that works with your lifestyle and hair type. &nbsp;You aren't fighting your hair. &nbsp;Whether that's long or short or somewhere in between&nbsp;depends on the woman.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964567 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:56:46 +0000 catgirl 964567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What you said. &nbsp;I love my current length, which seems to be what you're aiming for - the only issue is when I DO want to pull it back (hiking, running) and then I have to wear a hat or bandanna. &nbsp;Otherwise, long hair dragged me down and I never ever styled it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964565 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:55:35 +0000 Transcona Shannon 964565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love you in those shorter layers Diana - is it easy enough for you to maintain?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964542 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:12:19 +0000 Echo 964542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Societal expectations about women's hair are ridiculous (long hair is more feminine, every woman needs to cut her hair short at 40, every woman has to colour to avoid grey, etc.). You are equally beautiful and feminine with shorter hair as with longer hair (not that it even matters), but most of all it is YOUR hair and it is on YOUR head. It is yours to do with as you please.</p> <p>I think you look fabulous in #5, although the bob is nice, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most people have a definite preference for themselves in long or short hair, and neither needs apologies. My mom has always, always worn her hair short, and I have had mine long most of the time. It is just how we feel most comfortable. But I firmly believe there is a short or long hairstyle that will work for everyone, meaning everyone can look great with either long or short hair. Cut it and be YOU. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964534 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:53:50 +0000 cloud9 964534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:)<br /> Hi Diana, your post made me smile so I had to comment. I vote short! You look super sassy with the short bob. </p> <p>I for one have mostly short hair. When I had longer hair, I've always layered it significantly to take the weight off. </p> <p>I've also influced my 6yr old daughter to have short hair, I don't want her to grow up to be one of the girls that HAVE TO have long hair. Right now she has a bob, but asked to cut short like her brothers. She didn't want to look like all the other (Asian) girls with the long hair because "they all look the same".. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964475 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 21:45:26 +0000 MovingFashionForward 964475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone with very long hair, I don't understand how on earth you can think that short hair requires less upkeep than long hair. If you have anything other than long hair, you have to keep going to the hairdresser to get it cut, trimmed, restyled, etc. With my long hair I do nothing other than get someone&nbsp;to cut it straight across the bottom when it needs a trim. By "someone" I mean anyone --&nbsp;friend, family member, plumber -- *anyone* can trim long hair; the same is not true of short hair. I don't use lots of products: my hair is dead straight and difficult to curl so I rarely bother. I use shampoo, and occasionally some leave-in conditioner on the ends. That's it!&nbsp;I'll bet many&nbsp;short-haired people here use a lot more products than that on their hair. At any rate&nbsp;I certainly spend a lot less time, energy, thought, and money on my hair than my sisters who have short hair spend on theirs. They are always going to the hairdresser. I have not visited a hairdresser since I was 8 years old (41 years ago!).&nbsp;How many short-haired folk can say that? 8-)</p> <p>When I once made the mistake of cutting a fringe, it drove me mad, tickling and irritating&nbsp;my forehead and getting in my eyes,&nbsp;and it kept growing and needing to be cut,&nbsp;and I eventually grew it out so I wouldn't have to keep cutting it and dealing with&nbsp;the tickling. The only way it didn't drive me nuts is if I used lots of mousse and hair spray&nbsp;on it and got it to stick up away from my forehead and eyes. It was far too much time and trouble.</p> <p>Not that I in any way want to persuade you not to cut your hair. You should cut it if you prefer to. I just thought you might be interested to hear that in my mind part of why I love plain long natural hair is that it is so much less trouble than short hair. (But yes, most men seem to prefer long hair on women too, which I can understand might be annoying or&nbsp;a reason to cut it all off!)&nbsp;8-)</p> <p>Sarah </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964464 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 21:15:26 +0000 Angie 964464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay! I vote long layers first, and then shorter bob like #6! That way you can enjoy both worlds </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964455 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:53:44 +0000 Irene 964455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in again to say I really like the layers and the bob in the other pictures, so it was a matter of a less flattering photo (in my opinion, anyways!). </p> <p>BTW, can't imagine what it feels like to have heavy hair that hurts your neck and back. Mine is so fluffy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964454 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:53:14 +0000 Diana 964454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, but Cathy, if it was actually that short it would have straight ends sticking out everywhere.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964451 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:48:38 +0000 cciele 964451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, look at your profile pic and compare it to Angie's. Your hair is up but approx the same length as Angie's. Do you look like a boy? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964448 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:44:10 +0000 Diana 964448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Angie, I mean bob short.&nbsp; I guess to me the dividing line between "short" and "long" is whether the majority of it hits the shoulders (#5 is kind of borderline but I think it started out shorter and had grown out a bit when I took that photo).&nbsp; I don't think I could do hair as short as yours.&nbsp; I think my hair is too straight and I'd look like a boy.&nbsp; But what do you think?</p> <p>Rachy, wow, some people are unbelievable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964447 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:40:52 +0000 Angie 964447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE #5 and #6! </p> <p>You don't&nbsp; mean shorter - like my hair do you? You mean "bob" short, right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964442 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:26:07 +0000 cciele 964442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, what is it with guys and long hair.</p> <p>Anyhow, I like you with short hair, Diana, Looks (and I'm sure feels!)&nbsp;less heavy. The razoring in #5 is really flattering in how it frames your face and lightens the texture of the hair. #6 is really cute too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964412 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 19:42:52 +0000 rachylou 964412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohmigosh. So I worked as a grocery cashier, and one of our supervisor cashiers was ringing up at the register next to me. A little Sikh boy comes to her register with his mom and she thinks he's a girl. But the worst part is she goes ON AND ON about it. How he has girl hair. She turns to me and says, "HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK! IS THIS A LITTLE BOY OR GIRL!" Over my shoulder I tell her, "He's a boy." And she says, "HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT!" And I tell her, "Because of his HAIR." OMG. She was really killing me. Shared a nice eye roll with the boy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964398 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 19:29:29 +0000 Diana 964398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting that lots of people seem to like #5.&nbsp; I was actually wondering if the razored layers look was a little dated, but I guess not.&nbsp; I'm still not sure I want to do that (razoring) to my hair on a regular basis again though.&nbsp; It does screw up the ends and it's hard to grow all the ends out because of the layering.&nbsp; On the other hand, my hair grows fast... </p> <p>Rachy, it's true.&nbsp; There <i>is </i>a lot of magical thinking around hair... It's funny also that long hair at one point or another seems to be both a symbol of masculinity (think Samson and Delilah) and also of femininity.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964344 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:07:31 +0000 rachylou 964344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to cycle between long and short. Short hair *is* power hair and long hair *is* happy homemaker hair (but ironically, not mumsey hair), but whatever. Short hair is way easier to live with, and ohmigosh, my hair makes my back hurt when it's long. However, I want to do braids again. So I'm headed for long at the moment.</p> <p>Yes, it's all a big whatever.</p> <p>A lot of magical thinking around hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair/page/2#post-964342 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:04:07 +0000 Thistle 964342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do what makes you happy!&nbsp; I really like #2 and #5 on you&nbsp; :)</p> <p>For all my feminist beliefs, I keep my hair long partially because&nbsp;DH loves my hair long. I had it short (chin length) for a while at one point, but it grows so fast I had to go in every 4 weeks or so to keep it short.&nbsp; I got tired of the upkeep&nbsp; :)&nbsp;&nbsp; It does very well with washing it and popping some conditioner on to get the tangles out (but it doesn't really tangle much - for that I am blessed).</p> <p>Yes, it is hot and heavy. Sometimes, in my frozen WI climate and equal year-round freezing office, that is not such a bad thing.</p> <p>My hair doesn't know when to stop growing. In college, I decided at one point to see how long I could grow it.&nbsp; I gave up and cut it when it reached the middle of my bottom. I had so much hair, they were able to use it as more than three full donations at Locks for Love. Yeah, ridiculous amount of hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964338 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 17:54:56 +0000 Mo 964338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Initial reaction without reading any replies - I love #5 on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964331 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 17:44:35 +0000 Glory 964331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel you should do what pleases you and makes you happiest. I love all sorts of hair styles. I have had pixie short and very long and everything in between. Mid length works well for me although I just had it cut above the shoulders and I like that also. Go ahead and get it cut, sounds like you are ready for a change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964318 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 17:06:58 +0000 annagybe 964318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are always wearing up then yeah chop it.<br /> I've had short hair before and now have long hair. I think for me, I mean this only for me, the long hair works. I'm unconventional enough in my dressing it's good to have a counter point of conventionalness. Even Angie said she likes my long hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964312 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:53:34 +0000 Diana 964312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great points here!</p> <p>Donna and Rae, I hadn't thought about the comments coming from people who couldn't grow their own hair out for various reasons, but that makes a lot of sense.&nbsp; My hair grows like a weed and is straight, so if I grow 1 inch of hair I get 1 inch of length, whereas someone with curly hair grows 1 inch of hair and only gets a fraction of that in length.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mona, oddly the time I felt most like a man was when I had long hair in middle school, but my mom insisted on braiding it (very tightly, ouch) every morning.&nbsp; I was also skinny with big nerdy glasses, so I definitely looked like a nerdy Asian boy, LOL.&nbsp; <br />I'm not sure I'd do well in a <i>very</i> short cut though, like a pixie.&nbsp; I think that might get into Asian boy territory again.</p> <p>Milehigh Linda, yes, I am terrible at styling my hair too!&nbsp; Painfulness aside, I've never been able to make a high pony that is not weirdly lumpy at the top and sides.&nbsp; </p> <p>Aziraphale, LOL at the bear trap clip!&nbsp; I totally use those all the time, and I think mine are particularly bear-trappy because I have so much hair I tend to buy the biggest, strongest ones I can find.&nbsp; To Claire's point as well, I think I should just remind J. that when it's short it will be loose a lot more often!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964307 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:39:12 +0000 Aziraphale 964307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't understand why people get their panties in a bunch at the idea of cutting off long hair. &nbsp;Both long hair and short hair can be fab. &nbsp;(Or not. &nbsp;I've seen plenty of bad hair, short or long). &nbsp;</p> <p>As Suz points out, long hair tends to look more conservative. &nbsp;Is that the look you're going for? &nbsp;Conservative is not necessarily bad. &nbsp;</p> <p>On the topic of your husband's preference: many men think they prefer long hair, but when it comes down to it, what they really like is hair that makes a woman look sexy. &nbsp;Period. &nbsp;That can be long OR short hair, but it has to be a good cut, and it has to suit the gal. &nbsp;(I do know that all men&nbsp;hate those clips that look like bear traps that we use to keep long hair off our faces while we wash). &nbsp;I have had men beg me not to cut my hair, and then when I do it anyway, they have said things like, Oh, actually, that looks really cute. &nbsp;I take it back.</p> <p>If you're in the mood for short hair, go for it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964304 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:35:45 +0000 rae 964304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Long hair is pretty" <ul> <li>That is kind of a fallacy. It is not always so.&nbsp;My super long hair was way more weighed-down and damaged than my short hair.&nbsp;</li> <li>Yeah, but you've got a pretty face, pretty skin, pretty curves, pretty eyes... how much pretty does one person need to pile on?&nbsp;</li> <li>The grass is always greener. I personally find the people most invested in my long hair are those who for whatever reason can't grow their own long hair due to brittle strands or whatnot. You should do what <i>you</i> think is pretty/attractive/manageable!</li> </ul> "Long hair is sooooo versatile" <ul> <li>Not necessarily. Some hair resists curls and pins and braids. Some people resist those styles, too. I couldn't even wear a pony or bun for a time because the heavy hair hurt my neck!</li> <li>Over styling with heat, teasing, brushing, et all damages the hair, sometimes negating the previous argument altogether.&nbsp;</li> <li>Versatility lies in the talent and drive&nbsp;of the hairdresser. I could barely braid my own hair, and it sounds like you have similar disinterest.&nbsp;</li> </ul> Now that the opposing side's arguments have beet rebutted, we're left with the fact that you're too hot, feel the look is too young, and crave a more sophisticated cut.&nbsp;Preponderance&nbsp;of evidence = chop chop chop! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964292 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:19:16 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 964292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm all for the cut.&nbsp; When I had long hair (mid-back), it looked pretty, and it made me miserable.&nbsp; I was hot, my neck was sweaty, I was forever battling frizz, and I always felt older than I was.&nbsp; To me personally, the combination of my hourglass figure, long wavy hair, and my stylistic preferences for classic clothes with a twist added up to a matronly total.</p> <p>Once I cut off my hair, I felt so liberated!&nbsp; No more wasting hours straightening or blow drying, no more fussing over the frizz all day long, no more unflattering (to me) ponytails.&nbsp; Even if I don't get "dressed up," I feel polished with my pixie cut.&nbsp; With longer hair, I only felt polished right after styling my hair.</p> <p>I have also noticed that to my eye, a good, flattering cut almost always looks better on most women than long hair.&nbsp; That's just me, though. But I do know plenty of men who find short hair on women very attractive!</p> <p>P.S. You look fab with the cut in #2!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964285 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:12:21 +0000 Ornella 964285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not read other comments.</p> <p>I say chop it off. You had 1.5 year to get used to it and to start loving the length and to embrace it and to make it work - sounds like it did not happen.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am one of those people who used think "but, you can do sooo much with the long hair". Yes, you can, if you are that type. I personally am&nbsp;not.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love both lengths on you, but no.2 is just so chic and grown-up (*not* that you don't look grown-up already, but more like "confident, grown-up")&nbsp;that part of me wants to see a lot more of it.</p> <p>Besides, you can always grow it back, if you realise you miss the length. </p> </p> <p></p> <p>p.s.</p> <p>LOL at this:&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>My husband prefers it long. I know that. He says it's because I had long hair when we met...</i></p> <p>That's what my English hairstylist used to say&nbsp;- men like their wives/partners with the hair they had at the time when they met. I know Angie disagrees, but I actually ask many of my friends&nbsp;this question and have to think there is some truth in these words.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-long-vs-short-hair#post-964283 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:11:34 +0000 Janet 964283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I love your hair in #2 and #5 especially! It sounds like you are ready for a change!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think all lengths of hair can be lovely, but I tend to favor looks that don't go overly long. Too much hair can really weigh a person down, IMHO. I know quite a few women who could freshen up their look tremendously by taking some inches off and adding some layering to&nbsp;their long hair.&nbsp;And keeping it long just for the sake of having long hair, when one ends up just putting it in a ponytail or clip all the time, just makes no sense to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>For myself, I don't seem to like either extreme. I don't look good in very long or very short hair. My best styles seem to be lengths that hit somewhere between chin and collarbones, and I need to keep reevaluating that because my jawline is changing with age (heavy sigh) and I worry that chin lengths call too much attention to that.&nbsp; </p>