Jenni I so relate to your feelings here. I also feel totally off when my hair gets a bit too long or does not look intentional - I want my grey hair to look like a statement not a default. I actually love you with very short hair but of course cannot argue with Angie's idea of asymmetrical short curly grey hair !

I like your super short pixie, but if you want to change it up - the inspo pics look totally do-able, especially if your hair has texture similar to the daughter on your left in the family shot.

I like pic 1 a whole bunch... and it seems like you could do it...

Jenni - I love the new cut. And what Emily K says about frequent maintenance cuts is so true! I have been trying to grow my pixie out for ages, and yesterday after particularly bad hair weekend (and I just got it cut 3 weeks ago) I realized, I like it better short. So I have an appointment for tomorrow. Also with a new stylist (yikes!). I hope mine turns out as well as yours.

I don't have a lot of advice for growing out a short cut other than to recommend maintenance trims every couple of months to tidy up the shape. I grew my hair out from a shorter cut (though not as short as yours), and having the interim cuts really helped me feel good about my appearance as my hair grew out.

I think that the tones of your gray hair are lovely, and I think it's definitely worth working with. I'll be excited to see your hair growth progress!

Well thanks again to the new Fabbers commenting. Carla, the texture of my hair is not quite as thick as my older daughter on my left in the photo, hers can only be combed when it's wet it is so thick and wiry! But still pretty thick. I've realised if I want to change it up much I will need to use more product, which I will refuse to do on a daily basis, too lazy...but may try a bit more than hitherto. I need Angie to leap out of my phone and speak sternly to me

I'm late to this post but just wanted to say I think your hair would look nice grown out and to second the use of product. I was anti-product when my hair was short but as it has grown out I need it or I have the poofy hair thing too. I only use one curl defining cream and it does the trick, but it took me a few tries before I found my favorite, so don't give up. It's just part of my routine now and takes only a few seconds.

Isn't it amazing how a good or bad hair day can make such a difference in how we feel?

RobinF, which cream do you use?

Seconding Laura's question; I understand the money suck that is the 'search for the perfect curly hair product' all too well!

Lonnnggg in front and almost shaved in back. Plus, amp up your glasses game.

I find it is when we stop taking risks for fear of looking old that we end up looking old.

I find it is when we stop taking risks for fear of looking old that we end up looking old. Could not agree more. I think whatever you do, really own it and make it you. Because it is you!

Would you be up for some asymmetry?
I think that would look really good on you with your longer hair.

I'm astonished this thread is still going! The new cut was 10 days ago. I have used a little product, not every day. I'm still happy with it.
Those who have suggested asymmetry, maybe, will see as it gets longer. Also thanks to those who have suggested new glasses. Angie suggested them a few months back. I may consider that next year. We have just started building our new house in our subdivided back yard which will take all spare cash for a while to keep borrowings as low as possible. The glasses are not quite 2 years old and are Vogue brand. I like them but once in the new house may consider a change. More haircuts before then though.

Jenni, I just read your update at the start of the thread, about how you sometimes feel like you see your mother staring back at you in the mirror. I have had that experience also, and for me, the style of glasses really has a lot to do with it. So yes, I would definitely check into new glasses and see if that refreshes your look in a way that distinguishes you from your mom.

Jenni, just a thought, I wondered how you might feel with a few strands of a red colour (or another colour) in your hair. Just to give you more edge may be...I thought it wouldn't work for me, but I've a few red strands and I love them.

I empathize, Jenni, and I find your inspiration photos very inspiring! I say go for it, and as I've been dealing with some similar pixie decisions lately, I'll offer these tips: 1) Texturizers (hair waxes, pixie pastes, gels--try several and see what you like best) can create shape when you're not quite ready to cut, creating the illusion of more length and adding that touseled airiness that is so appealing in pic #1, and which looks younger and fresher than a too-pat hairdo; 2) A bit of strategic makeup (check out Lisa Etheridge's wonderful online tutorials for great advice on eye emphasis, soft lip color, and other tricks that work so well for the models in your photos) can do wonders, so consider buying a few new products to play with; 3) Consider adding a pair of statement glasses to your nice neutral ones (take a frank and stylish friend frames-shopping with you, and try some shapes and colors that are slightly outside of your current comfort zone, but that work beautifully with your coloring, face shape, and wardrobe.) Good luck, Jenni! You have great hair from what I can see, and the color is lovely. Let it grow, and make this change work for you.

P.S. I was in such a rush to respond to your initial post that I didn't take time to read the other responses and your updates--always a mistake! The new cut looks great. Don't be afraid to play with it as it grows--have fun.