I looked carefully at the pictures, and decided that your hair is nice as is, but if you wanted to change it, #5 was really cute. And lo and behold, I am on the same wavelength as everyone else.

And the nice thing about hair is that is grows back...

Nancy, I loved your "ramblings." I don't think I'm all that prone to looking back and regretting things... anyway, I've had the same basic haircut since 2002. Even if it ends up not being my favorite look, it feels like the time for *some* change. Probably.

Una, good point about the straightener. I had the opposite problem way back when, the first time I got layers. Later stylists told me that the problem was a lack of feathering (don't ask me what that is!), but rather than turning under, the layers collapsed into my neck and flipped out at the bottom. Not cute! If I go for the chop, I should ask the stylist about daily maintenance.

Aida, that hairstyle is so cute! I don't know if I have enough body/thickness/volume to pull it off, but I have added it to my Pinterest hair board.

One thing that does worry me is that my head will look too small with short hair. I'm larger on bottom than I used to me. Hoping that a short cut would make the hair less heavy, though, and allow it to add more volume around the temples.

Hm, I guess the next step is to talk to DH about it...

Rae, I LOVE your hair as is but I also love you in a shorter cut. My hair is very straight and fine and I found that layers don't work for me at all unless it is short. For my type of hair a bob is the best cut where actually the straightness of the hair is a benefit rather that obstacle. Since age 18 I was alternating between long hair and different lengths of bobs until I cut it quite shorter a couple of years ago.
I think a great and hip haircut can take your style to the next level. I like your inspiration pictures and I think this type of cut will suit you great. Go for it - the best thing about hair that it does grow back...

Oh, thank you for chiming in, Sveta! It sounds like our hair types must be similar. Great to know that this is an asset for a short cut. I love your short cut on you!

Actually this shorter cut I have now is the only way layers work for me, Rae. Any longer and they just never hold the shape.

Rae, FWIW, I washed my hair last night, slept on it, brushed it out and went to work. Someone today asked me how I "style" it. I literally have no product in it! My hair is just a nice, normal bob. A little slanted at the back. I think you and I have similar weight hair...anyway, my point is, shorter hair doesn't necessarily mean more maintenance! In my case it means less. I can still get it in a pony, more or less, and i can straighten or curl it when I feel like it. I do have to get it cut at least every six weeks, though.

I normally do very little to my hair, and I only wash it every 3-4 days. I don't mind looking a bit dishevelled but really my hair is pretty hard to mess up or tangle, so if anything I have to work to get it RATE. I had to work at it much more when it was very short, but the current length is easy.

Ooh, good styling tips, Jenava and Una. I agree that it's not necessarily a huge maintenance leap, if it is one at all. There are people who spend lots of time styling their long hair, and I don't do that, either.

As DH said, "you'll never know until you try it" - YES, he is on board! He just wants me to wait a couple of weeks to get my money's worth out of my last haircut. Works out either way, since my stylist is not local and I'll have to wait until I'm in that area again.

Pretty darn excited! I'm going to have fun narrowing down the exact pictures I'll bring in.

Rae, I love your long hair, but I do have to say, I think that short cut would be amazing on you! It would kick up your UWP style yet another notch. I think about how fantastic Suz and Aida look since their hair transformations, and this could be just as pivotal for you!

If anything Rae, the cut will make you look *more* feminine! It amps up the sophistication. A little mascara and lippie - and you are good to go anywhere

Now I don't want to wait! lol

Book an appointment with a fab hair stylist. Mary's stylist, maybe?

I realize I will probably get a scolding out of this one, but ... Is hubby's on board with this? Or the better question is, is it important to you to consult hubs on hair matters?
( hides under rock)

I may as well add my voice to this too. But, Rae, you already know my feelings toward this. I don't know if anyone remembers, but I even sent you a picture of what I thought would be a very hot cut for you. So, of all the options you've laid out for us, my vote is for number 5.

Anyone remember this?

Angie, I do have a stylist in mind. I promised myself a while ago to stick to stylists who work predominantly with Asian hair. My guy is about an hour away, but I was very happy last time.

Zap, I did consult with DH, and he is all for it! He thinks short hair is cute and is curious to see how it works on me.

Julie, of course I remember! You were the loudest voice in my head telling me to do it!

All systems go then! I'm very excited about this one...

Wow, this IS exciting. I don't think you'll be sorry, Rae- I think a cool haircut will elevate your style even higher than its already stratospheric level!

Wow, exciting! I adore your long hair but I love short haircuts too and I think this will look super fab and very UWP. Can't wait to see!

Just a quick bit of advice: no matter how well prepared you are for the big chop, and no matter how much you love your new style, be prepared to mourn a little bit. You've had very long hair for awhile now, so just be prepared that you may wake up on day 2, see yourself in the mirror, and cry for a little while. DO NOT FEAR, this will pass, and is not a sign that you made the wrong decision.
Personal experience talking here. I love wearing short hair, but I always cry after the big chop.

Late to the hair party but I am with everyone. I think you will look amazing with shorter hair and can't wait to see it!

Atlantia, *thank you* for that advice! It makes total sense, and I bet I do have a mourning period, just as you said.

what are you planning to do with the hair you chop? how about locks of love?

http://www.locksoflove.org/

Thrilled you're going to go for it Rae - can hardly wait to see the end result! You are going to look STUNNING!!!

I didn't read the other comments, but as a long hair lover, I prefer #2 best. You can always go shorter afterwards. I'd be in shock if I chopped all the way to the chin in one shot!

I love #5, I think you'll look awesome with it! That said I also love your long hair and I do think it will be a bit of a shock if you cut everything at once. When I cut so much at once I felt strange afterwards, the first few days were almost like I was walking around half-naked (I went from over the shoulders to a pixie).

I actually prefer #4 to #5 for you. 5 looks very bank-appropriate to me--a little more corporate, which seems less you. I also like #2, though.