Long to Short Hair - Things to Consider Before Making the Change

I recently went from a very long hairstyle to a very short razor-cut. Personally, I was ready for the change; long hair may be a low-maintenance style but it takes a lot of time and effort to take care of and keep healthy-looking. My hair was 42" long and in excellent condition, so I donated it to Locks of Love, my third such donation to the organization.

Going from long hair to short can be a big step - after all, it takes time to grow long hair and represents a personal investment. Everyone wears long hair differently, but for most people - especially those approaching middle-age and beyond - it can draw attention away from the facial features and create a washed-out and frumpy appearance. Since cutting my hair (it took seven years to grow) I've been told that I look much younger and more vibrant; the feedback from others has been extremely positive.

Such a radical change in appearance can be a shock and requires a certain confidence and sense of resolution. If you are considering going short but are hesitant in any way, consider that Locks of Love only requires about 12" of length to work with, so if your hair is long enough you can make the transition from long to short hair one foot at a time and still benefit a child suffering with hair loss. The better condition the hair to be cut is in makes a difference in how well it withstands the chemical processing it will undergo before becoming a replacement piece.

While considering going short, ask yourself what you want from the style. Ease of maintenance and image enhancement are the biggest motivating factors when someone desires to go from long hair to short, but change in and of itself is a motivator as well. Whatever reason you may have for considering a short hairstyle, a competent and skilled hairdresser can suggest styles that will compliment your facial features, personality and life style. If you already have a style in mind, providing a picture can be a great reference for the hairstylist.

Locks of Love is a non-profit agency dedicated to restoring the self-confidence of children who suffer from hair loss. If you're considering going short and have reservations, then you can understand the plight of these children. All donations are gratefully appreciated, and the benefits to the recipients of hair-pieces are a joy to contemplate. I liked my long hair, but just imagining the response of the recipient gave me all the confidence I needed to donate as much as I possibly could. And I love the razor-cut style I have now.