As a girl who’s had a pixie cut and a short, chic bob for the past five years, I can tell you — short hair rocks! But despite all the compliments from other girls and the fact that even my grandmother approves, I’m growing my hair out again, with a semi-solemn vow to never, ever cut it all off again. Why? Here are a few very good reasons not to cut your hair…
1. It Won’t Go Unnoticed
This point was generously submitted by one of our readers, GC — thanks, GC! Please feel free to submit your own point at the bottom of the post — we'd love to hear from you!
If you're shy like I am and don't like attention, let me tell you — EVERYONE will notice your short haircut. Voluminous Straight Hair Extensions can sound like an amazing backup plan in case the cut goes awry, but this solution has to be carefully planned.
As per the most eminent feedback — from underhanded compliments to curious questions to flat-out insults — no one will let you live. It's not fun when your hair is a personal thing, and many people cut it for deep emotional reasons, yet others act like it was a crime or ask rude, intrusive questions.
2. The Winter Chill
Most Michigan winters are brutally cold, and short hair means you feel every degree of that wind chill. If you’re a sissy about cold like me, this is one of the most practical reasons not to cut your hair. Brr!
3. The Bad-hair Day Options
Hats and hairbands are our trusty bad-hair-day accessories, but a cute braid, ponytail, or updo just isn’t an option when you have short hair. My hair is naughty, very straight and unruly, so I have more bad-hair days than I care to count.
4. The Skip-a-day Option
When you have short hair, you must wash and style it every single day, or it looks greasy… and even if it doesn’t look dirty — oh, the bedhead! With longer hair, washing three times a week is enough — and actually helps preserve your hair’s condition and color.
5. Braids Are On-trend
Thanks in part to Katniss from The Hunger Games, braids are very on-trend right now. But we girls with short ’dos can’t wear them! That’s one very good reason not to cut your hair — the pretty braids! I want to wear a waterfall braid!
6. Men Like Longer Hair
With one notable exception, I’ve only ever gotten compliments on my short hair from other women and from gay men. Of all the men I’ve dated since I’ve had short hair, only one liked it — and he’s the only one who didn’t wistfully ask why I cut it. Even Michelle Williams once admitted that most men prefer her hair longer.
7. You Can Always Cut It, but…
If you have long hair and don’t think it suits you (thin hair tends to look scraggly when long), then sure — you can always cut it. But remember, one good reason not to cut your hair is…
8. It Takes FOREVER to Grow It Out
Last February, I went for a pixie cut, and after more than a year of growing it out, it’s still barely long enough for a stumpy ponytail. According to TLC, hair grows about half an inch a month. So if you have short hair, it will take forever to grow out. If you’re impatient like me, that’s another great reason not to cut it!
9. The Awkward Growing-out Period
Getting a super short haircut is exciting, but what about when you want a change? The growing-out period can be awkward and challenging.
If you shaved part of your head or cut it above your ears, you might face months where it’s not long enough to put up — yet too awkward to wear down.
10. You're Emotional
We all go through times when we want to do something drastic — and hair is often the victim. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a change, but if you're angry or sad, put down the scissors or postpone that appointment. Think it through and see if the new style fits your lifestyle before you make changes. Your future self (and your hair) will thank you!
11. More Styling Options
As a short-hair girl, one of the things I always envied about long-haired girls was the variety of styling options — buns, ponytails, updos galore! When you have short hair, your only real choice is which pin keeps it out of your face.
12. Accessorize
Generally, accessories look cuter on long hair. With pixies, the hair is too short for a chunky headband, and you can really only pull off a decorative bobby pin or two. But long hair? That’s a playground for foulards, hats, headbands, and clips!
13. Ombre
Technically, you could attempt ombre on a short cut — but it will probably just look like your roots grew out. If you love ombre hair, keep your length — it’s almost impossible to pull off the look with less hair.
14. It's Hard to Stop
Thanks to that awkward growing-out period, you’re forced into a corner with short cuts. Either you endure a few months of bowl-cut limbo, or you run to your salon for “protection” and cut it again. Once you cut it, it’s much harder to grow it back than you think.
15. Don't Ignore a Blessing
This is a human truth — women especially tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. To many women, that “other side” is longer hair! Others envy your long locks and wish they had them — so why ignore a blessing? Embrace your long hair and don’t cut it all off.
16. You Won’t Look Like the Picture
Whenever I get my hair cut, I bring a photo to show my stylist. But if I bring in a photo of Emma Watson’s pixie cut, I don’t walk out looking like Emma Watson (no matter how much I wish I could!). Every face shape is different, so you never really know how a short haircut will look on you. Long hair, however, is flattering on nearly everyone.
With so many reasons not to cut your hair, will you think twice before getting that pixie or bob? I hope so — it takes just a few minutes to get a cute short cut, but it takes forever to grow it back again!
Where do you stand on the short vs. long debate? Do tell!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I consider not cutting my hair?
- There are so many fun reasons! Longer hair can make you feel more feminine, it's versatile in styling, and it can signify patience and growth. Plus, you might just adore the way it looks!
- Are there any health benefits to not cutting my hair?
- Absolutely! Some believe that longer hair can offer extra protection to your scalp, reducing exposure to environmental elements. Plus, uncut hair can retain natural oils better, leading to shinier, healthier locks.
- Will my hair get damaged if I don’t trim it regularly?
- Surprisingly, not as much as you might think! While some swear by regular trims, many people find that gentle care and nourishing products keep their hair just as healthy without frequent cuts. Just focus on keeping it moisturized and protected.
- What happens if I don’t cut my hair for 2 years?
- You'll see some interesting changes! Your hair will get much longer (obviously), and you might notice more split ends. But with the right care, like using good conditioners and gentle handling, it can still look fabulous!
- How do I convince myself not to cut my hair when I get the urge?
- Think about all the reasons you wanted to grow it out in the first place! Remember how beautiful it looks long, how confident it makes you feel, and maybe try some new styles to keep things exciting. Resist the itch, you'll thank yourself later!