Are You Scared to Cut Your Hair Short? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be.
If you’re a woman who’s afraid to cut your hair short, you’re not alone. Society’s standards of beauty are always shifting. But by and large, society still perpetuates the notion that women are most attractive if we have long, straight hair.
This notion was impressed upon us at a very young age. Just take a look at the princesses from classic fairytales we grew up watching. Nearly all of them had long, straight, flowing hair.
The same message was conveyed to us in movies, television, and ads. Think about it. Women with short hair were generally contracted to fill the role of a tomboy, lesbian, athlete, or staunch careerist. They were almost never the mom, the “pretty” feminine girl, or the love interest.
Given these arbitrary beauty standards, we often see our hair as a reflection of our beauty and sex appeal. Thus, many women are afraid to cut their long hair to rock a short style.
As a black woman, I’ve also grappled with cutting my hair short. Based on the standards of beauty in the natural hair community, and perhaps society in general, I had “pretty” hair. Thus, I became deeply attached to my curly locks. I frequently thought about cutting my hair. In fact, I weighed the pros and cons so much that I often fell victim to paralysis by analysis.
Eventually, however, I took the plunge and went to a barber to get my hair short. You can watch a quick video of how that went here. I loved my short hair so much that a year later I took the plunge and cut my hair without visiting the barber.
I’m very happy for the moment I overcame my fears and I’d like to help you do the same. So, I’ve compiled a list of reasons why you shouldn’t be scared to cut your hair.
1. Your hair will grow back.
I know. You’ve probably heard this a million times. But it’s true. Just like the pesky hair on other parts of your body. The hair on your head will grow back. Unless you have some underlying health condition, your hair will probably grow back faster than you expected.
2. You can cut it gradually.
Don’t worry about cutting off all your hair at once. You can take it slow and cut it little by little. Depending on the length of your tresses, you can also start with shoulder length. Next, consider moving to a stylish bob. Then, once you’re comfortable, go for that pixie cut, buzz cut, or whatever look you are trying to achieve.
3. You can wear extensions or wigs.
If you struggle with your hair or it doesn’t seem to grow back as quickly you desire, you can always opt for extensions or wigs.
4. It will empower you.
Cutting your hair short will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s very exhilarating and empowering to release your fears by doing something you really want. It’s also quite the adrenaline boost. Once you leave the stylist’s chair looking super chic and sexy, you may realize there are no boundaries to what you can do.
5. You will save lots of money.
Do you know how much money women in America spend on hair care over their lifetime? The average woman spends about $55,000. That’s a mortgage deposit, college tuition, a luxury car! You get my point. With short hair, you’ll definitely save lots of cash.
6. It’ll be a new look.
Change is exciting, and keeping the same look for extended period of time can become monotonous. It’s good to switch it up sometimes. Plus, a new style may improve your confidence and self-esteem.
7. You can get rid of unhealthy hair.
Over time, our hair suffers a lot of damage from manipulation, heat styling, dyes, and other hair products. We also tend to hold onto a style for so long that our hair ends up thinning. Chopping off the unhealthy parts of your hair is like hitting the reset button. You’ll get a fresh, and possibly, thicker set of locks.
8. It’s inspiring.
You might be surprised by how many women you inspire by cutting your hair. When I went natural, I would have never guessed that I would inspire other women to do the same. But many of my family members and some of friends followed suit.
So, cutting your hair short may actually help other women redefine their beauty standards.
9. It’s liberating.
There’s something liberating about cutting your hair. You’ll be letting go of what has felt safe, rejecting fear, redefining your own beauty standards, and embracing the unknown. And since energy is carried in everything, cutting off the inches that are no longer serving you may make you feel less burdened.
10. You might like it more than long hair.
If you take the plunge, you might actually find that you like your short hairstyle much more than your previous style. I never expected to love my short hair as much as I do. Maintenance is much easier and my hair looks much more trendy. It’ll definitely be hard to grow my hair back out.
Comment down below and let me know other reasons why women shouldn’t be afraid to cut their hair short?
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27 Comments
Sophie Wentworth
I can totally relate to this feeling. I’ve had long hair my whole life, it’s currently thigh length. I got it cut for the first time in 8 years about two years ago and had about 14 inches off. Hair was still just beyond my waist but I was petrified still! It was amazing to get rid of the dead bits though, and it definitely felt fresher and thicker after. I’ve always wondered what it would look like if I actually went short x
Sophie
KD
Wow thigh length?! Since your hair is so long, I can only imagine how scary it would be to get it cut. But you’re right, even cutting off just some of it can be refreshing. I know you’re head certainly must have felt a littler lighter 🙂
Lia
I love this. I think I’m scared because of underlying health conditions. I think hair is so overlooked. And it’s easy to ignore. But this is a great post to encourage us and remind us that it’s nothing to be afriad of. Taking care of our hair is basically taking care of ourselves. And I need to do better lol
KD
Aww. If you want to cut your hair, I hope that someday you can do it. But, it’s definitely not something that required. I just want to encourage women who are nervous about it. I glad that my post at least helps remind women why they don’t have to be scared. Thank you for dropping by my site!
Amber Page
This is such a lovely post! Thank you for sharing! I completely agree with all of your points!
Tania
Hi KD
I really loved your article.
I have long hair and I want to cut it really short, because I want to donate my hair. But my face is large and when I want to look for some ideas, everybody says that the shortest cut that I can get is a bob because shorter isn’t going to fit my face. And that makes me doubt a lot. 😅 I’m continuing to looking for more ideas.
Thank you for your article (and sorry for my English, is not the best 😂) Greetings from Spain
KD
Hola Tania! Wow, I’m excited to see that I had a reader all the way from Spain! And I’m really glad you enjoyed my article. My intent is to inspire and encourage other women to cut their hair — if the want to. Try not to listen to everyone else’s opinion. If you want to cut your hair short, you should do it. The good thing is, if you find out you don’t like it, you can always let it grow. Life is too short to worry about pleasing everyone else. And, it’s so sweet that you plan on donating your hair. So just do what makes you happy! – KD
Clara
I’ve been really excited to cut my hair short (I have an upcoming haircut this week) and I settled on a style and I’ve got inspo pics and everything. I asked my friends what they thought and some of them thought it would look amazing on me, and some of them thought that it would end up being poofy. My hair is very thick and wavy, so now I’m just terrified that my hair will be out of control poofy and that the new cut will look horrible on me. But, at the same time it would be nice to have less hair on my head and not have to tie back my hair in tight braids everytime I go swimming to avoid tangles. I’m trying to get over it and just go for it and get short hair but maybe it’s not a good idea, I don’t know.
KD
I think going short is always a good idea if you want it. Remember, it’s temporary. It will grow back if you don’t like it. Let me know what you decide. 🙂
Jennifer Van Haitsma
This looks great on you! I had a pixie cut a few years ago, and loved it. Might do it again one of these days. Good for you for giving it a try.
KD
Thank you so much for the compliment! <3 I think pixie cuts are so cute so I'm sure you'd look good with that style again. Thank you for stopping by to read my post.
Ella-Rose
My hair was in such bad condition last year that I cut a good seven inches off to start from scratch. But I actually loved the feeling of it short! Wearing rucksacks and putting a seatbelt on without having your hair pulled out is a very underrated feeling. I decided to grow it out again and I’m already half way back to where I was so it’s definitely true that it can grow back very quick! Always worth a try. Great post!!
KD
Yes! It’s nice to be able to start over and having it short is so liberating. Like you said, it “always worth a try”. Thanks for visiting my page.
Jenny in Neverland
All very valid reasons! I had super long hair for years, I wouldn’t let my hairdresser touch it. But last year I had about 7/8 inches off and it’s above my shoulders and I LOVE it!
KD
I’ve love shoulder length hair. I don’t know why. I guess I feel like that length looks good on everyone. Glad you’re enjoying your new style!
Rachael
I have really long, thick hair and have always thought about cutting it all off when I’m dragging tats out of it because I slept funny or because of the weather! This is really tempting me for a little change when the hairdressers are back open! Thanks for sharing x
KD
I can definitely relate re: thick hair. It can be a lot of work. Maybe you’ll end up getting it cut just to have a mini break 🙂 If you do, share a photo with me on Twitter. I’d love to see the final result.
Mary Anna grace Christensen
I am with ya’ll, I love my hair, but I am scared what my family will think of me if I do cut my hair also, I feel like hair is what I love the most.
KD
Being scared is okay. But don’t let it stand in the way of doing something different. Since I won’t this article, I’ve cut my hair twice. And it’s already to my shoulders again.
Remember, short hair isn’t permanent, unless you want it to be. Besides, when you get older, I guarantee you’ll never look back and think “Man, I wish I never cut my hair.” If anything, you’ll look back and think “I’m glad I lived and tried something different.”
S.S. Mitchell
I have had at least four big chops over the years but I have never rocked a really short hair style which is insane. Each time I just wrapped it up until it grew back enough for me to put back into a ponytail. I did have an asymmetrical bob years ago, that’s the shortest I have actually worn my hair publicly. In theory I actually idolise short hair on other women- I grew up seeing women like Jada Pinkett, Halle Berry, T-Boz and Kelis looking gorgeous with short hair, but whenever I cut mine all off, I get to hiding it or trying to scoop it up. Probably for the subconscious reasons you mentioned.
KD
That’s very interesting, that you derived inspiration from women with short hairstyles. I would think it would make you feel more comfortable about rocking the hairstyle. So you’re right. There must be some subconscious reasons. Society’s beauty standards? Do the people around your idolize women with long hair? … It can be hard to overcome the fears or thoughts holding you back. But, if your want to rock a short style, then just rock it. Free yourself from any inhibitions and don’t look back. Thank you for dropping by. <3
Natasha Evans
I’ve had relatively short hair all my life but I’m not sure if I’d be confident to cut it completely but then, like you say, it will grow back eventually and it would be really fun to experiment with it!
Tash
KD
It could be a fun experiment. But of course you should keep your hair whatever length makes you happy. Thank your for commenting!
Sally
I love this article. My long hair has always been my identity and I want to be brave and cut it into a pixie hair cut. What do you think ?
KD
I absolutely think you should go for it! You are more than your hair. And remember, it WILL grow back. Rock that pixie cut and tell me how it goes 🙂
Trina
I am 49 and cutting my hair off and going natural for the first time in my life. It’s hard for me because I struggle with big changes so I have been wanting to do it for a while but never could follow through. I had to just pay my deposit so I wouldn’t back out again. So there’s no turning back now tomorrow morning it will be done.
KD
I can definitely relate to the struggle on making big changes. Change can be so hard. However, since you’ve been wanting to cut your hair for years, I’m sure you’ll be happy and proud of yourself once it’s done. Come back and let me know how it goes!