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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Talkin' Bout an Evolution

I have almost always had long(ish) hair.

Layered hair, a variation of "The Rachel" for as many years as I can remember (if only I looked like "The Jennifer").

After a really rough year, 2 surgeries, and lifeless looking hair, it was time for a change.

So, about 8 weeks ago, I went from this:


To this (here I was the day after the cut celebrating as Hubby received his MBA in Tax Accounting):


(about a week later on a family trip to the zoo)

I had been toying with the idea of the "inverted bob" for some time, but almost lost my nerve when I got into the chair. I mean, I was cutting off 6 inches all around, 7 to 8 in some of the back areas.

I was pretty sure I liked it, and after a couple of days of mirror shock (you know, the HOLY CRAP every time you catch a glimpse of yourself, forgetting that the reflection is, well, you), along with many compliments from friends, family, and even strangers, I loved it.

I have to say that after months of no makeup and pulling my hair back into a ponytail, all that hair dropping on the floor felt like a huge weight being lifted off of me.

It was freeing. Empowering. I was a new woman.

And 7 weeks passed.

And all of a sudden my hair felt too long.

Too long?

You be the judge (self portrait taken 3 days ago before lunching with the ladies):


Clearly, my hair was in no way long. It just felt . . . overgrown. Now that I was short-haired gal, I wanted it short.

Today's trip to the hairdresser produced the shortest hairstyle I have ever worn.

And it caused me a little stress.

I was expecting the same cut, but a little, well, shorter.

I got the shorter part.

I also got heart palpitations as she made the first few cuts.

But I had faith.

I LOVE my hairdresser.

I TRUST my hairdresser.

At one point I lost faith.

I lost trust.

(I feel a little bad about that, I mean it is just hair, after all)

But, true to form, she came through for me.

So, without further ado, the newly evolved Mommy:

From the front (darn Hubby and his close-up shots!)


And the back:
I like it. Really, I do.

But I also keep staring at myself in disbelief, silently reminding myself it will grow.

I pass a mirror and get a nervous feeling in my tummy.

I don't know why, really.

Am I too vain?

Do I just need a little more confidence?

It's a haircut. It will grow (FYI, I am aware that I keep repeating this).

Apparently, quite quickly if it's anything like the last one.

I think I'm not used to being so trendy.

My cuts aren't usually so hip and high-maintenance looking (I say looking because the short cut is far easier to manage than long hair)

I can't put it in a ponytail when I'm having a bad hair day.

I feel like it stands out and calls attention to me, which is not something I normally prefer to do.

I've got the Mad Hatter to take care of that.

Then I think of Hubby's reaction when he got home from work.

I was surprised, he likes long hair and I thought it would take him some getting used to.

Instead, he has taken to calling me Posh. And telling me I look hot (thanks sweetie, but Posh, I am not - I could go into the many quite obvious differences, but I'll leave it at the fact that I quite enjoy smiling).

In her infinite wisdom, the MH had told me earlier that Daddy would LOVE my hair because it was so bee-you-tee-ful.

I should learn to listen to her opinions!

And maybe those of the 3 different strangers who have approached me since said haircut and complimented my hair.

I know in a couple of days I will be just fine.

I will go from being "ok" with it, to loving it.

I just need to lose the mirror shock, push away the self-conscious part of my brain wondering aloud if my face looks fat, and revel in the updated, fun, and stylish new me - maybe just the me I need to be right now.

And remind myself to revisit this blog entry before my next cut.

I will. not. go. shorter than THIS.


14 Fabulous Replies:

Unknown said...

You look bee-you-tee-ful dah...ling!!! Love the evolution pix. DH did a great job with the last few. gfztj

Carol said...

Love it!

This year I went with the shorter hair too and I love it. Though some days I do miss my longer tresses. My fave thing is that it takes a fraction of the time it takes to style longer hair but looks like you made a really big effort.

It has been 6 months and I only just adjusted to pouring the correct amount of shampoo into my hand.

Jenny said...

I love the new cut! It looks fab! I think everyone goes through that mirror shock but your cut is nothing to be shocked about, it looks so good!
Happy weekend...

Simply Shannon said...

You look fabulous!
It's about time for me to do something like that.
I only get my haircut about once a year. I usually let it grow to half way down my back, and then I chop it all off. Hairdressers just love me, but they never believe me when I tell them to cut it all off! "Are you sure?!"
The last time I did it, I went to the girl who did my hair for my wedding (I've known her my whole life) and asked her to cut my hair just like it what it looks like in my profile pic. That is my favorite haircut ever (of course I was pregnant, so my hair will probably never do that again). Unfortunately, she cut it a bit shorter than what I asked for and it took me 3-4 months before I could put it all back in a ponytail again. Drove me crazy!
Still, I'm in need of a new look and you've inspired me. Thanks!

TheAustinEmpire said...

You look fabulous! Believe me, you will get used to it.

You actually have almost exactly the asme cut as me, (I'm getting mine trimmed today) and I got there exactly the same way as you. I HATED it at first. I wasn't sure at all about that "stacked" look in the back, but now I think I'm hooked.
(although, some days I'd KILL for a ponytail)

Marni said...

WOW! It's GORGEOUS! I love it! :) Can't wait to see it in person!

Laural Out Loud said...

You look great with short short hair! It really frames your face well. Your hairdresser did a really fantastic job with that cut.

I recently got bangs, and for the first few days I was in utter shock. I love my cut now, but I know exactly what you're talking about with the mirrors.

Make sure to tell us when you're loving it!

Lipstick said...

I think you look SO chic! I have an appt for a cut on Thursday...I am thinking of having my bloggy friends vote on what style, because I can't decide.

I really like that your hair looks so healthy and shiny. I think it is very flattering. Beautiful (spoken with MH inflection,of course).

A Crafty Mom said...

It's TERRIFIC - I love love love it. It looks so great on you. I'm sure you're going to get used to it in no time - it will be so great for those hot days of summer :-)

Jill said...

What a beautiful haircut... the style and length really suit you! I so love seeing short hair on people - unfortunately mine is too curly and frizzy to do it. But I'll live vicariously through everyone else for quite a long while.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT!!! That is such a great cut. Cool for the summer & easy to take care of. You look great!

Wendi said...

You are one hawt, super stylish, hip Mama!!!
Love. it!

Greens and Pinks said...

Yep, love it. In fact, I had the exact same cut and I felt it was "too long" and now my hair is about 1/2 long all around! It's a tad longer than my husband's! I'm a huge fan of short hair, good job mama!

Kristen said...

I just love it too!!!

Now I am totally convinced! Thanks for the extra courage! :)

You do look be you tee ful!!