Considering A Major Haircut? Read These 8 Tips First!

Two weeks ago, I decided to get a MAJOR haircut! After years of having long hair due to COVID and my wedding, I decided it was time for a dramatic CHOP! I love doing new things with my hair, and a major change like this always makes me feel like a brand new person. 

I played softball up until I was almost 21, so my hair needed to be long enough to put in a ponytail that could survive hats, helmets, and super sweaty workouts. I always thought about getting my hair cut short, but I chickened out every time with the excuse that I wouldn’t be able to tie my hair up if it was short. Once I hung up my cleats, however, I was free to do whatever I wanted with my hair. With my new-found follicle freedom, I called my stylist, scheduled an appointment, and chopped off my long hair. 8 years later, I’ve woken up with waist-length hair and gone to bed with short hair 4 separate times. However, before you tell your stylist to lop off your locks, here are 8 super important things you should consider when going for a big cut:

1. Research Short Hairstyles With Similar Hair Textures and Face Shapes

Before you decide that a shorter look is in your future, think about your hair texture and the shape of your face. If you have curly or wavy hair you can probably expect a more defined version of that texture when your hair is short since it will weigh less. Meanwhile, if your hair is naturally pin straight, it may remain straight or possibly take on some volume. Your face shape may also influence which cut ultimately looks the best. When you’re looking for styles you like, try to find ones that match your hair texture and face shape. This will give you a more realistic picture of what your new style will look like.

2. Try Virtual Hairstyles

Got an idea in mind? Type in “virtual hairstyles” or “haircut simulator” into Google. There are tons of virtual “try-ons” available! If you’re stuck between a few different styles that would require different cuts (like layers or bangs), this is a great way to compare the styles before committing to one. It’s also a great way to see which styles best compliment your face shape. You can also play around with different hair colors as well. Who knows, you may just end up with an even more bold idea than just the chop alone!

3. Go To A Stylist You Trust

Getting a dramatic haircut is a big decision, and it can be nerve-wracking enough simply because it will be a big change. Choosing a stylist that you know will do a good job can alleviate a lot of the stress and anxiety. They can also offer some sage advice about cuts that will best suit your face, impart some styling tips, and be a familiar face when you take the plunge. Having a stylist that you know will do a good job can help you feel better about your new ‘do.

4. Bring In A Picture

After all that research on a new style and making sure that the person holding the scissors is trustworthy of your tresses, make sure you bring in a picture of what you want the end result to look like. Even the best hairstylist isn’t a mind reader. Having a clear picture of what you want can help your stylist to achieve the best results possible. It may even allow your stylist to recommend some deviations that would work better with your hair. Both you and your stylist want you to walk out of the salon feeling your best, so try to help them out where you can.

5. Wear An Outfit That Makes You Feel Confident

Outfit advice may seem a little out of place when you’re worrying about your hair, but hear me out! You’ll feel that much better walking into the salon feeling confident. You’ll also feel that much better about the whole look when you look into the mirror and your favorite dress is making your eyes pop! I wore this fun outfit for my latest cut. I loved how different my new cut felt, but it was an extra boost to feel good from head to toe! When my husband and I went out to dinner that night I rocked a sleek little black dress, my Louboutins, and bold red lipstick. I felt amazing! Check out my previous post on spring fashion trends if you need some inspiration! A great outfit can really help you see how great your new cut is!

6. Donate

If your hair is long enough, I strongly recommend donating it! There are many organizations that make wigs for cancer patients and people suffering from Alopecia that would love your donation. This time around I donated my hair to Hair We Share. If you’re going for a big cut, there really isn’t a downside to donating. First, if you cut it off, you don’t  have much use for it. Second, even if you completely hate your style afterwards, you can at least feel good about doing something meaningful.

Before leaving for the salon, find an organization you’d like to donate to and make sure your hair meets their requirements. Tell your stylist BEFORE THEY CUT YOUR HAIR that you intend to donate your hair. Most organizations require that donated hair be bundled in a certain way (usually either in ponytails or braids), so you’ll have to speak up before your hair is in a pile on the floor. Donating your long hair is an incredibly kind gesture, and a great way to feel even better about your new haircut.

7. Try Different Styles

Getting a major chop can be scary, but it can also be a ton of fun! After you go for a dramatic new cut, play around with the style. Tons of styling products and tools can help you achieve a Pinterest-worthy style in no time! You can also try different accessories like headbands, clips, and ribbons to find some looks that you love! My default style for my long hair was straight, but since my hair is shorter and less weighed down, I actually have some curl! I’ve had a lot of fun trying out new looks that I wouldn’t have been able to pull off when my hair was long.

8. Give It A Week

Feeling uneasy about a new cut is a perfectly normal thing to experience. Going from a style you’ve grown comfortable with to something totally different can be daunting. While it may feel tempting to tie your hair back until it returns to its former glory, I recommend really giving your new style a chance first.

The first time I chopped my hair off, I hated how it looked immediately. I thought if my stylist curled it, maybe it would be better. It wasn’t. I was convinced I made a huge mistake. However, I decided that all hope was not yet lost, and maybe I just needed to make my hair “mine.” I washed out my hair and experimented with letting my hair dry naturally, working in different products, and trying different styling tools. I eventually found a look I really liked, and I kept my hair short for a while afterwards! In the end, I was glad I gave myself time to sit with my new style.

Giving yourself time to get comfortable with a new haircut will really help! Waiting until the shock of the look wears off will give you the space to determine how you feel. If you end up not liking the style in the end, just remember that your hair will grow back. No matter what length of hair you decide to stick with, the best accessories are always confidence and a smile. Go out there and rock your new haircut! 

Have you ever gotten a major haircut? Do you have any tips for someone thinking about it? Let me know in the comments!

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