Finding the Courage for the Cuta personal hairstyle story

I've already begun bracing myself for the onslaught of false compliments and dodgy "Oh! You cut your hair!" comments I'm bound to receive over the Christmas weekend. It's alright, not everybody needs to love my shockingly different hairstyle, and when people ask me what "made you do it," I could easily (and awkwardly) talk about dealing with grief and the ensuing emotions that impress the need for a fresh start. And sometimes I do talk about that. But superficially? I've got to say. I'm not sure I would've been able to sit there in that black vinyl chair watching long strands of hair tumble to the ground if it wasn't for the beautiful and courageous crop-haired ladies who've gone before me.

So let's start with the actresses above. I've always thought these ladies above were so fresh, fun, and really super cute. Not so much on the sexy front, which is fine by me, because I like to think of myself as happily "just cute." So, they made me wonder, is the pixie cut right for me? Concerned about my body type being able to pull off such a minimal style, I decided to nix it. I just don't have that much courage yet, and being unable to make that step actually made me really appreciate these trailblazers even more. Maybe after a bit of time with shorter hair, making the step to pixie might be easier than I think.

pictured above and linked to sources: Jean Seberg, Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn

Lacking the courage to go all the way to a pixie cut, I looked to the short, curly styles of these actresses I've always admired. A little body would be nice for someone with a curvier figure like mine. So, you guys! I actually got a perm. The lady at the salon was so relieved when I described the end product I was looking for. She said after looking at her appointment book that morning, she was really concerned I would walk through the door (maybe gum chewing and rainbow eyeshadow wearing?) asking for a big '80s style or something. Oh goodness, no! Not for me. Give me Liz, I say!

So that's the long and short of it. Elizabeth Taylor is now my style icon. Late '50s and early '60s Liz, that is. And I don't even mind needing a perm to make it happen. At first I was a little worried about having a similar hairstyle to the frumpy lady sitting in front of me at church. But friends, I really don't think I need to worry about being frumpy at almost 26-years-old and as someone interested in fashion and design. The point is- if you want to try a certain style, just try it! That's my motto, anyways. Does looking young and thin always have to the the yardstick we use to measure beauty? Not for me. I just wanted to feel fresh, sassy, and excited again. Have fun. In the end, it's really just hair.

pictured above and linked to sources: Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor

Comments

[danielle thompson]

Amen, sistah. : ) And the Deborah Kerr look is soo cute! They all are! You're right, life is too short and like you said, it's just hair! I LOVE that you got a perm. Now you don't have to spend tons of time trying to curl it every day. Brilliant.

[Jennifer]

These ladies are great inspiration. I often turn to them when I think about cutting my hair too!

[Tonya]

You have awesome hair. I am sure it looks great. As humans we tend to think we are being kind by asking, but don't realize that we are actually inflicting more pain by doing so. Hope you don't get to many questions.

Keep pressing forward precious blogger and I pray that your time with family can continue to bring healing to you and your hubby.

[Belinda]

I think your hair looks amazing, I do exactly the same thingand I really do think it helps. Take care over the holidays. I really enjoy reading your blog.

[PepperReed]

Yay!!! I used to have super-short hair (actually a 4 1/2 inch mohawk back in '89, with many a Pixie or Bob as well). Now it's almost shoulder length and I'm ready to get a perm (had that too in '87) to provide body to my super straight hair. I'm going late 20's, early 30's ala Loretta Young : http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkbyky/6322691413/in/set-72157621656698868

Don't worry about any naysayers, if you like it, then it's perfect. And come on, Liz Taylor?! That's one heck of a style icon! I bet you look fabulous!

[jorjiapeach]

i want to see a pixie cut on you!! i think it'd be just perfect.

[Laura]

Hi. I've been following your blog for almost a year now and have always been too shy to comment, but i have to say I love your hair cut. In fact, I made a hair appointment for December 30 th before you cut your hair because I am craving something new but I made it far enough away to give me time to find the cut I'm looking for. Thanks to your new cut I have the inspiration I need. My shoulder length naturally curly hair is going into a bob cut with your super short side swept bangs. Not only has your blog encouraged me to try things other than jeans and t-shirts and helped me build courage in thrift shopping and finding things I love but now you have inspired me towards a new cut that will help me shed the negativity and sadness of 2011 and great 2012 with a smile (and a few bits of purple -a color i adore- in my hair) to remind me to smile in the morning. I've never dyed my hair before. Another big step. Thank you.

[Janna Lynn]

I think you can rock a pixie. I decided to follow your fine example and I stopped growing my hair and snipped into a pixie influenced by Rooney Mara's hair from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! :) Mine is hardly as radical...but still edgy and fun. I do cut my own hair so when I get an idea in mind...I literally go for it and don't wait. My dear dog baby of 8 years passed away a month and two days ago...truth be told I'm grappling with the sadness more than I let on to most...cutting my hair felt really good. A resetting the clock of sorts and getting back to who I was before I was a sad lady missing her eldest dog (I've got four more). I've always had a pixie...even when I went up to a size 18 (now currently a 14). I think size should really have nothing to do with it...its silly that books tell you that only waif's can have pixies...I know many substantial women that look awesome with a pixie...I think you would look amazing in a pixie....AMAZING...of course...you look darned hot now! Hearts, Janna Lynn

[Tea]

I'm using this as my short hair inspiration :) By March I should have very very short hair - and not out of choice - so I'm trying to embrace it and make the most of the opportunities life presents us with. I've already dyed my hair dark red and for me that was definitely one of those things in life that required the impetus fate can provide and now I want to look forward to all the possibilities I'll have to experiment with short hair!

[maryse]

your short hair really suits your face and your style. although your long hair was beautiful, i think your short 'do really shows off how very pretty you are. and short hair can be so liberating.

[Laura chavous]

Dear Amanda. You are awesome. Sincerely, Laura

[Mallory G]

I love your hair now, but don't discount going shorter....
I truly never imagined myself with the short hair I have now, and I have never received more compliments, even from strangers, about how much they dig my 'do. I always thought I was too short and stout, but apparently, it works!

[bargain bex]

amen! i just went back to my short-haired ways about a month ago after growing it past my shoulders for the first time in a long time, and am now left wondering why it took me so long! (pun may have been intended there) i'm even contemplating snipping it back to my pride-inducing pixie with my very own blog post all about it tomorrow ... guess us fashionably great-minded gals really do think alike - ha! :)

[Robin]

I think short hair is really trendy and edgey, and you look great with it. The simple truth is we all need change in our lives anyway!

[Eleni Drinks Tea]

Wowsers, only just seen the new hair and I love it! Forget frumpy, it makes you look younger and way more interesting :D

[JustBean]

i think your hair looks gorgeous dahlin' !!! : )
i went for the mia farrow pixie cut throughout high school....quite by accident...the hairdresser looked at the wrong photo in the magazine i gave her (a photo of winona ryder). i actually cried after she was done (i am such a baby) but soon after fell in love with it and kept it up for a few years (much to my mother's dismay at the time....she was convinced that short hair meant i was a lesbian....not that there is anything wrong with that...i just found it funny). point is...do what feels good! : )
happy holidays!!!
: )

[jessica]

Liz Taylor - what a great inspiration! I can't wait to see how you incorporate your new do into your outfits! I am super excited every day to visit so I can check out what's the first thing you are going to put together for it (other than the debut which was perfect!)
I like how you chose a cut that's not overdone right now. It's so original! Ironic that is from the 60s!

[Krystle]

love your inspiration, i wish i had the guts to go back to a super short crop! i had a mia farrow/liz hybrid going on a few years ago and just chopped mine chin length. i had the same concerns about looking older/curviness..i'll probably be slowly cutting more off! haha
♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/

[elise]

dropping in to say, go you. I have a friend who always rocks the raddest short cuts and her favorite expression when people ask how she does it is, "IT'S JUST HAIR."

love the look.

[Elizabeth]

This was a lovely essay & I think your new hair looks totally cute. Grace and peace to you this holiday season!

[Heather]

I had curly cropped hair and it was a bit of a hit with the boys, to my surprise. People underestimate the allure of short hair.

Now I'm going for the opposite, growing it out past my shoulders (very slowly). Maybe I'll even go blond. Like you say, it's just hair :)

Very strong of you to share your struggle here.

Christmas love!

[Anna D.]

Just wanted to say you look so cute with your new cut! Jean Seberg is my haircut idol. I've been cutting it that short ever since I saw her in The Mouse That Roared on TCM years ago. Hope you had a great Christmas! Looking forward to the new year!