I’ve been going back and forth the past few days as to whether or not I should cut my hair. My mind literally changes by the hour. And my appointment is less than 2 weeks away.

As most of you know, my husband loves my hair short and wants me to cut it. But when it comes to making the big decision, I need some unbiased opinions—and who better to give me good advice than my internet friends?

In March 2008, I participated in one of Whoorl‘s weekly “Hair Thursdays,” and she advised me to cut my hair short. Here’s what my hair looked like at the time, both dried naturally (left) and straightened (right):

Out of 878 votes, it was very close, but the chin-length bob she suggested (right) won out over the shorter style (left):

But after a loooong year of awkwardly growing out a pixie cut, I wasn’t ready to cut it again yet; I wanted to grow my hair at least a few inches past my shoulders. Another year later, that’s where it’s at. I know this may not seem truly “long” to many of you, but this is the longest my hair has been since I was 17! Here’s where my hair is now (photo taken 12/31):

I’ve chopped off my hair plenty of times in the past 10 years, and it was no big deal to me. “It’s just hair,” I would shrug. I cut it off and grew it out in roughly 2-year cycles. I can look back at photos and guess the month/year they were taken depending on the length of my hair. I was never afraid of change; I was afraid of always looking the same.

But it was my hair itself that changed after I had Oliver in 2006. Beginning at 3 months postpartum, I went through 4-5 weeks of hair loss that led to a constantly clogged shower drain, many tears, and finally, the pixie cut. And as it later grew out, my hair remained A LOT thinner (and less curly) than it had ever been in my life (seriously, I used to have TONS of hair!). Everyone, including my stylist, kept reassuring me that postpartum hormones can affect a woman’s body and hair for up to a year after giving birth… but Oliver is now, um, 2½ years old. I think it’s clear my hair is never going back to the way it was.

The reason I’m hesitant to cut my hair this time is that I doubt I will ever grow it this long again. It’s simply not thick enough to look good past a certain length. I actually love the versatility of long hair, but versatility is one thing—the way MY hair looks is another. And long hair that is thin and straggly is just NOT pretty. It’s also super-prone to tangles, which leads to breakage, even if I brush it carefully.

Everyone tells me I look better with short hair anyway, and I like it better myself. So I guess I’m just sad that I really have no choice anymore and I will probably never have the option of long hair again. And as always, I’m not afraid of change, I’m just afraid that I will always look the same from now on. THAT seems scary to me. And it makes me feel old.

Anyway, I’m going to take Whoorl‘s advice at last and go for a bob again. I took these photos of my tv during a recent What Not To Wear episode, and I’m going to bring them to my stylist. It’s basically a bob with side bangs:

© What Not To Wear/TLC

© What Not To Wear/TLC

© What Not To Wear/TLC

I’m thinking maybe an inch shorter with slightly more distinct bangs.

What do you think? Should I try to keep my length a while longer (until summer? the rest of the year?) or just go for the chop now?