Did anyone ever hear of this?

Original post by Ronnie&Theresa

Jul 01, 2003 02:01 PM

A woman in my office told me that once a girl gets to a certain age that she should cut her hair shorter. Well short.
I said I want my hair very long for my wedding.
She said that its not so suitable for my line of business no less of someone of my age and I am 25.
Has anyone heard of this?

Jenn P Posted: Jul 01, 2003 02:23 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

My mom is 58 and she has beautiful long blond hair. She also looks more like she's in her forties, but either way, it's very attractive and appropriate.

It also depends on the shape of your face. Some people don't look right with shorter hair.

I'll be 25 shortly and I'm not cutting my hair any time soon.

If this is a rule, it's made to be broken.

Niecey Posted: Jul 01, 2003 02:33 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

too funny T - your hair looks beautiful that way but I agree you wouldn't wear it to work! Cute!

Misty - I agree with your feminist statement! I laugh because I am in IT and very often the women that are featured in the periodicals as successful woman in IT look like men. I rarely see one that doesn't - it drives me nuts.

Speaking of work - I have to do some of that today. I just can't get motivated today at all!

ChristineC68 Posted: Jul 01, 2003 02:35 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

I have heard of this before but usually referring to someone older then 25. More like late 30's/early 40's. I think as long as your hair is groomed and not flying about, it doesn't matter how old you are and how long your hair is.

butterfly20 Posted: Jul 01, 2003 02:49 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

that is B.S. but i have seen a common trend when women have BABIES they then get their hair cut(age 25-35)... and never keep it as long... just a trend ive seen..

Jordan Posted: Jul 01, 2003 02:51 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

I've seen that trend too, butterfly...I think it's more to save time & energy...and also lots of little kiddie-winks like to yank on hair...

Sonicstef Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:09 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

I see your point about the feminist thing but I think the long hair issue is more about trends than anything.

Young women trend toward long hair. Older women trend toward shorter hair. A women that is perceived to be younger (even if she isnt) tends to be thought of (by both men and women) as less knowledgeable and experienced. So shortening your hair immediately associates you with older women, thus to be thought of as more professional/knowledgeable/experienced.

Its much the same with wearing glasses. People who wear glasses are perceived to be smarter! So even if you dont need glasses, wearing them gives a 'look' that is desireable in many professions.

Also, women with long hair tend to play with their hair. That is the most annoying thing in the world to me and very distracting. So thats another 'negative'.

But as with anything..there are always exceptions to the rule.

MrsTC Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:14 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

i have heard of that however, as long as you look professional and presentable, do what you want!

kmcwed Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:28 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

I'm 33, will be 34 next month, and my hair hits my bra-strap in the back. I have NO plans to cut my hair short now that I'm married, or if and when I have children.

I think women do themselves a disservice when they get married, have kids and chop off their hair. It's like they're cutting off their sexuality and saying, 'I'm a wife and mother now.'

That's not to say that short hair can't be sexy!! It can be very sexy. But MOST women who cut their long hair aren't doing it to look sexier, but more 'appropriate' for their age or their station in life. They chop off their hair and walk around in sweats, stop paying attention to their bodies, and then wonder why their husband's check out attractive women.

My DH was terrified I would cut my hair! He says too many women de-sexualize themselves after marriage/family. I have to agree. We both promised each other that we are going to take good care of ourselves and stay in shape physically after we're married. It's the least we can do for each other.

Wear your hair as long as you want it, for as long as it looks good on you, whether it's 30, 50 or 110!!! That's my theory.

ILT1221 Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:40 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

Well said!

T-you are way too young to even be worried about the comment this woman made to you...even if she was trying to be helpful. I cut my hair recently but that is personal preference and even then it still mid back. Some people cut their hair short when they are older to be appear more sophisticated/professional but its a choice not a requirement or hey maybe with kids/commuting etc. its just easier to keep it short. Anyway you have beautiful hair don't you dare cut it!

Leelee Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:52 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

T...you know me...my hair is past my butt. I don't give a rat's a$$ if anyone in my office thinks it's unprofessional or not. This is how I want to wear it and I'm going to continue.
Office politics schmolitics...I say wear it long, wear it free and love it!!!

eroxgirl Posted: Jul 01, 2003 03:55 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

The friends I know that have kids and have cut their hair have not cut it to say 'I'm a wife and mom' but more along the lines of 'I don't have time to do my hair because I'm chasing a 2 year old!'

But I'll cut my hair when I please, no one will tell me when or how short!

Sonicstef Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:00 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

Not really work related but I think the idea that cutting off your hair 'desexualizes' a women is such a falacy. I mean, so many women 'hide' behind their hair when they would be 10x as sexy and vibrant with a new shorter do.

I know thats not what we are talking about here but I often wonder when I see a women who would look great with short hair but always keeps it long - why wont she cut it?

Leelee Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:05 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

Stef..one reason I won't cut mine is..it hides my breasts!

Iloveweddings Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:10 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

I also think it is an ethnic thing. In many European countries single women have long hair. However, once they marry, the hair either goes up in a bun or they cut it b/c long hair is considered a sign of vanity.

Personally, I prefer my hair shoulder length and do believe that as women get older, in many cases it is more becoming to have shorter hair. However, you are talking to the girl that has chopped off her hair for every major ocassion in her life. My mother is lighting candles that I let it grow until the wedding!

Jordan Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:15 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

Because people buy into the 'desexualized' fallacy, Stef. Because a LOT of men think women are butch with short hair and sexeeeeeeee with long hair. And thus women buy into it. I think it should remain an individual thing - not all women can carry long hair just as not all women can carry short hair.

But if your hair is damaged please - PLEASE - cut it off...and then let it grow if you wish. Nothing worse than women thinking they're all sexy & feminine cause they have long hair - even though it looks like a rats nest, riddled with split ends. JOM, of course

Sonicstef Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:29 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

LeeLee: Why hide them?

CP: The rats nest thing is so true. Thats why I think so many older women need to cut it off. There is nothing sexy about hair that looks like straw!

Leelee Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:31 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

They're HUGE!!!!! I'm very VERY self-conscience about them. They stick out like torpedos!
I have a little bit of a self-esteem issue with them as you can probably tell....

Sonicstef Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:36 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

Lee: I also have big bosooms No use hiding them, might as well show off our assets. Even if you hate them, there are a lot of girls paying thosands to get them so you might as well take advantage of nature.

Leelee Posted: Jul 01, 2003 04:41 PM

Re: Did anyone ever hear of this?

So true..I think it's habit to loathe them at this point! I'm looking into pay thousands to get rid of them! The grass is always greener, isn't it?
I do like my hair though..all my life I had short hair and my older sisters had that long 'brady bunch' hair. I was always so jealous of them..
I keep it neat, healthy and clean though! I do have to admit..I get the urge to chop it all off some days!