Do Men Prefer LONG Hair Versus SHORT hair?
Well this debate all started when my best friend (male) and I were discussing Sienna Miller and her acting as Edie Sedgwick. To which he replies, “Well she has a nice body, kinduv an old face for her age but I don’t like short hair on chicks… a lot of guys don’t.”
Got me thinking, is that true? Do guys not like SHORT hair on girls regardless of physique and face? I started asking some of my other boys and as a whole they primarily all responded in a similar fashion. That yes, in general - men do NOT like short hair on women.
Supposedly there are always exceptions to the rule (Natalie Portman, Halle Berry etc.) but they are few and far between AND while guys think those chicks are hot, they still contend that they would be “hotter” still if they had long locks.
Just thought this was interesting and worth posting about. The irony is when women talk amongst each other we generally think, “Oh sure Suze, cut your hair it’s so long and drab. It’s way cuter short.” Oops! Not that I think that women should conform completely to a mans idea of sexy but again, pretty interesting to consider.
Any males out there want to chime in? Ladies, do you guys agree that men prefer longer hairstyles?!
Long Hairstyles?
Short Hair?
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Comments
Comment from Evette
I’ve ALWAYS heard this…I think they think it makes us look ultra feminine.
Comment from Melissa
Long hair is definitely better, although she has extensions in the pic you posted (as most celebs do), so the title should be “Do Men really like extensions better…” LOL!
Comment from David
Would be more apt to take you seriously if you could spell!
Supposedly their are always exceptions
Supposedly there are always exceptions
Comment from hair care products
I am male and i go for longer hairs. Dont know why.
Comment from granny
My man said long hair looks to messy. He likes any do that makes a lady look good. He preferrs me in short-medium.
Comment from Susan
The correct spelling is “there are always exceptions.”
Comment from Jennifer
My husband prefers long, my brother-in-laws prefers short. As a hairdresser, I found that the younger generation of males seem to be attracted to the short, trendy cuts. And the older generations, of course, like the longer, more classic styles.
Comment from Pixistikchik
In reality, I think it really depends on the person and what they actually do with their hair. Especially on older women, I think shorter hair looks better. If you’re a shorter person, shorter hair can make you look taller (while long hair can actually make you look a LOT shorter). If you won’t style your hair when it’s longer because it takes too much effort, you’ll probably look better if you get a shorter, more manageable style. And so on. While a lot of guys DO like long hair (I’m not arguing with that), I know a lot of girls with short hair who have boyfriends/husbands. And they don’t seem to mind the shortness that much.
Comment from Karen
I am new to short hair but I like it..sometimes. My boyfreind was very annoyed when I asked him if I should grow it out. He qasked how many people complimented me on the long hair (none). Case closed.
Comment from short with long
I am a short person with long hair. I’m just under 5 ft. and my hair goes almost to my waist. Men love my hair and the part about making me look shorter doesn’t bother me. Being short is how I’m known and I don’t mind it at all. I had a foot cut off for locks of love and I just felt so naked and weird without my hair, but it went to a good cause. So this is one short girl you will be seeing with long hair.
Comment from Ron
I am that rare guy who really dislikes short hair on women, yes “that much”. Women can’t go wrong with long hair, as long as it’s not straight and haphazardly layered. It’s a winner. Shape of face, short or tall, doesn’t matter.
Above poster, Locks of Love is a ruse, and has robbed countless women through guilt of their beautiful hair.
Comment from nataley
i am a 6′1 in woman and im skinny im trying to figure out if i would look good with the short hair style
Comment from michelle
My dear Nataley,
If you are 6′1 and skinny you could shave your head and still be attractive!
Michelle
Comment from Laura
Ron - Locks of Love is a ruse? Where do you get this information, and could you please share your source so I can inform myself? I am about to cut off my hair to donate to Locks of Love because my mother recently recovered from breast cancer and the most devastating situation for her was attempting to find a wig. So, if Locks of Love is a ruse, I’d surely like to know, especially if my hair will be taken from me by impressing guilt and then thrown to the trash instead on a sick child’s head.
Comment from Ron
Hi Laura. I’ve known about their “curious” practices for years, luckily in time to save my wife’s long hair. I had no idea she’s been thinking about it. On 9/6/07, the New York Times ran an article about hair charities. In it, “Locks” president Madonna Coffman asserted, “We created this monster b/c people get so much out of it. They get attention (and) a warm and fuzzy feeling. They *feel* they’re going to help a child.” She admitted that she’d prefer a check. “But would the donor get out of it what they do? No!”
In 2002, in now deleted information, Locks received over 104, 000 donations, and managed to make only 113 wigs. Even assuming a dozen tails per wig, it’s only about 1% that actually makes it to a child’s head. They sell much of it by the bundle, and the buyer admits to using only a small percentage of it in making commercial wigs. BTW, LoL SELLS their wigs on a sliding scale depending on income.
I think that LoL was founded honestly, and I have no problem with them continuing to exist, but it is unethical to fail to be upfront with potential donors about the entire operation. I think the national publicity caused them to grow a hundred times beyond their ability to manage it. To many women, their hair is a treasure, and a painful sacrifice.
If you love your hair, Laura, there are so many ways to volunteer in honor of loved ones. I hope you make the right decision for you.
Comment from Bob
It depends oh so much on the woman and the cut. There are women with short hair that look great. There are women with almost a buzz cut that look great. There are women with long hair that look great. It just depends on the hair, the face, the overall look. And, might I add, there are women that look bad in every length hair, too.
About the only exception is women with gray hair. Although women with heavily coiffed gray hair can look OK, the truly great looking ones have shorter hair.
Comment from lizzie
I have a pretty short pixie cut. Most guys say they love it, or, “You can actually pull that off pretty well.” However, there are still guys that say I should grow my hair out. I think that there are plenty of guys that like short hair, and I wouldn’t even say that guys necessarily prefer long hair. It just depends on the particular person. Also, I cut hair and I would say that the majority of short haircuts I see are pretty butch ones on older women. If that is all a guy sees, I can understand how they would say that they don’t like short hair on women.
Comment from Elizabeth
I have hair as shown in the first photo. I was growing it out to:
1 - pleasee my husband of 34 years
2 - donate it to hair for kids charity
Found out I can’t donate it (precolored hair) and feel old with it long. I do NOT hav a pretty face, but I can no longer stretch my arms far enough to curl it. My husband calls me “Butch” when I hav cut it in the past. Will probably cut it before graduation in May and hope for the best. Problem is I am alergic to almost every hair style product on the market and cannot handle the headaches. Would love to hear from open minded men AND 50ish men who don’t mind being just a wee-bit selfish so I don’t have to be.
Comment from Leena
I don’t understand what the fascination is with long hair on women. I love short hair and I love long hair, however, I hate any hair that looks damaged or like the wearer put no thought into. My guy friend got upset when his girlfriend cut off her long, thinning, greasy hair. She only cut it to about an inch below her shoulders, but apparently that was enough to somehow make her less attractive in his eyes, although her hair was no prize to begin with. I feel like if a woman’s hair makes her feel confident then why do men have to repeatedly complain about it. I like having my hair on the shorter side and no man has ever told me that I looked hideous. If your biggest treasure is your hair, that is a bit crazy. Hair doesn’t make a person and I think that a guy has to feel pretty great about his own appearance to turn down a hot girl simply because she has shorter hair.
Comment from lauren
i have long hair, i grew it out 3 years now.i get sick of my hair cause i can’t change it.my hair is where my belly button is. And since so many people like my hair, i feel like i can’t change it. But i really do want to cut it but i’m worried that it might look bad or something. And guys don’t really care if you have short or long hair, long as you look cutee.
Comment from fara pink
im new to short hair, but i found it better, as its not messy and easy. my boyfriend loves it too.
Comment from Ron
Lauren, browse through longhaircommunity.com, and you will be stunned seeing how many simple and amazing styles you can wear. With short hair, there isn’t nearly as many options. Some guys ARE all romantic about women’s long hair, trust me. *wink*
Comment from Kate
I, personally, love short hair- if it’s done right. Long hair makes me look dumpy (it just doesn’t fit my cheekbones, frame, etc.).
My current hair is mid neck length with my bangs a little below my cheekbones. I love it.
Comment from Michelle
I think you should add a photo of Renee Russo from the Thomas Crown Affair, I think most men find her hot and that style seems to appeal to most men. Pure sex appeal is what I usually hear.
Comment from Col
I am thinking about joining the air force when I graduate. You are allowed to keep long hair as long as it is in this weird bun thing, but I’m afraid it would come out and the DI’s would give me hell. But, to get it cut to regulation I would have to get bangs above my eyebrows and a length above a shirt collar. I am Irish and I have Irish hair (frizzy, wavy). Could I try to get it permanantly straightened and go for a short look, put it in the bun thing, or some other style? Any help is really appreciated
And to contribute to the conversation, A lot of adult women now cut their hair for practicality, so it is catching on in a younger generation just a little, but very little, guys still like longer hair. that’s part of my problem. That’s like asking women if they like long hair on men. Men can be ok with it, or look past it if something else great about the girl makes up for it, but it isn’t a good thing for itself.
Comment from kokolovenohatebate
I think it’s all about what a person wants. Short is fine and long is fine, i think a lot of african americans should go natural wearing all that weave is not good for your hair it’s bad be yourself. Not saying that other races doesn’t wear weaves because they do, but be honest who wears it the must? Which race give the chinese stores money on the regular basis? African americans. So just be yourself long or short.
Comment from Saaaaaaaaaaaaara
It really depends on the person. What they do with their hair, the structure and style of the hair. And of course the girl’s personality! If the girl is comfortable in short hair, she also looks better with short hair and the other way around.
Comment from Katie
I’ve had fairly long hair all my life. Right now it’s just below my shoulders… That’s the shortest it’s been in a while. I’m thinking about cutting it to mid neck, in a kind of layered style. My hair is really curly, by the way. My boyfriend says he “Doesn’t care.”
Any advice?
Comment from KC
I got my hair cut just above my shoulders last year. My boyfriend hated it. He didn’t say it, but I could tell. So, for the past year, I have been growing my hair out. I think that the shorter hair worked better with my face shape. But hey, you feel more confident when the ones you love, love the way you look.
Comment from Kate
hey Nataley
im also 6”2 and skinny but i have short messy hair and everyone i talk to love it
go for whatever! (us tall people look awesome with any cut)
Comment from San Francisco Metrosexual Guy
Short hair It can work if it’s edgy (I once fell hard for a girl with long hair but one side shaved super short). If it’s just short then it tends to fail, either your tall and it makes them look too hard, and if you’re regular height it just makes you look butch.
From a guy point of view, short hair exaggerates your looks. Unless it really makes you edgy, which is sexy, shoulder length is a better bet.
How about gents? What are women’s thoughts about wavy hair vs. the shaved dude?
Comment from maya
Very few women looks better with short hair, but when they do it looks very nice. Generally men prefer long hair because it stands for femininity.
Comment from Katie
I think that the extensions comment is funny when it comes to this subject because I had really short hair and I hated it I would cry sometimes in the morning cause I believed I looked like a ten year old boy. My boyfriend told me over and over “you look beautiful baby I dont know why you are so upset.” But I didn’t care I thought I looked terrible so I got extensions. And I LOVED them. My boyfriend thought it was somewhat wierd at first cause it was human hair so he kept saying “you have some other persons hair on your head and it kind of freaks me out” lol but he got over it. I eventually took out the extensions and my hair had grown out a bunch but it still wasn’t as long as I wanted. So again I got extensions, and just last night I was thinking of taking them out so I asked my boyfriend if he liked me having long hair with extensions or my real short hair… And he tried the whole “oh you look good no matter what” so I asked for the honest truth just so I know. And he told me that he liked the long hair even though it was extensions BETTER than my natural short hair. Hmmmmmm…
Comment from Jessica
I never understood why people like long hair so much. I’ve always kept my hair a little past my chin, or a little above my shoulders. Now I’m considering a pixie cut or something else really short, which I would’ve done sooner, but until now I thought there was no way a round-shaped face could look good with super short hair.
I guess I just always thought long hair was boring. Especially when it’s just straight and long, with no layers or bangs or anything. I probably feel that way because so many girls and women have long hair. I don’t like ordinary things when it comes to hair or fashion.
Comment from Fred johnson
Any woman that has thick hair that doesn’t go to her shoulders at least, should be put into a higher tax bracket.
Comment from Aleksander
I’m only 16 years old, and I’ve always found women with long hair extremely attractive. Short hair can also be nice, and with long hair, I don’t mean the kind that goes beyond your butt. But the length that Kate Beckinsale has on the picture on the top of the page is after my meaning, perfect.
Comment from William P
I prefer medium to short hair. I think it can look very pretty if done right, but it also depends on the girl.
Comment from B Me
Men prefer longer hair. Anyone who says otherwise is “whipped” and only giving the answer his short-haired S.O. is tellng him to. I saw a geat quote in Yahoo Answers, something to the effect of “A man prefers long hair of even average quality and style to short, perfect hair.”
Comment from William P
Mmmm well as I’m single and so not “whipped” I’m going to have to disagree with you on that. People have different preferences, no reason to generalize every man alive as liking long hair.
Comment from Anastasia
I had gotten a short haircut, my friends weren’t the most encouraging, saying I looked like a dude. I still have short hair though, even though most of the people I know said I should have stayed with the long hairstyle. I feel alot better about myself with short hair, despite other people. I think that’s something a man can find attractive.
Comment from Alan
Yes, long = more attractive for me. It doesn’t have to be VERY long, in fact mid-length hair can be more attractive than really long hair, but I can’t think of any woman I’ve seen who looks better with properly short hair. As you said, some can get away with it (Winona Ryder springs to mind) but they still look better with it a little longer.
I can’t tell you WHY that’s the case, because I don’t know. It’s just something I’ve noticed about myself.
Comment from NYC Girl
I have short hair (similar to Edie Sedgwick). I have really short hair but it works with my facial features. I stand at six feet and have well defined cheekbones. I’m mistaken for being a model-I’ve been told I actually should model.
In my opinion, long hair is meant to cover up unflattering features. Not to mention long hair is just uninteresting.
In the end, does hair define a woman’s beauty? Not at all.
Comment from B Me
NYC Girl. (First off, I was overstating my case, as I know men who prefer short hair).
I find your “long hair is meant to cover up unflattering features” comment interesting. I’ve thought about this (for about 10 minutes) and I disagree. While hair doesn’t define a woman’s beauty, it (along with all other optional items, such as makeup and clothing) help reveal her personality. A flip of the hair (oh, sorry Sinead, you can’t do that), long bangs hanging over the eyes, whatever.
And make no mistake: personality is sexy. Short hair can be, as well, I’ve never seen a woman who looks better with short hair than with shoulder-length or longer hair. Short hair is just “cute” (maybe “playful”, but not on 99.99% of women), long hair is “beautiful”, “gorgeous”, “mysterious”, “sexy” and/or “striking”.
Short hair DOES look the best on some people; namely men with receding hairlines.
Comment from would-rather-not
so i’m 18 and i have “short hair,” it’s less than a half inch all around. it used to be quite long and thick, everytime i tried to do something with it like tie it back an epic battle against gravity broke out. i couldn’t do anything with it, so it pretty much ended up dangling over my shoulder like a dead squirrel…pleasant image i’m sure. after i cut though, everything changed-my whole demeanor had a complete rehaul. no longer did i try and hide behind my hair. i don’t know if it was the new air of self-confidence that came with the cut, but i finally started to get noticed by people - and yes guys.
yeah, sure i get alot of strange looks and am sometimes mistaken for a sir….i hope i don’t look “butch”…but then everything comes with its drawbacks. i for one am currently rocking out this new do. it makes me feel poised and danity. like a dancer.
so ultimately get whatever cut you want. who cares about the general masses. their opinions are liable of changing at the flick of hat.
Comment from Ron
I confess that B Me’s comments ring true to me. The “dead squirrel” disparagement about the old ponytail by “rather not” suggests to me that jealous comments by “friends” may have won the day.
Bottom line to me: A pretty face remains attractive despite any haircut, but all things being equal (We’re assuming teeth and hygiene here!), the long hair takes women to a stratospheric plateau of beauty.
Comment from Jennifer
My husband was shocked when I came home with my hair cut off about a year ago. I used to wear it halfway down my back. But now he loves it short–he says it’s “Sexy.” I thought about growing it long again and he said I am “too old” for long hair now and he likes it as I have it (I am 34, btw). I actually found your page because I am looking for a pic of a good short hair style to take to my stylist today. So speak for yourself. I know lots of men who like short hair on women.
Comment from Ron
Jennifer, *I* am speaking for myself. It’s cool that your husband loves your short hair. I TRIED to like my wife’s short hair in the late 90’s, but failed. The beauty, softness and movement of a woman graced by long hair is a sensuous delight for many guys. Thankfully, on this one issue, my wife has decided to accomodate my passion. Hair length IS a matter of personal taste, but I strongly disagree with your guy’s assertion that you, or other women, are “too old” for tresses. Funny, but I see women in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond with amazing long hair that suits them wonderfully. AND they look youthful with it. BTW, my own wife is 53 with hip-length locks.
Anyway, enjoy your new cut and God bless!
Comment from Safa
Wow, I think it’s kind of lame.
I’ve always had my hair shoulder length (a couple inches more though) but I’ve always wanted to grow it out. (mom made me cut it D;) But now she’s letting me grow it out. I’ve always wanted long hair. Yay. (:
Comment from fred
In general…men love long hair on women…men are very visual…we see long hair = woman = attraction
do i need to spell i out…short hair = man = no attraction
we need visual differences between the sexes…don’t get me started about women wearing jeans/pants vs skirts/dresses
the unisex culture is a disaster…women need to distinguish themselves as feminine (dress, hair, manners, roles, etc) and men need to be masculine
Comment from Sazi Grace
Like so many others on this page, I’m considering cutting my hair. Right now, it’s fine, blonde, and to about mid back. My hair has been complemented many times by friends with frizzy or died hair. The problem is, with school starting in two days and a hair cut tomorrow, i’m finally ready for something different. I’m a teenager, and I’ve only had two boyfriends, but neither of them ever said anything about my hair. I might mention that about a year ago, my hair had an unfortunate breakage accident, and I’m engulfed of a halo of frizz every time it’s humid out. So i’m stuck with long and elegant or young and spunky, but i don’t know which will get an better over all approval. I’m not trying to get a boyfriend, but I’d like to be overall more approachable. Suggestions?
Comment from mimi
I just recently tried to bleach my hair. the top came out fine, but the bottom turned orange 0.o… the “stylist” f-ked my hair up plain and simple. I LOVE long hair, but I had to cut the bad hair out, and now its a layered short cut with long side bangs. it’s… cute… but I really want my long hair back, not becuase guys love it, because I love it. any advice people? of cource I can grow my hair out, but what should I do while I’m waiting for my slow-grow hair to reach the lenght I want? I was considering extentions, but I’m not full of cash.
NYC Girl, I dissagree, I’m beautiful and I think long hair just adds to the beauty. 
I may not be 6′ tall with strong cheekbones (I dont think looking like a runway model is all that attractive), but I love being 5′2″, thin, with soft and feminine facial features. its cute and sexy, not buich at all.
Comment from Kelly
I do think most guys like longer hair on women, but that shouldn’t be the be all and end all of deciding what hairstyle to choose.
I have had everything from buzzed hair (just under 1″) to long hair (about mid back). I find that with long hair I get treated vastly differently than with short hair. Hair length and style says a lot about you, personally I am treated like I was weak and gullible by men when my hair is longer and I tend to attract men who prefer a stronger more independent woman with my hair short.
Everyone is different of course, and age and even ethnicity can have a lot to do with perceptions, but it’s something to consider rather than what someone feels is sexy or not.
Comment from Ron
Kelly, any man who treated you as “weak and gullible” when you had long hair is a fool. I totally respect those women who make the choice to exude feminity. I’m not talking *sexuality* here, but those gals who are confident enough to be themselves in any setting are those most admired by me.
Comment from Amy
I have short hair and i manage to do a few few different looks with it, i get a lot of comments from both men and women saying how nice it looks short, i personally think that whatever suits you is what you should go for. If my hair grows any longer than a bob my face looks terribly fat so i stick to short hair. Haven’t had any complaints from men, with regards to what they look for long or short hair— what they like is not what they get, they just like to look at it
Comment from The Ohio Academy
Great hair styles shown above! I like to change my hair every winter (because I feel I get bored with my looks in the winter..and the weather is always so ..blah…). I always go to The Ohio Academy because I trust them with my new style
Comment from Andrea B
I think it depends on the person who is wearing short hair, how they feel about it, and how they feel about themselves.
I was a slave to long hair and trying to maintain it–when my texture is fine, straight, and easily damaged. In the past year I had hair extensions to the middle of my back, then cut to a long a-line, a shorter a-line, and finally an asymmetrical pixie cut. I have a very strong, square jaw line and the absence of hair framing it has really given it the space to be accented.
Maybe I am just vouching for myself, but in the four months I have had my hair at the pixie length, I have NEVER been hit on, asked out, and complimented MORE! Yes, by MEN. Maybe I just feel a bit more myself, and more vivacious, but I have had men (and women) of all ages compliment it. Perhaps its the younger generation, but I think it may just be how good you feel about yourself when you wear it, how “at-home” you are with your hairstyle; yourself.
The amount of men I have had dislike it is miniscule in comparison to the “fans” ALSO women who are subservient to the generic male’s ideal of beauty are less interesting anyways.
–On another note, women may be a bit presumptuous and may take a pass at you as well. I take it as a compliment, though that could be bothersome to the more conservative woman!
Comment from Ron
I think that young men areless appreciative of the fact that long hair takes several years to acquire. It seems that there will be endless chances to grow and cut. But, as a woman approaches her 40’s and 50’s, the in-between stages are less attractive, and more annoying and difficult. So, in most cases, the hair remains short for life.
Also, it’s not as much fun to anticipate being years older, so hair goals which have a woman looking ahead to a day when there are yet more wrinkles is anathema to her desires. Better to focus on the here and now, and making the best of it. Then, somewhere in one’s 40’s, some shine is lost, so there may be disappointment for those who make the attempt to grow long again. One comment can lead to insecurities which lead to another big chop. It’s hard.
What I’m saying, in short, is that change may be interesting and cute, but the beauty of long locks is timeless. I’m so appreciative of those women who understand this, and make the effort throughout their lives.
Comment from B Me
Andrea, you hit on an interesting point. Short hair may make you seem “more approachable”. As a guy (with a good self image) I nonetheless have felt intimidated by significant beauty. By cutting your hair shorter, you are now less “intimidatingly beautiful”, and thus are more likely to be approached.
(I know, that’s an incredible conclusion I make based on a minimal number of facts presented. Still…)
Interestingly, my drop-dead-gorgeous daughter (who has long hair) has been “straightening” it because she hates her natural wave! Her hair has the same look as Kate Bekinsale’s in the first picture, and for her that’s Bed Head!
*sigh*, I’m fast learning that what men like on a woman and what women like on themselves are often polar opposites. I guess the question becomes; whom are you trying to attract?
Comment from Avvoltoio
I much prefer long hair, me and my girlfriend have waist length long hair.
And not too hard to maintance it, as some people say it.
Comment from Krissy
I agree and disagree with some of what has been said. Though to add, I also always take into consideration the different sub-cultures, and styles within hair. Punks for example, most of the females have shaved heads, which is not ugly to them. The men in that sub-culture really “dig” it. But, if is a matter of feminine beauty, and the classic female image, then to some long hair takes the cake. In the 1920’s women broke out, cut their hair short and wore short dresses that showed little feminine figure. I would say that as shown is history short hair has been seen as a female’s way of going against the grain.
I have always been a dreamer, and I always wanted long princess hair. But I have very fine, straight, and flat hair which I have tried to grow past my shoulders for years but always gave in and cut. I found, like another comment earlier, that I always had short hair as a kid, so growing it long was defiant of my childhood, and a disciplinary action. But now, I have gotten my hair cut short at the back, longer in the front, and found it feels amazing having shorter hair, and is so much easier to wash and take care of. But I still am growing out my black hair, and I have blonde hair naturally, so the black has to go! I am cutting it short like Sienna Miller(ish) and I am so excited. My boyfriend and EVERYONE say’s I’m cute, and I do not think I will ever be seen as really “sexy”. I think if you are confident then your sex appeal/ personality shows no matter what your hair length. Yes, many men like long hair, and yes many others dig short; it is really (as said before) all about how you see yourself, and how you carry yourself. That is where true beauty lies.
Comment from Bill
Have you ever noticed that when most female celebrities become famous, they have long hair and then cut it short later?
Comment from Kit
I just got my hair cut into a razored pixie. I’ve been told many times that I have ‘the perfect face’ for getting a short hair cut. I’m only 14, but I’ve had many different styles. The longest my hair has been is to my armpits, and it looked scraggly and oily. I have super-fine light blonde hair, and my hair just doesn’t look good blonde, so I usually keep it pretty short. I feel that if YOU like your hairstyle and YOU feel confident about it, you’ll look amazing. All this hemming and hawing means that you just won’t feel good about yourself if you get a short ‘do, and that’s just not right. You shouldn’t be worrying about what other people think. I have had short hair, in varying styles and colors, for a few years now, and I get compliments on every single haircut I get. So if you think it’ll look good, try it! There are guys out there who dig short hair.
I would be warned, though, that if you get the wrong style and you don’t dress in a particularly feminine way, you might be accused of being ‘butch’ or a lesbian. That’s another confidence thing. Getting short hair in high school may get some nasty comments, but it’s very unique. A lot of high school girls seem to be attached to their long, flowing locks, even if they would look great with short hair.
Comment from Susan
I’m in my late 40’s, and I think I have finally come to accept the fact that a woman’s physical appearance is very, very, VERY important to men. Yes ladies, the truth is that the majority of men DO prefer long hair. I wish that men didn’t care so much about women’s beauty, and I wish that they didn’t have so many requirements about the way they want women to look, but they do, and there is nothing I can do to change this basic fact about men. BUT - this is what I want to say, especially to the young girls and women who are longing to be beautiful, and who believe that beauty will bring them love and happiness - the truth is that beauty will never bring you love. Oh sure, if you meet all the standards of beauty, you will receive lots of attention, and lots of men will want to have sex with you. If you’re very attractive, and you have desirable assets like a great figure and long hair, you will even have many doors open to you which would not be open otherwise. Long hair can increase your beauty (in the eyes of men), and everything you do to increase your beauty will increase your wordly opportunities. ON THE OTHER HAND - beauty, long hair, a good body, - will NOT bring you one iota of love. It might make a man interested in you, who then later on genuinely falls in love with you, but it doesn’t have the power to bring you lasting happiness. When I was young and I was looking so hot and sexy, with my long hair and my good figure, I got my share of attention alright, but I never had a happy relationship with a man that was permanent. Also, most of that attention which my hair attracted was UNWANTED. Remember, if you’re attractive, you can’t control WHO is attracted to you. It might be a man that you’re interested in who is also finding you attractive, but there will also be a lot of creeps and weirdos who are attracted by your “feminine” long hair and beauty. There might even be strangers on the street who try to touch your hair and grab it. I saw on 20/20 or Dateline (or some show like that. It was a long time ago, so I don’t remember) about this woman who was brutally raped. The rapist had been attracted by her long hair, and while he was raping her he had held her down by pulling on her hair. After her horrible ordeal was over she cut off all her hair to about a half an inch, because she didn’t want anyone to find her attractive. Her reaction was understandable. She obviously was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. Also, nothing in this world is permanent. I lost my hair to chemotherapy when I was 40. Of course, it grew back, but it’s never been as long as it was. Truthfully, I wasn’t too concerned about the hair, because I was thinking more about my OTHER great beauty assets - my naturally large, round full breasts. Fortunately, I got to keep my breast, since the cancer wasn’t that advanced. But one thing I’ve learned is that no matter whether I have long hair or short hair, whether I’m pretty or ugly, whether i’ve got big breasts or no breasts, NONE of it has the power to either make me happy or make me unhappy. And NONE of it has anything to do with whether or not I’ll have love in my life. Even though it’s sometimes difficult to do, I just keep working on trying to be happy and trying to love myself, no matter what. Sorry for the long post, but I’m trying to put the matter into perspective, because the deeper issue isn’t about what men (or women, for that matter) prefer when it comes to physical appearance. The deeper issue is that this is a world of impermanence, and your hair WILL be gone one day. Your short hair might be cute (to other women), and men might despise your short hair, but it doesn’t matter because one day you’ll be dead, and it will no longer matter that you had short hair, and that men hated it. And your long hair might be beautiful, and men might love your long hair, but it doesn’t matter because one day you’ll be dead, and it will no longer matter that you had long hair, and that men loved it. In closing, I might add, “Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.”
Comment from Ron
Susan, I agree with much of what you say, but you are too fatalistic. Sorry about your bad relationships. A good rule of thumb is to listen to a prospective partner talking about his other friends and family. THAT is the measure of the man.
Men fall in love with a woman’s heart and mind, and everything physical is icing. Yes, in particular, I am blown away by flowing long hair, and I wish that more women enjoyed having it, but were my wife not kind and compassionate, I’d never have been interested. Maybe, just maybe, your cynicism may have driven some men away. You do seem like a genuinely caring woman. Ron
Comment from Ercilia
Susan is right. So many women only care about “what men find attractive” that they lose themselves in the process. Yes most men are attracted to the feminine ideal, long hair, large breasts, small waist, docile, a lady in the streets but a freak in private, and other cliches, but fulfilling those things will not bring you happiness. There are many beautiful women that are very unhappy and can never find a good relationship. And there are many normal “plain janes” that are very happy. Hair is just hair, do what feels right to you and do not get stuck in a contraint like “oh my husband wants me to have long hair, so i cannot change it”. Sounds like your husband is paying attention to things that are not overly important. The post made by Ron are a little annoying in that he keeps emphasizing that his wife has long hair and thats what makes a women feminine and beautiful and its all crap ladies. Most men, most REAL men will not turn down a beautiful woman, long hair or short hair, does not matter. All through time women have been changing their looks, flattering unflattering men will still find them desirable >.>
Comment from Jo
I had long hair when I met my husband and only experimented a bit with the length for the first five years of our marriage. Then five years ago I had my hair cut into a “long” crop/short shag. I actually felt hurt when he said I looked better with short hair so in defiance I grew it out again and have only detoured to a couple of bobs but they don’t suit my round face regardless of how they’re cut.
My dad has always preferred shorter hair on women. Never said so but I think I’ve sensed it and seen it in the women he’s dated and married. They say women pick husbands who are like their fathers…OT
Many men have general preferences and think they won’t like something but it’s a shame to be so set in your preferences. Many men surprise themselves by actually liking a shorter hairstyle if it suits their SO better than long hair, once they’ve got used to it.
The majority of men may prefer long hair but there are always going to be some that don’t and some who won’t admit that they either don’t like long hair or don’t care one way or another if they’re with their guy friends.
Some women will cut their hair to sort out the men who are stubborn about their shallow preferences, among other reasons because hopefully any woman who prefers her hair short, or at least in periods wear it short, does so for herself!
Comment from Salma
I walked out of a salon with a bob one evening. My then boyfriend, now husband, said ” You look fantastic! You should always keep your hair short”! A few seconds after saying this a girl with LONG hair walked past by us. His eyes went directly to her sashaying hair which was up to her hips. That was the moment I realized that, I need to define what I think looks good on me. No one else should hold that much power. Since then, I do what I want with MY hair, irregardless of anyone’s opinion. Ladies, don’t let anyone else define who you are.
Comment from Ron
Ercilia, every guy enjoys physical facets of women. MOST guys do not rate hair as #1, as I do. For me, a woman’s shape or chest size is pretty much irrelevant. Do *my* preferences make me more shallow than any other guy? Please don’t be irritated by the fact that lots of guys are not agog over “chic” hair trends, and prefer Victoria Secret model length instead. Differences in opinions make the world interesting.
Comment from Linda M.
Guys and gals, I’m considering cutting off my long natural curly locks, but I’m very nervous about it.
Some of my friends keep telling me I’m too old for my long hair. Someone even put a picture of a woman with short hair on my desk (hint for me to cut mine short).
I have this thing about my long hair - that it’s just a part of me that I’ve always had. I’m concerned that I’ll lose part of my identity. It’s not that I’m vain about it - I’ve just always had long hair.
To be honest - it does matter to a degree what men will think about my femininity, but I think I’m ready for a change.
Most of the time I keep my messy bedhead hair up in a clip anyway, so I’m wondering what’s the point of keeping it long anyway.
At any rate, does anyone have any advice about going the drastic mile? I know my hair will grow back, but, as I stated previously - it’s a major part of my identity.
Any comments or suggestions from anyone.
Oh, I’m considering a version of one of Ashley Judd’s short styles.
Comment from Jo
Linda M. You’re never too old for long hair. Long hair is as individual as the woman wearing it, her ability to grow it long, whether it suits her face, built, lifestyle, personality, etc. What you do with your hair is also only up to you. Since my previous post I’ve cut my long hair to a medium long length that’s just below shoulder length, dips slightly in the middle and has some face framing layers. It’ll need trimming about every 10 weeks. My hair grows very fast. I like the change and not very surprisingly, my husband likes my hair better now than when it was longer. It’s nice to know that he likes it now because no one knows what I might do next;-)
Comment from Lina
I don’t think anyone is too old for long hair. My mom is fourty-nine and her hair is halfway down her back and she looks really pretty and a lot younger. She gets hit on by collage guys cause they think she’s in her late twenties! AND she’s a hairdresser.
And my boyfriend actually likes my hair better when it’s long than short, and I feel the same way. Three years ago I chopped all my hair off and I’ve been trying to grow it out since. It was almost to my shoulder blades but I had to cut off about five or six inches because my friend is going to school to be a hairdresser and used me as a hair model and damaged my hair when he tried to bleach it with crappy walgreens bleach. Now my hair is just above my shoulders and I hate it. My hair is naturally thick and wavy so it just looks really blunt and heavy. And it makes me look twelve instead of nineteen.
But I honestly think guys do like long hair instead of short because for one, all my friends are guys so I always hear them dis and discuss girls and when they refer to the girls with short hair, they call them dykes. Plus, before I cut my hair short, I got hit on by guys all the time and got many numbers. But when I cut my hair, I didn’t get hit on very often and when I did it was by guys who were total assholes or guys who were really creepy and told me they were in love with me five minutes after meeting me.
And I think the whole ‘long hair is too high maintinence’ thing is total crap. When you have short hair, you can’t just wake up and put it in a ponytale when you don’t have a lot of time to get ready and have to deal with gross bedhead. I personally think that short hair is WAY more maintanence than long hair. With my long hair, i just towel dry my hair after i take a shower and let it dry and it looks perfectly fine. And if I have really bad bedhead and don’t have enough time before school to style it, I just put it in a ponytale and go. It takes me only ten minutes to get ready in the mornings when I have long hair, as opposed to short hair cause my pixie cut didn’t look right at all unless it was straightened. And that would take me a while to do because I had to be really careful and not burn my scalp, face, or fingers with the iron.
And now I’m debating whether I should get extentions or not cause I hate my hair at this length, even if it is shoulder length. I know, it’s a super long length, but I have a lot of suppresed rage towards my short hair. Lol.
Comment from Lina
Super long rant, I meant.
Comment from Lina
And also, long hair is super sexy on guys so long as they wash it properly and get a trim every few months. Healthy long hair = sexy. Long, ragged, greasy hair = yuck. My boyfriend’s hair used to be almost down past his ribcage but now he cut it all off :[ But he has a cute semi-jew fro thing going on and it’s cute. I just prefer long hair over short for either sex.
Comment from Celina
Well im new to the short-hairstyle look. My hair used to be medium short then i wore extensions for a year got tired of them and now i have my hair curly short. People say it looks really cute on me since i look like a poodle. I was afraid to get short hair cus i always heard guys found long hair sexy. Well guys in my school are complimenting my hair saying its cute and nice. As long as i dont look like a boy im fine. I think most males like long hair but it depends how comfortable you feel. Short hair doesnt take as long to manage in the morning
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