Saturday, November 26, 2011

The Long and Short of It - My Midlife Crisis

First off, let me just say, the posts beginning next week will be of a more of a CCH traditional nature.  Since we are celebrating our Thanksgiving today, I thought I'd share this personal post that's been in draft mode.
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My nod to a midlife crisis would be growing out my hair this past year. Once I joined the blogging community, it seemed like everyone was about 15 yrs. younger than I.  I decided growing out my hair would be a good thing and make me feel younger.  Growing up I had my share of dreadful haircuts, especially bad bangs.  My mom would cut them straight when my hair was wet--not counting for the cowlicks that would shorten one side of them when it dried.  I was so traumatized only one of my girls ever had bangs.  Of course, I went the permed route for awhile.

November, 2011

So here I am, one year later.  I'm not sure the longer hair is working for me.  (I flat iron it, it's naturally wavy and I used to have dark brown hair.  Now it's this blond color or gray. )  The Chicks think it looks too flat this way and takes away from my "spunky" look, although, I don't think they use the word spunky.  I tend to agree with them--remember I'm showing you a flattering photo...  (Both of these photos were taken in my dining room using the tripod and delay feature on the camera.)

February, 2010

I think I'd like to go back to this February length.  This is after it had been growing out for 5 mos.  I still feel like I have hair, but it's not "long."  What do you think, dear friends?  I know some of you are my age (or older) and can really rock your long hair--lucky you!  Have you done anything to make yourself feel younger, or older, for that matter?
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37 comments:

  1. Tracy's Trinkets and TreasuresNovember 26, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    I like them both. That 2nd pic does have a little more spunk to it though. Now you have me wondering how old you are. I am 41.

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  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeNovember 26, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    You are positively stunning in both photos. I think the sparkle comes from within. Both are really cute styles. Just go with what you really like and feel good in. As for age, I just turned 72, so I am sure I am much older than you, but in my heart I am just a kid. Hugs, Marty

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  3. SueNovember 26, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Kim, I prefer the chin length bob~ I think it is more flattering to your facial structure. And you look younger! Go figure.....
    I recently cut my shoulder length hair to your current length. I have straight, fine hair and layers don't do a thing to help. So a bob, it is! Good luck with your decision. :-)

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  4. UnknownNovember 26, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I think your shorter hair is spunkier, bu like the others have said, both are flattering on you. I think hairstyles are more a reflection of how we want others to view us.

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  5. LoriNovember 26, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Both look great, I like the chin-length look on you better (the first photo).
    I used to have my hair shorter because it seemed that is what everyone else my age had and I was too old for long hair. Well a couple of years ago, I decided I didn't care what everyone else did and grew my hair out and I'm so glad I did.
    I love how your gorgeous eye color matches your hair, so pretty! :)

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  6. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 26, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I like it both ways, Kim. I have wavy hair too and I find that when it's layered you can just put it up with a butterfly clip and get some soft natural curly waves. I do that when it's humid out in the summer months or a rainy day. Mine is pretty much one length except for the bangs I had done last year. I have them cut so when they get long I can push them off to the side ~ they aren't straight across. It's funny though, I do have an appointment next week to see about getting long layers put back in. I met my goal of one length, but now I feel "eh" about it.

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  7. Laura at Ms. Smartie PantsNovember 26, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Your post title grabbed me, and then I had to laugh. Oh how I can identify! I feel old blogging, this young girls remind me of days gone by AND I am growing my hair out! I'm pretty sure all for not, I will decide I don't like it I'm sure. I actually prefer the color in the first photo so much that I think either hair style (almost typed hairdo, now that's showing my age!) But that could just be the difference in the pic, your hair color maybe the same in both. Not sure I have helped any, but you gave me something to smile about! :)

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  8. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️November 26, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I like both styles. I could see you blonder. You have the coloring for it. You look young and vibrant to me.
    Age is just a #. I just turned 50 and still feel like I'm in my 20's. :-)

    Dee

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  9. AnonymousNovember 26, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Your short hair looks gorgeous!!

    Kathy

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  10. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorNovember 26, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I think you look adorable in both pictures! ADORABLE!!! But I think I like the shorter hair cut. Bet you didn't expect that one from me. :) Honestly! The #1 reason for my longer hair...less time consuming for me. Bad hair day options like ponytails, hats, etc are a breeze. Plus I don't have to wash it everyday. Which is a BIG plus for the lazy side of me! The older I get the less time I want to spend on getting ready each morning. The flip side to this is...the older I get the MORE time I NEED to spend each morning getting ready! LOL!
    So back to your crisis, speaking of rocking long hair...I think you ROCK each of these hair-do's! As my daughter recently said..."It's a follicle conundrum"! :)

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  11. fourkidsmomNovember 26, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Personally I like both ways but especially the shorter one. I am 59 and am wearing my hair long although there are times I would like to cut it all off but I know I would never have it long again so...

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  12. AnonymousNovember 26, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    I have spent 2 years growing out my hair; I think you might try longer before you go back to shorter. I kept seeing my "old" Aunts in the mirror when my hair was short. Not ready to look 80! I plan to keep it shoulder length for another 9 years. :-) Blogless Peggy, age 61

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  13. SuzNovember 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    I like the first photo the best and I think longer hair is more feminine no mattter your age and I am older than you are and have long hair. I have to deal with it every day. You do an excellant job on your hair and I'd keep it up because I think the look is younger on you.

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  14. UnknownNovember 26, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I like the newest look! I also think you should let it go a bit longer and try out your wave too before you decide to cut it.

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  15. Shari @ My Cottage of BlissNovember 26, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    From these photos, I think you rock both styles, Kim! Cute!

    I'm a bit envious of anyone who can even remotely pull off longer hair. My hair is baby fine and has absolutely zero body so I've worn my hair short (sometimes "boy short") since my early 20s simply because when it gets any length on it, it just hangs like a limp dishrag. The Florida humidity doesn't help either. I also tried to gradually go lighter to lessen the contrast between my very dark hair and the ever-multiplying grays but lighter hair just felt weird to me. Really weird! I never could adjust to the lighter color so as I age, I guess I'll just end up being one of *those* old grannies with unnatural looking dyed dark hair! lol

    In the end, I think you should go with whatever length and color feels best to you and works for your lifestyle.

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  16. PondsideNovember 26, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I have no idea of how old you are, and have just come to your blog via Kim's SSS, so maybe my opinion is a bit premature.....but I like it long and I think you pull if off beautifully. Shorter hair can happen any time, and growing it out doesn't take all that long, so it seems to me you can afford to experiment a bit. I like your bangs!

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  17. PatNovember 26, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    I like the first photo, and I too, think you should also go blonder. You have very pretty skin coloring. The short hair probably looks good too, but that photo has less color, and I was attracted to the first.

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  18. CheriNovember 26, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I like it longer and I have the answer to your wavy issues....Phyto Hair Relaxing Balm...it will change your life. If you read on my blog (my hair posts) you will see how wild and wavy/curly mine can be. Until a few months ago when I discovered that balm. Holy cow!

    I also think you should give the grow out much more time....my hair is now mid-back (I'm 45) and I have people stopping me on the street to comment and touch my hair. lol

    Also, for anti-aging, you won't believe what will happen to your skin if you try Simply Divine Botanicals sample packs...both the regular sample pack and the seaweed sample pack. If you go back over my blog, you will see the dramatic difference in my skin....all because of those products. I will never be without them. 100% natural, no chemicals, perfect.

    If your hair is freshly washed in the longer photo, I would say your current products are weighing your hair down, giving you that "flat" look. Change it up- I love "Kinky Curly" products (I know, sounds opposite of trying to kill the wave, huh..) but they are AWESOME. I get mine at Target or Whole Foods....info on my blog as well. I get the "Come Clean" shampoo and the "Knot Today" conditioner....INCREDIBLE. No build up whatsoever.

    You look great! I never realized how much easier long hair really is.....I can wear it down, in a pony tail, in a clip, with bobby pins (heavy duty ones..I have very thick full hair)....check out the "30 hairstyles in 30 days" blog posts...get inspired! Short hair can happen any minute...the patience of growing out hair (and getting the wave under control) can be amazing. (The longer your hair gets, the "weight" of your hair will put out your wave.)

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  19. UnknownNovember 26, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Oh my, the hair delima. I face this problem about every 8 months. I went darker a few years ago and everyone said that I looked younger. I just cut off all my long hair a few weeks ago because even thought my long hair was looking boring and a I wanted an updated look. I like the old hair do, it looks like the spunky woman that writes this blog. But if you need more of a change try going darker. Hair color is just like paint, you can always change it. I assumed you are younger than I am. I am 50 and proud of it.
    Have a great weekend.
    Traci

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  20. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleNovember 26, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    I like it both ways and know exactly what you are talking about. I always try to grow mine some and it just feels too flat to me. Mine needs a trim and color now. If I were you I would try to keep the length and just get some choppy layers added.

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  21. PattyNovember 26, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Hi Kim. Because you said you were married for 30 years, I think we may be close in age. I'm 51. I've had long straight hair for many years. But it was very short at one time. Now it just feels like I'm not me without a lot of hair. I'm sure one of these days I'll lose my Jane Seymour syndrome and cut it off. But on you, I think the shorter haircut is the more becoming one. Although, I really like the longer style, too. And I've heard that as we get older a lighter color hair is more flattering. That's the story when I change my color. And I'm stickin' to it ! Kim, you are pretty no matter which 'do you do !

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  22. UnknownNovember 26, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    I like the first photo best. I also like natural hair color - yours being brown. I once had my hair colored blonde (which is my profile pic because my husband likes it that way, but when I look in the mirror I think "that's not me" because I'm a brunette). I am 43 and don't have any gray yet, but I like gray hair on women. Why do they color their hair? Be who you are! The length is your choice too. Mine has to be washed everyday because it's fine, so short to shoulder depending on my mood. I like it off my neck and wear it up more in the summer. Do what makes you feel best about you, not to fit in with what everyone else is doing.

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  23. momsthewordNovember 26, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    I am 53. My hair used to be down to my behind but I got it cut about four or five years ago or so. There's not really a photo of my latest hairstyle on my blog, unless you look through the Wed. fashion posts to see one with my face in it, lol!

    My bangs are sort of sideswept and I have layers to give some fullness to it, and it's a bit below my shoulders.

    I am a very jeans-style casual kind of person, on a strict budget. I don't know if it makes me feel younger but something I've done is look at clothes a bit differently.

    I've joined this Wed. fashion meme, and because of it I'm having a bit more fun with clothes. I used to think I was "too old" to wear hoodies or leggings or skinny jeans or boots, but I found other women my age (and older) wearing them. I just pair the leggings or jeans with a dress or long tunic. Come join us on Wednesdays, it's fun!

    Now, before I hijack your blog and write a book, I will say that I probably prefer the top pic best, but that's just me. I like longer hair.

    Could your stylist cut some of those shorter layers (from the second picture) and put it into the first picture? Maybe not, I don't know.

    My hair on top is "flat" now and at first I couldn't get used to it, but I had so many people tell me it was pretty that I figured it wasn't as bad as I thought it was, lol!

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  24. NanaDianaNovember 26, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Well, I probably should have read everyone's comments first before I offered my own...but...you know me! Okay- I like it the length it is now. The reason being is that I think this kind of bob can be ageless. One of the most beautiful ladies I know has her hair cut in a very similar manner. She has had it that way for at least 10 years. She does NOT appear to have aged at all. It is a hair cut that can take you from the 40 somethings to the 60 somethings (and maybe beyond). I think it looks great. NOW..THAT being said- I will say that the shorter cut makes you look kinda SASSY.

    I have long, thick, heavy hair that I flat iron because it is wavy and unmanagable. When it is short I look like I have a Brillo pad sitting on my head. I just don't do short hair nicely!

    So...let us know what you decide and I think I better go back and read the other comments now~ xo Diana

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  25. UnknownNovember 26, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    I like both hairstyles. It's hard for me to pick the best; I'm very indecisive.

    I've been growing my hair out the past few months. I'm 52 yo and my hair is thick and naturally curly. I too use a flat iron. I also use a large barrel curling iron. Since the barrel is so large, it doesn't really curl my hair but it smooths the hair out and helps to curl it slightly under. I think I like it longer, but haven't decided yet.

    Nancy

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  26. camp and cottage livingNovember 26, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Kim
    I like your hair just the way it is.
    Your highlights add just enough spunkiness!

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  27. Content Director - Strong Female LeadersNovember 27, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Love the haircut. You look beautiful.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

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  28. Victorian1885November 27, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    I think I prefer the shorter style on you. Most of us struggle with different styles and lengths and the growing out part is the hardest. I am 53 and at age 42 I stopped dying my hair cold turkey and was alarmed to see I was completely white under all that hair dye. This year I am struggling with the length issue as well. I have a cut that is wedged shorter in the back and longer in the front and have let the length get a little out of hand the last few months. You are lovely so embrace that and enjoy!

    Wanda

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  29. Korrie@RedHenHomeNovember 27, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I think your hair looks great both ways (lucky you), but I am partial to short hair! That said...I've spent three years growing my hair out, because I've NEVER had long hair, and figured I might as well try it once now that I don't have little babies who would pull on it ;-) I got it down to about my shoulder blades, and then I had ENOUGH! I just don't have the patience to do anything with it other than pull it back in a ponytail most of the time, so what's the point? Mine's cut back to chin-length now, and may go shorter next time! Hair...why is it such a BIG DEAL??

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  30. JanNovember 27, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    You look great with both haircuts. You just have the happy glow about you. I have no idea how old you are but I bet I am older. My crisis can no longer be called mid life unless I expect to live past 100. Grey means life experiences and that's not a bad thing.

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  31. sheerserendipityNovember 27, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I think you look great in both pictures! But, I am a firm believer in long hair, way past the shoulders. Long hair just makes everyone look younger. I was made to feel like when women get older, they should wear their hair short. I think you would look even younger if your hair was longer. I am 46 and I don't see myself cutting my hair anytime soon.

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  32. Rustown MomNovember 27, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I think it's cute both ways. I'm full of all kinds of opinions for everyone else's hair, and can't figure out what to do about mine. It was long forever, then short forever, now long again. I have let it go naturally silvery and probably should wear a style similar to your first photo...might have to spruce up my "wig" this week...

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  33. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasNovember 27, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Kim, I can SO relate! I love you hair both ways....maybe the second one better...but you look like a doll in both! A year ago I went and had my hair cut....pretty SHORT! Kept it for awhile and then started growing it back out....it is to the top of my shoulders now....I seem to want the opposite of what I have! What is UP with that??? I am 51!

    Can't wait to see what you do!

    Lou Cinda

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  34. KayeNovember 27, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    I think you look great with both, but if the second one is easier, I'd go with it. It is cute and youthful looking. I'm all about easy!

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  35. MariellaNovember 28, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    I like both!! they both have their touch and suit you! probably the first one has the younger look...
    But I do like both depending on how you feel
    I love long hair myself I wear wuite long :p but I think I wil HAVE to get a haircut when I get on in years.
    Cheers,

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  36. CaitlinNovember 29, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Go short!! Your hair looks so cute in the February pic... much more layering and SPUNKINESS!!

    Love, Healthy Chic ;)

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  37. The Single NesterNovember 29, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Love your hair and the color. I just posted the first picture of myself on my blog. Yikes!

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do my best to pay a return visit. ~Kim