Au Revoir to My Long Hair

I've had long hair for most of my life. My mom made me cut it from waist-length to chin-length when I was 12, but I immediately started growing it right back out. By the time I was 14, it was back to my waist. Since then, I've kept it between the middle of my back and my hips, preferring it slightly past the middle of my back.

Last week, I decided it was time for a trim since I hadn't gotten it cut in a while. I debated cutting it shorter than normal, and I finally settled on right around my shoulder blades. I did some research and realized that I had enough to donate it to one of those organizations that makes wigs for people. I called around to a few salons, and none of them participated, so I decided to cut my hair myself.

This was my first mistake. There's a reason I'm in law school and not cosmetology school. I shouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors. I planned on cutting off 8 inches, the minimum needed for donation. I measured wrong and ended up with 12 inches. My hair was uneven and just past shoulder length.

Enter my second mistake: excessive frugality. I usually go to Supercuts or Great Clips to get my hair cut. I can get a cut and shampoo for $15-20. Well, I decided that I didn't want to spend that much, so I called the local beauty college. They were running a special for $5. I had gone to the beauty college before for other services and I was pleased, so I figured I would give it a try.

I went in and asked just to have it evened out, but to keep my hair as long as possible. The student began clipping away. She clipped, and clipped, and kept clipping. I reminded her that I didn't want a lot cut off. She was dividing it into sections and trying to give me layers. When I told her I didn't want layers, she mumbled something about school rules. Then she tried to give me bangs. I grew my bangs out when I was 12 and my mom finally wasn't making me have them anymore. I've never looked back.

To make a long story even longer, I managed to get out of there without layers or bangs, but I lost another 3 inches of hair. It now barely touches the tops of my shoulders when it has been straightened. I shudder to think how short it's going to be when I let it go curly again. Now I'll have to figure out how to fix my hair. I can't put it up in a bun or a braid anymore, and those were two of my favorite styles. I have it in a headband to keep it out of my face, but I'm quickly running out of ideas.

At least it will grow back.