I get it every once in a while: The Urge To Cut. and every time I go a little shorter than last time. I know I don't really want to cut, but the urge is taking over! How do you ladies (and gents) keep your hands off the scissors?

I get that feeling too sometimes, but then I think about how far I've come (length wise) and what a set back it would be if I cut my hair. To me, some of the best ways to combat these feelings are to wait at least two weeks before getting out the scissors and to focus on my hair goal. I tell myself, "It's taken two years to go from a bob to waist length so there's no way in heck I'm going to mess that up by cutting my hair." That usually seems to work.

Set a reminder for at least 2 weeks, but even better a month out.  If you still want to cut it then, it might be something to consider.  In the mean time try to do some different things with your hair that allow you to appreciate it being long.    

I just went through something similar, wanting some kind of change with my hair, but knew I didn't want live with the consequences of cutting or dyeing.  A few days of some different styles and I seem happy with my hair again.  

Another thing that you might want to look at is, "what else is going on?"  Sometimes I want to cut/dye if I am feeling bummed out, tired, sick, or anything else that makes you feel kind of down.  Sometimes addressing an underlying problem can save your hair from cutting, dying, or getting stressed-out.

...you didn't cut, did you?

Sometimes just a little change in the shape of your hair, not the length helps to cure "the urge", I find that helps for me anyhow.  I can remember sitting in the salon chair 4 years ago debating on whether I should change the length or the shape of my hair.  My hair was BSL, I decided to get it chopped off to a bit above shoulder length. I HATED it, I missed my length sooooo much.  4 years later, here came the same urge again...this time I decided to go for the SHAPE change, I went from all one length (almost) to slight layers and bangs cut in, but the length was kept.  I should've done that from the start, it made me love my hair again & want to keep it growing long & healthy.

Another deterrent is looking at all of the pictures of the beautiful hair goddesses here and thinking that some day my hair might be that long and gorgeous!  :o

whew...all of the long-haired ladies here have given great advice so far.

All I can think to add is...I never cut my own hair. The results would be disastrous if I tried! I have always had someone else with experience do regular trims for me, so that's my defense.

I haven't had the urge to take off more than half an inch in awhile, though. Guess I'm too set on my goal of 2 feet.

Thank you guys: I've still got the urge but have instructed my salon not to accept appointments from me until my scheduled trim in March. Hopefully that will do the trick!

Ooooooh smart idea!  8)

Rapunzelwannabe:  How long is you hair currently?  What's making you unhappy about your hair that makes you want to cut it?  My hair goes through stages as it grows, sometimes it looks great for a while, but then it seems it gets gawky for a bit...that's when the urge hits.  But I know if I just wait it out it will be worth it and it will look nice again.  Then I feel like I've accomplished something!

I just thought of another good idea for you.  Maybe changing the hemline of your ends would help you out.  If your hair is a blunt cut, maybe try a U shaped or a shallow V shape.  Just an idea.

maggie: my hair is just past BSL and it just seems to hang there. I've been putting it up more often, keeping it out of my personal cannon fire.  I mean, it hasn't "looked good" for years now but that's because it was so short. Like I said, I'm going into my salon in March to get some of my layers redone so it'll look better as it grows out. And I trust my hairdresser with my life, so I'm not worrying about getting anything less (or more) than I ask for/

I got the urge to cut my hair about 15 years ago and cut it short. I regretted it so badly that since then I have grown my hair again and now it is down to my waist. I still get the urge to cut it when it annoys me but I resist it at all costs and am pleased I have. One day I will have to cut it, when I am too old to have long hair or can no longer manage it, but until then I am keeping it long. I get too many compliments about my hair to ever cut it, it's a great talking point for people. Though I must admit it is also a bit of a security blanket for me!!