Short Hair = No Sex?

Why a haircut may not just be a haircut

August 18, 2010

Source: David Thompson/Getty Images

I was inspired by this short haircut on actress Michelle Williams, even though I'm probably twice her age. I've worn this type of haircut all summer and loved every minute of it.

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Here's the thing about short hair: men hate it, women like it.

Am I generalizing? Of course. But while long hair symbolizes things like femininity and fertility, short hair for women is the opposite: a rebellion against societal norms.

I happen to have short hair, so I'm a bit prejudiced as to its charms. I think it's a fabulous option for our age group. Not only do I lack the patience to grow my hair long, I've found that shorter hair over 40 makes my thinner hair look fuller and more lustrous. I've also noticed that with age my face has lost its youthful plumpness and longer hair seems to drag down my features while shorter hair flatters them.

But not every woman can carry off short hair. A good, trusted hair stylist can save you from making a huge mistake with the wrong haircut.

I've been known to carry in photos of celebrity haircuts, like I'm about to do with Victoria Beckham's fabulous new 'do and ask my stylist if she thinks I can carry it off. Victoria's cut is so chic and sexy that I can't imagine how anyone who sees this type of haircut could say that short hair wasn't sexy.

But you might be surprised to find out that not only are some people short hair haters, they will even go as far as to say it means things like you're signaling a lack of interest in sex. Now, I don't know my ego from my id, but I can assure you that when I cut my hair it's not because I'm not interested in sex.

Not only is short hair a supposed sexual barometer, it may also be an indicator of how well the economy is doing. Researchers in Japan found that when the economy was doing well, women grew their hair long; when the economy was in a slump, women cut their hair shorter.

And you thought a haircut was just a haircut.

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Comments

Anonymous | Aug 16, 2011

i have short hair and I LUV IT-i feel like a secret-freak and if u find out my secret u r one very lucky man.....

Anonymous | Aug 12, 2011

With a face like Michelle Williams you can wear your hair in whatever fashion and still attract men like flies. Just saying.

Anonymous | Jun 7, 2011

some men prefer short hair .. i am one them nothing more sexy than nibbling a short nape

Anonymous | Sep 15, 2010

Depends on the woman whether short hair or long hair longs good on them. The other thing women do is change their hair color. I think Julia Mancuso looks much better as a brunette than a blond, for example.

Garrison01 | Sep 4, 2010

For all men and women out in the world: Stop kidding yourselves about short hair. Short hair at best represents professionalism and a more unisex position. Long hair represents youthfulness. No woman wants to be a "Pat". There is a standard set of male and female characteristics that are desired in very much all societal communities. The vast majority would agree that long lustrous female hair suggests female fertility(or virility)and a sense of availability or approachability. If you prefer or must have short hair then deal with the situation and don't blind yourself about short hair being preferable by the majority and being sexually enhancing your chances if you are female. As a male I would be straight forward to say to a girlfriend that she may have short hair but social encounters by the opposite sex will be greatly affected to be less affectionate.

Anonymous | Sep 7, 2010

You are so correct, Sir. When a woman cuts off her long hair, it is a rarity when the new cut improves her beauty. Even a nice-looking short chop, like Michelle Williams now sports, would leave guys panting IF she grew it a foot or two longer. Even Halle Berry is still featured in ads with her long hair flowing, despite the fact that it was re-cropped early last year!

Anonymous | Jul 26, 2011

Halle Berry actually looks more beautiful with short hair. Yes, I agree it is rare when a cut improves beauty. Very beautiful women look good with short hair or long hair. Average women look better with longer hair. I don't necessarily agree that long hair drags down an older woman's features. If anything, short hair calls more attention to your features, good and bad.

Anonymous | Jul 9, 2011

My face looks prettier with short hair or if I wear it up.

Anonymous | Aug 27, 2010

after the birth of my son 9 years ago i cut my hair very short. wow... what a differnce. each time i try to grow it back i end up cutting it again. I love it and feel just as sexy with short hair as i did with long. most men that meet me usually say they love my hair.

Anonymous | Aug 25, 2010

..... I like short curry hair .....