If I'm being completely honest, I don't remember the exact moment I decided I wanted a pixie cut but I do remember flipping through countless magazines searching for the "perfect look". Eventually, I narrowed my list of favorites down to two. After asking for my families opinion, I decided on a short asymmetrical pixie cut inspired by Mandy Moore. My 11-year-old self didn't cry, as she looked in the mirror after having her hair styled into a pixie cut. She didn't freak out or instantly regret her decision. She accepted the compliments of the elderly women in the salon and left with her mother. I firmly believe that growing up with short hair helped shape me into the young woman I am today. So here are just a few things I learned during my 7 years with a pixie cut!

1. There's no hiding!

I went through my awkward middle school phase being unable to hide behind long locks (unfortunately for me this awkward phase lasted well into high school).

2. Getting ready takes no time

With a pixie cut it took about 30 minutes for me to be completely ready. This included, washing my hair, straightening it, and doing my makeup.

3. It doesn't take much to look stylish!

With a cute pixie cut being stylish is almost effortless (it's completely effortless if you add a dog sweater and red boots)!

4. Beauty & Femininity are not defined by hair.

As an 11-year-old girl who chose to get her hair cut it was simply black and white. I was feminine because I was a girl and the length of my hair didn't have any effect on that. It wasn't until I reached high school that I ever struggled with the idea that I was less feminine because of my short hair.

5. Not everyone likes short hair (& that's okay).

After getting my hair cut off, I was more than ready to show off my new look to everyone at school. Unfortunately, I realized rather quickly that not everyone liked my new look. It took some time but I eventually realized that I simply didn't care. My short hair made me happy and that's ALL that mattered.

6. There's no hiding a bad hair day!

In the world of pixie cuts, ponytails do not exist. I grew up without the staple look of a black ponytail holder around my wrist. Unfortunately, without the help of the ponytail, it was very difficult to disguise bad hair days. I eventually learned that a hat was my only hope for bad days!

7. Changing up "the look" can be a challenge.

Finding a way to change up my look was always one of the hardest parts of having a pixie cut. It wasn't until high school that this began to matter. Eventually, I began to envy the beautiful up do's some girls would wear for prom. After searching through the depths of the internet my mom found the perfect look. I was beyond excited to finally add another dimension to my look and my senior prom "do" will always be one of my favorite hair days.

8. Constant Compliments!

Having short hair, I always received compliments and sometimes I even received comments like, "You're so brave". I always assured everyone that it had nothing to do with bravery and everything to do with enjoying the breeze on my neck.

For now, I've decided to grow my hair out (at least a little bit). I learned a lot growing up with a pixie cut and I don't regret the decision that 11-year-old Elizabeth made when she walked into the hair salon. I enjoyed the ease and simple style that came with the pixie cut. Growing up with short hair I developed a confidence that was independent from the length of my hair and I still live by the mentality that, "It's just hair". Although my hair is longer than it's been in the past 8 years, I constantly toy with the idea of cutting it back off. After all, it's just hair!