This last week I decided that I would finally act on the desire that I have been fostering for about a year now to cut my hair. Now, I’m not talking a trim, or a slightly different style, but making the jump from long hair (middle to lower back) to a pixie cut with shaved sides. I have to admit, it was mildly terrifying when my hairstylist was cutting off my ponytail, but I could not be more ecstatic with the result. All this to say, there were some things that I wish that I was aware of when I decided to make the cut, so I have decided to share my newly found insight with you, from need-to-know information to unexpected perks. So if you are thinking about cutting your hair, have cut your hair and just need to know that you’re not alone, or are simply curious, keep reading. I promise I won’t cut it too short.

If you are planning on donating your hair, there are limitations

If you have bleached it (i.e. highlights, or if you went blonde from a darker color) or have any extensive damage, your hair cannot be donated. Also, most donating places such as Locks of Love and Pantene have a minimum donating length requirement of 8-10 inches. In my personal experience, while I fit the length requirement, having cut off 14 inches, unfortunately I have bleached my hair in order to be a more fitting blonde. In other words, my dreams of being charitable while simultaneously rocking a new do, were dashed. However, on the upside, even if you have bleached your hair or don’t have enough length, there are people who will buy your hair on sites such as eBay, and you can donate the money you make on the sale afterwards to your charity of choice. Double win.

The stylist doesn’t donate the hair for you

If you tell your hairstylist that you want to donate your hair, they will put it in a ponytail or a braid, cut it off, then hand it to you. So if you plan on donating, bring a Ziploc bag. Also, sort out where you are going to donate it ahead of time so you can fill out the paperwork and get it sent on it’s way as soon as possible. Because if not, you might end up like me and a few of my friends who have the full intention of being philanthropic with our hair, but instead have a bag that contains what looks like a little dead furry animal sitting in the passenger seat of our cars.

Beware the razor

If you have never had short hair, and you’re shaving part of it the razor is going to freak you out and simultaneously give you goose bumps. But don’t worry-- even though it feels weird, it’s not going to nick your ear off. This was for me, the strangest part.

You may have a weird shaped head, but that’s okay

My biggest fear in cutting off most of my hair, (beyond it looking horrible and totally regretting it) was that I would have a weird shaped head, or ears that stick way out and realizing it far too late. However, as soon as my hairstylist started cutting, I realized that all heads are pretty weirdly shaped. And in all reality, no one cares if you have a lump on your head or if your head looks like an egg. It’s all about confidence. Rock your hairstyle. Rock your head shape.

You will have more hair product than you know what to do with.

I genuinely believe that the amount of product I have for my hair that would have lasted maybe a couple months with long hair, now will last me for a lifetime. Because, long-haired people, stand behind me on this one, but how many conditioner bottles do you go through in a month? Doesn’t it feel like about a hundred? Or is this just long-haired-me speaking? During the first shower I took with short hair, I put way too much shampoo and conditioner in my hands and came to a sudden realization, that I not only was going to save myself time in the morning getting ready, but also, tons of money on hair supplies.

You will only need to use one towel when you get out of the shower.

This is not an exaggeration. Ladies, I was flabbergasted. I pulled out the typical two towels, one for my body and one for my hair turban, and only used one of them. On top of that, it took me less than a minute to blow-dry my hair. I was shocked. So this is how the other side lives.

I have been told many times in the last couple days that, “You are so brave!” and “I wish I could do that!” and what I have to say is, you can. If you’re thinking about cutting your hair and you’re scared, the best piece of advice I can give is, go to a hairstylist that you trust, and, as cliché as it sounds, hair grows back. Pick a style that resonates with you. The best part about my new short hair is that it makes me feel more like me than I have felt in a long time. I now feel like my hairstyle reflects who I am as a person, and that’s an awesome feeling to have. So while it may be scary, more often than not, you’ll be just as stoked as I was as soon as my hairstylist turned me towards the mirror and said, “You did it. You made the cut.”