Kailey Strachan for E! OnlineWhether brought on by unruly hair, a breakup or new life perspective, the urge to chop one's hair can come fast and strong. While we're all for evolving our style, sometimes—OK, all times—it's best to think through the decision to slice off hair. Because, sometimes, the most satisfying style change can come from simply changing from a side to a middle part, rather than going full pixie.
Before you reinvent your look for spring, take the above quiz to find out how you really feel about reconfiguring your hair.
Lob cut: Lob, wob, bent bob—newfangled names for iterations of the classic bob may sound a little Dr. Seussian, but the longer, more textured version of the bob, like Halle Berry wears, is the biggest new cut of the decade.
Because it's created by slashing into the bob's sculptural shape and creating tousled pieces that hang longer in the front, styling for this loose cut becomes a snap. Simply work a golf ball-sized shot of mousse into shafts and ends to enunciate the cut's piece-y vibe.
Bob cut: No matter what's trending or who is rocking the latest hairstyle on the red carpet, the bob will forever remain in style. First made popular by actresses like Theda Bara in the 1920s during the free-wheeling flapper era, the cut now resembles power and control (Anna Wintour, anyone?).
Both the cut and its styling process require precision. After your stylist creates the hard-lined 'do in the salon, it's up to you to keep its shape, like Michelle Williams does, by blow-drying with a round brush and finishing with a gentle hit of medium-hold hair spray to keep every hair meticulously in place.
Pixie cut: It's a drastic change that will definitely get you noticed, à la Jennifer Lawrence. But before you chop it all off, there's lots to consider, like awkward transitional phases once your hair begins to grow and if you're willing to wait it out. It's important to remember that just because you have short hair doesn't mean you're relegated to one look. A simple shift in hair part can change the look.
Luckily, this hairstyle doesn't require too much upkeep at first cut. You don't even have to blow-dry it; just use a dime-size dollop of lightweight pomade or wax to add texture and dimension to those short pieces. Anything more than that can result in greasy strands.
Don't cut it: Whether you're going through an emotional time or you're not down for short-hair maintenance, you should not cut your hair...right now. Most stylists will advise you that cutting your hair in an emotional state of mind is not a good idea and can lead to something you're clear-minded self would regret. If the feeling still strikes your fancy a few weeks down the line, ask yourself these questions again.
If you're just dying for a change but can't commit to a cut, try a different style or hair color. The options are limitless, and something as subtle as new bangs could set the tone for a whole new you.