Last week, I talked chop (about my recent hair hack-off, that is), and posted an image of my donated-braid-in-a-bag. A little creepy, I know! It was because I didn't want to post yet another picture of me on Sephora! But after a little hairassment, I have finally caved. Here's my new hair.

For those of you who just got a drastic 'do-over, please leave a photo link in the comments. We wanna see! I'm hoping my fellow beauty writer Joannie will take the plunge at her hair appointment tomorrow, too! (Bobsie Twins, much?!)

I finally did! After over a year of talking about it (ahem, making excuses!), I finally chopped my superlong hair and donated it to Locks of Love.

"You're not gonna cry on me, are you?" my hair stylist said. Amazingly, I didn't even flinch. And after he hacked through my thick pony and swiveled my chair to face the mirror, I couldn't contain my smiles. For years, I've worn my hair long. Now--11 inches later and lighter--I'm sporting a sleek, A-line bob. (Admittedly, I asked for something Posh-ish. A major cut deserves a "major" look.)

My favorite part? Now that my locks are not so weighed down, my new dishy 'do gets serious beach curls--naturally. I just flip my hair in the shower, apply and rise out my Terax Crema Conditioner while my hair hangs upside down, and then towel-scrunch out the excess water. Then I use Jonathan Product Create Curl Curling Serum and finish with a spritzing of Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves. When I want to go sleek and straight, I beeline for my T3 Featherweight Dryer and ghd styler.

If you're thinking of taking the cutting plunge, I have one tip: Don't tell anyone! Building it up will only psyche you out and make your reconsider. My chop was top secret, and I absolutely loved seeing everyone's surprised reaction.

Newly short & sassy,
Mari