Can I talk about short hair for a minute? Yes, it’s everywhere at the moment (Agyness Deyn, anyone?). The short hair trend seems to hit about every five years or so, at least here in the U.S. where long hair is as American as the proverbial apple pie. In Europe, it would seem that short hair is simply another style option.

I discovered in 1997 that short hair worked best for me, and I’ve been rocking varying versions of the cut ever since. It started out longish, then got super short and dyed, then went longish a la Stella Tennant in the MaxMara F/W 03 ad campaign, then fauxhawkish, and finally ended up with where it is now – asymmetrical.

Every few years I get the itch to mix it up, and sometimes I see photos that spur that itch, and sometimes I just get an idea in my head of what I want-cue yesterdays little chat about visceral inspiration!

Although I’m not quite over my current edition of short hair, I did stumble across these two photos while perusing the wonderful Garance Dore blog and felt inspired. The first one reminded me that I need to dye my hair again, and the second made me sad that my stick straight hair will never allow me such an adorable cut. I suppose the fauxhawk phase was somewhat similar to these in that the longer middle portion very rarely did anything but sit on the top of my head brushed forward. Maybe I’m just longing for a redux…

I think the key to keeping short hair looking fresh is to mix it up from time to time, and to avoid dated styles. For example: anything that requires curlers, a trip to the salon for highlights, copious amounts of hairspray, looks spiked, or can resist bullets should definitely be avoided. Product shouldn’t be avoided, but I think soft is best and keeps it classic.

I monitor comments to reduce spam and the like, but I’d love for you guys to post photos of the short cuts you love in the comments. Except, NO Agyness Deyn, please!