Long Tresses Are Not a Good Fit for All Women

Perhaps Jim Shea would be correct in his assessment of the length of a woman’s hair (“Gentlemen Prefer Long Tresses,” Nov. 12), but for the fact that not all women have hair that looks good long, no matter how much they “tend it from sunup to sundown” or that there are faces and body shapes which are overwhelmed by “semi-tamed tresses.” There are particular cases that illustrate both sides of the question of length of hair, but the gross generalizations in this essay offend many women who have chosen for their very individual reasons to be beautiful in short hair.

That women are not on this Earth solely to please men, perhaps, escapes Mr. Shea’s reasoning.

--SUZIE SPAGGIARI

Los Angeles

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Long hair is lovely, and men love it because it conveys a soft, romantic and youthful image. It was hard for me to get mine cut and go for the more chic, sophisticated and mature look. But I felt I had to face the scissors since the years had crept up and short hair made me look much more attractive.

I now had more neck and ears, and I even looked slimmer, so I could wear flattering jewelry and more stylish clothes. My appearance made me feel in control; it was as if I had faced age and come to terms with it and would be able to handle the problems the years ahead would bring.

I guess you could say I traded in image and illusion for reality and strength. Cutting my hair was more than a physical change, it was a mental one as well. I felt it was a necessary step in self-acceptance and growth.

--EDITH WOOD HARVATH

Buena Park