Just had the long awaited and desperately needed chop!!
The first since the end of February.
Like you Phoenix I too have mine usually in a gamin/pixie style,and yes, have often been said I look like Judi Dench (merely because of the hair let me hastely assure you!!)
Never in all my life before having had hair growing way down way below my shoulder line, and then ending in some form of odd curl!!
However much as with your dilemna I could not decide whether to now opt for a completely new style,or again go for the old usual safe option "the chop" which I know I can easily manage.
On going into the Salon I asked the stylist her opinion as it was one I still could not make!
She suggested going half way,forgetting the shorn look,but leaving some length,especially more so around my ears and face.So I went with the idea,fully knowing I could always go shorter another time.
Although the Stylist gave me a "too coiffured" look for my liking,I immediately saw the years falling away and I could not wait until the next day ......when the whole style had "dropped," leaving me with the length and cut,yes face framing too.
Although it is going to take more work I am certainly feeling I am on the right track!!!!
My own purple colouring next and I shall be truly pleased.
Not bad going for an 81 year old!!
So Phoenix I hope my little story helps! Good luck.