Solange Knowles did it. Chrisette Michelle did too. Just recently, Janet Jackson made waves with a similarly dramatic style. And now I'm hearing a flurry of like-minded comments.

"Now that * insert celebrity here * did it, I feel inspired to cut my hair off, too!"

Hold up, wait a minute. I completely understand the allure of chopping off your hair, and for many, it's a significant part of the natural journey. But it's important to not get caught up in the hype. Here are three things to consider when you plan to cut your hair supershort.

1. Are you doing this for the right reasons? What exactly makes you want to cut your hair? Is it because Chrisette Michele looked so GORGEOUS with her hair shorn off? Don't forget -- she made the point to express that her haircut was done for truth, not for beauty. For Chrisette, it was about the physical -- rescuing her damaged beyond repair tresses, but it was also about the mental, and embracing her natural beauty. If you're going to do a big chop or go really short, know exactly why you're doing it. It shouldn't be just because a famous person blazed the trail.

2. Are you prepared for the comments? People just LOVE to say something about your hair when you go short. Trust, I speak from experience. People asked me if I was depressed. Or TOLD me "you must be depressed." One ex-friend memorably described my haircut as "The Menopause." And I am TOO through with people who associate short hair with coming out, or making a statement about one's sexuality. Please keep your assumptions and ignorance to yourself. For some, going short is just a change, a chance to reinvent one's self. Many times people will put their baggage on you because of your hair decisions. I say don't let em.

3. Is this a one time thing, or do you plan to upkeep your new 'do? Cutting your hair off can feel extremely liberating, but it does require decision making at some point. If you've made the decision to cut your hair because it was damaged and you're aiming to recover your hair's healthy beauty, then maybe you want to grow it long again. If you want to cut your hair to feel free, and to be summertime chic - then you may need to find a stylist who can help you maintain your new look with a trim every three or four weeks (depending on your length, some styles require even more frequent shape ups!).

The salient point is, do YOU. Don't make a dramatic hair or fashion choice based on a celebrity. Because if they feel like it they can whip on an uberexpensive hair piece or wig tomorrow, and those of us who live in the real world must learn to live with and love our hair choices. So if at the end of this you still feel the burning desire to hack off your locks - I wish you all the best! Go bold and go brave!