Strapped for Cash? Sell Your Hair!
Filed under: Beauty Tips, Hair Cut and Style

Over the last few years, donating one's hair to charities like Locks of Love has become increasingly popular.
But these days, when recessionistas want a new pair of shoes (or a purse, or, you know, food to put on the table), there's just not as much money in the bank as there used to be. So, it comes as no surprise that women are now selling their hair for cash.
Companies like TheHairTrader.com, which claims to be the world's largest independent hair sale site, pay top dollar for lustrous locks. The site is receiving as many as 1,000 requests for information a day -- that's a lot of women willing to chop it all off for some fast money.
Here's the question: Would you cut your hair off for some extra dough? If so, let us know in the comments how much you'd have to be paid in order to go short.
And hey, if you're thinking about cutting it all off (for money, charity, or just the heck of it), check out the gallery below for inspiration!
Christo Dishes on Short Dos
Gennifer Goodwin made a seemingly overnight tress-formation, appearing at the He's Just Not That Into You premiere on February 2 with long, wavy locks. Two days later, she rocked a straight, shoulder-grazing bob. We're loving the new do - how about you?
Paris Hilton has joined the Katie & Posh Club, shrinking her long blonde locks into a chin-length crop. We say "shrinking" because it's hard keep tabs on the extension-fanatic's true lock length. But hey, when you have your own line of hair extensions (Hilton's line is called DreamCatchers), your chameleon-like hair length is your best advertisement. Before you follow Hilton's, lead check out what stylist to the stars Christo told StyleList about how to pull off a short do.
Getty Images
Jessica Alba went from a flowing romantic 'do to a chic and edgy bob.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Victoria Beckham: Before the Cut
There was a time when Posh had long, flowing locks (well, extensions) before she went for her dramatic razor cut bob that kicked off the trend in Hollywood.
Milano Collezioni Uomo, Getty Images
Victoria Beckham: Short Do
"Victoria has a great bob that works with her style," says Christo. "There are not too many hair textures that can pull off this look; it has to be fine and straight." One advantage of a shorter cut? "They are fun to play with and can be very versatile. Ask your stylist how to play around with styling tools to create different looks."
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Katie Holmes: Before the Cut
When she started dating Tom Cruise, Katie's hair was long and straight.
Getty Images
Katie Holmes: Short Do
"Katie Holmes can pull off a short cut," says Christo. "She went from a young pretty girl to a sexy woman who turns heads." But Christo warns, "Don't forget you need to be backat the salon 4-6 weeks after getting a short cut. Be prepared to put the money and time in."
MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK, AFP / Getty Images
Anne Hathaway: Before the Cut
Before she chopped her locks for her upcoming film Dancing With Shiva , Hathaway was known for her long, thick hair.
Evan Agostini, Getty Images
Anne Hathaway: Short Don't
"Anne's stylist played it safe and gave her a short bob cut. She's a very pretty girl but this look doesn't accentuate her beauty," explains Christo. "With her facial structure, I would go with a shorter cut like Selma Blair's."
Jemal Countess, WireImage.com
Rihanna: Before the Cut
The Barbados beauty and R 'n B star had super long hair when she first hit the charts as Jay Z's protege.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
There aren't many things out there that are more universally flattering than a wrap dress. Stilettos, sideswept bangs, and dark colors come to mind, but really, the wrap dress is where it's at. And what makes it even better is that, even though it's a staple every woman should have in her closet, and it'll last you for years, it doesn't have to cost a bundle. Although it definitely can.
Beyonce is every man's worst recession nightmare.
Katie Holmes has basically built herself a whole new career out of being married to Tom Cruise -- well, that -- and shopping. In large part because of her habit, the actress has reportedly put about $14 million dollars back into our economy over the past six months.
We don't know about you, but there's something about this festive time of year that makes us want to look just a bit better than normal. Maybe it's because we're trying to hide the couple of pounds we're still trying to work off from Thanksgiving, or maybe it's because we're inspired by all the beautiful decorations everywhere. Whatever the reason, it means we're on the lookout for great new looks (at a bargain).
Winter weddings are hot, even if the weather is cold. December is making a run at becoming the new June, and with good reason. What bride doesn't find a Winter Wonderland incredibly romantic? Plus, kids are out of school for Christmas break, making travel easier on families who are invited.
One of our biggest frustrations is looking at our closet, which is packed with clothes, and having nothing to wear. Without doubt, we could walk into a friend's closet and find several great outfits, and probably, a friend could do the same in ours. So, why not
If you're trying to incorporate some vintage appeal into your daily style, you might luck out and have pieces that were handed down to you from grandmothers or aunts. Or, perhaps you have a talent for shopping in thrift stores and have found a few authentic items that you just love. But some of us aren't so lucky or talented.
We're all worried about what's in our wallets. Or, rather, what's not in there. But we don't want to look less stylish than we have in past years. After all, we do have a reputation to uphold! And so, this week, we're going to help you out, searching for stylish steals under $50.
In today's economy, we're all doing what we can to stretch a buck. We don't want to skimp on our beauty routines, but this isn't exactly the best time to splurge on new products. In fact, we're trying to make the products we have last as long as possible.
We're watching: Wall Street collapse
Next time you feel crappy about yourself because you don't measure up to Hollywood types, remember this: in addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars a year celebrities spend on clothing, some rack up huge beauty bills -- like Jennifer Aniston, who
Gisele isn't one of the celebrities whose fashion line is going nowhere. Her Ipanema sandals collection earns the supermodel a reported $6 million a year. But, she's still going to need to sell a lot more flip flops if she wants to cover the cost of the new private jet she just bought.
Beth Ditto has 



