Well. I have quite a collection for various reasons. I have however narrowed my favorites down to about four and like you the short length seems to fit me best. It was also educational to learn the difference between "curly" and "wavy." I can not wear the real short ones because of my "alter-ego's" hair/head structure. I prefer it to be cut/short enough to show my ear rings, (I like ear rings-and no I do not have pierced ears- that is another topic). I prefer the "wavy" as opposed to the curly in blond and straight in the brunette - why? I just like the way I look, whether I want to present as a blond or brunette. This has its up and down sides. For my presentation, Virginia can not intermingle blond clothing and brunette clothing in most cases, so it requires more shopping for two wardrobes

. Lipstick and eye shadow has to be expanded as well.
Ain't it great!!!!!! Part of decision as to which color depends on where I am going needless to say, "blonds do have more fun" but they also attract more attention, so any place where I want to maintain a low profile, it is brunette, but for clubbing and nicer restaurants, blond is fine.
I agree, the longer hair does attract more attention as well and we have to learn what styles go with our facial structure, height and weight - most of us don't want to be seen as "a guy in a dress," so study and ask questions. Most of the better internet sites, Paula Young and others have toll free numbers and people who are more than willing to discuss color, style and shape without embarrassing questions and comments, as a lot of their business is from us! In conclusion, it is still the old saying, "you get what you pay for!" So save those bucks and get a nice one. As for human hair - personal choice, but I don't have the experience to do it myself and for me having someone else clean and style it is expensive. The synthetic ones are easy to care for, just read the instructions and use shampoo and conditioner made specifically for them.
Sorry, I think I went too long!
Love,
Virginia