I am still very much in shock, so I can't say how I feel, good or bad about the hair.
Right before I left, I was putting on my cognac steampunk boots, around which I'd designed this entire outfit, and the zipper on the right boot separated. I was *crushed* but had no time for any of that, because I had to get to my hair appointment.
I had a good feeling about my stylist right away - a woman from Georgia (Europe), who instantly knew I was Eastern European and Asian, although not the exact nationalities. I showed her my pictures, and she said she understood but that... well her exact words were, "I'm not going to bullshit around and say I can keep the length." Imagine that in an adorable accent. I told her I was afraid, but I knew she had cut a couple other girls' hair in the place, and based on their fabulosity, I still felt good about moving forward.
The major issue is that my last cut was super round and she had to sort of fight against that cut. I knew this was an issue but I felt I could either grow out a textured cut or a heavy one and went in favor of the texture. She says this cut will grow into the shape that I want, and I think I even believe her.
I definitely do like the movement and texture, and I like where she directed the volume. What do you think? I have not played with it at home at all yet.
ETA: Coming back to share good news! With a little patience and stubbornness, I was able to set my boot zipper back on track! Whew... lowering panic level to DEFCON 2. :)
