It takes a brave soul to stick it to gender norms and chop all your hair off. If you’re considering it, you’ve probably watched hundreds of YouTube videos about the change. But, here are some things those videos might not tell you about cropping those locks.
6. Your hair routine will change dramatically.
Long hair either requires no maintenance at all (if you’re one of the lucky few, which I was not), or, like me, it’ll mean blow-drying, straightening, and styling until it’s begging for mercy. But, short hair requires more product and a keen eye for what will make your hair look its best. The time I made up in blow-drying, I spent tweaking and poking at it until my hair looked exactly how I wanted it to. And don’t even get me started on the crazy bed head!
5. The first try might not be the final cut.
The hairstyle you get when it’s first cut off might be drastically different from what you find works better for you later. You’ll have to play with it and relearn your hair’s personality, but once that happens, you might find yourself changing it all over again.
4. People will stare at you. Openly. And with zero shame.
3. …Or they won’t.
If you’re waiting for someone to notice, and they don’t, it’s a major let-down. The second you stand up out of the hairdresser’s chair, you’ll want the entire world to say something about your amazing hair. It’s frustrating when it doesn’t happen—I mean, who doesn’t love being showered in compliments—but, trust me, as long as you’re loving it, it doesn’t matter what other people think.
2. Your Family’s reaction.
If you haven’t mentioned anything to your extended family or friends, cutting it all off will probably result in their reacting the same way the world did to Britney Spears: they’ll be shocked, to say the least. They’ll probably love it and be upset you didn’t tell them about it before. Or, they’ll be obnoxiously nostalgic about your old ‘do. “But your hair was so lovely before!” they’ll say. Well, thanks Aunt Pat, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the appropriate response here. Please, if you don’t like it, don’t say it.
1. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.
Cutting off all of one’s hair off does wonders for self-esteem and self-awareness. Some might hate having a pixie cut, and they’ll promptly grow it back out. Others, like myself, will feel so completely changed they’ll never grow it long again. Rocking a hairstyle that sets you apart from everyone else will make you feel so confident and comfortable in your own skin, that others will definitely notice. Cutting your hair might mean changing your outward appearance, but I promise that once those locks are gone, the inside is what will really be different.