They say that the hair on a woman’s head is her crown, but the wearer can’t customize who’s to say this crown? By cutting my hair the shortest I had ever cut it in my life, I was able to not only use way less shampoo and conditioner, but also learn a lot more about myself and beauty in general.
Cutting your hair for anyone can be a scary experience, especially if you haven’t done so before. Luckily, I knew what I was in for the second time decided to cut my hair. Here’s five things I learned in cutting my hair very short and what you might experience yourself!
1. Hats are your friends, but don’t hide under them.
Yes, I wore my hats around for the first few days because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to “pull off” my short hair. Hats can be lifesavers when you’re having a bad hair day but don’t let it be an anchor and hold you back. Now pull that hat off, step outside, and let everyone bask in your glory! …Or, if you’re like me, listen to Beyonce and Nicki Minaj’s “Feeling Myself” on repeat for a bit beforehand.
2. Once it’s gone, it’s gone…
So your hair is all gone…now what? Sit down, breathe, and look up some YouTube videos on taking care of that short mane of yours. Soon living with short hair will feel as natural as ever. And if you get bored, wigs are a great alternative, too!
3. If you identify as a woman and are you are not necessarily feminine-presenting, you might be misgendered.
I experienced being misgendered by a stranger when I cut off all my hair. At the time it didn’t bother me because it was in passing. However, how you identify shouldn’t be shrugged off. Your pronouns are never optional.
4. Your friends and acquaintances might not recognize you for a couple of days…
It’s me! It’s me, I swear! Don’t worry if your friends have to do a double take when they see you for the first time after you cut your hair. It’ll take everyone some getting used to.
5. Short hair is as liberating as it sounds.
In a society that places constant pressure on women to dress and perform within very narrow gender roles, cutting off your hair is a refreshing experience that I think many women should try.
Reasons for cutting your hair are different for everyone and all are valid. Though many view hair as a woman’s “crown” and not to be cut or changed, I think women carry their own invisible crowns every day with them that represent more than just appearance. We carry our crowns with us in our talents, our creativity, and our mere existence. Cutting your hair is your own individual decision and one that I am extremely happy I made for myself!