If you would have asked my middle school self what I wanted most in life, I would have answered “to grow my hair out.” My parents insisted that from the time peach fuzz grew on my baby head to when I reached puberty, my cranium would be covered in what I like to lovingly refer to as “Satan’s haircut;” a bob. For a while, it was cute. Before the age of ten, my curled under, brown poof coordinated perfectly with my wide eyes and baby fat. However, as soon as acne and braces appeared along with the overwhelming desire to fit in and feel pretty, I quickly became disenchanted with my staple coiffure. So, after much pleading with my mom, she finally caved and I emerged victoriously haircut-free for however long I desired.
It’s been seven months now and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Although I am growing it out again, I have absolutely loved every second of my short hair. What they say is true; it’s freeing. My head feels lighter, I don’t spend nearly as much time in the shower, I’m motivated to wear cute earrings because people actually see my ears, and I can pretend that I’m post-Harry Potter Emma Watson.
Life as a short-haired lady comes with much repetition. I have been asked questions like “why did you cut your hair?”, “what made you decide to do that?” and “is that your natural color?” hundreds of times. “I could never pull that off!”, “That’s such a brave thing to do!”, and (after touching my hair) “It feels so healthy, I wish my hair was that healthy!” are all exclamations I’ve heard nearly every day since the cut. I understand that they always come from a place of genuine kindness, though, so I am always very appreciative. I do tend to think, however, after hearing these words, that people underestimate themselves. I understand that cutting your hair is not the most notable or thrilling thing one can do, but I know first hand that changing your appearance seems intimidating. I promise you, though, that it’s not. I am a firm believer that any hairstyle, whether it be long, short, curly, bald, etc. can look amazing on anyone as long as they have confidence and trust that they are beautiful. I don’t pretend to know anything about the beauty industry, but I do know for a fact that the key to being beautiful is to love yourself. Everyone owes themselves that. So, if you’re contemplating cutting your hair; do it. Don’t be afraid. It will grow back, after all!