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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.

It has happened to us all and it is terrible. You’re expecting an amazing hairdo, probably inspired by a few Pinterest posts, and get the complete opposite. If you’re anything like me, you don’t speak up and tell the stylist that you don’t like your hair. Instead, you hold yourself together until you get into your car, inspect your hair closer in the rearview mirror and FaceTime your mom in tears. I’ve had a bad run with hairstyles for the past few months and I’ve experienced my fare share of hairdo regret. Needless to say, I’ve become sort of an expert on how to cope with a bad hairdo. Here’s my advice:

Allow yourself to be upset

As I said before, crying is almost always a part of my initial process of receiving a bad hairdo. Many of your friends and family members will try to convince you that your hair isn’t so bad but at the end of the day, it’s only your opinion that matters. It’s your body and you have to live with it.

Since hair can be an essential trait for most, being upset about a hairdo you don’t like is very normal. You set an expectation and are excited for it, only to be disappointed. That’s a perfectly fine excuse to be down in the dumps for a few hours to a few weeks.

It’ll only last for a little bit

This bad hair era will not last forever!

That is the most important thing to know during this “end-of-the-world” moment. Your hair will grow back. In the grand scheme of things, whether it’s on your head for two days or two months, you will look back at photos and be glad that it’s over and gone. You may even laugh about it! All of this is easier said than done, but try not to fret too much. It’ll be over before you know it.

You never know, maybe you’ll learn to love it!

Get it fixed

If you have the facilities to do so, get your hair fixed as soon as you can! There are so many options you can take. If you’re brave enough, tell your stylist immediately that you dislike the style and that it wasn’t what you imagined. Many stylists are prepared for this and want you to be happy with their service and your new look. They don’t want to receive any one star reviews. If they can’t do it that day, they might schedule you for an appointment soon.

Other options may include trying again with another stylist or having a stylist try a completely new hairdo on you. Also, if available to you and you have the funds to purchase them, wigs are another option to cover it all up as a quick fix.

Hair accessories

If getting your hair done again isn’t in the books for you, any and all hair accessories will be your new best friend. If you don’t already have some, that’s okay too! There are many low-cost options to start out with, such as ones from Etsy shops, stores like Icing and even Walmart. You don’t need anything fancy; this is just a quick fix if other options don’t work for you. Many other items can help cover your hairdo—from bandanas and headbands to baseball caps and beanies.

These can help redo your hair on the daily and even enhance your outfits, leading me to my next piece of advice!

Enhance other physical traits

I’ve found that the most effective method to feeling better about my hair is making another aspect of my physical appearance more eye-catching. Our physicality is so prominent to other people. It’s the only thing they assess without having a conversation with you, making your bad hair all the more frustrating. Everybody can see it and you’re reminded of that every time someone looks at you.

If you go for more bold outfits, you will have more control over the way you look and how you feel. Clothes are a huge part of your physical appearance and can make you feel more confident, despite the circumstances.

You can enhance not only your clothes, but also your makeup. Bright or intricate eyeshadows and bold lipsticks (when your mask isn’t in the way) can pull others’ eyes away from your hair and towards your beautiful face. Good luck!

Class of 2023 English Creative Writing major with minors in Professional Writing and Fashion and Retail Studies from Norman, Oklahoma.