This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
We’ve all had them, ladies. You go to the hairdresser’s with one image in mind and leave with one that makes you cringe every time you pass a mirror. Today’s fashion and style offers girls more options than ever in terms of hairdos, allowing every girl to express herself. The end result, though, doesn’t always match the vision. When a haircut goes horribly awry, don’t automatically cower in your room for a few months and wait for it to grow out. Here are some better options to cope with a bad haircut.
- Sport it like a battle scar. When your friends mention your new cut (which, remember, you can’t stand even a little bit), respond like an epic warlord. Say something to the effect of, “Yes, I was going for a Michelle Obama look, but at the last minute, I decided I wanted to try something really radical. I’m not too crazy about it, but I always wanted to try it. I’m glad I got this out of the way while I’m young.” At least this way, people will laud your attempt at creativity and originality, regardless of the actual result.
- Go back to your hairdresser. While cutting hair is technically what hairdressers get paid to do, they don’t want their customers leaving the salon unhappy. That makes for a bad reputation. If the problem with your new ‘do involves mal-shaped layers or one awkward spot that isn’t lying quite properly, go back to the salon and express your concerns. Sometimes, they’ll offer to fix their mistakes for free. It’s at least worth a shot. The worst they can tell you is, “Sure we can fix it, but we’ll have to charge you for another cut.”
- Hats and Scarves. If the problem is that the cut is too short or choppy beyond repair, perhaps the best method is simply to cover it. An easy way to do this is with hats. Especially for you artsy folks, a beret or a beanie may fix your problem lickety-split. Another option is a headscarf. A simple google search will yield websites with picture and video tutorials of how to wrap a headscarf in every way imaginable.True, said websites are directed primarily at breast cancer patients, but I, too, was in the “bad haircut” boat once, and I pulled off a turban pretty darn well.
- Change the color. If you can’t change the length any more, maybe it’s time to try a new color. Especially if you feel that your new ‘do isn’t quite “you,” perhaps changing the color of it will help you get your mind around it better. You can go a shade or two lighter or darker, or go completely wild and dye it robin’s egg blue. Whatever it takes to make this hair yours again.
- Get rid of it all. Yes, you read that properly. Just cut off all your hair. While this may seem dramatic, it’s always an option. As a matter of fact, I chose this option after a friend gave me perhaps the single worst haircut of my entire existence and I still sport the look to this day. It makes for a wonderful story and a strong testament for your willingness to try something wild, different, and borderline insane.