“What happened?”
“Oh my god, are you okay?”
You would think I went and got myself pregnant or something with the way people reacted. And you would be wrong, but I can see why you would think that. After all, when it comes to a girl dying or chopping off her hair; we always assume the worst –whether it be heartbreak, getting fired, or saving China. Hence why my spontaneous decision was met with both shock and concern. I mean just look around you. On shows like America’s Next Top Model, there is guaranteed at least one girl left sobbing after every makeover; simply because they cut her hair. So I beg the question: why is that?
Well consider the fact that long hair is used to represent a part of our feminine identity. According to Simone de Beauvoir, we are not born as women, rather we become them. Because in society we must attain our femininity (as well as masculinity) through objects or characteristics. Buying dresses, wearing makeup, having long hair –all of these are not uncommon when it comes to what we associate with females. That is why whenever we feel as though we need a makeover or “you know just a change” in our lives we often dye or cut our hair. And why is that such a big deal?
Take for example the concept of ideal types that are based off of hair; be it by the color or the length. Of course, judging a person based on their hair is not exactly shallow being that we all must make assumptions based on first impressions and appearances. However, to associate a certain personality or character trait off of them –that there can be a problem. Because as we all know stereotypes can be dangerous. Blondes are often depicted as less intelligent, but far more fun. Shorter hair is tomboyish, but more adventurous. And do not even get me started on shaving it all off –the reactions to that are far more extreme.
So why did I do it? In the past I had many reasons to seek a major change, but instead I chose now because I have finally come to a point in my life where I have learned to do things for myself, and myself alone. No longer do I want to let others dictate what I do when it comes to my own body. Prior to chopping it all off, I often hid behind my long hair; even using it to cover up bra straps, which in itself is an odd concept. I had spent years contemplating on the idea of shorter hair, but hesitated because I thought it would be more difficult to come off as feminine. But now that I have gone and done it I find that I have most definitely changed (and it does not or will not always for everyone). I have become more outgoing and less reserved because I am slowly becoming more comfortable with myself. Long hair or short hair, I no longer care –who I am is what I make of myself.