It all starts when we see some gorgeous celeb chop her locks and look amazing post-haircut, i.e. Taylor Swift or Hilary Duff. We think to ourselves, “I could do that, I could look that cute.” So we walk boldly into our regularly scheduled haircut unaware of the pain our decision to cut off the hair we’ve been trying to grow out since 10th grade when we all wanted long beachy waves will cause us.
1st Stage of Grief: Denial
You look in the mirror the moment after it’s over and all you can think is, “it’s short…so short.” Did this really just happen? Is your hair really gone? No, hahaha no it can’t be. This didn’t just happen, you will wake up tomorrow and all 18 inches of boring long hair will be back. You’re not quite sure if you think it looks good or not so you just tell yourself it does. “It’s way cute, right?” You’re in denial that it’s as short as it is and that it might not be your best look.
2nd Stage of Grief: Anger
You get home and wash your hair and the reality sets in. I have no idea how to style this. AT ALL!!! Why did I think this was a good idea?!? How did my trusted hair stylist let this happen to me?! She’s dead to me. How am I supposed to even get my hair around the curling iron?? Everything my hair used to do when it was long it no longer does. I WANT MY OLD HAIR BACK! Where is a hat I can wear??
3rd Stage of Grief: Bargaining
It’s a couple days since the haircut. You have now realized that your new length is really hard to style. You also don’t actually know how to style it so that could be part of the problem. You’re also not sure if it’s even flattering on you. All you want is your boring, split-ended, long hair back. How much do extensions cost? “Mom, can you help me pay for a weave? Yes it’s completely necessary! You haven’t seen my new haircut you don’t understand!”
4th Stage of Grief: Depression
You hate it. It’s the worst haircut you’ve ever gotten. Doing your hair in the morning has more been drawing tears a lot lately. Tears of frustration because you accidentally used too much pomade or you just wanted to curl your hair but now you look like Shirly Temple got electrocuted. All you can do now is put on a hat and do your best to make sure people don’t mistake you for a really pretty boy. All you can do is stay in bed because class just doesn’t sound do-able, not in your current crisis.
5th Stage of Grief: Acceptance
It’s been a week or two since your haircut and you almost figured out how to make your hair look cute and tame that cowlick on the back left-hand side. Not to mention you’ve actually gotten a bunch of compliments and your new haircut shows off your shoulders really well in a tank top. Maybe you will be able to come to terms with your new hair and maybe this was a good change to make when you wanted to shake things up. Ok, don’t lie, you actually really like it.