Last week I got a haircut.
I am really bad about recognizing that I need a haircut until I want it
cut right now. Well, this was already 4 days past my “right
now” because my schedule didn’t allow for anything sooner.
By the time I got there, it was out of control and I was
frustrated. I told my stylist that I wanted
it a little shorter and out of my face.
The next thing I know, she made the first cut at the
hairline on the nape of my neck. I watched
my once shoulder-length hair slowly fall, section by section. Every time I said something the least bit
unsure about the cut, the stylist quickly responded, “It’s too late now” as she
kept snipping away.
The finished product was a closer cut than I have ever had in
my life! It transformed me into a
completely different person.
I pulled into my driveway from the salon and quickly ran
into the house. I didn't want to see
daylight for the next 6 months until my hair has a chance to grow out to a
respectable length. The neighbor was
outside waiting for our customary wave but all I could think of was how to get
inside before he saw me. Could I get a leave of absence from work for a while?
It’s been a few days since the drama and the initial shock is
over, but I’m still not sure about the cut.
I feel like a different person, which has got my wondering…
Is the way you look a reflection of who you are inside? Or has
your personality been influenced by the way you look on the outside?
One thing is for certain…if I ever need to transform a
character’s personality I will start with giving him/her a new haircut!
I just cut my hair short too, but I prefer mine short. Hopefully, in a few weeks you'll love the cut.
ReplyDeleteHi, Heather.
ReplyDeleteYou may remember my post on getting a haircut a little over a month ago. While my new cut is clean and simple and I've gotten a ton of compliments on it, I feel bereft. That's the only way I can describe it.
Reading your words made my heart just swim out to you. The one thing I can tell you is that when it's cut really short, it grows out fast. Even a month later I can see a lot more fullness to it than when I first got it cut. You also get to a point where you finally figure out how to comb it in the mornings to fall just how you're comfortable with it. It's an adjustment period, and in the meantime, there is a strange amount of soul searching.
I just want you to feel my empathy and support.
I usually let my hair grow to the point of "mad scientist" hair and lop most of it off. It's a monthly ritual since it grows so fast. :)
ReplyDeleteIt think it's a reflection both ways.
ReplyDeleteI like consistency and get mine cut every three to four weeks.
Now that I am forty something, I keep my hair short, mostly in a bob cut. Since keeping it short I can't stand my hair in my face.
ReplyDeleteI think hair plays a massive role in how we feel about ourselves. My hair is very fine and doesn't grow long (sadly) so I tend to keep it shorter. Have just made an appointment today for some hairlights so that will be a change. Do you know when I was younger I used to fear going to the hairdresser more than the dentist! Hope you grow to love the new you soon :)
ReplyDeleteCutting one's hair has such an impact on how we feel about ourselves. My hair is down to my butt and I can't imagine the shock if I cut it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so much like me. After most haircuts, I run into the house not wanting to be seen by anybody. I quickly go into the bathroom and take my hair dryer and pull at my hair hoping to stretch it out. Finally though, I accept it and go on with life.
ReplyDeleteI could write a book about hair, but I won't. Still I know the feeling. It is part of our identity. Although, I would love the courage to cut it short -- I'll bet it looks great, just the first shock to the change.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll soon get used to it, and your new personality will adapt to the old one. Or the old one to the new. No need to hide. I think it's about how you see yourself, not how people see you.
ReplyDeleteOh, well, I don't know!
Hair is so important to us, but tell a hairdresser to cut just a little off and it seems to be a challenge to see how we squeal when we see our scalp shining through. Ha, I jest. But I'm sure you'll get used to your transformation and love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what a haircut can do! And I hope you get to the point where you love it before long.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think it can affect the way you act-- just like being dressed in formalwear makes you act differently than wearing grungy sweats, or a swim suit, or workout clothes.
Ha! I never feel like myself if somebody else cuts my hair. I have curly hair but it's unevenly curly, so it gets weird easily and they ALWAYS go too short. What we look like shouldn't happen, but I've had a few episodes of feeling like a badass because of a costume, so I think looks DO affect self-concept.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather,
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the lady who cut your hair did some unexpected 'editing'. And from that, your hair, like the inspiration within your words, shall grow.
Gary :)
I have found that one of the easiest ways to change a character's personality is to change the hair (the length, style, color) and give a new wardrobe. I think what a person is on the outside reflects inner personality. (Not just aesthetic beauty)
ReplyDeleteMy sister is always primping and changing her hair and make-up. This attention to detail on "appearance" is also reflected in the cleanliness of her house, her cars, her choice of dogs, and boyfriends. She doesn't just need everything to look good; she needs everyone to notice how much effort she puts into everything. The problem I see, of course, is that she changes so often, and the slightest disinterest is enough to make her completely re-evaluate everything about herself. For a while anyways.
I think the same can be said of our characters. They are not just looking "good" they are displaying inner passions. People are either born pretty, beautiful, average; but perception of self is learned.
I'm sure your hair looks great Heather. You just have to get used to the new you. I flux between long and short hair too. I feel freer without all the hair, but I also feel more grounded with the long hair. I like how guys think I'm more of a girl with the long hair, and how they think I'm spunky with short. It really does affect attitude.
For me anyway.
I'd love to see you with short hair. I bet you are cute cute cute! People at my work got used to my long hair and forgot I started out with VERY short hair six years ago. But cuz I always pull it back, when I cut it, it took a while for people to notice :)
.....dhole