Though seemingly insignificant to most, the desire to switch up your hairstyle differs from person to person. Many girls make the big chop after a tragic breakup, a new job promotion, a birthday, their wedding, or if you're anything like me, before moving to college!

Altering your appearance can symbolize a variety of things to different people, but it typically revolves around the idea of change. A makeover, no matter how small, can be a huge confidence booster when starting a new chapter of your life. But, be aware: it won't be easy at first. You will experience an array of emotions both pre and post hair transformation... (it's kind of inevitable). Before you decide to book your appointment, it's smart to prepare yourself for the emotional rollercoaster you're about to hop on.

1.  Excitement

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You've been anticipating this moment for weeks and weeks. You're checking and re-checking online for hair-spiration, you've taken your last selfie with a boring 'do, & you've texted all of your friends asking for approval and advice on the best salon in town. It's finally time. You put all of your trust in the cosmetologist's hands (literally), and now all that's left to do is wait in the chair.

2. Shock

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Wow. It's done. There it is, your new look. "Do I like it? Do I hate it? It's so different! She cut it too short. Wait, it looks really cute from this angle. I'm not sure what to think yet..." This is completely normal. It's something different, and change is hard to accept sometimes!

3. Regret

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"Ugh, what was I thinking? This is too drastic of a change - I can't even fit it into a ponytail anymore. How do I style it? This was a big mistake!" Regret, whether hair-related or not, is always an awful feeling. You re-trace your every thought, beat yourself up over little decisions, and now, hesitate to take risks! It's a hard stage to overcome, but it must be done.

4. Hibernation

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"Well, no one can see me if I just stay inside then, yeah? Or wear a hat at all times? I mean, it's not growing back anytime soon - so we'll just have to make do with a cardboard box..." We've all been there, and there's only so many days out of the year where floppy hats are acceptable. Plus, you'll draw more attention to yourself trying to hide your hair than simply owning your new cut!

5. Acceptance

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"Hey, you know what, it's not so bad after all. I mean, it's only hair - it'll grow eventually!" You're only young and crazy for a few years, so change it up every once in a while! You're so much more than your hair, seriously. Try new products, watch hair tutorials, and create a routine to take care of your roots!

6. Confidence

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"Whatcha want? Up? Down? Curly? Mohawk? I can do it all!" Hair is a form of expression, and it doesn't have to look like everyone else's. As long as you feel confident and sexy in your own skin (or hair for that matter), your personality will shine through.

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Stop staring at other girls' cute cuts on the street and GET YOURSELF IN THE CHAIR TODAY. Yes, you may go through a few of these emotional stages, but it's totally worth it in the end. Don't let anyone dictate what you "should" wear, how you "should" act, or (as silly as it may sound), how you "should" style your hair! Be your own person, because after all, life is too short to have boring hair!