I recently did something crazy. I cut all my hair off. I had hair past my shoulders for quite a few years, and then I cut it to above my shoulders. But even more drastically, I decided to get a pixie cut. This was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but never really had the courage to do. That was, until last month.

I cut all my hair off, and I've never felt better. At first I was scared, and even a little insecure, but it was a leap I needed to make. In the month following cutting my hair, I have learned a lot about myself. All of the fear I once had has dissipated. I used to hide behind my hair, and it was a good mask, but now I have learned to love myself. My nose, my body, and my face, all the things I once hid and shied away from when I had my hair to cover me.

My grades have improved dramatically. I never would've thought that cutting my hair could lead to better grades, but when you are comfortable in your own skin, it is so much easier to take care of the things you need to, and to study and work towards your goals.

My skin has cleared up. I don't know what it is about having short hair, maybe it's because there is less in my face so there is less oil, but my skin has cleared up progressively since I cut my hair.

My mental health has improved. Since cutting my hair I have learned a lot about who I am as a person and what I like and dislike, and how to better myself.

It sounds like something a health guru would say, that cutting your hair is the secret to a happy life. But for me, it really was. It isn't the same for everyone, and there is a different "secret" for each person. So make your cut, take the trip, go out with the new person. Do what your fears have been holding you back from doing and watch yourself grow.