In my junior year of high school, I finally did it. With no announcement or fanfare, I arrived to school in the spring semester with a pixie cut. It seemed against my nature as a quiet girl who avoided drawing attention to herself. And in my tiny high school, it did draw attention.
Most people were supportive. Many women applauded me, as several of them loved short hair but were scared to take the plunge. Especially considering my introverted reputation, they regarded my decision as courageous.
And in truth, losing my locks of blond hair did require a degree of courage. For one, it placed eyes on me and my slight deviation from traditional expectations for 16-year-old girls. This increased attention in public added to the sense of vulnerability that came with the haircut. Because I could no longer hide behind my long hair, I had to face some of my own insecurities and carry myself in a new way. No hair could shield my face anymore- I had no choice but to discover a new kind of confidence.
And I would need confidence to deal with the small instances of backlash. One male friend could respond with nothing but a question of why I did it. Another time, two male friends knowingly had a conversation right in front of my questioning why on earth any female would ever cut her hair off. My disappointment and anger with these sexist reactions strengthened in me a feminist character.
Because the decisions I make about my physical appearances are mine alone; they have no bearing upon anyone else. When did the length of my hair become a concern to them? My haircut did not give them permission to examine and judge me. At the end of the day, it’s a haircut, for goodness sake. It shouldn’t be that important. The day I overheard that conversation, I decided to halt my progress on growing out my hair and cut it off once again in defiance. This act in itself reminded me of my own power over my life.
Cutting my hair off promoted confidence and empowerment, particularly as a woman. But it was also simply a fun and beneficial decision. There were so many exciting new hairstyles to try with short hair- it’s more versatile than I ever knew. There was the connection I found with other short-haired young women. Sometimes this was unspoken but shared; other times, it started a conversation between us. However, in every case, a sense of momentary kinship developed between us even as strangers. Finally, when I did grow my hair back, in came back in fuller, thicker, and healthier.
While my hair is once again long now, I’m so glad I cut my hair off then. The benefits of the haircut contributed to who I am today. I can point to that decision as a turning point in my personal development. And at the end of the day, it was simply fun. So, if you’re thinking about cutting your hair off, you’ve got my whole-hearted support. You won’t regret it.