Once in a while, we all get that gut feeling that leads us to change our hair. No matter if we are just cutting split ends or if we are dyeing our hair a completely different color, it all means we are ready for something new. Hair is one of our many forms of expression. It’s how people perceive us and it can impact how we feel about ourselves tremendously. 

The feeling of wanting to change our hair and how we look like often comes from experiencing events that change our perspective of who we are and who we want to be. In a Google survey of 32 people, 96.9 percent said they had modified their bodies as a coping mechanism. From those, 13 had dyed their hair. Cutting and coloring hair seem to be the most popular. Modifying our style gives us a sense of control, it gives us that extra confidence and reassurance that we might need at the moment. Therefore, if you recently got out of a bad relationship, moved to a new city or can not bring yourself to finish that New Year’s resolution list, getting a new hairstyle will feel like the right thing to do. And that’s something we can all relate to, including me.

Six years ago I went from having long and relaxed hair to a short and curly afro. Back then I did not know why I felt the urge to change my hair in such a drastic way. But now I understand what it meant. At that time, my family and I had decided to move to a different country due to political issues and that decision made me feel scared and frustrated. I did not feel like my life was in my own hands. I did not feel ready for such an impactful change. So before I knew it I was in the hair salon sitting in front of a mirror, ready to feel confident and somewhat in control. The moment I cut my hair I felt a rush of excitement. It felt as though my new self was ready for her new life.

We all know transitioning is part of life, but that does not mean it's an easy and smooth process. Sometimes we get scared and start to feel unmotivated. That’s when we have to stop for a minute and prioritize ourselves. For some people that means doing yoga or going to the gym, and for others it means going to the hair salon and getting a new hairstyle. There is nothing wrong with wanting to change your outside in order to motivate your inner self and be ready for whatever life throws at you. 

So what are you waiting for? It’s a new year and there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting for you and your new look!