By Riley Cable
It’s almost summer, which means it’s almost time for me to go through the yearly cycle of wanting to chop all my hair off and never look back. Long hair in Vegas means countless broken hair ties as I try to get this mop of hair off my neck, so it’s the least annoying it can be. However, I just know that when I hear that first snip, I’m going to start crying like a baby because I will miss my long, flowing locks, and I don’t want to go through another period of looking like Lord Farquad from Shrek. Girls alike know that cutting their hair is not just a simple experience, but rather, it is a roller coaster of emotions and anyone that is around them on the big day better be prepared for laughs, tears, and screams. It’s truly a mystery if the day will end on a positive or negative note.
I’d say there are two main types of girls. You’re either the type that plans a haircut weeks in advance, or you’re like me, and you jump on your urge to change everything about yourself. Those who actually prepare for the big cut are probably less likely to have a full blown mental breakdown. They’ve weighed the pros and cons and ultimately have had time to decide that this is the right step for them. Or not. Maybe you have taken this time to reflect and chicken out, but at least you are stopping yourself from a big mistake. Now those who make split decisions, you’re more likely to need a cup of water thrown to the face as you freak out and regret everything. With last-minute decisions, all that necessary contemplation is out of the picture, and you’re jumping “hair first” into the deep end.
When you first sit in the salon chair, all is well. You feel that this was a good choice, and you’re excited for the new you, but just wait. You’re not in the clear yet. As the hair falls to the floor, so do your tears. It’s okay. You may feel you’ve been raising that hair as your own, but it’s time to grow and flourish. There is a whole future ahead, just don’t think about the fact that all that hair is being sucked into a vacuum the second you leave. Make sure to breathe with each snip, so you’re sure to make it out of the salon actually walking. The shock will take over your body as you make it into your car, and there, you can truly evaluate what you just did.
For those that are mentally stable, you can see this new do and be exhilarated. If that’s you, then this ride stops here, and you’re free to leave. However, we aren’t all that lucky, and some of us are unable to drive for at least the next 20 minutes. Please do yourself and everyone else a favor, and do not drive. Take a few deep breaths, and remember it is just hair. It will grow back. There is a reason buns, braids, and ponytails exist– you can just fool everyone and make it look like it hasn’t changed a bit. However, you could also be jumping to conclusions. Sometimes all you need is a couple of hours, or maybe even a couple days, to truly see the full potential of your haircut. Changing your hair can transform your whole appearance, giving you a fresh canvas to work on.
Even if you sobbed right after getting it cut, you’ll still tell the stylist you loved it. At the end of the day, it’s just hair, and it will grow back. Remember–if you can cut your hair, you can do anything. Embrace this new WILD person, who clearly is unstoppable.
