If there’s one good thing about hair; it grows.
Thank. The. Lord.
I’m week five into The-Worst-Haircut-I’ve-Ever-Had, verging on measuring the growth with a ruler, just to give myself hope. In speaking to others, I’ve felt a sense of solidarity. “We’ve all been there,” they say, head cocked to one side, feeling a bit sorry for me. I’m not one for sympathy but I have preferred this over those who say, “Oh, I think looks lovely!” It does not look lovely. My old hair looked lovely. Don’t belittle what once was! I look like I am wearing a wig on top of my own hair. A mullet mixed with the Rachel. Whatever it is, you liking it makes me weary of you. I thought you had taste?!
To save you from the finer details, my story is not uncommon. I went for a trim and innocently put my trust in the hairdresser saying, “Yeah whatever you think it needs…” I opened my laptop and this fateful multitasking resulted in a mess of shredded locks, so many on the floor that I wished I could pick them up and glue them back onto my scalp. My only request had been to keep the length but take some weight out. Yikes. I’m so weightless with feathers that I feel like a spring chicken.
It’s a minor problem, I know. In the grand scheme of things. I am lucky to have healthy hair, privileged to visit a salon. Believe me, I have felt shame in how upset I’ve been over a bad haircut. It’s not really a worry. My husband is in the camp of thinking it looks “fine” which is a worry. He has also endured a lot of moaning and I always make sure to start my rants with, I’m sorry, so he’s forgiven for his sudden lack of taste. But feeling good about yourself is important. There’s an endless list of things I don’t like about myself and honestly, my hair is (usually) my saving grace. It’s the thing that gives me confidence. Part of my identity. Amongst my pals, I’m the one with the good hair. Now that I’m at a loss with how to style it, I just tie it back, willing it to grow. What a relief it’s temporary. Get it re-shaped, you say? I’d need a pixie cut, so I ain’t going there. But I will get my mojo back, and in the meantime, here are some tips on how to get through a hair disaster…
1. Work on Healthy Hair - It will grow back faster if it’s in good health. Take vitamin B supplements. Ditch the nasty chemical-filled shampoo and invest in holistic options. Wash your hair less often and protect it from the sun. Avoid unnecessary heat where possible, opting for air dried hair instead of a blow dry. And don’t forget to use a thermal heat protectant when you do use heat.
2. Accessorise - This could be THE chance to wear that cute hat that never quite suited you in the past, but now, wow! Or does a hairband rock your locks? Will a ponytail show off your neck beautifully? You might discover a style within a style and find it really works for you.
3. Get a Second Opinion - Speak to an alternative hair stylist so that you can be honest without hurting the original stylist’s feelings. They will see the style through fresh eyes and advise you on how it can grow. Perhaps they can shed light on how the cut happened in the first place.
4. List the Positives - With less hair, is it now quicker to wash and dry? Does the new style shape your face in a different way you could learn to temporarily embrace? If you have to tie it back, doesn’t this just make life a bit easier? And think of all the money you’ll save steering clear of more haircuts as you wait for your hair to grow!
5. Experiment with Products - Ever considered your hair might be wavy? Now might be the time to try out a trending mousse or spray. Would an extra shine give you a boost of confidence? Finding a product that breathes life into your hair could be thing you never thought you needed but suddenly cannot live without.
6. Try Hair Extensions - Add some length and volume to a bad haircut while it grows out. If your hairdresser got a little snip happy or gave you extreme layers, you can rely on this for a safety net. Clip-in hair is extremely easy to use for beginners, with no prior experience necessary. Extensions can also help blend a bad haircut. Plus, they’re pretty fun to wear.
7. Believe in Facts; It Will Grow - Obvious, but maybe you can’t see the wood for the trees right now. It will happen. Be patient. Keep the faith.
8. Focus on Self Care - Get your nails done. Go for a massage. Watch your favourite movie with your favourite snacks and spend time with your besties, all to distract you from the thing that’s been distracting you.
9. Talk About It - Okay, maybe not to your other half three times a day. But sharing your feelings is always better than bottling them. Everybody has experienced a bad hair day. It’s your turn. One day soon, it will be somebody else’s and you will be all ears.
// Hayley Doyle
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