Some mornings, looking in the mirror can feel like staring at a century-old version of yourself. While frowning or scrutinizing every detail in a magnified mirror only makes things worse, a big smile can temporarily lift your spirits. Your hair's appearance can significantly impact your self-esteem, either boosting it or deflating it in mere seconds.
Many of us have those mornings where our reflection seems to age us by decades. It's a universal experience that can be disheartening. However, a smile can work wonders, even if it's just a temporary fix. The state of your hair plays a crucial role in how you feel about yourself. A good hair day can make you feel invincible, while a bad one can ruin your mood.
Living in New England, where the weather changes every five minutes, has perhaps influenced my love for changing hairstyles. Over the past year, I've been growing my hair out, reaching nearly shoulder length. However, I recently realized that growing out my bangs made my face look longer and older, so I asked my stylist, Josie, to cut them again.
Hair is often the first thing that comes to mind when asked about our favorite features. I was blessed with thick red hair, although it now gets some help from my colorist. Despite this, I still experience moments of frustration and dreaded bad hair days. Interestingly, about 75% of women who seek my help with their personal style are also dissatisfied with their hair, regardless of their age.
The issue of age-appropriate hairstyles is a common concern. A New York Times article titled "Why Can’t Middle-Aged Women Have Long Hair?" sparked a discussion among young women I spoke to recently. My response was that hair length has nothing to do with age. Fifteen years ago, I wrote a chapter in my book titled "Hair Length Has Nothing To Do With Age," and I still stand by that today.
The number one thing you can do to refresh your style is to get a fabulous haircut and ensure your hair color complements your skin tone. For example, Sally Field's hair often looks too dark for her skin, making her appear harsh and messy. If a celebrity can struggle with this, so can we. The key is to find a hairstylist who understands your needs.
Not everyone can achieve a 'wash and dry' look. Your hairstylist can only do so much; if your hair is naturally straight or curly, it won't magically become wavy without intervention. Accepting your hair's natural texture and working with it is crucial.
Your hairstyle should reflect your personality. Whether you're sweet, bubbly, dramatic, or sophisticated, your hair should align with who you are. One woman told her stylist she wanted a "playful" hairstyle, and she got it. The bottom line is that your hair should make you happy.
Your hair is your most constant accessory, and it's worth investing in. While coloring your hair can be expensive, it's essential to have a terrific haircut and wear clothes in your perfect colors to avoid looking frumpy or old. DIY hair color can be risky, especially as you get more gray hairs.
Here's a quick checklist to determine if you're having a good hair day:
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, it might be time for a change. A fabulous haircut and color can give you a style lift and make you smile every time you look in the mirror.
If you answered "yes" to all the questions, then congratulations, you're having a good hair day—enjoy it!
This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a more detailed and nuanced perspective on the emotional and practical aspects of hair care.
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