Chopped

As many people can relate, hair and the style you choose are more than a fashion statement - it’s an expression of your identity. Growing up, my haircut was one of the few things I felt I could control, and because of that, it became very important to my self-expression. A young lady was supposed to have shiny, sleek hair -usually long and flowing, but most importantly, well kept.

I fought hard to control the conglomerate of curls, waves, and straight strands my hair provided. I tried many styles, sometimes leaving upset that the style wasn’t quite right - some of which left my hair erring more on the side of a poodle’s poof - or that it was much shorter than the stylist and I had discussed. There were also times that I came out feeling like a brand-new person.

But through those highs and lows, I came to realize I was much more than my hair. My identity was more than the keratin I grew. Yes, I should still care for myself and my appearance; however, it was not the end of the world if my hair was a bit too short or the color didn’t come out like I expected. It was an experience that I grew from.

While I may never try it again, I can tell my daughters it’s okay to have fun and try something new. After all, hair grows back.