Everyone knows somebody who’s gotten a “breakup haircut” after a dramatic cut up. Whether or not you’ve gone through the transformation your self or have been dragged to the salon by an in depth buddy to expertise the phenomena first-hand, there’s one thing about chopping all of it off that alerts this new freedom.
Whereas there’s no denying {that a} breakup haircut can really feel liberating and transformative, can it really be beneficial to your mental health? Is there a psychological purpose it feels so therapeutic? Does hair hold trauma like individuals say? Seems, there could also be one thing there.
Specialists Featured in This Article
Christie Ferrari, also referred to as Dr. C, is a scientific psychologist and blogger.
Daryl Appleton, LMHC is a psychotherapist and the founding father of the podcast Emotions & Different F Phrases.
Savannah St. Jean is a hairstylist and proprietor of Savannah Rae Beauty in Florida.
“Folks typically will search for one thing tangible to show the closing of a chapter or the start of a brand new one, and your hair is without doubt one of the most blatant methods to do it as everybody will discover,” says scientific psychologist Christie Ferrari. “Who doesn’t need to look their greatest post-break up?”
Psychotherapist Daryl Appleton, MD, added, “Once we change one thing about our look, we have a tendency to draw extra consideration, both optimistic or unfavorable. Regardless this reinforcement helps us not solely really feel seen but additionally can act as a sign to others that one thing has modified.”
“Once we really feel bodily or emotionally harm, it’s a pure response to need to change or redirect to keep away from this ache.”
Folks have plenty of totally different coping mechanisms in relation to coping with the stress of a breakup – taking over a brand new passion, looking for new garments, hitting the health club extra – and altering your hair is only one of them. “Once we really feel bodily or emotionally harm, it’s a pure response to need to change or redirect to keep away from this ache,” stated Dr. Appleton. “Emotional harm is way tougher to vary or redirect, so we are likely to give attention to the extra tangible bodily adjustments. It permits for some extra instant launch and reduction.”
A brand new haircut is a quick and simple approach to increase your confidence, however earlier than reserving your appointment, you’ll need to ensure you’re doing it for the correct causes – if not, it’s only a quick-fix.
“Now we have to ensure we’re altering for ourselves,” stated Dr. C. “We’re those who need the change and that it’s not about altering for another person. In any other case, we danger plenty of issues: dependency, imposter syndrome, and never following by means of with the change.” Dr. Appleton added: “The one hurt is that if the within work isn’t being accomplished. You possibly can change your hair one million alternative ways however in the event you don’t work on the ‘inside stuff’ then it’s only a band-aid on a bullet gap.”
Hairstylist Savannah St. Jean has seen loads of breakup haircuts occur in real-time and refers to them as hitting a reset button, however acknowledged that it’s additionally a dangerous endeavor. “Generally our extremely emotional state makes us need a recent new look, however I extremely recommend treading rigorously,” stated St. Jean. She recommends her purchasers be sure the model change is sensible – for example, you don’t need to lose your skill to drag your hair right into a ponytail with an enormous chop if that’s your go-to model.
However that’s to not say St. Jean doesn’t consider within the magic of a breakup haircut; she does. “With just a little bit {of professional} recommendation, it may be invigorating and optimistic and put an additional bounce of their step. I believe if it’s accomplished proper, it may be precisely what they should transfer ahead.”
Jessica Harrington (she/her) is the senior editor of PS Magnificence, the place she oversees protection round make-up, skincare, hair, tattoos, and extra. With greater than eight years of business expertise, she has interviewed numerous celebrities, reported on a whole bunch of magnificence developments, and swatched extra lipsticks than she will rely. Previous to PS, Jessica labored for publications corresponding to Make-up.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report.
