Bring on the chop!
I have been terrified of haircuts for most of my life.
I remember so vividly sobbing in the bathroom after coming home from Great Clips as a little girl, after donating 12 inches of hair and leaving with a short bob. Ever since that I have been beyond hesitant to cut my hair. I cut 5 inches during college and trust me, that was so dramatic. Ask my roommate, I think she thought I needed therapy.
Here’s the thing… I used to hate change.
Despise change, really. I also used to have very low self-esteem. Growing up with a lazy eye and chubby cheeks, I felt like my hair was the best thing I had to offer. I love my hair. It’s thick, changes color in the sun and conveniently develops a wavy pattern the longer I let it grow. If I’m being honest, I used to love having it grow half-way down my back because it slightly distracted from my face. I’m not saying this for you to feel bad for me, but because I know there is at least one other person who understands this.
Every time my dad would say “It’s just hair, it’ll grow back” I would get actually mad. Like MAD. Of course it’s hair, but it’s my hair and every little piece meant the world to me.
But, they say to face your fears and boy have I been doing that in the past couple years.
As I have gotten older, I have realized more and more that I don’t need validation from appearances. Actually, my favorite compliment in the world is when people pick up on my positive energy or say that I brighten a room. That is something I am so proud of and work on every. single. day. With less pressure to fit a mold and more courage to make changes in my life, I have decided to chop what was once a security blanket!
Before this chop, it had been a year since my last cut/color. I’m not sure why but growing up I was always hesitant to color my hair because I was afraid I would become dependent on it. I should also mention that I am very low-key when it comes to my hair. I usually wash it every 2-3 days and throw it in a messy bun on days when it’s a little greasy, so having a low maintenance style is key!!
what I ask for/where I go
Since I am obviously picky about hairdressers, I stick to my favorite most talented hairdresser in Minnesota. I go to Cole’s Salon in Burnsville, MN where Madison L. does my hair!! (@hairbymadisontrew on IG)
I asked her for something short (like armpit length) and blonde! I cannot commit to being fully blonde quite yet because I really love the natural highlights my hair has, so I always opt for balayage. Unlike highlights, there is really no upkeep because it grows out very naturally. Plus, I can go back to the salon every 6 months - 1 year rather than every couple months (*which is key when I live out of state!) She also does some layering & face framing to give me some movement :)
The whole process is roughly 3.5-4 hours, and it is honestly so fun for me because I have no choice but to relax! Plus I get to chat with Madison who is so so kind!
In total I think she cut roughly 8 inches & it feels SO GOOD!
I think you should change your hair…
I have so many girlfriends who are in the same bubble I was in, afraid to change things up. But, what I have to say is that it feels so good to look in the mirror and see change, not just with my hair but with my life as a whole! Even if it’s just cutting my hair, it serves as a reminder to face my fears and get outside of my comfort zone.
So, if you find yourself connected to something as silly as your hair, I challenge you to do something different, bring change into your life and see how strong you are doing something outside your comfort zone!
you can do it, beautiful :)
Cheers!
xoxo - Katie