I did a double take in the mirror the other day.
I was at Maerua Mall, had just finished up a few things at the bank, walked past a mirror, glanced at myself, stopped dead in my tracks and looked again.
It’s safe to say I’m not used to the way I look yet.
By the time you read this, it’ll have been six days since I cut my hair.
Yeah. I did it.
I went from a huge mess of curls to a short boys cut.
The other morning my brother told me “a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life” and while getting ready in the morning has been taking a little less time and I’ve been taking significantly more selfies, I don’t feel much different.
What has been different, however, is how people react when they see me.
Sure, most of it has been positive, some have been surprised and a few in complete in awe, but in the six days since I did something as simple as change my look up a bit, I’ve heard my fair share of ridiculous things.
Here’s a list of things I’m (already) tired of hearing:
Things You Probably Shouldn’t Say To Someone Who Just Cut Their Hair
“You cut your hair!”
Yes. Obviously.
“Why did you cut it?”
Why does anyone do anything? Because they want to, because they felt like it, because they thought it would look good. I cut my hair for all of the above reasons and plenty more (like the fact that it’s hot as f*ck, I was in the mood for a change and I’ve had long hair for ages), but the fact of the matter is: None of those reasons matter. You’re not asking because you really want to know or even care about my reasons. You’re just asking to make conversation about my hair. You don’t have to. Promise. I’ll be OK even if you don’t say anything about my new haircut.
“You’re so brave!”
Would you call me brave if I wore a red dress instead of a blue one? Would I be brave if I wore black lipstick instead of pink? Would you call a woman who gets braids instead of a weave brave? Probably not. I’m not brave. Cutting my hair isn’t an act of bravery. You only think I’m brave because you place too much value on hair as a form of beauty. There are real brave people in this world. Save that ‘compliment’ for them.
“Your hair was so beautiful before.”
It still is beautiful. A lack of length doesn’t make it any less so. Also: This is pretty insulting. Don’t say this. Just… Don’t.
“I don’t like it.”
OK. That’s… nice, I guess. I didn’t ask. I’m not sure what I’m meant to do with this information. Thank you for sharing an unsolicited opinion, though.
All silly things said aside, the big chop has been amazing. I feel fresh, light and more beautiful than ever. Maybe I’ll grow it again, maybe I’ll keep it short for years. I haven’t thought that far ahead. Would I cut it again if I could go back and do it over? Definitely.
– cindy@namibian.com.na;
@SugaryOblivion on Twitter and Instagram
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