People can try to argue that it doesn’t, but your hair can make or break your entire day. There’s a reason the saying “bad hair day” exists: a bad hair day makes a bad day. Frizziness, curls that aren’t curling, pieces of hair that won’t lay straight, baby hairs sticking out, grown-out roots, the list goes on of things that can go wrong. But what about the things hair can do right?
Hair is a major part of a person’s identity. Yes, it can ruin your day if it does not look how you would like it to, but it can also enhance your individuality. Hair has changed throughout history, with different trends and social norms persuading people to do their hair a certain way.
Many women and men had similar hairstyles as they all followed the trend, usually laid out by influential celebrities like Marilyn Monroe or Patrick Swayze. A majority of people did not want to stray from societal norms and had the same hairstyle, the only difference was the color. Hair in the past has also been used to identify a social status, separating the wealthy and the poor depending on how stylish or done up your hair was. The act of going to a hair salon meant more than just getting a haircut, it meant that you were able to afford it.
Even dating further back to the Greeks and the Romans, having longer hair meant that you were of a higher social status, as well as a source of life. According to Science Direct, Greeks let their hair grow to be cut and given as a sacrifice to the dead.
However, in more recent years and even currently, hairstyles have become much more unique and different from person to person. The decisions people make with their hair showcase their personal preferences, style, personality and culture. Presently, social norms are not as strict or cookie-cutter as they used to be. Everywhere you look, especially on Kent’s campus, there is a wide variety of styles, personal expression and individuality. This is shown through clothing, accessories and hair. Life is so much more exciting when people express themselves and experiment with their appearance.
When walking through campus, a variety of different hairstyles can be seen. There are buzzcuts, dyed hair, curly hair, straight hair, long, short, thick, thin and so much more. Those who buzzed their hair might be referencing that they want a fresh new start or a clean slate. Those experimenting with colors might be trying to find themselves or just want to stand out. The choices people make with their hair in the morning tell a story, a story about who this person is.
Since hair holds so much meaning, it can also be used to convey messages in film and media.
There are many movies where the protagonist cuts his/her hair to represent coming of age or a new transformation. Some examples of this are Thor in “Thor: Ragnarok,” Mulan in “Mulan,” Rapunzel in “Tangled” or Evey in “V for Vendetta.” All of these characters went through a life-changing event that was symbolized through the cutting of their hair. This shows how important and widely recognized hair is to society and culture.
The best part about hair is that it grows back. So next time you want to try something new with it, do it. Because in the end, you will learn something about yourself and your style.
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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.
