The Extra Inch of Hair
Asking my hairdresser to go shorter while in the chair is the most spontaneous thing I've done in a while.
In college, I met a woman at the dog park who offered me a “little trim” off my already shoulder-length bob. I was flattered, thinking I was special for being offered a free haircut. Upon arriving at the salon the following day, I quickly realized I was the final exam in a class she was taking. And no, it was not an inch. She ended up going so short that she shaved the bottom of my neck.
After that episode, I was scared to get a haircut for years. I tell every stylist the “little trim” story to make them aware I won’t be a fun client. Last week, however, while in the chair getting a cut to freshen my ends, I asked my hairstylist what she thought of taking off an extra inch. Shocked at my spontaneity, she asked me THREE TIMES if I was certain. I said yes, so I walked out of the salon with hair about an inch above my shoulders rather than what I had initially intended to get, which was at my shoulders.
I didn’t hate it at first. I felt cool. But after continually catching my reflection in the mirror, I started to hate it. Why did I do that extra inch? I texted several friends unprovoked to let them know I ruined my hair and warned them never to ask for an extra inch while in the chair.
The regret ruined my entire weekend. It was like wearing the wrong dress to an event or packing completely wrong for vacation. You’re stuck with it. But after three full days with the cut, washing it myself, and letting it air dry, I decided to take a curling iron to the cut. I liked how it came out. Sure, it’s not the length I prefer—a measly inch longer—but I suddenly felt good in the bob. I felt a little out of sorts, but the girl in the mirror had a freeness about her.
Here is the curling iron I use and love. I comb this heat-protecting anti-frizz serum through my damp hair, let it dry, and then use the curling iron. As of today, I no longer regret the cut. I may even think the change was good. The spontaneity is so unlike me. But, as my mom reminded me seventy times, hair does grow.
Go the extra inch with style!
Of course, I will compare this experience to how we get dressed! Aside from the examples of failed event dressing or poor packing (which are both more the result of poor preparation, if we’re being honest), going for it and wearing something that feels slightly uncomfortable but exhilarating can be good! Especially when it’s low stakes. Unlike a haircut, you can change out of an outfit! So, why not go for it?
It’s summer, so I’m proposing you go crazy and try out some halters, tube tops, and strapless tops. These are some of my favorite styles for hot days when I want to be a little playful.
Maybe an inch of hair isn’t a lot to you, or a halter top doesn’t feel wild. On the other hand, perhaps you haven’t gone to the hairdresser in years or strictly stick to a few tank tops on rotation. Whatever your style is, there is always a step further that you can go.
Try a new top, color, or Silhouette. You could even go that extra inch!
I hope you all enjoy the first official Summer Friday (!!) tomorrow!
xo
Eliz