The Breakup Haircut: Why the Urge to Cut Your Hair Post-Breakup Isn’t All Bad
That instinct to create a before and after comes from somewhere.
No matter how monumental or seemingly inconsequential it may feel, going through a breakup is one of the most universal experiences out there. Everyone from your mom to your BFF to the woman behind the counter at your corner bodega can relate and has experienced a breakup. Almost as universal, the breakup haircut is the balm that soothes those post-relationship blues. In fact, 55% of people in the US change their hair after a breakup, highlighting the significant influence of emotional turmoil on personal appearance. (3Gem Research & Insights Survey) Capable of defining a clear before and after in this chapter, the breakup haircut is a visual marker for your change in status. It can also serve as a bit of a power play. This is because it gives you some control in a situation that might feel wildly unmanageable.
This article delves into the psychology behind the breakup haircut, drawing on insights and advice from relationship experts, psychologists, and psychotherapists. Additionally, we explore the recent All Things Hair breakup hair survey to shed light on the prevalence and motivations behind this trend.
Should You Get The Breakup Haircut?
The All Things Hair US breakup Hair survey, conducted by 3Gem Research & Insights in partnership with All Things Hair, targeted 1,000 US women and men between the ages of 18 and 60. The survey’s key findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and motivations behind the breakup haircut.
The breakup haircut is a powerful psychological tool for individuals navigating the emotional aftermath of a breakup. It symbolizes a tangible manifestation of change and control over one’s appearance, providing a sense of agency during a period of vulnerability. Therefore, if you want to make a positive change in your life and take back control over your narrative after a bad breakup, you can start with your appearance.
Reasons to Get the Breakup Haircut
1. Promote Self-Love and Empowerment:
Changing your hair after a breakup can be an act of self-love and empowerment. It represents a commitment to personal growth and embracing new beginnings. The physical transformation acts as a visible reminder of one’s resilience and ability to move forward. Out of the individuals surveyed, 69% of women and 41% of men noted that they were like to change their hair post-breakup. This goes to show how common using hair as a coping mechanism is! Out of these individuals, 53% admitted to feeling motivated to change their hair for the feeling of increased confidence after trying new hairstyles, going to show that a little change in appearance can go a long way in helping many people feel more beautiful. After making changes, 61% of respondents reported feeling more confident, 40% felt beautiful, 39% felt free, and 38% felt empowered
2. Boost Your Confidence After Hard Times
Changing one’s hair can have a profound impact on self-confidence. A fresh look can inspire feelings of attractiveness, uniqueness, and renewed self-assurance. This boost in confidence can influence various aspects of life, including social interactions and personal well-being.
3. Reclaiming Identity
A breakup can often leave individuals feeling detached from their sense of self. The breakup haircut can serve as a catalyst for reclaiming one’s identity and asserting autonomy. By choosing a new hairstyle, you can begin to build or regain a sense of authenticity for yourself! In order, the most common breakup hair choices, according to those surveyed, include cutting hair (61%), changing hair color (56%), altering the hairstyle (46%), and incorporating hair extensions, weaves, or wigs (6%). Notably, 4% of those surveyed chose to go big or big or go home when they pursued all of these options.
4. Emotional Catharsis:
The act of cutting or styling hair can provide a cathartic release of emotions. The physical sensation of change, coupled with the symbolic shedding of the past, allows individuals to release negative emotions associated with the breakup. It becomes a transformative ritual, signaling the closure of one chapter and the beginning of another. Out of those surveyed, 51% were motivated to change their hair post-breakup to aid in the process of moving on, 34% hoped to reclaim their identity, while 31% of individuals were motivated by gaining a sense of freedom. Let go and free yourself from emotional damage when you opt in to breakup hair.
How to Style The Breakup Haircut
Style the Breakup Haircut Your Way With These Style Tips
Society has finally started doing away with stereotypical gender norms. This means long locks are no longer the definition of femininity. What was a revelation a century ago is now the norm: women can rock short hair, too. The breakup haircut echoes that declaration and is guaranteed to have you feeling sexy and empowered. There’s nothing like the rush of a dramatic hair change to have you feeling excited and hopeful. We don’t need to tell you that those are two emotions that can be hard to come by at this stage of the game.
Not only will your breakup haircut give you a fresh dose of confidence, but it will also always give you something to focus on that isn’t your ex’s Instagram feed. Play with your new length and experiment with different styles to find a look that best suits you. Try a playful and edgy style by working Bed Head by TIGI Wax Stick through your strands. This wax-like product will give your hair that gravity-defying edginess.
Whether you decide to take the leap and get a breakup haircut or you opt to keep your locks long, rest assured that this, too, shall pass. And remember that there’s nothing that a little retail therapy in the haircare department does to soothe those post-breakup wounds.
