05/02/2025
New hair! Which got me thinking...
Hair has so many deeper meanings to it. It's about our identity, how we express ourselves, our culture, our found families. Hair is used to control others by subjugating what styles are allowed (black kiddos not being allowed to wear their hair in locs at school, indigenous kiddos forced to cut their hair etc). Hair is also a tool that people use to resist being controlled and reclaim hidden parts of themselves.
It's about messages of masculinity, femininity, sexual orientation and gender that we've been given all our lives.
We are given messages around sexuality and hair, told what is "attractive" that often feels more like objectification.
Hair and youth are often connected, what happens to our relationship with our hair and ourselves as we age and our hair greys and thins?
Certain cultures cut their hair when they are mourning the loss of a loved one.
As a society we spend a ridiculous amount of money on hair and hair care items! Why do we do that? Does it benefit us, or The Man?
Some people change their hairstyles after breakups, or when they are celebrating.
Me, I just wanted a change. Every year or two I get antsy for something new and my hair is an easy way to go about that! No matter what style I change to, it always feels empowering.
What's your relationship to your hair?