When I was a kid I was known for my butt-length locks. My mom loved my hair and had visions of me appearing on a shampoo commercial. I probably could have if I tried.
I pleaded to get my hair cut. It was after all my hair, but I wasn’t allowed. When my mom was at work I pestered my dad to let me cut my hair until, out of frustrations, he finally gave in. My sister took a pair of scissors and CHOP! Hair all off. Needless to day, it was a bit of a shock for my mom.
I look back at that time quite fondly, but also with a pang of regret. Not for the near heart attack to caused my mom (though I do feel bad) but because I didn’t know hair could be donated for a cause, so it all simply went into the trash. I have felt horrible about it for nearly two decades.
A few years ago I decided to leave my hair alone. To let it grow in its untreated/uncoloured state until I couldn’t stand it anymore. Then I’d chop it all off and donate it to a good cause.
I thought I would never reach that moment. That I would have an internal battle with myself
“Time to cut your hair Tanya”
“But I love it!”
“But you don’t need it!”
Last week while in the shower washing my hair, I realized that internal battle was over when I spent the entire time imagining what it would be like to have short hair. It is time.
I’ve done a bit of research finding my face shape by using measurements and this flowchart. Looks like I have an oval face shape, which means I have a pretty wide range of hair options.
I was originally inspired to cut my hair short by Kate Bracken’s hair in Being Human. I love the sweep and asymmetry of it. I don’t know if I’m quite ready for hair that short, but I know I want long sweeping bangs, asymmetry, and chin length or (maybe) shorter. I’m not entirely sure what I’ll end up with when I do go in for my appointment, but I’ll show a few photos, say a few key words, take a deep breath and let my hairstylist go at it.
Until then, I need to decide where to donate my hair. I made sure not to colour/treat my hair and to grow it extra long so I could pick any donation centre I wanted. I’m sure each is as good as the other but I want to make the right decision.
Your comments made me smile. I have cut and donated my hair 6 times. It feels great to cut it, but it also feels great to simply put it in the mail and help out another person who can use it.
6 times? That’s amazing Barbara! You’re my new role model
Donated my hair 2 times. It was a hard step from decision to cut as I hadn’t had a major haircut since I was a little girl. My son’s frien (9 yrs at the time) cut her long hair to donate. If a little girl with a big heart was brave enough to take the step I decided so was I. The 2nd haircut was hard to hold out for as I found shorter hair easier to care for than very long hair with an attitude problem.
lol long hair really does have an attitude problem doesn’t it? And good for your son’s friend for her selflessness and, through that, for encouraging you! We had a girl at my school last year raise funds for cancer research and shaved her head. It’s incredible how giving kids can me, often more so than adults