IT’S NEVER “JUST” HAIR
I didn’t need four days to learn that hairdressers are deeply underappreciated or to resolve never again to complain about the price of a haircut. Neither did I need that long – the first 30 minutes of Day 1 were sufficient – to convince me I had a sizeable absence of talent that people would sooner pay me not to cut their hair.
But I had to get my own hands dirty, struggle to perfect a simple snip and overcome my frustration whenever I couldn’t – to realise that hairdressers, more than anyone else, know that hair is never just hair.
It’s the reason people travel across the island just to see their longtime stylist. It’s why so many speak of their relationship with their hairdresser as if they were family. And it’s why some feel genuine grief when their hairdresser retires or closes shop and they have to find a new go-to.
The emotional connection to hair – and what it represents – is also why the classic onscreen makeover moment never gets old. My favourites tend to revolve around female leads, from The Princess Diaries to Miss Congeniality, or the fashion and lifestyle “make-betters” on reality TV series Queer Eye.
Then TikTok gave the hallowed trope a fresh spin with viral barber transformation videos. With just a pair of scissors, unassuming men are turned into the next romantic comedy heartthrobs, complete with tapered fades, textured fringes and the ultimate accessory: A newfound confidence.
So an external transformation may start superficially, but it doesn’t contradict the idea of self-acceptance. If anything, many times, it paves the way for an internal shift. And I can only imagine what a privilege it would be to help another see themselves in a new light.
Just let me gain enough confidence first, so I don’t accidentally behead anyone, lop off their ear, or worst of all, give them a bad haircut.
