Even people who have clung on to the same hairstyle since they were five years old are liable to go for a drastic change when their relationship ends – it’s why terms such as ‘break up hair’ and ‘divorce hair’ have been coined. But have you ever wondered why people react in this way?
Well, according to psychologist Dr. Graham Hole, it’s all to do with how intimately our hair is tied up with our whole concept of self-image. One reason for changing your hair is to exert a sense of authority following a relationship breakdown, which can often lead people to feel like they’ve lost control over their lives.
‘It might be in order to make a statement, for example announcing “I’m in control of my appearance as well as my life”’ says Dr Hole. Another reason people change their haircut or style post break-up is to let go of their former – possibly unhappy – selves.
Related: Hate your new hairdo? Here’s what to do
Dr Hole describes this as ‘a reflection of a desire to break with the past’. So if the ‘old you’ had long, blonde hair, you might feel like switching to an auburn bob wil help you embrace your new life. Of course, some people who have experienced a split can end up low on self-esteem, which is where hair can again make a big difference.
‘If a woman feels that her split is related to her physical attributes, changing her hair colour might be done in order to, in her eyes, improve her attractiveness or make herself look younger’ explains Dr Hole.
It’s obviously sad to think of a break up harming people’s self-esteem in this way, but hair clearly has a huge role to play in how we rate our appearance, with a recent Wella colour report finding that over half of women feel more confident following a visit to the hair salon.
Basically, embracing a new look following a break up is all about letting go of the past and finding a new path – and if that means finally taking the plunge to go blonde or opt for the crop you’ve always secretly wanted, then be brave and take the plunge!
From: Good Housekeeping UK
PHOTO: iStock/knape
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