untangling hair myths

story by | kathleen wrigley

At the risk of sounding superficial, our hair matters. Hair has great social significance for human beings. Some believe our style, length, texture and color often predicts how we behave and project ourselves and may even determine how others treat us. Others equate hair with power and status.

It’s no wonder so many of us are obsessed with our hair. Come on boys…don’t even think about turning the page. Men are not immune to this phenomenon—hellllo hair plugs and comb-overs. It’s ok. We’re all in this together.

For instance, ladies, tell me you haven’t spent entire afternoons in wig shops, with the very real intention of buying one. Or how about those consultations we’ve all gone on for hair extensions. Oh, and HAH, isn’t it crazy that we’ve even colored-in our roots with Crayola markers or swiped a black mascara wand through to touch-up the grays in a pinch?! Umm, you’re still with me, aren’t you? Don’t leave me hangin’ here, girls. The case may be made that I’m a bit more neurotic—or, ah-hem passionate-- than some. But, before you judge me, ask yourself if you really are a “natural” blonde, even though you faithfully color every four to six weeks. Or, how many of you carry celebrity photos with you to show your stylist? Have you ever approached another woman to inquire about her salon of choice? Or, discreetly snapped a shot of a cute “do” with your camera phone?

Let’s face it. Hair matters. It’s one of the first things women notice about other women. If our hair looks good, we feel good.

There’s a plethora of literature on this topic. Did you know that there are actual psychologists and fashion historians who are paid to study the significance and meaning of hair styles? These “experts” submit that hair styles are less about fashion and more about our psychological, inner-most personal perceptions and self-worth. Some