As the coronavirus swept across the United States, like many others, I found myself engulfed in a wave of anxiety and fear. The reality of lockdown began to sink in as states mandated shelter-in-place orders, schools closed down, and businesses halted operations. For many, work shifted to the virtual realm, and the questions surrounding health, safety, and financial stability became a constant presence. Amidst all this uncertainty, one pressing concern loomed large in my mind: What would happen to my haircut?
For those of us who depend on regular visits to our barbers and stylists to maintain our confidence, this was a troubling time. Rather than storming the streets like some entitled individuals, demanding that my stylist return to work, I decided to take matters into my own hands—literally. Judging by the flood of before-and-after DIY hair transformation photos on social media, I wasn’t alone in this endeavor. While some haircuts turned out surprisingly well, others served as fodder for countless memes.
For those of us who didn’t act recklessly, we wore our uneven lines and questionable “fades” with a sense of pride. I would rather rock a bald head than be among those who prioritized their hair over lives.
In the days leading up to lockdown, I made a desperate attempt to get an appointment with my stylist. Unfortunately, she was fully booked. After a week of waiting, I decided to trim the sides myself, thinking that would suffice. However, I was in the midst of transitioning my hairstyle, and without regular maintenance, I quickly resembled a Chia Pet. After two weeks of frustration with my kids and my unruly hair, I snapped. I went for a full mohawk; I craved change, normalcy, and something to control.
While I wouldn’t dare touch the top or back of my head without professional help, I’ve taken some risks to achieve that fresh-cut feeling I miss every two weeks. The results aren’t terrible, but they certainly aren’t perfect.
Many have experienced a revelation about the expert skills of their stylists and barbers during this time. My haircut, after essentials like food and shelter, is one of my top expenses. As Justine Marjan advises in Allure, if you feel the urge to cut your hair, consider whether you can wait a bit longer. If you can’t, seek out restorative hair products instead—walk away from the scissors! If you’re determined to cut, take it slow and remove just a little at a time. And please, for the love of Edward Scissorhands, do not resort to using kitchen scissors; they’re simply not sharp enough for a clean cut.
We all have our limits, and while there are countless YouTube tutorials for cutting hair, not everyone should attempt it. Some individuals have decided to take the plunge and trim their own bangs, or even go for a complete new style. These choices, often regrettable, are sometimes a way to cope with the stress of the pandemic.
Yet, amid the hair disasters, there have been surprising successes. Many parents have allowed their children to experiment with haircuts, and, to my astonishment, the outcomes aren’t all bad! Kids are generally forgiving, and even if a mom gets a bit carried away, no one else is around to witness it.
For me, cutting my hair has been a way to practice self-care during these challenging times. I may not need to grab the clippers, but feeling less shaggy can boost my mood. Although my stylist warns me to put them down, I can’t resist the urge to keep them handy until I can visit her again.
When we finally reunite, I have no doubt I’ll be tipping generously—just as many of you should be prepared to do after your own hair escapades.
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In summary, the quarantine experience has led many of us to rethink our approach to hair maintenance, with some embracing DIY cuts while others may have learned the hard way about their limits. Whether you’ve rocked a mohawk or gone for a bold new style, it’s all part of navigating the challenges of this unprecedented time.