Can a haircut help redefine your identity?

When Rachel (played by Jennifer Aniston) from the American sitcom Friends would step into a new season, we’d see her don a fresh haircut. I think to push myself to start a new szn too, all I need is a fancy hairdo. For instance, when I knew I I’dbump into my ex for the first time after our break-up at a mutual friend’s birthday party; or when I landed an internship at my dream company; or even every time I feel stuck in life, I turn to change (read: a new haircut). And if I were to ask others, most of them (99 per cent, too much?) will shout: ‘yes, a hair-cut is life-changing’! Hairstylist Zingranwon Shatsang shares, “A haircut makes you feel like a main character. Anybody would want to hold on to that feeling and grow.” So, we asked a few women to share their life-altering ‘haircut’ stories.

Anjaly (21)

As a 17-year-old literature student bound by traditional standards, all Anjaly needed was confidence after a break-up. It was a big chop at the salon that sparked her transformation: “Why stop here? I can do whatever I want.” Today, a fashion communication student with hot pink hair and piercings, she declares, “I am a completely different person now.”

Aarti* (26)

“Fat girls shouldn’t have short hair,” echoed in 19-year-old Aarti’s mind, stopping her from the haircut she always wanted. Despite slimming eventually, her confidence was fragile. Finally, she got the haircut of her dreams. It didn’t make her look slimmer, but it made her feel comfortable in her skin, connecting her with her feminine energy.

Sharon* (62)

While in her mid-50s, Sharon’s life focused on family...but there was one ritual—she’d fly from Pune to Mumbai to straighten her hair often. After years of doing so, she decided to embrace her natural curls. “If I can accept my hair, I can do anything,” she says. A cool grandma and weightlifter who is comfortable in power suits, Sharon now inspires others with her chic grey bob.

Kaustab* (37)

Alopecia—a disease that causes hair loss—recently came into the limelight with films like Gone Kesh (2019) and Bala (2019). Kaustab, a graphic designer, was often subjected to strange remarks and weird stares due to his condition. Zingranwon shares his story, and how she encouraged him, “I told him, be your own version of Vin Diesel and The Rock.” After years of hiding his bald spot, Kaustab finally donned a bald look at 35, finding relief from his insecurities.

The magic creators

“Confidence can shine even when you are bare naked.” 
Bony Sasidharan, artistic and education ambassador, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris

“Alopecia needs more awareness: I’m here for you.” 
Zingranwon Shatsang, hairstylist and founder, Zido Salon

*Names changed. 

This article originally appeared in the Cosmopolitan July-August 2024 issue.

Lead image credit: Illustration by Sumedha Abhyankar

Also read: What does your go-to hairstyle say about your personality?

Also read: 5 Women Speak Of Their Empowering Journey with Body Hair