Not Loving Your New Haircut? Here's Why (and What to Do!)

It's Completely Normal to Feel Unsure About a New Haircut - Here's Why (and What to Do!)

We've all been there - you finally took the plunge and got that trendy new haircut everyone's raving about. The stylist spins you around for the big reveal and... you're not quite sure how to feel. Is this really me? Will I ever get used to this? What if I hate it?!

Get ready for amazing haircut! Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

First off, take a deep breath. At Charlie's Hair and Beauty, we've seen countless clients go through this exact rollercoaster of emotions in our 38 years of experience. And we're here to assure you - feeling unsure about a dramatic hair change is completely normal, even expected! Let's unpack the reasons why.

The Psychology Behind Post-Haircut Panic

Our hair is deeply intertwined with our self-image and confidence. Whether we realise it or not, our signature style becomes a core part of our identity over time. So when we make a big change, even if it's a positive one, seeing a suddenly unfamiliar reflection can trigger a strong emotional reaction.[1]

"In our experience, this 'hair shock' happens to nearly everyone at some point," shares Elena, one of our senior stylists. "Your brain just needs some time to adjust to the new you."

This adverse reaction has a name: change aversion. As humans, we're naturally resistant to abrupt changes, especially regarding our physical appearance.[2] A dramatically different hairstyle forces us to update our mental self-image - and that process doesn't happen instantly.

Practical Reasons You May Feel Uncertain

On top of the psychological factors, there are also practical reasons a new cut can feel "off" at first:

• Different Styling Needs: That chic bob or daring pixie cut may require products and techniques you're not used to. Suddenly your go-to routine doesn't work anymore, leading to frustration.

• Lack of Styling Direction: Unless your stylist walked you through it step-by-step, you may leave the salon unsure how to recreate the look at home. Cue deflated hair and disappointment.

• Flattering vs. Comfortable: A cut can be objectively flattering, but still feel like "too much" compared to your usual style. Adapting to all that volume or the absence of length is a process.

So before you start googling "how to make hair grow faster", know that all these unsettled feelings are a normal part of any major hair transition. The good news? With the right approach, you can absolutely autumn in love with your new 'do - it just takes a little time and experimentation.

How to Embrace Your New Haircut

After nearly four decades of helping clients through the "hair shock" phase, we've learned a few tricks to make the adjustment period easier:

1. Give It Time: Don't make any rash decisions in the first week. Your cut will "settle" and start to feel more like you with some time and practice. Aim to stick it out for at least 2 weeks before making a final call.

2. Play With Products: The right styling products make all the difference, especially for a new texture or length. Pop by our Shepherds Bush shop and we'll be happy to recommend options tailored to your hair type and cut.

For example, if frizz is an issue with your new curly look, try a nourishing curl cream like BSSET Original Curl Cream. The shea butter and coconut oil help define and smooth curls without crunchiness.

1. Master Your Styling Routine: Book a follow-up with your stylist to go over exactly how to style your cut at home. Bring the products you plan to use so you can learn the right techniques together. With a little guidance, you'll be a pro in no time.

2. Adapt It to Suit You: Remember, your cut isn't set in stone! Feel free to tweak the length, add a fringe, or adjust the layers until it feels "right". A great stylist will work with you to customize the look to your liking.

3. Focus on the Positives: Actively look for things you DO like about your haircut, even if the overall look is out of your comfort zone. Appreciate the bouncy volume, cool texture, or face-framing shape. Zeroing in on the good parts helps balance out uncertainty.

At the end of the day, it's just hair - it'll grow back! Give yourself full permission to feel unsure and take the time you need to adjust. With an open mind, a little patience, and the right products, we're confident you'll be flaunting that new cut like a supermodel in no time.

And remember, we're always here to help at any point in your hair journey. Feel free to pop into our Shepherds Bush salon for product recs, styling tips, or just a friendly chat over a cuppa. With 38 years under our belts, we've got loads of experience helping clients autumn in love with their locks again after a big chop.

So keep your head up, gorgeous. A brilliant hair day is just around the corner - and we'll be right there cheering you on as you find your stride with your fab new look!

References:
1. https://www.headcovers.com/resources/beauty/the-emotional-side-of-hair-loss/
2. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/status-quo-bias/
3. https://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/03/25/science-behind-haircut/

There you have it! Come see us in store if you need any help finding the perfect products.