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As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States, I, like many others, found myself grappling with anxiety and uncertainty. The initial fear was palpable as the West Coast initiated shelter-in-place orders, schools closed their doors, and businesses came to a halt. Suddenly, work was either remote or a distant memory, and worries about health, finances, and the future invaded our thoughts. Among all this chaos, I was left with just one pressing concern: What would happen to my hair?
For those of us who depend on regular haircuts from skilled barbers and stylists, the lockdown presented a significant challenge. Rather than take to social media demanding that my stylist return to work, I decided to take things into my own hands—literally. The online landscape was flooded with DIY hair makeover photos, and I quickly learned that I was not alone. Some transformations turned out surprisingly well, while others provided endless fodder for memes.
For those of us who chose not to act recklessly, embracing our uneven haircuts and unfortunate “fades” became a badge of honor. I’d rather sport an awkward hairstyle than pressure someone else to risk their health.
Just prior to the lockdown, I frantically texted my stylist in hopes of a last-minute appointment, but she was fully booked. I understood, and a week later, I attempted to tidy up the sides myself, convinced that would suffice. However, with the pandemic dragging on, my hair soon resembled a Chia Pet. After two weeks, with kids driving me up the wall and my hair becoming unbearable, I made the impulsive decision to go full mohawk. I craved change, normalcy, and action.
While I knew better than to touch the top or back of my hair without proper guidance, I took the plunge anyway. The outcome wasn’t terrible, but it certainly wasn’t salon-perfect.
Many have come to appreciate the immense skill of their stylists during this time. After basic needs, haircuts often rank among the most significant expenses in my budget. As expert Justine Marjan advises in an article for Allure, if you’re considering cutting your hair, pause and ask yourself if you can wait a little longer. If not, explore restorative serums or masks instead. In other words, avoid the sharp tools and kitchen scissors! Using improper tools can lead to uneven cuts that are challenging to fix.
YouTube is flooded with tutorials on cutting hair, just as it features videos on rewiring light sockets. It’s crucial to know your limits; sometimes, no amount of diligence will save a botched haircut.
Then there are those who experimented with bangs or completely transformed their hairstyles without much thought. While some of these choices may have been regrettable, they served as a coping mechanism during these trying times. Yet, amidst the hair mishaps, there were some delightful surprises. Parents discovered that their children could cut hair surprisingly well, and kids were often forgiving of Mom’s hair experiments, leading to unexpected yet successful results.
For me, cutting my hair has become a form of self-care during these challenging times. I don’t need to wield the clippers, but feeling less disheveled boosts my spirits. Though my stylist has repeatedly urged me to step away from the clippers, I find it hard to resist the urge. Until I can visit her for a professional cut, my hair cutting supplies will remain within reach.
I know I’ll owe my stylist a generous tip after this is all over—and judging by the hair disasters so many have endured, many of you should prepare to do the same.
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Summary
As many navigate the challenges of quarantine, DIY haircuts have become a common coping mechanism. While some results are less than ideal, the experience has highlighted the invaluable skills of professional stylists. Embracing personal care during such times can provide a sense of normalcy, even amidst the chaos.
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