For the longest time, women have been pressured by society and media to look a certain way. We were taught to live up to a “socially acceptable” standard of beauty and it has given us added insecurities and anxiety—but that has to stop now.
We are shamed for our skin, size, and even our hair. Yes, even hair. It’s not enough that girls are subject to criticism all the time but we are stereotyped according to our looks as well. We must put an end to the shaming of our tresses because at the end of the day, we can’t be defined by our looks. Our hair, our say.
Here are hair stereotypes that we shouldn’t bring into the new year:
1. Pixie cuts are manly
We’re not always going through a breakup and it doesn’t automatically mean we’re boyish—some of us are just comfortable with a pixie cut and we feel pretty with it!
2. Curly hair is messy and always unkempt
Straight hair has always been the more “ideal” hair but standards have shifted now. What’s so messy about curls anyway? Curls represent fun and freedom; plus it stands out from the rest. So curly-haired gals, heed our word: own it and embrace it.
3. Bright colored hair is unprofessional and wild
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not adhering to the norm. Be experimental, be bold, and by all means be free to express yourself. Let’s stop restricting women from being creative with their makeup, clothes, and especially hair. If we wish to be adventurous and put color into our life that shouldn’t reduce us to someone who’s “wild”.
4. Blonde hair is cheap
Some girls don’t want to stay inside the lines and play it safe—sometimes we just want to make spontaneous decisions to switch it up. There’s nothing cheap about wanting to shine and being golden. And besides, blondes have more fun so let them have it!
To really bring our point home, watch this inspiring video from Dove featuring fearless women who are unbothered by stereotypes:
