If you have watched the third season of Emily in ParisYou’re already familiar with the titular character’s key hair moment in the first episode. Quick recap: While dealing with a particularly stressful period in her work life, Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, takes matters (scissors) into her own hands and gives herself a bang. She and her comrades are Ashley Park MindyI rudely refer to the “shock boom” throughout the final season of the popular Netflix show.
The idea of a “shock haircut”—a dramatic change of hair during or after times of stress—is very popular. In fact, Collins and Park opened up about their “painful haircuts” in a recent interview New York times. And Collins joked about “shock bangs” in a caption to Instagram post From her hairstylist giving her bangs IRL. With all this talk of “bruised hair,” you might be wondering why so many people are drawn to changing up their look during messy times and whether or not it’s appropriate to confuse bangs with a trauma response.
“People often change their hair after a major change in their lives — for example, a breakup or other loss — as a way to symbolize a new beginning,” he explains. Thalia BombolaLMFT, a licensed psychotherapist in Newport Beach, California. “It can be a powerful way to express a desire for a new beginning and to move on from the past. For some, it can be a way to bring about a change of identity and an opportunity to make a new statement about who they are. Changing one’s hair can be a way to take control of a situation and create a sense of empowerment.”
There are several reasons why someone might try to change their appearance after experiencing a stressful event. Bombola says the change could be “a way to express their feelings, find comfort, or change their outlook.” She continues, “It can help them feel more in control and give them a sense of security. For some, this change in appearance can be a way to ‘hide’ from the world or the stressful event itself.” “It can also be a way of letting others know that they need help or support. Whatever the reason, changing a person’s appearance after experiencing stress is a normal and common reaction, and it’s important to remember that. Everyone deals with stress In different ways.”
While changing up your look may be a completely natural way to cope with a major life change, Bombola points out that trimming your bangs isn’t a response to trauma. In fact, the low-level use of the term “trauma” reduces physical and emotional disturbances Trauma survivors expertise. “The trauma response is the way a person reacts to a traumatic event or experience,” says Bombola. “It can range from feelings of sadness and fear to physical reactions such as increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. Everyone responds differently to trauma, and oftentimes it can take time to process what happened and begin to heal.”
ICYDK, there is a distinct difference between stress and trauma. “Daily stress can be different for everyone, but it is generally a feeling of being overwhelmed and worried Because of the demands of everyday life,” Bombola says. Common causes of daily stress can include work, family, relationships, finances, and other obligations. Not everyone who suffers from stress has had a traumatic accident.”
In contrast, trauma is the “lasting emotional response that often results from living through a traumatic event,” such as an accident, crime, or natural disaster, Bombola explains. “Exposure to a traumatic event can damage a person’s sense of safety, sense of self, and ability to regulate emotions and navigate relationships,” she continued, adding that traumatic experiences can cause trauma, denial, and contribute to everyday stress.
Downplaying someone’s true trauma can diminish or degrade their experiences, so Bombola recommends using terms like “story of identity change” or “sudden separation” to avoid insensitivity. However, if you want to update your look in pursuit of understanding something stressful going on in your life like Emily Cooper does, Bombola gives the go-ahead—provided you also rely on the additional coping mechanisms in your life. Mental health toolsLike talking to a counselor.
“as long [a haricut] Not to be used as a substitute for the actual one Mental health treatmentBombola says, “I don’t see a problem with following in Emily’s footsteps.” It’s an easy and fun way to change up your look, which can be refreshing and put you in a better mood. It can also be a great opportunity for self-care, as taking care of and styling your hair can be a great way to relax and pamper yourself.”
But be warned: If the haircut “creates a sense of control, it may be fleeting or wrong,” Bombola points out. “There is no substitute for proper treatment.” (Need some decent finances? Here How to find affordable treatment when it breaks.)