HAIR and now

While there’s no pill you can pop to deal with a pandemic, can a hair makeover serve as a fitting distraction?

- HENA DESAI

Britney did it IRL in 2007, and Jennifer Lawrence did it on screen for the movie Joy. While one woman shaved off her head while fighting divorce and substance abuse in the public eye, the other portrayed a frustrated character who chops off her hair over a basin in order to feel just a little better about herself. The common connect? They both highlight the strong link that exists between your hair and your mental state. Following an emotional upheaval, it’s very common to have a strong urge for a major makeover. Avani Yashwin, hairstylist and owner of Bandra-based salon Happy In The Head says, “I’ve had people come to me after break-ups and divorces, wanting to reclaim a sense of self-identity, while recovering from illnesses or expressing courage after dealing with abuse. In my experience, hair is definitely intertwined with our mental health.” In fact, psychologists suggest that a change in physical characteristics is the easiest way to feel like you’re back in charge, especially when you’re in a situation when things are largely out of your control. Case in point – the current lockdown.

The Covid-19 outbreak has brought the whole world to a grinding halt – its impact is so vast that most countries are under a lockdown or in self-isolation. We’re bombarded with bleak and depressing news all day long, and naturally, people are ridden with constant anxiety, worry and even loneliness (thanks, #socialdistancing) right now. So in unprecedented times like these, how do you get by and emote without being able to get to a stylist’s chair?

UNDERSTANDING THE BOND