“The hairstyle makes me feel sexy, which isn’t a word I use to describe myself, like, ever.” These words echo the sentiment participated by numerous who have endured the transformative power of a visit to the salon. A hairstyle is not just a trim; it’s a metamorphosis. It has the power to alter our appearance, boost our confidence, and reflect our personalities. moment, we’ll embark on a trip with three members of Cupofjo, each witnessing their unique style elaboration. From shaggy cinches to satiny cuts, their ahead and after shots tell a story of reinvention and tone- expression. Join us as we claw into the world of transformative hairstyles and the impact they’ve on those who dare to embrace change.
1. Vira
Meet Vira, a Cup of Jo reader who recently embarked on a new chapter in her life after completing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. Specializing in wearable technologies for human health, Vira spent over five years dedicated to her studies. Now, as she transitions from academia to the professional world, she’s ready to mark this exciting milestone with a fresh hairstyle.
COJ. Have you played around with your hair in the past?
A: Like my research, I approach my appearance with an experimental mindset. Just as some experiments in the lab don’t always go as planned, I’ve had my fair share of hair experiments that didn’t quite pan out. But, as they say, fail fast and adapt!
Have you ever had any truly disastrous cuts?
A: In college, a spontaneous decision to dye my hair purple turned into a bit of a disaster. I’ve also experienced my fair share of not-so-great haircuts. But hey, hair grows back, right?
How do you feel coming in here?
A: Excited, yet a little nervous. Change can be daunting, but I’m ready for it.
Vira’s Thoughts on the Final Cut:
A: There’s definitely a bit of shock seeing myself with short hair again, but it’s kind of exciting! I’m envisioning Halloween costumes already—I could totally pull off The Incredibles’ Edna Mode, don’t you think? This haircut is a reminder that embracing change can lead to unexpected, yet delightful outcomes.
*Reagan’s Take: “Vira has the face shape for everything, the hair texture for everything, the street style for everything. She’s just cool. I gave her a classic bob with a few layers, and it will grow out easily for her. She could grow it down her back if she wants. I am prone to giving a long-lasting haircut, it’s a bad business model!”
Vira’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of a haircut, marking not only a change in appearance but also a symbolic step into a new phase of life.
2. SUZY:
Meet Suzy, a Cup of Jo reader who recently welcomed her baby girl into the world in August. Suzy’s last haircut was just before her wedding in July 2022, but it didn’t quite go as planned, leaving her hesitant to visit the salon again. Now, with her hair grown long and lacking shape, Suzy is ready for a change—a look that will breathe fresh confidence into this new season of life.
CoJ: When was your last haircut?
S: Right before my wedding in July 2022. The hairdresser took off more than I wanted, so it put me off haircuts for a while. Then, when I was pregnant, it grew very quickly. Now it’s down to my waist! It doesn’t have much shape and feels heavy on my head.
How old is your baby?
I had my baby girl in August. I’ve neglected to do my hair and makeup since then. I’m hoping to find a new hair look that makes me feel fresh and confident, during this time where so much of myself is being redefined by this tiny human.
That’s understandable.
I feel like my inner being just needs a hug. My friends were surprised that I applied for a hair makeover, but this season of life has been so altering on a cellular level that it feels really nice to have someone say, ‘Hey! I see you and can bring out something beautiful in you.’
Q: Any wild hairstyles in your past?
A: When I was just five years old, during a visit to Korea, I had a spontaneous urge for a perm. My auntie, eager to fulfill my request, whisked me away to a salon, much to my mom’s dismay. Looking back, it’s a funny memory that reminds me of the joy in embracing the unexpected.
Q: How does the new haircut make you feel?
A: Surprisingly, it makes me feel kind of sexy, a word I rarely use to describe myself. Reagan worked her magic, giving me what she calls ‘bedroom hair’—voluminous and playful. It’s a refreshing change that injects a dose of flirtatious drama into my everyday look. I can’t wait to see the reaction from my husband and baby girl!
Reagan’s Take: “Even though Suzy has a new baby, she was still down to have pieces that would fall out of the ponytail. I think it’s cool to have lots of hair falling down that you can tuck behind your ears. That way, it doesn’t look like a gym bun or ponytail, it looks like a messy Julia Roberts updo from a ’90s movie.”
Suzy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of a haircut, not just as a change in appearance but as a symbol of embracing new beginnings and rediscovering confidence in the midst of life’s beautiful chaos.
2. GRACIE:
Meet Gracie, a Cup of Jo reader who recently underwent a series of significant life changes, including the end of a long relationship, leaving a beloved job, and relocating from the serene mountains of New England to the vibrant hustle and bustle of New York City. Despite the challenges she faced, Gracie found solace in the love and support of her twin and two younger brothers, as well as the simple joys of Trader Joe’s Almond Butter Pretzels and late-night voice memos with friends across different time zones.
CoJ: What have you been up to lately?
G: In 2023, I ended a long relationship, left a job I loved, and moved from the quiet mountains of New England to bustling New York City. Basically, a lot of painful growth.
You mentioned needing to make that shift from telling stories with a ‘we’ to telling them with an ‘I.’ It’s a beautiful and moving description of what it’s like to go through a breakup. What has been helpful during this period?
Trader Joe’s Almond Butter Pretzels! Sending voice memos to friends in different time zones. And when I moved to New York, my twin and two younger brothers helped me pack and move. Despite all the ups and downs, I have felt really loved.
Q: Are you someone who has had the same haircut forever or someone who mixes it up?
A: Throughout my life, I’ve mostly kept my hair long and its natural color, with a few memorable exceptions. There was the disastrous at-home dye job in high school that turned my hair inky black and my pillows blue, and let’s not forget the college bob that left me resembling a medieval page boy.
Q: How do you feel?
A: Reagan truly worked her magic, crafting a haircut that perfectly complements my low-maintenance lifestyle. It’s not just a haircut—it’s tangible evidence of the inner changes I’ve undergone during this challenging period of my life.
Reagan’s Take: “After her breakup, Gracie was in that mood where you want to Britney Spears it and shave it all off, but I also knew she’d want to feel like herself. I tried to compromise that by letting her keep her length and giving her a super bold bang. If she still wants to do something rock and roll, next time we’ll cut it all off! People always say that bangs are a commitment, but I don’t feel that way. You’re stuck with them when they’re super short, but before long you can tuck them behind your ear and they’re just a glorified layer. Bangs give huge results with super low risk.”
Gracie’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of a haircut, not just as a change in appearance but as a symbol of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.
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