HIGHLIGHTS

Okay, so before I start, I have to admit that this is a pretty random article coinciding with a pretty random thought that popped into my head while I was tweeting. So, I stumbled on a Cosmpolitan.com article that reveals what men think about women’s hair, makeup, scents, clothes…everything that we consider uniquely “female.”

I tweeted the link and started thinking hard about the social implications that an article like this creates; because aren’t things that we consider an extension of ourselves and our personalities (hair and fashion, for example) supposed to be for us? Aren’t they supposed to be free from scrutiny and judgement?

We keep stressing the importance of being comfortable in your own skin (and hair!) and doing what makes you truly happy. Every hair care tip and styling suggestion is something for you, our lovely readers, to take into consideration when finding a look that truly suits your personality, your structure, your comfort level and ultimately, your confidence. We don’t consider long hair “sexier” than sorter hair, nor do we claim that blondes are better than brunettes-or vice versa. It’s all about you and what makes you personally happy and confident. So I get a little bit confused when I read tidbits of Cosmopolitan’s “wisdom” that seem to advocate adopting what someone else finds attractive. We as women get so many conflicting messages thrown at us: for example, we’re told that we have to believe we’re beautiful no matter what (now, whether or nor we actually believe that is another discussion entirely). Then, we’re bombarded with messages about what men find sexy, followed by tips and tricks on how to embody the look. Confused yet? I sure am, because I thought that it’s my confidence and personality that I want a potential significant other to see, not how long or shiny my hair is.

I guess to sum it up, I’ve always believed that someone who chases after looks alone is shallow and that I didn’t want to spend my time with someone who can’t see the whole picture. Thus, articles like the Cosmopolitan poll are switching up my thought process a little by encouraging me to consider what other people find attractive. So guys think long hair is sexier than short hair: does that mean I’m not as attractive to men as I could be, because my hair doesn’t go past my shoulders? But wait, I’m not supposed to grow it out if I like my hair short, because I have to be true to myself and show off confidence and personality with a shorter ‘do? Whew, a girl could get a headache following this circle around and around!

What do YOU think, readers? Am I getting the messages mixed up in my mind, or is there a chance that we are actually being fed the idea that we’re beautiful-unless we possess features and styles that aren’t favored by the opposite sex? Weigh in and email me at info@carouselstrands.com…I’d love to hear what you think!