Hair is a subject that is very important to women and their self-esteem. We often see our hair as a reflection of our identity because it is both personal and public. The positive or negative view of one’s hair can greatly affect a woman. Hair, its length, texture and colour, all affect how a person looks and how they will be perceived. Throughout history, hair had significance in women’s life. It is directly associated with the beauty and youthfulness of women. Many women feel that a bad hair day equals a bad day. Every woman craves for long, shiny, straight and smooth hair. Women can speak a lot via their hair and hairstyle. Hair is one of the assets for women.
These are just a few of the things hair has symbolized for women throughout time, which resulted in the importance of hair to women.
1. Femininity
History shows that hair is a symbol of femininity. During the civil war when women weren’t allowed to go on to the battlefield, hundreds of women soldiers disguised themselves as men by cutting off their hair, eventually being imprisoned upon discovery. After the Battle of France in 1940, French women’s heads were shaved as punishment for their romantic relationships with German soldiers. This is the reason why, hair represents femininity, even till today.
2. Identity
It’s no wonder women feel like their hair is a “crowning glory,” as this phrase dates back to Biblical times. According to 1 Corinthians 11: 15, “but for a woman, if her hair is abundant, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.” The negative implication of shaved head is also shown in 1 Corinthians 11: 5, “and every woman, who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered, dishonours her head; for she is on a level with her whose head is shaven.” Till today, the negative implication of a woman with a bare head is apparent in society.
3. Freedom and beauty
Hair is a symbol of beauty for a long time. Women with long and straight hair were considered beautiful. In ancient times, steam and natural oils were used for keeping hair straight, shiny, and smooth. This is the reason why queens and princesses used to have the handmaidens for hairstyling. The handmaidens used to style the hair using flowers and hair accessories. There were different hairstyles with different attires. Even in the limited resources, princesses and queens used to have eye catchy hairstyles.
4. Liberation
Hair and hairstyle portrayed the symbol of liberation as well. In the 1950s, female communists and soldiers in China favoured a short bob cut just below the ears. This simple hairstyle was named the “Liberation Hairdo” because it is a symbol of women taking control over their own lives. Women continue to use their hairdo to express themselves.
The hair and beauty industry is a multibillion-dollar industry. This is not just because many of us believe that appearances are important, but also because our hair represents our personality, thoughts and beliefs. You will be delighted to know that Oriental Hair Solutions can help you maintain and upkeep your hair so that your hair health is always in the tip-top condition.