Sparking outrage and solidarity in the curl community, one woman's story has gone viral.
Her woeful tale is a 'hard relate' that has ignited a massive social media response, reminding us that we've all been there!
After an all too relatable video emerged of an Australian woman sharing her experience of post haircut trauma. Her experience went viral and sparked a huge outrage online amongst her followers after she shared her distressing story on TikTok.
Her experience not only serves as a reminder of the importance of finding a reliable hairdresser, but also highlights the value of knowing how to recover from hair mishaps.
Because let's be honest, they do happen!
The Incident
The woman, a TikTok influencer who dedicates her time to curly hair content, visited a curly hair specialist salon in Sydney with high expectations. However, the result was far from satisfactory.
In the video, she reveals her new haircut, which was drastically uneven, thinned out and far shorter than she had requested. Her reaction was heart-wrenching; "Guys, I know it's just hair, but I went to a curly hair specialist today. This studio only does curly hair, and this..." she says, pulling out two distinct layers of her hair. One layer is very short and curly, while the other is long and limp. "This is curling up," she points to the short layer, "and none of this is curling up," she adds, showing the longer, lankier strands.
Expressing feelings of devastation and regret, the young lady questioned how such a professional could make such a grave mistake.
This incident quickly caught the attention of her followers, many of whom expressed outrage and sympathy. Some commented suggesting she should take legal action, “if that were me, I would sue!”. Highlighting how deeply a bad haircut can affect someone’s self-esteem and emotional well-being, this video struck a chord with over 3 million viewers.
The Emotional Impact
Receiving a haircut that doesn't meet expectations can lead to a range of emotions. (Usually negative!) As seen in the TikToker's case, it can cause distress, anger, and a total loss of confidence. The emotional toll can be significant, as our hair often plays a key role in how we perceive ourselves and how we are perceived by others. And let's face it, hair grows back but it does take time- especially if your hair is curly and prone to shrinkage.
To be fair, stylists have a tough job, and they often cop a lot of flak for not being able to instantly recreate stylised photoshoot 'looks' on everyday men and women.
As we waltz into salons with our saved Pinterest boards of hairstyles we envision ourselves walking out with, and we become emotional when stylists don't quite get it right, or can't recreate the exact look in our hair.
There are certainly two sides to every coin. However, somewhere in the middle, finding the balance between a botched haircut and unrealistic expectations can be tricky.
Steps To Recovery
If you’re reeling from a bad haircut, a styling botch up or a colour gone wrong, here are some ideas that can help you get through while your hair grows out.
Accept the Situation: The first step in overcoming a bad haircut is acceptance. The fifth stage of grief - acceptance is key to moving forward and finding a solution. While it may be difficult, accepting the situation allows you to think clearly about the next steps without being clouded by negative emotions.
Consult a Trusted Hairdresser. If you really don't want to go back to the salon that caused the damage, check some reviews and seek out a professional with a good reputation for fixing hair mishaps. Ask for recommendations and find someone who will listen to your concerns and help you find a solution to the problem.
Use Hydrating Styling Products: We know when it comes to hair care, its hydration, hydration, hydration. It's the key that unlocks healthy hair.
Investing in high-quality styling products can make a significant difference to making sure your hair is healthy. Products like Hold it Hairspray (brand new to the LOHY range!!) or Chutzpah Volumising Mousse can help manage and style your hair to make it look more voluminous and structured, even when it’s shorter or uneven. LOHY’s products are aimed to hydrate, restore and care for damaged and dry hair so they're perfect for assisting in fixing hair mishaps.
Consider Protein Hair Treatments: Treatments, protein masks or products like K18 and Olaplex can help restore the health and appearance of your hair. These treatments strengthen hair strands and improve texture, making it easier to manage and style. Deep Conditioning hair masks like Drench & Quench work wonders in restoring hydration to damaged ends.
Try New Styles: It's scary to try new styles when you feel like your hair has just been cut to pieces, however, experimenting with different hairstyles that suit your new cut can temporarily help you feel better. Sometimes, a bad haircut can be an opportunity to try something new that you wouldn't have considered otherwise. Accessories like headbands, scarves, and clips can also help in disguising uneven cuts.
Patience is Key: Hair grows back, albeit slowly. While waiting for your hair to grow out, focus on keeping it healthy and well-nourished. Regular trims can help shape your hair as it grows, preventing split ends and promoting healthier growth.
Finding The Right Hairdresser
Finding a good hairdresser who gets your hair is hard, but not impossible! In an attempt to prevent future hair traumas look for professionals who specialise in your hair type and have a track record of satisfied clients. Don’t hesitate to ask for consultations before committing to a haircut and during the consultation, discuss your hair goals and pay attention to their understanding and suggestions.
Hair trauma is a common and sometimes deeply personal experience. By sharing her story, the TikToker highlighted the emotional impact and the value in finding the right support to recover from such incidents. The woman posts photos of her hair prior to the haircut she also talks about how she felt returning to the salon to address her concerns post haircut. Despite finally speaking to a manager who was "nice about it", she felt the salon didn't initially take her complaints seriously. "My hair is so thin, it's been so thinned out, that it won't even curl now," she sobs. "My hair won't even curl now because they thinned it out so much."
Most of the time, hairdressers and salon owners will be more than willing to help unsatisfied clients, as it’s really devastating for a stylist to have an upset client. Usually they want to do whatever they can to fix it.
Accepting the situation, using quality products, seeking professional help, and having patience are all essential steps in overcoming hair trauma. Remember, hair grows back, and with the right care and approach, you can restore both your hair and your confidence - check out our blog: 12 ways to survive a bad haircut if you need more guidance.
It’s worth noting that despite the woman's hair catastrophe, she now appears to be in Europe, enjoying her holiday as planned, proving that a bad haircut won't stop her from living her best life.
For more details on the TikToker’s story, you can read the full article here.
Love & Hydration xx
