How to Move on From a Breakup with a Haircut You Won't Regret

The dramatic haircut — we’ve all had it done to some degree. It’s liberating. It’s transformative. Most of all, it’s an excellent way to, as they say, take “the power back.” Wondering how to move on from a breakup? Many women can attest to the cathartic benefits of a major hair transformation. According to a survey by All Things Hair, 64% of women who changed their hair after a breakup did it to try something new, 48% did it to move on, and 38% said they did it to “claim back their identity.”

The dramatic haircut is also known as the post-breakup haircut, but its triggers are not limited to parting ways with a significant other. Individuals going through a life-changing experience (or a distressing one) are likely to feel the urge to drastically change their hairstyle. Whether that means getting bangs or going from long hair to a pixie cut, it all depends on your tolerance and need for change. Feel like doing something different to your hair? Here’s how you can make sure that you’ll love the result.

This first step is more intuitive than rational. Ask yourself: What hairstyle will give me the most gratification? What haircut have I always wanted to get but was told I couldn’t? It doesn’t have to make sense; you just have to want it. While it may seem like a rash decision to others, the underlying needs or desires may have already been brewing beneath the surface. It won’t even take that much introspection — you’ll just know. 

Now that you have a hairstyle in mind, it’s time to get serious. Let’s say you’ve chosen a pixie cut, which is probably the boldest you could go without getting a buzz cut. Head over to Pinterest and check out different pixie cut styles. Look for women with the same face shape and hair type as yours. This helps you visualize what the hairstyle will look like on you, and how your hair might react to its nuances. Don’t forget to pin your “pegs” for easy reference.

While you’re stewing in your rage, plotting revenge, or heck, maybe living your best life, don’t forget to pay attention to your health. Yes, including your hair health. Apart from eating right, it’s also essential to stay hydrated. A study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry shows that low daily intake of plain water is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression in adults. Dehydration can also affect your scalp and make it prone to damage and dryness. Hydrate with water and water-rich foods to maintain overall health.

Once you’ve decided on the style, go to your suking hairstylist to get the best results. Someone who has handled your hair before has a sense of how your hair will move with certain cuts and layers. They know how your hair behaves when it’s dry when it’s wet, and when it’s been heat-styled. They can also adjust the style to better flatter your face shape. Moreover, they are more likely to be honest with you if a style really will not work. (Not that you’re obliged to listen, but the input still matters.) Please don’t do it yourself. 

We don’t have to tell you — we know you will. The same All Things Hair survey found that 86% of women would get the same haircut again. Seventy-four percent said their new hairstyle made them feel more confident, while 68% said it made them feel happy. Whatever hairstyle you choose, rocking it with confidence will make it look 100 times better. 

Some people see the dramatic haircut as symbolic of getting rid of bad juju. While you’re at it, why not detoxify your hair as well? Using TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo daily helps cleanse hair of impurities and buildup. It contains green tea and ginger, which help clarify the scalp while replenishing lost nutrients. Plus, it has a fresh, invigorating scent that might just put you in a better mood.

Now that you know how to move on from a breakup with the right haircut, go on and make the ultimate power move. To paraphrase Coco Chanel, change your hair, change your life.