MANASVI SHARMA BAWA

That pretty face you see up there with all that hair, that is me. (No modesty in this generation I tell you!)

I have had long hair all my life. Literally. The last time I chopped my long locks was when I was 7 years old, in II grade right after I saw an Indian movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where the female lead I LOVED sported a bob cut. I slept through half of that movie, as I do most of the times. By the end of it I had just seen the first part of the movie and was convinced I wanted short hair like Kajol (the female lead). I even bought the red dungarees she is seen wearing in the film.

Oh, you stupid child.

At that time, I had long luscious hair my mother dear had taken great care of. They were so long I could give Rapunzel a run for her money.

But, my mule streak was strong and I wanted a haircut. Hunger strikes, no talking, pleading and much more followed. My father was against it and so was my mum, they loved my hair. But hey, turns out they loved me more *WIN* What followed was a trip to a fancy Shehnaz Hussain salon which was all the rage at the time and after much pleading and bribing of the gentleman chopping my hair off who din’t want to, I got what I wanted. SHORT HAIR!!!!!

I loved it for three days. Then I wanted my long hair back.

What followed was 20 years of long hair and every time I thought of chopping them off, I was reminded of that one time I did.

20 YEARS!

I just turned 27 and one day sitting idle, I decided I wanted to chop ’em off!

And, I did, much to the shock of many. “WHY” “You had such lovely locks” etc followed.

Well, here is why I cut my hair off;

1. CHANGE. I had the same hairstyle for 20 years!
2. QUALITY. My hair was crappy. Trust me.
3. No more hiding behind my “long locks”.
4. ITS JUST HAIR!!!

It will grow back, if I want it to. It may never be of the length I had but hey, I don’t even want it that way.

I also realize that maybe the short hair doesn’t suit me. Maybe I look older or bleh or whatever. But, this is something I had to do. I was tired of hiding behind my long locks, I want to know what I am without my long hair. It’s a psychological thing I cannot explain, but chopping my hair off has given me a chance to explore who I truly am without that length of my hair.

Also, without being too philosophical, I needed a change and I went and did something about it. One more adventurous thing done for 2016. The year I will remember for a lot of reasons.

After this marathon session, I was left with a question in my mind. Why are we so attached to something as small as our hair? Why is it such a big deal? I am mighty confused and don’t get me wrong, I am not preaching cause I was stuck with the same hairdo for over 20 years. Why is the length of our hair so important?

Kudos to the women who go bald, on purpose. That must take a special brand of courage.

Anywho. That was my story. Do share if you guys have any “dramatic renditions” of hair.

This one is in the memory of my dead frazzled long hair. Rest easy in hair heaven, guys.

Until then as always stay tangled! xx