Mindset and Hair we all have it. Hair is something we all have. Some let it grow, some shave it, some style it, while others let it grow wild. But does the way we carry our hair reflect our mindset?
Hair styles change over time. In ancient Egypt it was commonplace that both men and women were shaved. Where as in Viking culture long hair was common place. Flash forward to more recent times and it was common place that men have short/shaved hair and women have long hair. So before looking at hair and mindset we will have a look at the cultural aspect of hair.
Hair and mythology
Medusa and Samson, there are few who have no knowledge of the stories around these two. Medusa who is known for her snake hair and Samson whose hair was the source of his extra ordinary strength.
Various myths include one giving up their hair to save a loved one. In many stories the wizard/sage dons long hair and a beard, making hair a symbol of wisdom. Even more interesting than those two is how Native Americans look at and regard hair. According to them hair brings a sixth sense with it, long hair bestows one with extra sensory capabilities. It is said that their famous tracking skills are/were attributed to their long hair. Being sought after to be scouts in the US army but underperforming after getting a military cut. Could the feeling of your neck hair standing up be linked to the Native American belief?
Shaving of hair
Mankind has been shaving hair for as far back as history takes us. In some cases hair was shaved for hygiene. The shaving of hair for a hygienic reason became more prevalent during ancient Egyptian civilisation, where shaving started to be associated with class and status.
On the flip side in European civilisations men and women sported long hair and in various styles. Where hair was also seen as a symbol of power and freedom. For men this changed when Alexander the Great noted the benefits of having short/no hair during combat. Fast forward and the shaving of hair is done to create uniformity and/or show that one belongs to a certain community. Just as shaving is common place in one community, growing one’s hair is common place in another.
The link to mindset comes when looking at why one grows or shaves their hair and the care that goes into it. Some use their hair style to distinguish themselves from others. A clear link to expression of individuality and the mindset needed to that. Hairstyles bring different reactions depending on the community, country or even small group of friends. To deal with these reactions one must possess a certain degree of mental fortitude. Which brings a link to hair being a symbol of power and freedom, regardless of the length.
Haircare and styling can take hours depending on hair length and hair type. Does the amount of care that goes into taking care of one’s hair reflect the care with which one handles life? Hair care requires patience but does this patience extend itself to other aspects of life?
What is your take?