Hair is such an integral part of someone’s identity, and the saying “having a bad hair day” did not come out of the blue. Using hair to express oneself is extremely common, so if someone’s hair starts to face some problems, it only makes sense that it would affect their confidence.
This piece will look at why exactly hair health is linked to confidence and, if you are struggling with your hair, how you get your confidence back. Read on to find out more.
Your Hair Stands Out
Someone’s hair is one of the first things people notice about them, so if it doesn’t look healthy or it looks like they are having issues, it could be easy to spot, and some people feel paranoid about it.
If your hair is thinning, or falling out, you are experiencing bold patches, or you have dandruff or psoriasis, it could feel like everyone is staring. The thing is – even though it might be more noticeable to you than anyone else (which is usually the case), how you feel about your hair will also affect how you present yourself, such as your body language and your personality.
If you have healthy hair or you are happy with your hair, this can make a difference in how you feel and how you behave – which could significantly impact your life.
It Can Be a Reflection of Your Overall Health
Hair issues are extremely common, and are not always linked to a specific health issue. Sometimes someone just gets the hair they are given, and they have to work with it! However, it can be symbolic of a bigger issue at play, which can also have a significant effect on confidence.
If you are feeling unwell, are lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, or have other issues going on physically or mentally, this can have a significant impact on your confidence too. If you are experiencing hair loss, or scalp conditions and are also feeling unwell, a trip to your doctor would be the best course of action.
Being unwell and having hair issues can affect your self-esteem, but what happens if you come back with a clean bill of health and your hair is still struggling?
Unfortunately, sometimes hair loss is genetic, and there is little that someone can do to stop it. In these events, though, there are treatments out there to help you have a full crown again! Try a London hair transplant clinic and go for a consultation to see what they can do for you.
There Is Science Behind It
Hair can be such an intrinsic part of our identity that even scientists have set out to see if there is any link between hair health and confidence, and what they have found might surprise you! One study by Opinion Matters showed that 68% of 1024 women agreed that having a bad hair day caused a decrease in confidence, affecting their work performance negatively. There have also been other studies to back up that a bad hair day can impact your mood, behavior, and even how you see yourself.
Taking Care of Your Hair Can Increase Self Esteem
Because of such significant anecdotal findings of bad hair days affecting mood, performance, and behavior, it makes sense that someone would want to take care of their hair as much as possible, and there are plenty of ways you can do this.
- Establish a Routine – A great way to work out what works for your hair is to try a routine for a while to see what works for you.
You might want to try out products formulated specifically for curls if you have curly hair. Much like if you struggle with dandruff, it is worth looking at medicated shampoos. - Speak to a Professional – If you can, make an appointment with a trichologist. This is someone who specializes in hair and scalp health. They will be able to assess your situation and give you recommendations and advice on improving your condition. That being said, a dermatologist is also a viable option if you cannot see a trichologist. It is worth speaking to a professional before you decide on any treatments, as they should be able to advise the best course of action for you.
- Eat a Diet Rich in Nutrients – The best way to take care of your hair is to ensure you are eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. That way, your body can get everything it needs to help keep your scalp in good condition and your hair growing healthy.
Work On Your Confidence Despite Your Hair
Sometimes you can be in a position where you are unable to do anything about your hair immediately, which could leave you feeling like you are in a little bit of a pickle. The next best thing you can do while waiting for help is to work on separating how you feel about yourself and your hair. You are more than just your hair; remember that your capabilities, personality, and behavior are still yours, regardless of your appearance, which can go a long way toward improving your confidence again.
Make sure to put things into perspective whenever you can, take steps to help your condition, whether that be treatment or options such as wigs, and it also might be worth speaking to a therapist about your feelings too.
While how you look on the outside directly correlates with how you feel on the inside, it is important to remember that it is nowhere near the be-all and end-all.
Confidence often comes from how you look, and your hair is a big part of that, and when that is not in the best condition, your confidence can take a hit. These are just a few examples of why hair might not be as healthy as it should, and how it is linked to confidence, but it is important to remember that confidence does come from within!
