The Pros and Cons of Changing Your Hairstyle Too Frequently

A recent article posted on TheFrisky.com focused on number of times that female celebrities change their hairstyles. Some women change their hair almost as often as they change their clothes. And sometimes (especially in African American communities) ladies are "forced" to alter their style in order to remedy some sort of "hair malfunction." Seeing our favorite celebs donning a new cut or color each month can be quite exciting. We're encouraged to embrace new styles as a way of expressing ourselves as women. But unless you're changing your look with the aid of wigs, switching up your hair game can have its ups and downs. There's nothing wrong with a little experimentation. But these Pros and Cons may alter the way you approach your hair styling attitudes.

Pro: Changing your hair style alters the way your hair falls.

Altering the direction in which you comb or brush your hair can be an especially good thing if the hairstyles you tend to choose pull the hair tightly from the scalp (ponytails, braids, etc.) You may actually prevent breakage in certain spots by easing up on the tension provided by clips, rubber bands, and other hair styling accessories.

Con: Chemical treatments, weaves, and other hair accoutrement may be damaging to your tresses.

There is nothing wrong with taking things in a different direction every once in a while. But make sure that the styles are not more damaging than the mood you're attempting to change. Hair that is accustomed to being styled a certain way may not bend to your will as easily as you'd like. Make sure that you're fully investigating the consequences of a particular style change, especially if you are using chemical treatments.

Pro: Changing your hairstyle is cheaper than changing your wardrobe.

Sometimes in order to create a new look, all you have to do is alter the way you style your hair. You can easily save money-avoiding indulgent shopping trips merely by addressing the way you look at the top (your head.) Sometimes, in order to gain a new perspective on the wardrobe you already have, you simply need a new haircut.

Con: Your hair changes may be more expensive than you might think.

On the other hand, changing your color frequently may not just damage your hair, it might also damage your pocket book. You must consider the fact that highlights, lowlights, and other chemical processing involved in obtaining new styles often requires a new way to care for the hair between salon visits. You may not be able to use the same shampoos and conditioners with each style/color or even haircut. Thus, you may end up with tons of expensive products that you only get to use once or twice.

Pro: Changing your hairstyle may actually encourage growth.

Your hair needs a few key elements in order to grow. Water is one of those ingredients. Women have varying hair washing schedules. A new 'do may dictate the absorption of more water-especially if you wash hair more often--thereby stimulating growth. Getting braids can also help to facilitate growth-especially for African American women, as the hair is given a break from harsh styling techniques. And even combing or brushing your hair can help to invigorate hair. These gentle massages may help to "wake up" hair follicles, stimulating growth.

Con: Frequent, drastic hair changes may affect your career.

Believe it or not, a different hairstyle each week may adversely affect you at work. Chopping off several inches, or even adding a few inches with extensions probably won't raise too many eyebrows. But if you have a fairly conservative job (or one in which you maintain regular contact with clients)-then switching up colors and lengths dramatically may hinder your career path. It isn't that people don't like change. But when you're dealing with the public, or with people who have granted you a good deal of responsibility-flakiness in your hair styling choices may suggest flakiness elsewhere (bad hair pun intended.)

SOURCES:

www.cosmopolitan.com
www.thefrisky.com
www.ivillage.com
www.hairboutique.com