Trust me, I would know — I have a pixie cut.
As a beauty writer, I spend my days analysing trends, dissecting beauty standards, and exploring the psychology behind the way we present ourselves. I have written about everything from the rise of lip pencils to the artistry of perfectly made braids. One of the most personal beauty decisions I have ever made was cutting my hair short. When I went for the big chop, it wasn’t on a whim. It was intentional, a moment of clarity where I decided to shed inches of hair, and old versions of myself.
Whether it is a pixie cut, a chic bob, a bold buzz cut, or a tapered Afro, short hair instantly commands attention. It is deliberate, striking, and impossible to ignore. In a world where long, flowing locks are often seen as the ultimate symbol of femininity, cutting your hair short is often an act of self-definition.
The psychology behind the big chop
Hair carries so much history. It reflects old identities, versions of ourselves, and even societal expectations. So when you decide to get a big chop, it is more than just a style change. It is often a reset. For many women, cutting their hair short is about reclaiming control. It is about breaking free from expectations and embracing a look that feels truer to who they have evolved to be. Whether it is a post-breakup transformation, a fresh start after a major life event, or simply a decision to prioritise ease over maintenance, short hair often marks the beginning of something new.
For me, getting a pixie cut was not just about aesthetics. It was about stepping into my power. I wanted to see my face fully, to embrace my features without the distraction of long strands framing them. It was a shift in both style and mindset.
Confidence, rebellion, and standing out
Society has always linked short hair to confidence and rebellion. It is not just about looking different, but about feeling different.
Think of the flappers in the 1920s, chopping off their hair to defy gender norms. Think of the iconic bobs of the 1960s that symbolised modernity and independence. Today, we see women like Lupita Nyong’o with her natural cropped cut, Miss DSF and Nancy Isimen with their sleek short styles, and Cynthia Erivo confidently rocking a shaved head, all proving that short hair is about attitude, not length.
And then there is me, a beauty writer based in Lagos, rocking a pixie cut and knowing that my choice to keep my hair short says something: I am fearless. It says, “I do not need to hide behind anything” and “I know exactly who I am.”
Femininity redefined
One of the biggest misconceptions about short hair is that it makes women look less feminine. But the truth is, short hair does not take away femininity—it enhances it.
A sharp bob frames the face beautifully. A tapered cut highlights the cheekbones. A buzz cut draws attention to the eyes, making them even more striking. There is nowhere to hide, and that makes it so powerful.
With short hair, styling becomes more intentional. A bold pair of earrings, a striking lip colour, or a perfectly tailored outfit stand out even more. Short hair forces you to own your look with confidence, and that is the ultimate expression of femininity.
The emotional reset: Cutting ties with the past
There is a reason so many women cut their hair after major life changes. It’s not just about looking different, but about feeling different.
When I cut my hair, I felt lighter, as if I had shed an old version of myself. There is something symbolic about letting go of the weight, both physically and emotionally. It is a declaration that you are ready to move forward, unburdened.
Psychologists say that making a visible change, like cutting your hair, helps reinforce an internal transformation. Whether it is the end of a relationship, the beginning of a new career, or simply a decision to do something daring, short hair often marks the start of a new chapter.
The freedom of short hair
Beyond the emotional and psychological impact, let’s talk about the sheer practicality of short hair. Wash days are quicker. Styling is easier. There is no worrying about humidity, breakage, or endless detangling. Short hair gives you more time, less stress, and a sense of effortless chic that long hair often requires work to achieve.
And let’s not forget the confidence boost that comes with short hair. It gives “I have my life together” energy, even when you are running on three hours of sleep. It is the look that makes a statement without even trying.
Short hair is not just a style choice. It is a mindset. It is about confidence, self-assurance, and knowing exactly who you are.
Personally, getting a pixie cut is more than just a haircut. It reflects my personality, independence, and love for beauty in all its forms. It is a reminder that femininity is not about length but about presence and how you carry yourself.
And if there is one thing I know for sure, it is this: a woman with short hair is a woman who knows her power.
