The Problems Women Have With Hair

Hair presents a conundrum of conflicting problems to women.
On the one hand they are troubled by loss of hair, any hair at any time. The presumption is that hair is flattering, youthful, and aggrandizing.
At the opposite end of the spectrum women obsess about what to do with hair when they have it. Used incorrectly, as it is often worn by women, it works to their disadvantage (a bald man can write this with impunity since he has no hair-ax to grind) .
I will ignore the nascent attempts at creativity by young women since this is the time in their lives for experimenting with all sorts of presentations to the world. However, adult women should have completed their experiments and should have learned something about the message that hair styles produce.
I will try to list the most obvious hair styles women use to their disadvantage:
The Samson Neurosis- Long attributed to men the Samson neurosis implies that the longer one’s hair is worn the more strength (and youth?) it gives to the wearer. When I see hair down the back my first thought is the woman is identifying with a horse and the more it is flaunted the more ridiculous it looks. Older women trying to look young: ring a bell with anyone? Add 20 years to your appearance.
Bangs – Bangs cover the forehead. They create a lowered frame for the face and project a tiny face from the wearer. Also an up-tight, taciturn look. Tiny is cute in a child, it has no place projecting maturity and vivacity in an adult. Add 14 years to one’s appearance and a complementary membership the DAR.
The Mata Hari Look - Hair worn forward covering the cheeks. This is the best look for narrowing the face beyond that which nature has already produced with time and is a non-verbal sign for “aging”. It is also a good sign for reduced self-esteem since it shrinks the face to its minimum and advertises “I am hiding”. In this it does have a relation to youth who hide their hands within their sleeves, and their faces within their hoods. Looking young and timid may be appropriate for children; it is not in an adult.
Given these misconceptions and possible delusions, try pushing your hair behind your ears, exposing your forehead, and wearing hair no longer than shoulder length. Unless, of course, you are opposed to looking your youthful best.