Hair Holds Memories

Hair before and after a long to short hair makeover
 
Q: I often see videos on social media of women cutting their long hair drastically short, going for a bob or even a pixie cut. They often say, "hair holds memories," and honestly, they do look happier afterward. Every time I watch those videos, I feel the urge to cut my own hair really short too. But is it true? Does hair actually hold memories?
 
A: Does hair hold memories? From a purely scientific standpoint, no. Hair is made of keratin, a protein that is pushed out from follicles in your scalp. Once it grows beyond the scalp, it’s biologically dead. It doesn’t contain neurons or synapses, and it has no way of storing memories the way our brains do.
 
But when people say, "hair holds memories," they’re expressing something deeply personal and psychological. Hair is often tied to different chapters of our lives: a childhood haircut, the way we styled it during a relationship, the length we maintained through a tough time. The physical presence of hair - its weight, texture, or even the effort needed to maintain it - can be a reminder of those experiences.
 
The joy and sense of freedom people feel after a major haircut often come from more than just the physical change. It can be about:
 
• Letting go – Cutting hair can feel like releasing past emotions or difficult experiences.
 
• Taking control – Making a bold change can be an empowering act of self-determination.
 
• Starting fresh – A new look can symbolize a new chapter in life.
 
• Feeling lighter – Long hair requires care and maintenance, and removing that weight can be physically and emotionally refreshing.
 
If you're feeling the urge to cut your hair short, take a moment to reflect. Are you genuinely excited about a new style, or is it more of an emotional impulse? A haircut can be meaningful, but it won’t erase memories or solve deeper feelings.
 
If you're unsure, you might start with a smaller change before committing to something dramatic, or use a hairstyle app to try out different looks before getting your hair cut.
 
Infographic - Does hair hold memories?
 
Ultimately, hair doesn’t store memories, but we do. The emotions tied to a haircut come from within us, and sometimes, making a change on the outside can help us embrace change on the inside.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also: Can a good haircut lead to the production of dopamine?