Hair is more than strands on our heads; it’s a form of self-expression and a glimpse into who we are. As people around the world embrace unique styles, there’s one thing for sure: Hair is personal.
Different haircuts mean different things to different people. Their value extends across ages and cultures and shows up in writing across genres. Even former Common Sense staff writer and alum Justin Linn (this reporter’s brother) wrote about hair for his college essay in 2022, stating that his mullet defined him. That essay got him in to Penn State University.
Freshman Jack Sisco rocks a style that’s been gaining a lot of attention recently: the low-taper, burst-fade mullet. Mullet revivals have become popular in the past few years among boys all over the country. The style combines an older style cut with some modern adjustments. Sisco’s current hairstyle is just the right balance for him. He last had his haircut three weeks ago at Zohra Salon in Park Potomac. He enjoys keeping it fresh and likes the more classic vibe.
On the more expensive side, junior Josh Reid recently received a mid-taper fade and paid $65 for it at Thundershop in Gaithersburg. Reid said he connects his hairstyles to his personality. “It’s all about what feels right to the individual and less about how others perceive the style,” Reid said.
Price is not the only factor in a haircut. For sophomore Sofia Sklias, the complexity of the style is also critical. She wears long layers: a cut that requires lots of hair to blend all the different lengths smoothly. Her last haircut cost $160 at Salon 4 in Rockville. While the price might raise an eyebrow, Sklias believes it’s worth the investment for the look she goes for. Her last salon visit was three weeks ago, and she’s keeping her hair in its signature, flowing shape. While students feel good about some cuts and styles, others are less popular. As for Reid, he dislikes waves. “A hairstyle I dislike is an Edgar,” Sisco said.
Some find sharp-lined cuts with a fluffy side and front appealing. Sklias said she dislikes the style named the bob. According to shefinds.com, the bob is rated the number one worst haircut for a woman to have. “My least favorite style is a bob,” Sklias said.
Students tend to highlight a larger trend in the world of haircuts: individuality. Whether it’s a pricey salon visit or a quick trip to a barbershop, the choice of hairstyle reflects personal taste and not necessarily what’s trending. What one person finds ugly or outdated might be the next person’s go-to look or style.
