Photo: Contributed

Our hair is a direct reflection of how we want the world to perceive us. Whether it is used as a fashion accessory that changes every six weeks, or simple elegance that is never altered, the finished product is ultimately a mirror of us from the inside. It is intriguing how our locks can play such a huge role in our lives: all you have to do is think about a bad hair day - how did that impact your mood?

There are so many factors that play in how we accessorize our heads with hair. Depending on culture or personal belief systems we begin to develop a style of our own and adapt it to portray who we are. This is what makes us each unique, each individual. To live in a world without the freedom to express ourselves through hair trends and fashion, we would all look the same.

On a recent business trip to Germany I took the time to visit Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg. This heart wrenching experience shed light on some of the darkest times in human history, however, it was important for me to respectfully understand the atrocity. Before we entered the gates our guide explained to us how the SS began to ‘de-humanize’ the prisoners before they were admitted. One important step stood out to me - it began with shaving their heads of all hair.

As I looked around my group of fellow tourists, I noted the differences in each head of hair. Some had red highlights, thick masses of curl, bobs and so on; it was easy to observe how not only could an identity be stripped, but one’s self esteem and confidence would dramatically diminish. We were told that this practice was done so that the guards would not have any individual connection to any of the prisoners. To me it was a demonstration of obliterating self-confidence and worth.

Working behind the chair every day also provides a chance to bear witness to human behavior and the deep impact that hair plays in our lives. It was interesting to observe when I asked women the same question: ‘What do you like LEAST about your hair right now?’ they would subconsciously begin to tell me all the things they do not like about themselves OR their bodies. It seems strange that when these same women were asked what they enjoyed BEST, they could not provide nearly the same amount of feedback!

At the end of the day, what do all of these observations and reflections mean? For everyone it will be something different. Perhaps something you can identify with, or something that means nothing at all. Simply it is all about becoming aware of being aware.

When we make choices in our lives, or simply proclaim a statement, are we truly aware of how that decision is being made? Is it based on past experience? Belief systems? Or opinion? The simplest way to find out is to breathe deeply, concentrate and assimilate your response and create inner reflection of how your answer makes you feel. If you are in any way calling yourself down, then you are not speaking the truth for your higher good.

Creating awareness of how you regard yourself and your potential will open your heart and mind to a new dimension of acceptance. Nothing can be more joyous then celebrating a new look that can brighten the cloudiest morning after a visit to the salon.

No one says it better than Lady Gaga in her latest single ‘Hair’: ‘I am my hair.

It's all the glory that I bare. I am my hair.’