Because… obviously!

Before arriving at Barnard, I was puzzled over how I would complete the time-honored tradition of getting a “Barnard chop.” I already had a bob and the thought of getting a pixie cut sent shivers down my spine. Two weeks into my first semester, the answer became clear. I had to get a mullet—and soon—my bob was literally and figuratively weighing me down.

Once I had my heart set on a mullety future I began the research stage. Pinterest became my best friend, my confidant if you will. Images of 1990s Winona Rider occupied at least 60% of my brain at all times. But the more I looked at pictures and watched Brad Mondo tutorials, the more I realized how woefully unprepared I was to execute this vision. Although I’ve had my fair share of hair adventures—from crooked bangs to botched layers—let’s just say all of them ended in tears. That’s when I remembered my friend who was visiting that weekend had cut his own hair. When I asked them to be my impromptu hairdresser, he enthusiastically agreed. A plan was set in motion.

After my friend arrived we set out on a quest for hair-cutting scissors, something I had actually never once used to cut my own hair! When we got back, I rinsed my hair and then it was time to chop! To ease any nerves, I put an episode of Gilmore Girls on my computer. In hindsight, this wasn’t the best idea seeing as I’m still pulling strands of hair out of my keyboard (ick!)

Exactly one dramatic episode later, my hair was finished. I ran over to the mirror and was immediately overjoyed. Not only did I look slightly more like George Harrison than before, but the cut was incredibly even and exactly what I wanted. All in all, I had a lovely Barnard Chop experience and encourage anyone who has been mulling over a chop to do it! And don’t worry, if it turns out lopsided I’ll tell people it’s the new trend.

Pictures via Author

Header via Bwog Archives