America's Next Top Model: Bianca's Hair Anxiety
As a woman, I have always been somewhat obsessed with my hair. When I was a teenager, I would NOT step one toe out of my house if every hair on my head wasn't in it's perfect place. My oldest daughter is the same way.
So, my heart ached for 18-year-old Bianca on last week's America's Next Top Model, who had to have her hair cropped down to less than a quarter of an inch off her scalp. If you watch the show, you know that Bianca is the willowly African American girl who came to the show with her hair dyed pink. Host Tyra Banks has expressed her dislike of the pink hair from the beginning.
Last week was the hair makeover episode, and Tyra seemed thrilled that Bianca would finally get a new look.
But, when it was time to dye the teen's hair another, more flattering color, the stylist found that her hair was damaged beyond repair. He told Tyra that if he colored Bianca's hair it would likely fall out. The only recourse was to start from scratch.
Poor Bianca sat in her chair with tears flowing down her cheeks as she was cut and buzzed. She cried yet again when confronted with her shorn head in the mirror. And, when it was time to go back to the house, she climbed into bed, dejected and mourning the loss of her hair.
"I look like a boy," she said.
It was obvious as the show went on that she was very self-conscious and still upset by her lack of hair.
Now, you might think that she's just being silly and should just get over it. But, here's what our WebMD psychologist, Dr. Patricia Farrell has to say:
"Girls and women have always been told that their 'crowning glory' is one of their most important assets, so when there's a bad hair day, it's a problem. But when someone ruins your hair, it's a disaster, " Dr. Farrell says. "Hair provides a sense of self and defines someone's personality, in some ways, sending a signal to others about self-esteem. Armed forces and certain groups shave the heads of members to remove aspects of individuality. Unfortunately, hair is such a part of our culture with its beliefs about how hair should 'look' on males and females, that it remains a defining issue especially in young girls' lives."
And Dr. Farrell has some advice for Bianca and others:
"Every negative thing does have a positive aspect, if you look for it. For instance, suppose, as in the TV program, your hair is ruined and must be cut off. What's one way to approach this in a positive manner? It is really an opportunity to explore aspects of yourself that you may not have considered before. How do people relate to this new you? How can you see yourself in a new light where you, rather than your appearance, is what interests people?"
Since this show was taped long ago, let's hope that Bianca has already discovered these things for herself. It will be interesting to see how she's liking her new look in this week's show.
Oh, and by the way, I haven't noticed ANY references to a quit plan for the young smokers in the past two shows. Have you? Let me know if I've missed something.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: America's Next Top Model, The CW, reality TV, Bianca, hair problems, Tyra Banks
So, my heart ached for 18-year-old Bianca on last week's America's Next Top Model, who had to have her hair cropped down to less than a quarter of an inch off her scalp. If you watch the show, you know that Bianca is the willowly African American girl who came to the show with her hair dyed pink. Host Tyra Banks has expressed her dislike of the pink hair from the beginning.
Last week was the hair makeover episode, and Tyra seemed thrilled that Bianca would finally get a new look.
But, when it was time to dye the teen's hair another, more flattering color, the stylist found that her hair was damaged beyond repair. He told Tyra that if he colored Bianca's hair it would likely fall out. The only recourse was to start from scratch.
Poor Bianca sat in her chair with tears flowing down her cheeks as she was cut and buzzed. She cried yet again when confronted with her shorn head in the mirror. And, when it was time to go back to the house, she climbed into bed, dejected and mourning the loss of her hair.
"I look like a boy," she said.
It was obvious as the show went on that she was very self-conscious and still upset by her lack of hair.
Now, you might think that she's just being silly and should just get over it. But, here's what our WebMD psychologist, Dr. Patricia Farrell has to say:
"Girls and women have always been told that their 'crowning glory' is one of their most important assets, so when there's a bad hair day, it's a problem. But when someone ruins your hair, it's a disaster, " Dr. Farrell says. "Hair provides a sense of self and defines someone's personality, in some ways, sending a signal to others about self-esteem. Armed forces and certain groups shave the heads of members to remove aspects of individuality. Unfortunately, hair is such a part of our culture with its beliefs about how hair should 'look' on males and females, that it remains a defining issue especially in young girls' lives."
And Dr. Farrell has some advice for Bianca and others:
"Every negative thing does have a positive aspect, if you look for it. For instance, suppose, as in the TV program, your hair is ruined and must be cut off. What's one way to approach this in a positive manner? It is really an opportunity to explore aspects of yourself that you may not have considered before. How do people relate to this new you? How can you see yourself in a new light where you, rather than your appearance, is what interests people?"
Since this show was taped long ago, let's hope that Bianca has already discovered these things for herself. It will be interesting to see how she's liking her new look in this week's show.
Oh, and by the way, I haven't noticed ANY references to a quit plan for the young smokers in the past two shows. Have you? Let me know if I've missed something.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: America's Next Top Model, The CW, reality TV, Bianca, hair problems, Tyra Banks
0 Comments:
Post a Comment