Hair is an empowering part of being a woman. It is the luscious locks that people are always buzzing about, but things change.

Women are cutting their hair and freeing themselves from the traditional idea of what is considered beautiful. It no longer matters if a person has hair flowing down their back or they feel the wind on their neck from a close shave.

It is a stunning change to see more women feeling adventurous and bold enough to break the mold and try new things with their hairstyle.

Junior journalism major Justice Mirjanovic, said she loved the change in her hair length.

“I was trying to grow out my hair for a really long time and it wasn’t working,” Mirjanovic said. “My hair was so dead because of all the color I had put on it, so I decided to go in the opposite direction and shave it all off.”  

Many women fear the reactions from other people and refrain from cropping. Going short is a decision that takes time and commitment.

“I think that women should have fun and experiment with hair and clothes. I take pride in my appearance because it’s a symbol of who (I am). I love to get dolled up. Everyday is a dress up day for me,” Mirjanovic said.

Having shorter hair is easier. There is less blow-drying, ironing, crimping and use of product. The look is chic and empowering because there is nothing that touches the face. It truly puts the face on display and lets the confidence of the woman take over.

Senior journalism major Matthew Furtado said it is a woman’s personal decision to cut their hair short or let it grow.

“It is brave for a woman to (cut their hair short)  because they get a lot of scrutiny from guys especially,” Furtado said. “If they like their hair that way, more power to them. It’s their hair, it’s their choice.”  

From a business sense, shorter hair makes a woman look more bold at work, and makes one feel like they are on top of the world. The increase in confidence only adds to the feeling of a “boss-esque” demeanor.

Women with short hair are free-thinkers and let their style speak for itself. They do what they want and pave the way for future generations of women to be daring and adventurous—letting go of the traditional.

Sacramento State alumna Keyko Torres-Oki said her short hair gives her more confidence and makes her feel unique.

“I have a long purple mohawk with shaved sides, because I like my hair that way,” Torres-Oki said. “I don’t want to look like anyone else.”

Hair cuts are tricky because many people identify femininity and beauty with long hair, but the length of one’s hair does not define either of these.

“I may not be a ‘lady’ but I am a women. I may have short hair, but I’m definitely feminine. I may hate flowy, floral dresses, but I look fierce in a short, tight skirt,” Torres-Oki said.

Whatever your style may be—long and flowy, short and sassy or spiky and fierce—own it and be proud of your individuality. Having your own style makes you unparallelled to the rest of the world.