Although I’m not a country music fan per say, I do like Willie Nelson…..I mean who doesn’t like Willie? He’s an American Icon.
As well he should be after all his years (he’s 77), all his songs (he’s written over 300), and everything else he’s done!
Part of what makes up “The” Willie Nelson is his hair. It’s long! Really long. Well, I should say, it WAS long. After years of his famous braids, Willie now has hair that, while it isn’t exactly short by guy standards, it’s definitely not braidable.
It looks fabulous, and regardless, who am I to tell anyone – be it Willie Nelson or my own kids – how to wear their hair!
What struck me was that even Willie wasn’t sure. He said he has thought about cutting it a lot of different times over the years, but never could get up the where with all to actually put the scissors to his locks. As a fellow person who has usually kept long hair on her head (as long, if not longer than Willie’s), I can fully understand.
I’ve cut my hair twice in my life, both times it was a gigantic, monumental decision….and I’m not even famous; known for the way I look. Mr. T. has worn his hair long for a long time too. He too cut it once, and again, it was a big decision.
The cool thing about cutting your hair though is that you can, almost always, grow it back. So why all the hemming and hawing over a little ol hair cut?
Well, personally, I identify a lot with my hair. I like having it flowing down my back, and being able to tie it back or whatever. It covers me. Like a layer of protection from the world. The times I’ve cut it, I’ve missed it. And honestly, I don’t think I’ll cut it again.
For some, hair is an extension of their spirituality, or even connected to it. This belief is particularly held in relation to children. For example, in some Native American cultures there are tribes that have/had special “coming of age” ceremonies that included cutting the hair for the first time….this wouldn’t be until 7 or, more likely, later.
Then, on the other hand, I know people who can’t stand long hair, and have always had their hair short; women and men.
Hair is definitely a personal thing, and, an important thing; they made a musical about it after all!
As far as Willie Nelson’s hair, I hope he enjoys the cool breeze on his neck and the ease of running a comb through shorter locks. Plus, change is good. And, if we’re lucky, maybe we’ll all get a song out of it from the legendary Mr. Willie Nelson!