Are you sick of having bad hair days?
A scientist has revealed the simple solution for when your locks turn frizzy, flat, grey, or simply refuse to do what you want.
According to Elly Anastasiades, a PhD research at Anglia Ruskin University, the key is embracing your natural hair, rather than actively working against it.
‘That might involve speaking to a hairdresser, seeking inspiration, trying different products or simply learning more about your hair,’ she explained in an article for The Conversation.
‘There’s never been more information available, much of it free. The goal isn’t perfect hair – it’s finding ways to care for your own.’
The news will come as no surprise to many Brits, who regularly take to social media to express their relief after embracing their natural hair.
@sstrange05 posted a video showing off her grey hair, writing: ‘Hi I’m Sarah, and this is your sign to stop dying your hair in 2026.’
Meanwhile, @ellesha_katie shared a video of her curly hair, writing: ‘This is your sign to embrace your natural hair.’
Are you sick of having bad hair days? A scientist has revealed the simple solution for when your locks turn frizzy, flat, grey, or simply refuse to do what you want (stock image)
The news will come as no surprise to many Brits, who regularly take to social media to express their relief after embracing their natural hair
For her study, Ms Anastasiades set out to understand the relationship between people and their hair.
‘Hair has long been linked to identity, confidence, body image and quality of life,’ she said.
‘Research has shown that hair loss can affect psychological wellbeing in both men and women, while changes in hair texture, colour or style can influence how people see themselves and how they believe others see them.
‘Yet despite decades of research into appearance and body image, psychology has paid surprisingly little attention to one simple question: what does it actually mean to have a positive relationship with your hair?’
The researcher interviewed 21 men and women about their experiences with their hair, and found a common theme – people with a positive relationship with their hair took the time to understand it.
‘Instead of spending their energy trying to force their hair to become something it wasn’t, they worked with its natural characteristics,’ she said.
‘They cared for it, respected it and, crucially, didn’t allow a bad hair day to become a judgment about themselves.’
If this sounds appealing, Ms Anastasiades says the best place to start is getting to know your hair.
An event was recently hosted in London aimed at bald men, dubbed ‘Bald Fest’. One newly bald attendee described shaving his head as the ‘best decision’
She said: ‘Every head of hair has its own texture, density, growth pattern and quirks. Instead of asking why your hair won’t behave like someone else’s, spend time understanding what makes yours unique.
‘What does it do well? What helps it thrive? What have you never really learned about it?’
While it might sound daunting, Ms Anastasiades also advises experimenting with your hair – with different styles, lengths or ways of wearing it.
‘Like any relationship, the one you have with your hair will have good days and bad days,’ she concluded.
‘But my research suggests that when we stop trying to control our hair and start understanding it instead, we may find something more valuable than the elusive “perfect hair”: a healthier relationship with ourselves.’
It’s not just women who are embracing their natural hair.
An event was recently hosted in London aimed at bald men, dubbed ‘Bald Fest’.
One newly bald attendee described shaving his head as the ‘best decision’.
He said: ‘It’s been on my mind for a while. I was just holding onto it for way too long, and I was scared. But it’s the best decision. I have so much more confidence now.’
