Tara, 36, lightened up her hair–and her outlook on life! Here’s her inspiring makeover story.
Why did you give yourself a makeover?
It had to happen. I never really talked about having Cerebral Palsy because it had been my experience that people would not know what it was and despite my explanations, often misunderstood. Finally things came to a head when I had knee surgery and faced a long recuperation (not being able to walk). I realized that my hair was physically heavy like my being had been for so many years, this not talking freely about my disease. At first I wanted to take a pair of scissors and start chopping my hair even though I had waited years for it to grow out. But I cooled down and took the sensible approach and went with my walker into the salon and said “take it all off and play with the color.”
What was the reaction of your girlfriends?
Some stared shockingly in disbelief. Others stared and smiled as they realized the impact of the change. Some said I looked younger. Others said that they finally saw my face and not just a mass of curls.
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Are you single or in a relationship? How do guys like your new look?
As for the men in my life, I’ve heard some “wows”. Currently, I am single. But now with my new look, I have a new outlook and chances are, being single won’t last for long.
Is it easy to style?
It’s versatile. I can wear it super curly, as I have been practicing the art of creating the perfect curl. All it takes is some patience and twirling my hair around my fingers in a certain manner. I can slick the sides or all of it back. If all else fails, I wear a funky colored fabric or plastic head band and just go.
Do you love it? Will you keep it?
I love my new look. Not only for its styling ease but its expression of freedom. I’m keeping and owning this style for now.
