I stand in front of the mirror in the salon while the stylist lifts my hair at various heights behind me, a look of calculation on her face as she tries to decide what I should have done. I told her to go in for the kill and transform me in any way she pleases.

“I think maybe a sleek bob, or a pixie cut, would add some maturity to your face. This long hair does nothing but baby you.” The woman gestures behind me, and I shrug with indecision. Watching as she pulls it up to simulate ...