2. LONG/SHORT.

"Long hair is not done for older women," people say and write. "Short" is the absolute norm for those women—but is that really true?

Well, I must admit, "short hair" does come with its advantages, and I went along with the general opinion—a short cut and a bit of gel! Less shampoo, dries quickly, no sweaty neck, and no sticky strands of hair. In these times of inflation and saving, it's a bonus, right?

But now, after years of cropped page-boy styles, I've had enough. I'm growing out my hair, ignoring negative comments, and trying to be patient, because growing it longer doesn't happen overnight. During the awkward transition from short to long, there's no suitable hairstyle available, so months pass with an unruly mane that rebels like a teenager.

Going from long to short = no problem Going from short to long = misery

And on this note, I want to share something about Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, the author, who recently appeared on television promoting his new book Alkiviades. The story draws parallels between the decline of Athens and our modern-day democracy—truly something to reflect on. The book spans over seven hundred pages and is a "must-read" for the determined enthusiast among us.

So what does this have to do with long/short hair, you might ask? Well, there he was in the studio—confident, well-groomed—with a stunning mane of long, wavy hair. Women, well, not all of them, but for some, it inevitably stings how unfairly the distribution of beautiful, thick, healthy hair has been dealt by fate.

"Care for Hair" supports cancer patients who, after chemotherapy and hair loss, struggle financially to purchase a wig. Men and women are encouraged to cut and donate their hair (minimum 30 cm) so it can be used to make suitable wigs. I'm not eligible yet myself, but maybe others are!