A Haircut Can Actually Ease Your Winter Blues–Here Are 7 Celeb-Inspired Looks to Try

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When “golden hour” suddenly means 3 p.m. and the workday ends in pitch darkness, you might discover you have to try a little harder to feel good. It’s convenient, then, that so many uplifting traditions are jammed into the early days of winter—like holiday festivities, glittering decor, and in my case, an annual hair transformation.

There was a time—although now, it’s just a distant memory—when I would request a simple trim at every appointment. I used to put haircuts in the same camp as annual physicals and dental cleanings: mere maintenance. That mindset permanently shifted one fall, when impulsively hacking my near waist-length hair to my chin had an unexpected outcome: The dark, cold months were much more bearable. During a time of year when I was typically drained, dry, and down on myself, I felt fresh, bold, and confident. Beyond that, learning to live with and style an unfamiliar cut forced me to invest in myself a little more each day.

Since that first cathartic bob, I’ve rung in every winter with some kind of major hair change, from shaggy layers to icy bleach jobs to multiple rounds of fringe. I wondered if there was a reason—besides my talented stylist—why making an external change seemed to improve my attitude, and it turns out there is. Planning and executing an aesthetic change has a gamification aspect, when the satisfying elements of a game apply in the context of normal life. This is commonly linked to dopamine release, Mary Poffenroth, PhD, biopsychologist and author of A Brave New You, tells SELF.

Here’s how it works: There are potential “obstacles” involved—you might find that your new cut doesn’t suit your face shape or that your judgy coworker isn’t a fan—but those risk factors only amplify the potential payoff. If you’re pleased with your new style, Dr. Poffenroth says, the brain’s reward system responds as if you beat the final level of a video game or had a big win at work. “That positive outcome reinforces the fact that you can plan and execute in a positive way,” she says, which sparks up satisfaction, motivation, and a sense of deep self-assuredness.

Dr. Poffenroth also says that a self-esteem boost from a new do—and all the compliments and attention it might bring—isn’t just vanity talking, it’s human nature. From Zoom calls to profile pictures, we live in a culture where “we are looking at our heads all the time, so [hair] really can be a strong association with our identity,” she says. That’s part of the reason why a great haircut really can make you feel “transformed” or “empowered.” Plus, she notes, humans are a social species, hardwired to seek out acceptance and validation from others as a matter of survival. So even if you understand that your fundamental worth has nothing to do with your hairstyle (true!), you’re still bound to enjoy a genuine lift when your friends hype it up.

An adventurous haircut (with convenient wellness perks) might sound great in theory, but it can also feel impractical or scary to snip outside of your comfort zone. But if there’s a cut with a “risk” factor that piques your interest, the beginning of the winter is the perfect time to experiment: Your bangs will grow out before you’re sweating in the July heat, and, if necessary, you can hide under cozy hats and layers.

Even if you instantly regret your chop—and trust me, I’ve been there—there’s something to gain from giving it a try. Dr. Poffenroth vouches that a big hair change absolutely counts as a “brave choice” no matter the outcome. It’s a harmless yet meaningful leap of faith (with very temporary consequences) that will exercise your “courage muscles” and help bolster your self-confidence and sense of control over your life.

Instead of deterring me from my annual tradition, my least favorite cuts have actually cemented it: There are few greater self-care quests than making the best of a haircut that you’d never repeat simply because you love yourself and you’re stuck with it. Plus, what better excuse to invest in a fancy new hair tool or product or get back in the chair with some fresh inspiration? So even if you gain nothing but a new styling skill and some extra time with yourself each morning, consider this your sign to brighten up your winter with that “risky” haircut you’ve been flirting with. If you still need a push, check out some trending (and tempting) styles below.

1. French bob

2. Curly shag

3. Curtain bangs

4. Butterfly layers

5. Wispy bangs

6. Textured lob

7. Bixie cut

Related:

• Little Ways to Make Your Everyday Life More Luxurious

• Here’s What That ‘Little Treat’ Can—and Can’t—Do For You

• If You’re Already Dreading Winter, Here’s How to Get Ahead of It

Originally Appeared on Self