The Pixie Cut

CEBU, Philippines - It's really quite annoying to be mistaken as something else and hear people murmur about you behind your back because of your haircut. People just find it difficult to understand that the length of one's hair or one's haircut doesn't really define one's sexuality. There are people who just want to sport the "pixie cut," the kind of hair style that Peter Pan's Tinkerbell has.

The "pixie cut" is a short hairstyle worn by women, generally short on the back and sides and slightly longer on the top. It comes all the way from the late 1950s, popularized first by Audrey Hepburn, who had the hair style in her debut film "Roman Holiday," In the 1960s, actress Mia Farrow and British supermodel Twiggy wore it, then much later by "Laugh-In" star Goldie Hawn.

In the modern world whose taste is dictated by television, the long lustrous hair is an advantage. Short haired ladies are often the subject of demeaning talk or made the butt of jokes. There must also be those who appreciate the "pixie cut," aside from those who are bold enough to sport it, their appreciation is often kept in secret.

Short hair is liberating. It feels light on the head and does not need much fixing. Well, of course, it can also be a statement. It says, "I don't give a damn what you think!"

On the other hand, it's funny to think what a tough time people must be having in deciding how to address these beings who defy modern conventions in hair style. At times, they mistakenly address these short-haired ladies as "Sir" or "Dong." At other times, the "pixie cut" girls get indignant stares at the ladies' room.

Even friends do not always understand the creative preference. They are often as surprised to see the new look, viewing it as a sign of desperation or of a "broken heart." But that's a bit kinder than being suspected as a lesbian.

Yes, it is quite a bold decision to have the "pixie cut" these days. It draws a lot of misconceptions, even degrading treatment. But the hair style can also signify strength of character of the woman who wears it. Because it certainly takes a special kind or woman to carry the "pixie cut" with grace and confidence.  (FREEMAN)