There are few things more personal to people than hair. While a slick low ponytail might make you feel elegant, poised and powerful, for someone else, it might feel completely alien.
Landing on a hair cut, colour or style that feels just right - like an extension of your personality - can have transformative effects: it can turn an average day into a great one, it can make you feel powerful, and it can help you tackle any social situation. With Pantene's latest survey revealing that in the UK, women put hair at #1 (over things like clothes and make-up) when it comes to what helps them express themselves, it's clear that the power of hair is a very real thing.
In conjunction with our Project Body Love initiative, which is all about shifting the dial on self-confidence and encouraging women to think and speak about themselves more positively, we asked five editors and influencers to explain how they've developed healthier relationships with their hair and how they use it as a powerful tool of self-expression. Can their mantras inspire you to do the same?
Click or tap each mantra to take part in our Project Body Love pledge
"My hair and I have been on a real journey over the years. Growing up, there wasn't much information about or representation for my 4C hair type - it was all about straight or curly locks. No one showed up for the kinky girls.
"For years I wore it braided because I didn't know what to do with it, but after a lot of time, trial and error and self-love, I realised that by discovering the right curl-enhancing products, my hair could thrive. Afro hair requires plenty of love and attention, but it's worth putting the time in. I've since learned to embrace my natural texture and let it do its thing. Releasing my afro hair has been a game-changer - this is the real me." - @itsravennavera
Power mantra: “My afro is my crown”
"From Rapunzel to Ariana Grande, Madonna's Blonde Ambition era to Sporty Spice, the ponytail has got to be one of the most iconic hairstyles of all time, right? As a teenager, I was constantly asked, 'Is that your real hair?' 'Are those your real boobs?' People assume everything about you is fake when you're trans, but the pony is my way of saying, 'This is my hair - deal with it.' I've been in love ever since.
"I love that a pony is both practical (keeping your hair out of your face) and playful at the same time. I like to go all out and slick the sides back with a blast of hairspray. To keep it strong, shiny and healthy-looking, I turn to Pantene's Rescue Shots for an instant moisture hit." - @paris.lees
Power mantra: "My hair, my rules"
"Natural goddess vibes - that's how my hair makes me feel. But that powerful, resilient feeling I get from looking at my lion's mane in the mirror wasn't always there. Growing up, my hair was long and curly, with a golden halo under the sun. As soon as I was old enough, I dyed it jet black, bleached it, cut it short, straightened it, and repeated the cycle.
"When I started modelling, I struggled with how to style my hair for castings and battled with heat damage as it was constantly being straightened and tonged. But eventually, I found acceptance when I learned how to properly care for my curls (Pantene's Gold Series Curl Pudding saved me). Perfecting my haircare routine gave me the confidence to wear my curls loose - a style I refer to as my 'I am powerful' look. My hair was once everything I didn’t want. Now, it's my defining feature." - @aboutlaurenmay
Power mantra: “My curls give me power"
"After years of DIY fringe trims and experiments with purple/blue/pink hair dye, I've finally discovered the colour that feels the most 'me' - fun and vibrant, but sensible enough to make me feel like a proper adult.
"My hair rarely behaves, preferring a natural resting state of frizzy, so using hydrating, anti-frizz products to keep it in the best condition possible helps me feel more confident and in control. Whenever I manage to get it just right, it feels like a life achievement. Loose, undone waves might not be the most innovative signature ever, but the happy balance of feeling put together, but still casual, with a dash of pretty thrown into the mix, feels like me." - @iamgdriver
Power mantra: "My hair is my creative outlet"
"Curly afro, shaved sides, a mohawk, a buzzcut... did I mention the undercut? When it comes to my hair, I've been there, done that, but after a decade of self-discovery I’ve finally landed on my signature look.
"The battle between masculine and feminine has always troubled me. Growing up as a tomboy, the assumption that I needed long hair to be seen as beautiful left me ready to defy societal norms. But while I felt sexy with shorter hair, I began to miss my curls, so I evolved my short cut into the curly, androgynous style you see today. Signature style locked down, the only thing missing was the right products to breathe life into my curls. Thankfully, Pantene never fails. I don’t regret my hair journey, it's been empowering." - @zahra.said
Power mantra: "Short hair is beautiful”
Project Body Love: ELLE and Pantene are joining forces to change the way women think, feel and speak about themselves. Together, we commit to shifting the dial on self-confidence, encouraging positive mindset and putting an end to negative self-talkELLE UK
It's time to make a change. Join our Project Body Love movement with Pantene by reframing the way you think and speak about your hair, unleashing its true power. Share your story or pledge on social media, tagging @elleuk and including #ProjectBodyLove and #PowerOfHair. Shop the Pantene range at Boots
