Member-only story
I Wore My Hair in Pigtails for Three Days — Here’s How Men Reacted
Why is our culture obsessed with infantilizing grown women?
When I’m feeling impatient and I have nowhere to be, I braid my hair into two pigtails and get back to my life. It’s quick, comfortable, and convenient, plus it keeps flyaways out of my face.
But up until now, I’ve rarely worn this hairstyle out of the house — and for a good reason.
While I’m a 33-year-old woman, my 4-foot-11 height ensures two things: First, I’m already mistaken for a child without the help of pigtails. Second, strange men often feel comfortable voicing their unsolicited opinions about my appearance.
In other words, I’d rather avoid that attention when I just want to run some errands or go to the gym.
Still, in the name of journalism, feminism, and science (journalifeminiscience, if you will), I decided to conduct an experiment: I styled my hair in pigtails for three days straight and left the house as much as physically possible for an introverted hobbit such as myself.
