Monica Mula ’10
Web Opinions Editor

Hair makes a statement. A blue and red mohawk or a “high and tight” military cut is bound to say something different about the respective person sporting it.

Hair has become a varied symbol of status and ideals for different types of people.

Women schedule styling and coloring appointments months in advance at their favorite salons and small children often experiment with cutting their own, fascinated with this easy and total change in appearence.

In other countries, hair (or lack thereof) signifies power, social standing, and wealth.

In America, though, hair-cutting is a grooming habit that most people generally pay to have done because it is socially acceptable.

Dr. Nick Morgan, a physics teacher, has unique motivations and methods for cutting his own hair.

Morgan began cutting his own hair in college, which was when he developed his philosophy about the art.

“Asking someone to cut your hair is asking someone to change you,” Morgan said. “I can’t see the logic in paying someone to do so.”

In Morgan’s opinion, true change must come from within.

Thus, employing someone to induce change is counterproductive to the true development of a given person.

“I grew up going to a barber shop, then later realized I could never really grow this way — I had a conflict,” Morgan said.

Morgan feels it unfortunate that he ever went for a professional haircut, yet knows he had to mature to fully develop his philosophies.

Now, Morgan cuts his hair by himself, about once every three weeks to once a month.

“I use an electric shaver in my home bathroom, and will change the style from time to time,” Morgan said.

Morgan’s peers in college noticed his skill and asked him to cut their hair too.

While contradictory to the principles on which Morgan bases the process, he says he did explain his philosophy to his friends before they allowed him to trim.

“I explained my ideals to them,” said Morgan, “but since they were paying me, I couldn’t argue with their decision to allow me to continue cutting their hair for them.”

Though it is assumed that people begin cutting their own hair for economical reasons rather than personal preference, Morgan believes that anybody can come to the realization he did, if they truly consider it.

“I wouldn’t put it past anyone to come to this belief about haircutting if they really evaluate their actions,” Morgan said.

But if they haven’t yet, Morgan willingly shares his philosophy with his classes should they inquire.

“My students are curious, so I keep it real and explain my thought process to them,” said Morgan.

Morgan’s unique philosophies about growth and inner change should be valued by these inquisitive students.

He brings complex thought to the classroom, challenging kids to evaluate long-standing social norms.

“In time, people will grow and establish their own philosophies,” said Morgan.

Optimistic that his students and others will come to their own ideas once properly evaluating the situation, Morgan continues to enlighten people on his own findings.

Morgan’s method is frugal, yet it more importantly reflects his morals and life experiences.