‘Bad hair day’ becoming a psychological condition

JOHN GALLIANO’S models are clearly a breed apart.

Sashaying down the Paris catwalk with balloons entwined in bedraggled locks, they obviously don’t share the hair angst of the four out of 10 women who pull a sickie because they feel their tresses are quite simply a terror.

Three in four women suffer “bad hair days” which leave some so depressed they consider donning wigs.

Almost half the 1,000 women quizzed in a survey by cosmetics firm L’Oreal Elvive, admitted they experience black mood swings and are irritable with colleagues and family when their locks look lousy.

One in 10 is tempted to conceal her wayward tresses under a rug when it becomes frizzy, dry, dull or takes on a life of its own.

While the elements - wind, rain or humidity - are blamed by some women, others say they just don’t have the time needed to create a crowning glory out of otherwise lank locks each day. A small minority blame their genes for hair horrors.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said the fact that the phrase “bad hair day” has entered our vocabulary testifies to the psychological impact it has on women.

Many women say they have bad hair days two or three times a week. However, on good hair days, eight out of 10 women feel more confident and outgoing.

The L’Oreal poll named actress, Catherine Zeta Jones as the best example of good hair.

Now that kind of role model is enough to send any woman diving under the duvet.