It’s been said that a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.

In a world of high social visibility and excessive over-sharing… it’s a concept that’s seemed to stick. You need only look at the throng of post break-up celebrity hair makeovers to see the glossed-up evidence.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.

One moment you’re caught up in rose-filtered bliss and the next you find yourself unconsciously (or consciously) un-coupled; the solo-wedding guest with a gushing plus-one-sized hole that even Ben & Jerry’s can’t fix.

Trust us, we’ve tried.

While a status change can spell an array of adjustments (from new living arrangements through to co-pet-parenting) there’s no reason it can’t mark a bright new beginning, and as such you may even find yourself empowered by a subtle appearance tweak.

Enter the Break-Up Haircut, an age old salve for broken hearts.

Not limited to those of the single persuasion, it’s a concept that applies to a range of situations – whether you’re in the midst of a career change, feeling sartorially sluggish or just in need of a reboot.

After all, there’s more to hair than meets the eye.

Science tells us that it’s not only a key determinant of an individual’s physical attractiveness, but moreover a huge part of one’s sense of self in society; an attribute that when changed can have a massive impact – for better for for worse.

Your crowning glory, as it were.

But before you run for the scissors or box dye (editor’s note: never, ever run for the box dye), scroll down to hear what celebrity hairdresser and owner of RAW salon Anthony Nader had to say on the matter.

“Hair is such a massive part of your personality and a good cut can increase your confidence and wellbeing,” shares Anthony. “It’s your trademark, your signature and a big part of the way your friends, family and (new partner?) see you.”

According to Anthony, the main reasons people opt for a style or colour change post break-up are to make a clean start, to lose some of that excess emotional baggage or to exact revenge on their former beau (we see you Khloe).

How’s that for a break-over?

Anthony’s advice for those looking to make a dramatic mane change (and avoid ‘cutter’s remorse’) is to be realistic; “If you’ve spotted a celeb with your future #hairgoals, you need to remember they most likely have a full-time stylist… will you?”

Next up, financial feasibility: “For big chops, the shorter your hair, the more visits you’ll need to your hairdresser for maintenance. This means going shorter may cost you more $$$ in the long run as opposed to a longer, flowing mane.”

“You need to budget for the change and assess the pros and cons of a new look, so there’s no hidden surprises,” he continues. “Oftentimes blow-drying and tonging will be required to maintain the shape you’re after.”

As for Anthony’s considerations? “Face shape, hair texture and lifestyle… these are just a few of the elements I need to consider before giving someone a distressed Miley Mullet or Bella Bob.”

In this, or any scenario: “Communication is always key,” says Anthony. “Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to something if you’re guts calling for it!”

The final word: While cutting your hair might not change your relationship status (or quash the flood of introspection), there’s something uplifting, even transformative about a seasonal refresh.

As with any life altering event, it’s important you take time to process; to sift through the emotional turmoil and assess the learning in the loss. And if you can look a little better while doing that – that’s a win in our books.

After all it will grow back. Britney’s did.