To relax and behave in an uninhibited, casual manner; to stop being formal or reserved.
This phrase originates from the elaborate hairstyles worn by upper-class women in the 17th and 18th centuries, which required pins, ribbons, and structural support. At the end of the day, literally letting one's hair down was both physically relieving and symbolically represented dropping social pretenses.
The phrase captures a fascinating aspect of historical gender performance - women's hair was so bound up in social expectations that its release became a powerful metaphor for authenticity. Today, even as hairstyles have changed dramatically, we still understand the deep relief of 'letting our hair down' after maintaining appearances.
Historically gendered; long hair was prescribed femininity in many cultures and associated with beauty standards that restricted women. The phrase assumes a specific presentation norm and the freedom to abandon it.
Use 'relax' or 'be informal' instead; these are more inclusive and don't invoke gendered presentation.
["relax","be informal","loosen up"]
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