When we communicate verbally with another person, gestures and movements can convey as much or more than words. A good example of this is averting our gaze when speaking, or the gestures we make continuously with our hands. In this area of gestural communication, the habit of touching one’s hair is one of the most meaningful and has the greatest number of interpretations. However, we must bear in mind that the meaning of touching one’s hair when speaking is not the same for all people or in all situations.
What does it mean to touch one’s hair a lot when speaking? Psychology answers
When a person touches his hair while speaking, he generally wants to convey something. But to interpret it correctly, other factors that can influence its meaning must be taken into account. For example: whether or not the gesture is accompanied by eye contact, whether it is done occasionally or frequently, whether it is done intentionally or unintentionally, and so on.
In short: in order to draw accurate conclusions about the meaning of touching the hair while talking, it is necessary to observe other areas of nonverbal communication at the same time.
What do women say when they stroke their hair?
People who touch their hair while speaking often do so unconsciously. This is usually a trait of shyness, insecurity, or simply a reflection that we are not comfortable in the presence of our interlocutor.
However, this movement can also be done consciously, with a clear purpose.
- If a woman touches her hair while speaking, she may be wanting to attract the attention of her audience.
- If instead of stroking her hair she is simply playing with it, for example making a curl with her fingers, the most common interpretation is that she is distracted, bored, or simply that she has lost interest in the conversation and wants to end it as soon as possible.
Why do men touch their hair a lot when talking to a woman?
In the case of men, the gesture of touching their hair while talking is quite common. It can have different interpretations, as usual, depending on how the movement is executed.
- If the man touches his hair with a decisive and quick movement, like combing his hair with his hand, it is a sign of authority and self-confidence. Especially if this gesture is accompanied by direct eye contact.
- On the contrary, if what he does is simply rubbing the back of his head or the nape of his neck, without any clear intention, it is an unmistakable sign of doubt and insecurity about what he is saying.