The metaphor about the people close to Helena preferring her hair up is very clever; it suggests that they don't see or accept her for who she truly is, and reflects her own urgent need to conform to that standard in order to be accepted. When she feels out of control and vulnerable after kissing Kaine and him talking about how much he likes her hair down, her first thought is to tie it up. This is to distance herself from her feelings and regain acceptance.












