On Hats, Haircuts, and Tattoos
A framework for decision-making: some choices are easily reversible, others take time to fix, and a few are permanent. Know which is which.
Published: 2026-05-18 · 5 min read
James Clear has a useful framework for thinking about decisions: hats, haircuts, and tattoos.
Hats
Most decisions are like hats. Try one on, see how it looks in the mirror, and if you don't like it, put it back and grab another. The cost of a wrong choice is minimal.
What framework should I use? Hat decision. Try it for a week.
What should I name this feature? Hat decision. You can rename it later.
Should I post this tweet? Hat decision. You can delete it.
The danger with hat decisions is treating them like something bigger. People spend weeks debating hat-level choices, paralyzed by options that don't really matter.
Move fast with hats. Try many. Return the ones that don't fit.
Haircuts
Some decisions are like haircuts. Get a bad one and you'll feel foolish for a while. It takes time to grow back. But it does grow back.
Should I quit this job? Haircut decision. You might regret it temporarily, but you can course-correct.
Should I move to a new city? Haircut decision. If it doesn't work, you can move again.
Should I pivot the product? Haircut decision. It'll be uncomfortable, but not permanent.
Don't be scared of bad haircuts. The temporary embarrassment is usually worth the learning. Most people are too conservative with haircut decisions because they imagine the awkward phase lasting forever.
It doesn't. Hair grows.
Tattoos
A few decisions are tattoos. They're permanent, or close enough to permanent that reversing them is painful, expensive, and leaves scars.
Having a child. Tattoo.
Burning a key relationship. Tattoo.
Saying something publicly that destroys trust. Tattoo.
These deserve the deliberation that people mistakenly apply to hats. Sleep on them. Talk to people who've made similar choices. Consider the worst case seriously.
The framework in practice
Before any decision, ask: is this a hat, a haircut, or a tattoo?
Then act accordingly:
- Hats: decide in minutes, try many
- Haircuts: decide in days, accept temporary discomfort
- Tattoos: decide in weeks or months, get input from others
Most stress comes from treating hats like tattoos. Most regrets come from treating tattoos like hats.
Know the difference.