Meredith Grey Cut All Her Hair Off on Grey’s Anatomy but What Does It Mean?

We were all shocked, devastated, heartbroken, and seriously appalled when Shonda Rhimes killed off Derek Shepherd last season on Grey’s Anatomy. There was even a petition to bring him back because people just could not deal. RIP. But as a dedicated, die-hard *Grey’s *watcher (10 years strong!) I was happily surprised to see Meredith unveil a short haircut on the debut of season 12. And while the cut isn’t quite as drastic as Penny’s on Big Bang Theory, this major hair makeover definitely means something—several somethings, in fact.

Meredith Grey, season 11

Meredith Grey’s new look on season 12

1. It signifies a new chapter in Meredith’s life. Sometimes after tragedy strikes (a.k.a. your husband dies and you’re secretly pregnant and you disappear for a year), you need to lift the weight off your shoulders. And that’s quite literally what Meredith did—with hair scissors.

2. It helps her deal with chaos at at home. She’s invited sister-in-law Amelia and half-sister Maggie to move in with her, and they’re driving her insane. Meredith is so frazzled she can’t even find where her own clothes are. Less hair can mean less to deal with. All the more reason to chop off that hair.

3. It’s a power move. As the newly appointed chief of general surgery (thanks to Dr. Bailey), Meredith has a new job and new responsibilities—and with that usually comes a powerful haircut.

So, fellow Grey’s die-hards, what are your thoughts?