Eight months later, I can tell you it's 1000% true. Here's why.
This drastic change in February made everyone question who I was and how I was doing - including me.
“Are you okay? Why did you do that?”
“Did your boyfriend break up with you?” (Read: Ahahahahaha.)
It was a crazy period of questions and genuine worry from the people around me, and I don’t think it was misplaced. They were right; I wasn’t doing great. We were about to reach the one-year anniversary of lockdown, political polarization was gaining unfathomable momentum, and I couldn’t get myself to pay attention to my Zoom classes.
But that’s not why I shaved my head.
I cut my hair because I wanted to.
I wanted to see my face without 3B/3C curls, the reactions of others, and whether or not I could handle two years of not looking like “me.” Most people had compliments about my big spiraled hair, but now, those same people would have a different opinion about me, and I couldn't control it. I also didn't look like an image I upheld for 20 years, and it forced me to discover things that hid under that mane - the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly.
Now approaching October, my list of rewards includes redefined femininity, growing confidence, self-compassion, healthy questions about race, a spark for adventure, and a circle of people that don’t care what I do with my hair.
Oh, and less money spent on hair products!
So, in conclusion, this experiment was a success because it sheared off a weight of insecurity that I didn’t know I was carrying. Who would've thought? :)
Thank you to everyone that shared their love, support, and questions around my big chop. It was super fun, and I encourage you to consider experiments like this in your own life!
Reflect in the Comments (5m)
What does your hair mean to you?
How much significance does it hold on your identity?
Is there a hairstlye you've always wnated to try but haven't yet?
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