You Should Shave Your Head
Can you see it?
Long Curly Hair
I shaved my head right before the COVID shutdown of 2020. As an actor, I was always aware of the effect that my appearance had on the types of roles I would be considered for. I wasn’t going to be in any shows at the time because I was doing my yoga teacher training so I was seriously considering shaving my head. In the end, I asked a close friend about her experience shaving her head because I could not stop thinking about it. More than anything, I was tired of hearing about what people thought I could or could not do. So one afternoon, while my best friend was getting ready, she turned to me and said if you want me to do it, I’ll do it. So, she cut my ponytail off and I wore it short for the rest of the week until I paid $20 at Campus Cuts for a woman to shave it the rest of the way. She was nervous, I was nervous and we both giggled and held our breath the whole time.
Me right after my bestie cut off my ponytail
Once it was done, I didn’t regret it at all. I couldn’t believe how much power my hair held over me. I had spent years of my life obsessing over my appearance and my hair was a big part of it. Countless hours were spent trying to condition, style it, regrow certain patches, fix my part, find a new gel, or even straighten it. My hair consumed me, but with a freshly shaved head, I found clarity. The people that I loved celebrated me for cutting it because beyond appearance they could see how free I felt and how happy I was. I felt connected to all of the women I knew who shaved their heads because it is truly a life-changing experience that can only be fully explained by trying it yourself. I believe that this is something that women should experience at least one time in their lives.
Me with a shaved head…finally!
So if you’re feeling angry with the world, frustrated with your appearance, or wishing for change, then I encourage you to shave your head. Because of how deeply looks are valued in our society, you will be met with voiced or unvoiced questions. People will want to know if you’re having a mental breakdown, or a health crisis, are coming out, or even if you have lice. All questions that people asked me when I shaved my head. Let that show you who to hold tightly in your life, the people who uplift you when you show up with a shaved head are the people who love you, so let the judgemental freaks fall to the back of the line.
I currently, don't have a shaved head because again, that whole actor thing. But I am here for questions if you have any! And the next time you see me with a shaved head just know I am having the absolute best time of my life!
