For most who know me, or recognizes my appearance, I have no hair.

No I don’t have Cancer or even Alopecia, but was my decision, yes… I am bald by choice. Now this concept can seem like a bewildering thought for many, but I am not the only one. In fact this article is not just geared for just the Baldies who chooses the style, but it is for anyone who yes is struggling with their health, all who identify as a women including queer women that it is not a stigma despite the margins that are directed towards them.

When you talk about beauty standards for women in general, hair is always at the top of the list. If you don’t have a certain lengths, certain people question that. Hair has been linked to health, fertility and a woman’s crown and glory. This is why when a kid, girl or boy, stares in shock when a badass bald lady walks down the street. A lot of the times all they are seeing on TV, the movie screens, books and of course commercials are women who have hair. It’s also one of the reasons why women are so scared of taking the plunge to just cut it all off. Being a bald women brings the automatic judgement of the whys, the whats and the wonderment that goes on in strangers’ minds: oh how bold she is. If I can give advise to anyone who sees a bald women, remember this… she is aware that you are staring her down, and she has to wake up every morning to look in the mirror to try and see value in her appearance. With that being said here is how to be a Bald Chick. Go ahead and take that chance… even if it may be a one time experiment.

 

Step 1: Go To the Barbershop

So if you are not someone who cuts hair, the first step that you need to do is just go to the barbershop and get the professionals to cut your hair. Yes this is one of the most daunting things a girl can do… walk into a place that is dominated by men, but trust me if you want to take the plunge, it will feel liberating.

 

Step 2: Shop Shop Shop

This may seem like a minute thing to consider, but once your hair is all gone, your style will change slightly. I am not in any way saying to change how you express yourself if you are a tomboy, girly girl, or whatever expression you desire to be, but there will be a few tweaks that need to be conducted. First thing to consider are accessories. Back when I had a full head of hair, I didn’t need to worry about wearing ear cuffs or earrings, but with no hair that was my forefront of thought. Plus I love jewelry and believe that accessories can make or break an outfit so consider that. Another factor to take in is the makeup you wear. Now this is for anyone who loves makeup in the first place. Your face is not on display, there is no hiding behind your hair as before. So you want to highlight your features like bringing out your eyes, the high cheekbones or enhance you lip shape, well rock that new shade of lipstick!

Step 3: Define Your Style

Now this goes hand in hand with step the las step, but as a baldie you do already stand out. But, if you want to add some pizzazz with your style, look in your closest and take the time to define what it is you like and don’t like. For me I like high heels but sneakers, running shoes and flats are apart of my style. I am a mixture of girly girl styles along with a sporty twist while applying funky patterns to the list. What is your style?

 

Step 4: Ignore all The Negative/Backhanded Comments

Now this can be tricky and complicated if it is coming from family and friends. You have to see them on an occasional basis. But this will make you a stronger person. To really go against the grain, question the pressure society puts on women and girls from such a young age will provide the strength you never knew you had. Plus when strangers want to comment you are prepared to hold your head held up high with confidence.

Step 5: Buy Clippers

I believe if you are someone who likes to experiment with different forms of creativity, is independent, likes to be frugal with your money, buying a set of clippers won’t hurt. Like any skill, this takes practise, and if you are a baldie, it will help you save money on those regular barber visits. Yes it is tedious. Yes you have to be careful especially when using no guard because you just might bruise yourself, but it’s a great skill to attain. And in an era that is digital, you have the tools and techniques to do the research on how to cut your hair. Plus this blog as a reference!

 

Step 6: Hold Your Head Up High

Out of all the steps this is the most crucial. There will be mean people who just don’t like you because of how you look. Some may not hire you, promote you because the fact that you are bald. Some may not even date you because they don’t want a bald chick on their arm. Family members just may not get it… a woman’s beauty is supposed to be attached to their hair. Others may suggest that you wear a wig so you can ‘change it up a bit,’ or to just fit in. You may even get others, people who pretend to be your friends, meanwhile they are laughing behind your back when there is any sort of insecurity regarding your lack of hair. You will get the long stares from children (but this is my favourite because I know at that point I affected their life in that moment). Creepy guys or women may just date you only to fetishize you (this so creepy), just because of your unique bald style. Despite all of this, all you need to know, and you do need to know this:

You are what defines your own beauty… not anyone else. That is your greatest power in being a bald, bold badass chick. Remember that.