'Why do you shave your head?'

I started to post this as a response to the question “Why do you shave your head?,” which Pam Fitros asked this Alopecia World group. I posted this blog instead because I wanted to share my answer with the entire community.

Back in 2010 I saw an advertisement for “It’s All Good Hair,” a “natural hair” workshop and celebration sponsored by the Shrine of the Black Madonna at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

I felt that I fit into that category and attended the event with my husband, rj. During one of the workshops, rj snapped a photo of me, and when I later looked at it, I recalled not feeling out of place at all. In fact, I felt that I belonged there.

I saw some beautiful natural hairstyles at the event, but never once did I feel a pang in my heart wishing I had what they have. Never once did I long for my hair.  Somewhere along my alopecia journey, my desire for hair dissipated and I gained a genuine and deep satisfaction with what I now see in the mirror and project to the world.

Unlike years ago, when I use to shave my head simply because it is easier and more comfortable than wearing a wig, I now do so because I truly love the way I look as a “naturally” bald woman.

Or, to paraphrase Sheila Jacobs, author of The Big Fall, I happily shave my head bald because I have transformed the stigma of alopecia into “my” distinction.

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Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on February 16, 2011 at 5:27pm
I truly wish it was different David, but I believe people still do not like it when other go against the norm and possibly feel a need to "shame" those who go against the grain to get them back in line.

But I do find that after more than a decade of living my life bald, I am asked less and less.
Comment by David B327 on February 17, 2011 at 2:46am
Hi Cheryl
I don’t want to drag this one out, but essentially I would argue that it should not be considered unusual, or in any sense questionable, for a woman to be bald. Attitudes in society can be changed, It’s by people being visible that this will happen, and I’m sure that it will. Of course you’ve done a great deal to help in this respect.

I am very glad to hear that you don't get questioned so much about being bald these days.
Comment by MiNAH on June 25, 2011 at 1:24am
I shave because I feel whole... beautiful, clean, strong, powerful and innately me.
The questions, perception, judgement, opinions bounce right off... I hear nothing, and see nothing!
I am in utter and total peace with my image.
In fact.... should anyone decide to confront or bring attention to my image ... which may make them feel insecure about their own reality, I feel enriched for being given this gift of enlightenment of self!!!
Comment by Laura Adams on June 26, 2011 at 2:33am
I love what you said about "hav[ing] transformed the stigma of alopecia into “my” distinction."
I feel it is my distinction, too, I feel that it has made me SO much stronger as well. I do not have to shave as I have AU, but if I did have AA I would definitely shave, too!

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