Black women, and everyone else in the world for some reason, have a strong and deep connection with our hair. What does this say to the world when we remove it?
I’ve never been one to stray away from taking the clippers to my scalp. I did my first big chop during my sophomore year of high school to grow out my hair naturally after years, and have gone back to my teeny-weeny afro several times since. Recently, I decided to get my hair cut to the lowest I’ve ever had it, and fell in love with my hair all over again. My peers have gotten used to my choice to wear my buzzed cut, some even saying they like the style on me the best. The only true opinion that matters, however, is my own. Many women who choose to go this low by choice would say the same, but opinions can– and will– vary.
In recent news, musical superstar Doja Cat is one of many celebrities who’s joined the bald baddie community. This, to little surprise, did not come without backlash and concern for her well-being. As a person of her magnitude, the only reason why someone would cut off all of her hair is if she was experiencing mental health issues. The rap star, however, has said time and time again that this is not the case.
“I feel like I was never supposed to have hair anyway. I’ve never liked having hair,” Doja Cat shared during an Instagram Live stream. This statement alone should be reason enough for people to understand why she chose to shave her hair. Instead, though, speculations from fans assume otherwise and inherently deem a drastic hair choice as negative.
Doja Cat’s instance is one that many Black women and femmes face when choosing to wear their hair– or lack thereof, rather, – in a way that deviates from the norm. In other instances, Black women with shaved heads are often compared to Amber Rose or a member of the Dora Millaje. While these are both common comparisons, the individuality that comes with short hair is incomparable.