To Inspire....

Ok...I know that I haven't written in awhile and I did that on purpose. I didn't want to hit you with the same thing every week. However, this past week was a tad bit interesting. Here's the story...

Since I cut my hair, I've been receiving numerous compliments. This experience started that way but ended a little different. I was celebrating my best friend's birthday at this club Friday night. I was standing near my friend when a girl walked up to me. She came to give me a compliment on my hair. Here's the convo...

Her: I just wanted to say that I love your hair. It looks so nice on you.

Me: Thanks girl!!! I appreciate that!!!

Her: I can appreciate women like you that cut your hair. I have alopecia so I wear these wigs. I always said that I'd take them off once I turn 30.

Me: Awwww sweetie (I give her a hug)...well how old are you???

Her: I'm 25.

Me: Girl take that wig off!!!

Her: Awwww you're gonna make me cry!!!

Me: I'm serious!!! I always felt like I needed weave but cutting this hair has been one of the best decisions that I've ever made. Do it girl!!!

Her: Omg you've been such a blessing you just don't know. You're beautiful!!!

And we proceeded to go from there. A few hugs and number exchanges later, I made a new friend. I regret that I didn't take a pic of us but oh well... It warmed my heart to know that I actually touched her heart and she touched mine too.
You never know how your decisions can inspire and motivate others. Be mindful of what you do because we ALL have the ability to influence. TTYL!!!

Discovering what Works

Ok...so...I've been short for almost a month now. It's been a bit of struggle with getting to know what works for me. I always knew that my hair grew fast but dealing with this new growth was a hassle. I was afraid to go too short but the humidity and the heat won't allow my hair to lay down... So, my hair has been a frizzy curly mess. LOL!!! I guess that you could say that I've endured three transitions during this journey...

1) The first cut- I didn't want my hair too short because the cut was drastic enough. I needed to ease into this plus my ex was too afraid to cut it. LOL!!! He decided to leave a bit more on the top because I had some processed hair left. It was cool at first...but then it got too long and it wouldn't lay down at all. I appreciated my cute curl pattern but I knew that I had to go shorter for easier maintenance.



2) The second cut- I decided to try my little brother's barber. He was highly recommended. I knew that I needed to go shorter and I needed someone impersonal to cut it the right way. No offense to my ex but his attachment, to how I used to look, made him a little more hesitant when it came to cutting my hair. This barber was fearless and cut it lower. He gave me more of a Ceasar look with a feminine lining. I loved it!!! But...after a week...it got too long and was harder to manage. I was getting frustrated. I had to go lower...



3) The third cut- I wanted to try something different this time. Not only did I want to cut more hair, I wanted graphics in it too. I've never considered myself simple or a Plain Jane. I want to go all out with this experience. I debated on whether I should go back to my little brother's barber or if I should go back to my ex. I've never seen the other barber's work but I know that my ex is really good with the graphics. So, I decided to take the guessing out and go to my ex. Needless to say he did a great job!!! He cut it to the perfect length and I love the design. I've finally found the right length for me. I guess that it's a struggle with any length of hair. LOL!!!

Bald is Beautiful...my point of view...

Last week my best friend, Amy, sent a link on Facebook. She referred me to the site, Afrobella.com, that had a post on my current style. The post talks about 5 ways to wear the style and even discussed a few, influential, women that have embraced this look. The article inspired me to name some of my favorite bald-headed women. So here are a few of my faves young and old...

India Arie- India is one of my favorite artist. I've witnessed her hair journey from long locks to micros. She's known for her song, I am not my Hair, and continues to prove that point by always evolving with her many natural styles. Here she is rocking a short cut and airbrushed curls....



Chrisette Michelle- Another talented artist that has transitioned from the "Creamy Crack" with weave to the clippers. The drastic change was totally unexpected in my opinion...but I absolutely love it on her!!!



Jada Pinkett Smith- Yeah I know that she's gone much longer these days...but don't you remember when she rocked the short cut??? She was actually short for awhile and sported the 'do in, the movies, A Low Down Dirty Shame and Set it Off. Honestly, it's one of my favorite looks for her. I want her to bring it back!!!



Adrienne Banfield-Jones- Speaking of Jada...have you seen her mother??? This lady is gorgeous. I want to look as good as her when I get older. Jada must have been inspired by her mother to try this style. This woman truly wears it well...



Solange Knowles- Okay... I'll admit that I'm not the biggest Solange fan...and I did clown her when she cut her hair. However, the style has grown on me. It must be due to her cleaning up those edges and adding some kind of shape to her hair. Whatever it is...I like it!!! So kudos Solange. You've won me over...



Amber Rose- Now here's another person that I've never been a fan of. Buuuut...I do give props when they're due. Amber killed this look and capitalized on it. I've never seen such an irrelevant person remain relevant for so long. LOL!!! Good job Amber!!! You've become influential. Now everyone knows this style as the "Amber Rose".



Eva the Diva- I've been following the girl since her days on ANTM (when it was good). She was my favorite model and the most unique!!! I've always loved her short cut and spunk. She's truly a diva and gorgeous!!! Not to mention the sexy piece of chocolate that she snagged...Lance Gross ladies... Makes me proud to be bald. LOL!!! Go Eva!!!



Erykah Badu- I looooove Miss Erykah you hear me???!!! She's so misunderstood and that's what intrigues me the most about her. She manages to be weird and sexy at the same time. Like who does that??? Clearly she does. She changes her hair often and never has a problem with cutting her hair or going completely bald . Besides the three kids/three baby daddy part, she's one of my top 5 artists hands down...



Grace Jones- How dare I post about influential bald-heads without mentioning this icon???!!! This woman has always pushed the envelope with her fashion and still does it to this day (ask ya girl Lady Gaga about her). She was one of the greatest to do it and I love her for it!!! Bow down to the master...love ya Grace Jones!!!

You're Crazy

*I sit in the chair and he wraps the tissue around my neck. He takes out the cape and places it on me. My mind was blank and things were quiet. He turns the chair and I face the mirror. He looks at me and ask,"So how low do you want it?" I respond,"Well...how low do you think I should go? I don't want to be bald..." He shakes his head and turns on the music. "Don't worry...I got you...but you're crazy" he replies with the clippers in his hands. I close my eyes, as soon as, I hear the buzz. Praying that I won't regret this later....*

The back story:

For two years I've been debating on this decision. I decided to go natural and cut off all of my processed hair. I went to the only barber that I could trust...my ex-boyfriend. He cut it all off and left me with a twa (teenie weenie afro). I didn't want to walk around with that. I mean who really wants to look like Florida Evans (no offense)? I begged him to cut it all off but he refused. So I decided to leave it be and transition with weave and braids. I was natural for about a year after that and gave-in to the relaxer awhile later.

Now:

I consider myself a true Gemini and I pride myself on my ability to change and embrace it. However, I found it a harder to decide on this style. Why? Because it'll take too long to grow back...I wouldn't be able to wear the longer styles that I wanted...I'll wait a minute and then do it... These were the thoughts that seemed to prolong my decision but those weren't accurate at all....They were just excuses to cover up the truth. I was afraid...and that was a rare feeling, for me, when I wanted to try something new. I was supposed to be "fearless" but I wouldn't be able to hide behind my hair this time. There wouldn't be any cute short curls or spikes. My ass would be all out and I would be exposed to the world.

I remember when I shared my decision to go natural and how everyone saw the negative in it. They, automatically, assumed that I would go around with a nappy fro yelling and screaming "Black Power" to whoever would listen. Now everyone is natural but whatever. LOL!!! Anyway...I wasn't trying to get any negative backlash. I didn't feel like explaining my reasons behind it. I thought that maybe it would make me less attractive to men because I assumed that they were always attracted to long hair. All of these things clouded my mind until I realized that...I shouldn't give a damn about what others think!!! I've never cared before. So why start now??? If they can't accept my decisions then they don't matter. After that epiphany, my whole perspective changed...and I cut it...

So how do I feel now that it's gone??? OMG I feel so liberated!!! I dyed it red and I love it!!! I didn't just see it as a new style...I took as a way of me premiering myself to the world. I've put myself out there and if you like it...good...and if not...suck it...LOL!!! I've been receiving a lot of positive feedback from females (especially my natural sistas) both young and old. I get the occasional "why'd you do that?" but I didn't expect everyone to understand. What shocked me was the male attention!!! That was totally unexpected!!!

Long story short..I'm happy with my decision. I took the plunge and made myself vulnerable to the world. I have a new found appreciation for myself and natural beauty. I get to save money and time!!! I don't have to work an 8hr shift at the shop anymore!!! No more bad hair days!!! I can just get up and go (and wash my behind of course). This also gives me an opportunity to play with makeup and wardrobe ideas. I'm going to enjoy this and have fun...My journey as a bald-headed redhead has just begun!!! Who wants to take it with me???