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Home · Natural

For My Bald Bellas: Tips For Ladies Who Shave It All Off (or Keep It Short)

To me, there is nothing more striking, bold and statement making than a woman with a shaved head. It takes courage and strength to rock the look. It makes a daily statement that despite all of society’s messages about long hair and crowning glory, that your beauty is not up for debate and you’re confident enough not to need a mane to hide behind.

There are many reasons why people choose to shave their hair down or completely off. For women, it can be because of illness, or alopecia. Maybe you live somewhere super hot and you’re sick and tired of hair on your neck. Maybe just because you feel like it and you know you look fierce with or without hair! Here are five tips for the ladies who choose to shave it off and keep it off, or keep it super low. Here’s how you can best maintain your bald or close cropped look.

By Afrobella · September 22, 2014October 27, 2020
01
You’re Beautiful

You’re beautiful and you can work this look. Many women who hesitate to shave their heads are concerned about what their bare head will look like. What if you have a lumpy head? So what? There’s only one way to find out and life’s too short to wonder forever!

Getty Images
02
Try Co-Washing

Super short or shaven down hair benefits from a good co-wash. Genius hair expert and stylist Felicia Leatherwood, a woman who wears her own hair super short, explained it to me like this: “I actually co-wash at least three times a week because I work out a lot. I prefer co-washing instead of shampoo because shampoo dries out the skin a lot. Co-washing is great for bald heads. Also using a hair moisturizer or leave in conditioner is good, because your scalp needs extra love.”

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03
Go Silk

Felicia also recommends sleeping with a satin scarf or pillowcase anyway, even if you’ve barely got hair – “That’s gonna keep the scalp and the new growth tender and soft. Take care of your scalp!”

If you decide to go close cropped and use color, know that it’s a commitment that will require very regular upkeep. A basically bald head with color looks beautiful, but you’ll have to re-color your hair using a safe, gentle hair color very regularly!

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04
Accessorize

Rock your cute headbands and big earrings and bold lipstick. Be confident and let it shine. You’re showing FACE!

So, what are you waiting for? Most women I meet who have shaved heads by choice say they wanted to do it for years, but felt hesitant. Most women I meet who have done the deed and shaved their heads say, they wish they hadn’t waited so long! There’s something freeing about the act of saying farewell to that hair.

Getty Images

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