Our hair is our crowning glory, but for some women very short to no hair at all is even more empowering. From UK singer Skin (pictured) to Solange Knowles fearless starlets seem to want to show off a little scalp. We take a look at the bald and beautiful women redefining standards of femininity.
If the boys can do it, so can you! Grace Jones took masculine themes and added her own feminine touch. From the flattop hairstyle to her low razor cut, Jones redefined traditional ideals of beauty.
Solange Knowles is the latest celeb to say goodbye to long tresses. We are lovin’ this short sheared wash-and-wear hairstyle that is prefect for the woman who has better things to do than fuss over her hair.
Breast cancer survivor and ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts openly battled breast cancer triumphantly. On February 7, 2008, the TV star shed her wig after completing chemotherapy on the show’s “I Dare You Series” to give other women courage to know that their sexy with hair or not.
A force in fashion, Alek Wek has stayed true to her natural do, and when asked if she likes wearing wigs for fashion shows or photo shoots the Sudan supermodel says, "Anytime they want me to wear hair I get so scared. I do have hair, you know, it’s just very short. When the hair experts put wigs on me they can tell by the look on my face that I am not happy. I don’t say anything, but my facial expression says it all!”
In 2004 soul singer India Arie said goodbye to her trademark braids for this low-cropped cut.
STYLE TIP
Braiding your hair too tightly and twirling locks and two-strand twists can compromise the hairline, leaving bald patches behind. To prevent this type of hair damage, try using products with essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth around the hairline.
“I always tell everybody, going bald is much harder than being bald,” says famed interior designer Sheila Bridges, who was diagnosed with the hair loss condition Alopecia. “For me, when I shaved what was left of my hair it was empowering. Wigs are awful.”
Short dos can be chic. Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, has worn this short natural cut for years, and we love it!
If you’re a woman on the move like model-mogul talent agent Bethann Hardison, a close crop is the look for you.
Skin is in for film/TV producer Sidra Smith (and sister to "Why Did I Get Married? actress Tasha Smith), who struts her stuff with this low razor cut. To keep your scalp healthy, maximize hydration with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
Are you fearless enough to shave it all off? Before you head to the salon, check out the ESSENCE Makeover Magic tool and try on a few buzzed, cropped and razor cut dos.
