baldies: Mecca Mayers
“I couldn’t believe that I hid behind my hair for all these years.”
name: Mecca Mayers
social media: @Mecca_may
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
About 2 years now
What made you decide to cut your hair?
I had been toying with the idea for awhile. I always thought women with bald heads were so dope. My freshman year at Howard I had a weave and my natural hair was about shoulder length. I had always been super attached to my hair, but I wanted a change. I had just gotten out of bad break up, and the guy I was with said he hated short hair so I always had my reservations. All my friends had long hair or some sort of extensions. I was stuck. Finally, that summer I chopped it all off. Not completely off, but it was a drastic change. Slowly but surely I began cutting off more and more until the point of no return...shaving it all off. It was such a liberating decision and experience. I would do it all over again.
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
First and foremost I was worried that my head wasn't going to have the best shape. How was I supposed to know if I didn't have a peanut head under all that hair?! Luckily the shape of my head was not a problem. I was also afraid that I wouldn't be able to rock it. It takes a lot of confidence to go bald, and I wasn't sure if I had it.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
I constantly scrolled through @thecutlife. I kept telling myself I would be just as beautiful and free as the women featured on the page. I also had to keep reminding myself that it was just hair and hair most definitely grows back.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
I LOVED IT. I couldn't believe that I hid behind my hair for all these years. I was amazed at the transformation.
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
For me, every time I cut my hair it symbolizes a clean slate. I can turn into a whole new person and start all over. Anything negative that happened while my hair was in a previous style does not matter. Cutting my hair symbolizes a fresh start and the opprotunity to be whoever I want to be.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
I always claim that I will...but that never happens. Once it gets to baby fro length I get bored and chop it all off again. Maybe one day I'll leave it alone, but for now I'm enjoying the baldie bae society.
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self confidence?
It definitely helped my self confidence. The positive feed back boosted my self esteem. Looking in the mirror and feeling beautiful, knowing that my hair was not contributing to my beauty, it was a great feeling.
Do you regret your decision at all?
Not at all. I made this decision at the best time and I continue to enjoy the journey.