baldies: Kirbi Bourage
“(Cutting my hair) was a rejuvenating experience that words can’t even describe.”
name: Kirbi Bourage
social media: @kirbibourage (ig & twitter)
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
I chopped my hair off on March 26 in 2016, so I've been a self-proclaimed baldie for 1 year and 8 months.
Did anyone inspire you to cut your hair? (include @ name if possible)
Halle Berry and T-Boz from TLC inspired me the most when I was contemplating on cutting my hair.
What made you decide to cut your hair?
It was my senior year in high school. I had finally gone completely natural after 3 years of transitioning from texturized hair. I was just ready to have a fresh, new start. I was so excited to go on yet another hair journey.
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
I was afraid of not liking the texture of my hair. "Would my hair be too nappy?" "Would I look funny?" "Is my head too big?" On top of my own doubts, I had family and peers with opinions. I ignored them all and cut my hair off anyways. Till this day, cutting my hair is one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
I didn't really prepare. I just asked my mom to drive me to the closest Super Cuts. She didn't want me to cut my hair but she didn't try to stop me.. that day at least. The lady that cut my hair did an amazing job and she is a black baldie herself so it was refreshing for me.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
I was so free. It was a rejuvenating experience that words can't even describe. I remember my mom picking me up and smiling. She loved it! We went to Sally Beauty to pick up hair dye. I also remember how amazing it felt washing my hair in the shower and not worrying about clumps of hair getting all over the place and having to detangle.
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
I was about to graduate from high school, getting ready to transition into something greater. I was a rebel and unapologetically me. It symbolized me growing into the black woman that loves herself unconditionally and ain't afraid to show it.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
I plan on growing my hair out eventually. I love being bald right now so I'm going to stick with it.
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self confidence?
Cutting my hair definitely boosted my confidence. Short hair is bold. You gotta be confident to rock it!
Do you regret your decision at all?
I don't regret anything in life, especially cutting my hair. I changed my life for the better in many ways after I cut it. And hair grows back. My concern is my soul.. I gained more consciousness .. it was like the hair cut was a ritual for me to move on to greater things. Black women are much more than their hair. We're strong & resilient just like our hair.