baldies: Megan Preston
“What could you possibly tell me that I don’t already know about myself? How can you come for me, when I already came for myself with the shears?”
name: Megan Preston
social media: MoneyMegan17 (Twitter/IG), Megan Preston (Facebook)
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
2 months
Did anyone inspire you to cut your hair? (include @ name if possible)
Surya (@queensurya on IG)
What made you decide to cut your hair?
Although Surya (@queensurya on IG) made the idea seem more feasible for me, I ultimately chose to after traveling in the Philippines. I grew tired of spending precious time on it every morning. A lot of us could not confidently say what hairstyle we spent 30 minutes to an hour on two months ago, right? So why continue this habit of throwing time away. I decided to reclaim my time like Ms. Waters.
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
None. Before, I was worried about my head being too big. A small, very minute, worry I had after cutting it was having the shade of blonde my hairdresser chose match my complexion. Although my head was patchy because I initially cut it, it was a beautiful experience that I'll never live to regret.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
I didn't. I took a friend's scissors, told them I would cut fabric off of my bathing suit, and proceeded to chop my hair off. It was such a liberating experience.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
Excitement. Joy. Awe. It was like I could finally see myself, and not apologize for the woman who stood before me. That was her, without any add-ons or filters (unless on Snapchat 🤗). This was who I truly was - I was overjoyed.
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
It symbolized a step into forgiveness and acceptance - acceptance of who God created me to be. It also signified not being afraid of pool water. I can now just jump in, maybe even headfirst, like the cool kids.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
Possibly, but it would be solely for style and to donate my hair by forming it into a wig. I saved my old hair so I can do the same thing. I am thrilled to share what I no longer need with someone who desperately wants it. I'm so excited about that!
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self confidence?
It helped my confidence tremendously. I'm walking around the streets of the Philippines as one of the only black people there, and I'm bald-headed. What could you possibly tell me that I don't already know about myself? How can you come for me, when I already came for myself with the shears? There's nothing anyone can say. No opposition to fear. It's absolutely and completely liberating.
Do you regret your decision at all?
Not at all. I would do it again, and again, and again. It was one of the top three most freeing experiences of my life.