baldies: Dahina
“...I️ wanted to love myself for me, Not for others so I️ cut it all off. ”
name: Dahina
social media: Instagram @yellowsuhn
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
One year and 3 months.
Did anyone inspire you to cut your hair? (include @ name if possible)
@ohwawa, definitely.
What made you decide to cut your hair?
I️ wanted to be free from the stigma that my parents raised me in. “My dark skin deflects attraction, so hair is the only way to make a man fall in love.” I️ had insecurities about my looks and I️ was never sure about what hairstyle made me prettier so I️ decided that one day, I️ wanted to love myself for me, Not for others so I️ cut it all off. Plus, bundles are expensive!
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
No one would think I️ was pretty. No guy would want a girl with no hair. My family would hate me. Since I️ had no hair, all my other features would stand out more.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
I️ had in two-month long box braids over my baby locs, I️ cut it at my new growth and went to the barber shop.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
“Wow, did I️ really do this?”
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
It symbolized a growth of womanhood. And strength.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
I️ tried once, I️ ran to the barber shop right after. Being bald became a part of who I️ am. Growing out my hair would take a part of me and losing it forever.
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self confidence?
Help. I️ often get “Not everyone can do this short look, but you got it.” But even without those words of encouragement I️ feel as though I️ brought more attention to who I️ am, and I️ have a lot of appreciation for that.
Do you regret your decision at all?
Not in the least bit. There are times where I️ miss having hair or I️ see a new hair style I️ would love to try but I️ not once looked in the mirror and wished I️ never did it.