baldies: Dianna Malik
“Cutting my hair symbolized that I was ready to take on the biggest fight of my life, Cancer.”
name: Dianna Malik
social media: @diannamalik
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
Since February 27, 2017.
Did anyone inspire you to cut your hair? (include @ name if possible)
Yes! My Aunt @thesaskiacineas did!
What made you decide to cut your hair?:
In February of 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. After my second round of Chemotherapy, chunks of my hair began to fall out. It was then I decided to shave my entire head!
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
I had never seen myself with short hair. All of my life I've had hair. I was afraid I would have the "head shape" for it. I was scared of the stares I knew I would get in public. I was scared everyone would automatically know about my illness due to my lack of hair.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
After I was told that I would have to undergo rigorous Chemotherapy & Radiation treatments, I told myself the FIRST patch of hair that I see fall out, I was going to shave my ALL of my hair off. So I did just that!
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
I. LOVED. IT! I felt beautiful, I felt powerful, I felt like a Goddess! It was liberating. I literally felt like I could take on the world!
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
Cutting my hair symbolized that my hair did not define my beauty. I was beautiful with or without my precious afro. Cutting my hair symbolized that I was ready to take on the biggest fight of my life, Cancer.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
Maybe one day. But not anytime soon. For now I'm sticking to the brown egg look!
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self-confidence?
A little bit of both, actually. I was forced I take on all of my insecurities because I didn't have any hair to hide behind anymore. Due to treatment I would get hot flashes, so I couldn't wear wigs too often because I would easily overheat. I had to learn to accept my acne, my dark spots, uneven/extremely dry skin, and embrace it! But now that I know I can rock the bald look, I know I can pull off ANYTHING hunty!
Do you regret your decision at all?
Not at all! I'd do it all over again! I am currently in remission and I still shave my head! I just love the feeling.