baldies: Alana Marie
“I wanted to show my daughter that the person makes the hair, not the other way around.”
name: Alana Marie
social media: IG: @iamalanamarie
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
Put the sheers to my hair on November 2, 2018 - a little over 3 months.
What made you decide to cut your hair?
I had been thinking about cutting my hair for quite some time but never really knew if/when I wanted to do it. A lot of my brand was centered around my hair and that was one of my most descriptive features. I got married in September of 2018 and it was weighing heavy on me to cut it but I knew I didn't want to cut it prior to the wedding. One Friday afternoon when I was washing my hair in the shower, it was taking me 45 minutes- hour to detangle my hair. I went from standing to sitting and the base of the shower combing my hair - frustrated that it was taking this long to get through the first half of wash day. I stepped out the shower, grabbed my phone and text my husband, "I want to cut my hair." 5 minutes later, "Naw, I'm GOING to cut my hair. Just wanted to let you know before you got home from work." By that afternoon, my hair was on the floor. Between years of heat damage and coloring, a lot of my hair was damaged and it was time to go.
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
What if my head was long or funny-shaped without all of my hair? What if I couldn't maintain the cut? What if my husband didn't like it? What if I didn't have the same confidence I had with long hair?
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?
I didn't. Deciding to cut your hair is one of those things you can't spend too much time thinking about or you'll convince yourself to change your mind. Study long, study wrong.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
"OMG!!!!! I REALLY JUST CUT MY HAIR. MY DAMN. I JUST CUT MY HAIR."
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?
My 9-year-old daughter has had locs for a little over 2 years and has moments where she really doesn't like her hair and allows it to really define how she feels about herself. I wanted to show my daughter that the person makes the hair, not the other way around. I've had a mo-hawk, pixie cut, bob, long hair and now this big chop and rocked each style. I wanted to be proof that my confidence remains consistent regardless of the hairstyle.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
I really like sister locs so maybe when I get around 35-40, that may be my next style. For the time being, I'm keeping this short cut.
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self-confidence?
I feel as though I've been able to maintain my same confidence. I have to get used to the wolf stage between haircuts because my hair grows so fast but other than that, I'm definitely rockin the title of "Bald Baddie"
Do you regret your decision at all?: Not.at.all.