baldies: Ayanna Braxton
“I realized that with or without hair, I’m still beautiful.”
name: Ayanna Braxton
social media: @braxflix
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
I’ve been a self-proclaimed baldie for a month because I recently did a big chop.
Did anyone inspire you to cut your hair? (include @ name if possible):
The person who became an inspiration to my big chop was @badcayy. I remember when she cut her she looked gorgeous. She was already gorgeous with hair, but she made me realize something important. Hair doesn’t define beauty. She was stunning with her versatile hair cuts and colors that I had to cut my hair.
What made you decide to cut your hair?
I decided to cut my hair because I wanted to go natural. I missed how healthy my hair used to be too. I was tired of having a perm and not seeing increasing hair growth. So, I decided to cut it all off because it will grow back, but it will grow back healthy and beautiful.
What reservations/fears did you have about cutting your hair?
A reservation I had about cutting my hair was not having the confidence and self-esteem. I’m a freshman in college so I was anxious about being judged by others. Also, I was worried that I would lose my social media platform if my followers and likes decrease. I thought that without my hair, I wasn’t feminine enough to be beautiful. I didn’t want people to have that same negative perspective.
How did you prepare yourself for your hair cut?:
I prepared for my hair cut by encouraging myself. I kept reminding myself that, “Hair doesn’t define you.”
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?:
My initial reaction to seeing my face was “Wow” because I can finally see my true beauty without the mask of my hair. I was so excited because I couldn’t wait to learn and style my hair. Overall, I was happy.
Did cutting your hair symbolize anything to you?:
Cutting my hair became a symbolism of self-confidence, self esteem, and self-love.
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?:
Yes I plan on growing my hair back.
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self-confidence?:
Cutting my hair helped improved my confidence tremendously. I realized that with or without hair, I’m still beautiful.
Do you regret your decision at all?:
Honestly, I don’t regret my decision my at all. I love my hair.