There was a time not too long ago when a shaved head was a fashion statement reserved for macho men trying to look tough or a "drastic" measure for people dealing with thinning hair or hair loss. These days, however, it’s an edgy style that everyone can get on board with. From models to actors (we're looking at you, Danai Gurira a.k.a Black Panther's Okoye), being bald has never been more beautiful. Why is there such a buzz around shaving your head, and what are the hidden benefits? Read on before you break out your "bald" new look.
The Myths and Benefits of a Bald Head
If you’re planning on shaving your head to make it grow back thicker, you might need to think again. While the hair follicle is alive in the scalp, hair dies the moment it breaks the surface, so unless you use a hair removal treatment that goes beneath the surface of the scalp, you're only slicing off hair that isn’t living anyway. As a result, cutting or shaving doesn't affect any of your hair's properties, including length, thickness, and color. There's a common misconception that shaving your head can stimulate hair growth, but alas, this just isn't true.
But those who are looking for a fresh start with a bald look can still enjoy these other benefits of shaving their heads.
Hair Loss? No Loss!
People who have tried a variety of remedies to address hair loss and still aren’t happy with the results may find that embracing a shaved head is easier than suffering the gradual effects of male pattern baldness, dealing with bald patches, or even watching that receding hairline creep further along the scalp. In fact, you could end up wishing you’d shaved it all off years ago.
Mo Hair, Mo Problems
Getting your hair to cooperate takes a lot of time and money. The average cost of a woman’s haircut in America is $69, and that doesn’t include the accessories you use at home to tame your hair and all the time you set aside to maintain a complicated haircare routine. Grabbing the shaver and giving yourself a buzz cut (If Charlize Theron can do it, so can you) in the mirror means you could save hundreds of dollars a year to spend on things you actually enjoy, and more time to enjoy them. Plus, did we mention no more bad hair days?
Gray Hair? Don’t Care
Despite there being an empowering movement toward letting hair go its natural color rather than covering it up, going gray is not for everybody. If this includes you, then you can avoid those "wisdom highlights" entirely by shaving your head instead.
Giving Back
Healthy hair can make a big difference in other people’s lives. Not only can you donate your ponytails to organizations like Wigs For Kids, which makes real hair wigs for kids with hair loss from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, burns, and other medical conditions, but you can also raise money for charitable organizations by doing a sponsored shave.
A Shaved Head Turns Heads
Whether you opt for a razor cut, stubble on top, or leave a little more length on top, you’re in control of this striking look. Master the art of a close shave to reveal a bolder side of yourself to the world, and in return allow your other assets to shine brighter than they have before. It may take some getting used to, but shedding your hair and all its baggage can help you find yourself again. It can also have a surprising impact on how you are perceived. According to the BBC, there is ample evidence that bald guys can appear more thoughtful, educated, and honest. And for many women, going bald is empowering.
But, It’s Not All Peachy on Top
Committing to a shaved head isn’t problem-free. First, you’re going to get some judgment from nosy people, but always remember that their issues with your hair are because they have issues, not you! Shaving your head can also lead to more ingrown hairs and a dry scalp, but we’ll show you how to counteract these problems in the next section.
How to Care for Your Fresh Look
Did you know that shaving your head still requires a haircare routine, albeit a more relaxed one than people with long hair or short hair? After all, you can still have dirt, grime, and sweat buildup among those tiny hair strands. To offset this, you’re going to need a shampoo that moisturizes your scalp, like Lu's Rescue Shampoo. Formulated with shatavari-infused glycerin, the Rescue Collection nourishes your scalp, helping to avoid dryness. Moisturizing shatavari contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins to keep the hair you have left happy (even if it's not visible).
These days, it isn't just bald men who can rock a head of no hair. Many women are finding a shaved head to be their best look in a long time, and we are all about it. Because bald isn't just beautiful; it's badass.
