How to Embrace Being a Black, Bald Baddie
By Irene Sanford
I am a bald, heavyset Black woman in a world where none of those attributes are valued. I've dealt with alopecia for several years, primarily by hiding it. Today, I feel liberated from the shame of baldness. But, like many bald and Black marginalized genders, I experience challenges to my self-image, beauty, and overall sense of self. It has everything to do with society.
In the corporate world, I was conscientious about hiding my baldness. I had a rotation of wigs that I wore so well my coworkers never knew; they complimented me on my "new haircut" when I began wearing a shorter wig. Even at home, no one saw me without a head wrap or bonnet on my head.
Ashamed of the ever-growing bald spots that formed over the years, my hair refused to grow no matter what I tried. Finally, after wasting years and hundreds of dollars on useless products, I got tired of hiding. So in 2021, I shaved off the remains of my hair.
The CROWN Act, passed in 2019, gives Black people the right to wear their natural hair without fear of retribution. It also gave me the confidence to move forward with wearing a nonconforming look.
From our youth, we're pressured to adhere to Eurocentric hair standards that aren't always healthy, practical, or affordable. I wanted to be beautiful in my baldness, but negative images and narratives about bald Black women made tapping into my divine feminine energy difficult. I felt nervous, vulnerable, and unsure about my attractiveness.
Going against traditional beauty norms isn't easy. I constantly fight the brainwashing that women need long, straight hair to be desired. I have reached a new level of self-confidence and appreciation of my physical features, including my bald head.
For anyone else living with traction alopecia, I want you to know that you're not alone. Studies show that nearly 50% of Black women experience hair loss in their lives. I've learned from experience that the intersection of gender, race, and baldness can come with challenges, but it could never compromise our beauty! I want to help my fellow bald baddies to be free, so here are five lessons that I've learned:
1. Self-Acceptance
Be true to yourself. Don't let anybody make you feel wrong about being bald. It's hair, pure and simple. Our value goes much deeper than the keratin strands that grow out of our scalps. You can be beautiful and bald at the same time. One quality does not contradict the other. Admire and appreciate the facial features that you usually don't notice. People can see you beyond obvious surface qualities when you shave your head.
2. Self-Care
Be good to yourself. Take great care with your newly shaven scalp. I like to use peppermint and exfoliating shampoo to keep my scalp clean. I regularly pamper my scalp with aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and vitamin E oil and keep it protected with a gentle moisturizing cream containing SPF-30 sunscreen. At night, I still sleep with a satin bonnet on my head. I wear soft, woolen hats in the winter to keep my head warm and cute sun hats in the summer to prevent sunburn. It's all about giving your scalp some extra TLC throughout the day, just as you care for your skin everywhere else. Your scalp will thank you for your kindness.
3. Express Yourself
Express yourself. Literally. If you like bold colors, fun fashion, cosmetics, or unique jewelry, now's the time to rock it! Whatever gives you confidence about your appearance is what you should indulge in. I'm a "girly girl," so I invested in stunning lipstick colors and sexy eye makeup. I even got new piercings! When I step into the world in my style, I feel more at ease in my skin. It's no longer about what others see; it's about how I feel.
4. Connect with Other Bald Baddies
There's strength in numbers and community matters. Many other Black marginalized genders are on a similar journey and can be a powerful source of support and guidance. When I first shaved my head, I joined Facebook groups and followed social media platforms exclusively for bald women. It helped me a lot! I get tips about shaving, clippers vs. razors, barbers, beauty tips, etc. These people have a great deal of experience and are willing to share their knowledge.
5. Self-Love
Don't worry about the shallow people who make unflattering remarks about baldness. They are petty and small. They can stay miserable. Love who you are inside and out. Repeat positive affirmations in the mirror every day. Take care of your mental health. Treat your whole body with tender loving respect.
Irene Sanford is a Detroit-based violinist, photographer, writer, and doggy mom. Her pastimes include performing at open mics, reading, and singing in the shower. Irene's work aims to center and explore the nuances of systemic racism, misogynoir, intersectionality, politics, and current events.