There’s something powerful about cutting off all your hair and going through “the big chop”. After years of braids, weaves, cornrows and everything in between, a sizzling new haircut has the power to give off major, “I did what I did” vibes. Whether it’s side-shaven or completely bald, a new haircut mostly comes with a feeling of freshness and renewal. Granted, the first trip to the barber can be a bit daunting, and watching pieces of your hair fall to the ground may shoot your heart rate up, but that post-chop look in the mirror can be super satisfying.
FEMME MAG spoke to five womxn about the decision to cut their hair, what led to it and how it’s made them feel. For some, it was a choice to let it all go, for others it was a spur of the moment decision, but the end result remains the same; an innate feeling of satisfaction.
Kitti, 24
I heard someone say that happiness lies in a fresh new cut and since there was only one way to know I decided to chop my hair off. I cut it myself at home and I recorded myself doing it. I’m pretty sure I might still have that video somewhere. I used to see womxn with buzz cuts as feisty and I decided I wanted to be like them. Also, legend has it that when the hair goes low, your ass gets fatter. Save myself all those squats and just cut my hair? Yes, please!!
Jane, 22
I got a haircut during the coronavirus-induced lockdowns. I guess the monotony of the whole thing made me feel like I needed something new and interesting in my life. Plus my ear-length hair wasn’t exactly serving me. Cutting all my hair off is way more affordable to maintain and if I ever get bored I can always put a wig on. But I had to keep chanting to myself as the clipper was going over my hair, “short hair or long hair, I’m still a babe.” Lol. It’s so peaceful now though.
Ore, 30
I cut my hair in 2016. I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) , and my hair was shedding at an alarming rate. I just had to let it go. Honestly, I miss my hair if I’m being honest and I’m tired of wearing wigs all the time. I think I’m stuck with short for a while though because I’ve tried everything to grow it back. No such luck. I did dye my short buzz cut gold at some point though, which was fun and exciting! That’s one upside with my short hair, I can do almost anything I want to do with it almost every other day.
Yinka, 19
I’d been thinking of doing something new with my hair for a while after the lockdown started. I really wanted a new look; something different from my norm. Then one morning, I just decided to chop it off. Honestly it was hard to stick to that decision long enough to get to the salon and get it done. But, do I regret it now? Nope. My mum hates it though. Lol. But that’s her personal problem. It saves me money. Some days, I miss braiding but I look in the mirror and remember I’m forever a spec.
In hindsight, I guess it sort of signified a new beginning for me. I’d been going through a rough patch, on the low, and cutting my hair felt like a breath of much needed fresh air. I’m glad I did it.
Blessing, 20
I’ve never really liked getting my hair done. I just used to do it because it was what everyone was doing. One time in school, I had cornrows on for three-thirds of the school year. I didn’t fix, I didn’t braid. Just plain all-back. Then I heard some whispers about how I was “broke” and couldn’t afford to get my hair done. Lol. People though. Anyway, I got braids after that and somehow I got lice in my hair. One day, I was walking back to my room and it was raining, the hair was itchy and in my face, and I was so irritated. When I got to my room, I picked up a pair of scissors and stood in front of a mirror and snip! I didn’t even think about it so I won’t lose my courage. Afterwards, I went to a barber and cut it neater. And I’ve worn it like that since. It’s so much better for me.
