5. Shaving my Hair Off
On the Wednesday before the New Year, I sent this text out: ‘I’m getting a radical buzz cut and dyeing it red. Out with the old, in with the new!’
Seconds later, an SMS from my cousin: ‘Wow, I’m in awe!’
The next one was from my sister. ‘Has April Fool come early?’ she jibed. ‘Out with the old what? Good looks?’
In the spirit of keeping it real, it wasn’t my idea to go GI Jane for 2011. But after taking out my braided extensions – and clumps of my own hair with them – my tresses were in distress and needed drastic action.
What went wrong? I blame the combined side effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding, birth control pills, stress and of course years of chemical and heat abuse.
On my hairdresser’s recommendation, I closed my eyes (or rather, widened them in shock) and let her bring out the clippers.
It’s a strange feeling watching your hair disappear, like shedding skin…or body parts. I was giggling (even though I felt like weeping) especially at Ezra’s little voice crying: ‘Mum, your head is purple!’ once I had the red dye washed in.
Now there’s no going back and I’m choosing to embrace the new me. I’ve always heard that it’s liberating taking your hair off and finally I understand why. There’s nothing like confronting your (almost) naked head to unleash a part of you that’s been growling to be free.
And at last I have that wash and go look I’ve always craved. I have the chance to start afresh and to reinvent other aspects of my life, including my image. The hubby offered to help revamp my wardrobe but he’s no Gok Wan and I’m not quite ready for his version of fashion forward!
Still, I do feel edgier, riskier and more playful for 2011. And the way I look actually matches the way I’ve felt at the core since giving birth:
I am fierce. I am mother. Hear me roar!
And finally, the big mini reveal (via Blackberry pic)!
What events or experiences defined last year for you? Have you made any radical changes or decisions for 2011?
Happy New Year to all our readers!
Top pic: Angelique Kidjo
5 things that rocked my world in 2010 (nos. 3 & 4)
Wow. That’s quite drastic, but it looks great. It completely changes your look. I love it! xx
Hi Deborah, Happy New Year! Thanks for the compliment, I’m still feeling my way into this look. But what’s fun is the excuse to go shopping, buy new accessories, wear more makeup and generally make it up as I go along!
What’s funny is that I just got a prescription for glasses as well, so will be adding to my makeover. Luckily they’re only for work/reading, so my friends might still recognise me in the street. Just about!
Wow! That’s FAB! The best part for me, because I feel the same, is “I am fierce. I am mother. Hear me roar!” Anything that brings that out, I say go for :)
Hey again, big change huh? I must admit one week later I still get a daily shock when I look in the mirror. But mostly I’m just having fun with it :-)
You look so beautiful. Are you growing your hair natural or have you put chemicals back in your hair? If you are leaving it natural, have you checked out advice and tutorials on youtube? It’s amazing :)
Thanks so much and yes I’m still a naturalista although I don’t do much other than wash and comb. I def plan on using YouTube inspiration more this year, but those videos are a total time suck!