For the last ten years, I have tried to convince many women to go bald for the summer. Okay, often, this is done in jest because I grow tired of hearing my sister and close friends complain about their hair and how hot it is to be a Black woman during the summer time. Being a Black man, I know that the end of May means only one thing: time to cut it off.
It all started the day after I graduated high school. Picture this. It is 1991, The Chicago Bulls are getting set for their historic run of basketball championships. The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of a season for the ages as they are making a serious run at a division title for the first time since 1982. And I'm sporting a high-top fade.
Yes, like Kid from Kid & Play. Like the Aaron Hall and Teddy Riley from Guy. Like Bell Biv DeVoe. Basically, like any other Black man on the popular culture and sports scene.
Figuring that my high school graduation is a milestone in my life. And the fact that Iowa summers are long, hot, and humid. I decided that I need a new look. And I cut it all off.
Suddenly, everyone is commenting on my new look. Girls are flocking to me. And I suddenly felt liberated. Well, the last comment wasn't exactly true. But I did feel like a new man. And the summer of 1991 felt cooler. Not only as a state of mind but also physically, I felt cooler.
I do realize that a woman's hair is her treasure. The most famous lock of the last ten years belonged to Kimberly Russell. In fact, the eponymous character "Felicity" was universally known, not because of great ratings, but because of her hair. Yet, when Russell cut her hair in real life, the show's already low ratings fell even lower. She had to wear a wig in order to pacify the few fans still watching the show.
I also know that women cut their hair after traumatic experiences. It has been explained to me that it is a feeling of liberation and a literal expression of cutting off their ties to the past. With that in mind, I still like the bald look. On some women. With the right kind of heads. I think the look is different. And not really all that shocking.
Women love to ask men, "What do you find most attractive about me?". If the hair was cut short, a man could reply, "Your eyes!" with all due sincerity because no hair means that the eyes would be highlighted.
Plus, more women could pull off the "get up and go" look. Just wake up. Shower. Throw on some Dax or Duke. And away you go! No worries about the humidity and the forecast for rain. Yet, I know that my pleas will fall on deaf ears.
So, I'm thankful that Miss Tanzania chose to sport her dome with pride during yesterday's Miss Universe pageant. Maybe, just maybe, my sister and friends and others will realize that bald truly can be beautiful!
Article comments
1 - High Heels
What a refreshing attitude from a guy!
As you say, a woman with a good face and head shape can look stunning without hair, or with a very cropped cut, and it's no problem to look after.
2 - Heloise
Oh, I thought she looked just great with that head of hair, or lack of it. I also pegged Miss Japan on sight to win the Miss Universe.
When poor Miss USA fell she really should not have made it into the final five, but maybe her smile got her there. Is that why the Mexicans were really mad because USA Was in the 5 and Miss Mexico was not?
Anyway, can't wear the bald myself, but I did want to go dreads.
Heloise