How young people in informal settlements can be empowered
Discover how supporting youth in informal settlements can drive societal progress. Learn about the key challenges young people face and the solutions to ensure a brighter future.
Quarantine turned life upside down for many of us, and during this time, I made a decision that changed not just my appearance but my entire perspective on self-care and personal style: shaving my head. At first, it seemed like a bold move, but as the days went on, I discovered so many unexpected benefits. Here’s a list of the 9 things I love about shaving my head during quarantine—and why you might want to consider it too.
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1. No More Bad Hair Days
One of the most obvious yet liberating aspects of shaving my head is the end of bad hair days. I no longer have to worry about flat hair, frizz, or trying to make my hair look “just right” for the day. My morning routine is quicker, and I get to embrace the freedom of knowing my hair is always neat.
Why It’s Great:
- No more styling or worrying about weather-related hair issues.
- Instant confidence boost from the simplicity and sleekness of a shaved head.
2. Extra Time in the Morning
Before shaving my head, I spent a lot of time styling my hair each day—whether it was combing it, blow-drying, or using products to keep it in place. After shaving, I can literally jump out of bed and be ready in minutes.
Why It’s Great:
- More time for breakfast, morning workouts, or a few extra minutes of sleep.
- Simplicity leads to a more efficient start to the day.
3. A New Sense of Confidence
Shaving my head was a bold decision, and it took a bit of courage at first. But once I saw the result, I realized it was one of the best choices I’d made during quarantine. Having a clean, shaved head gave me a fresh start and boosted my confidence in ways I didn’t expect.
Why It’s Great:
- Embracing a new look can be empowering.
- It challenges conventional beauty standards and allows for a unique sense of self-expression.
4. Less Maintenance and Cost
Haircuts and hair products add up over time. Between visits to the barber and the money spent on shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, it can become expensive. Shaving my head has allowed me to cut down on these unnecessary expenses, and my maintenance has dropped to virtually nothing.
Why It’s Great:
- I’m saving money on haircuts, styling products, and salon visits.
- The long-term savings are a pleasant bonus.
5. It's Cooler in the Summer
Let’s face it—summer heat can be brutal. With a shaved head, I feel noticeably cooler, especially during the warmer months. Without the layers of hair to trap heat, my scalp gets a bit of a breeze, and I feel much more comfortable.
Why It’s Great:
- Less sweat and heat on hot days.
- Feels refreshing and natural to be able to breathe easily without the bulk of hair.
6. An Easy, Low-Maintenance Look
Since quarantine limited my options for professional grooming, I embraced the low-maintenance look. A shaved head doesn’t require regular upkeep or constant attention. The simplicity of having no hair to manage gives me one less thing to think about in my day-to-day life.
Why It’s Great:
- No need for frequent touch-ups or trimming.
- Just a quick shave every few days, and I’m good to go!
7. Embracing the Freedom of Change
Shaving my head felt like a significant transformation, and that freedom to change my appearance so drastically made me feel liberated. It was a powerful reminder that we can evolve and reinvent ourselves—especially in times of uncertainty. Change is healthy and exciting!
Why It’s Great:
- It’s an act of personal growth and stepping outside my comfort zone.
- I learned to embrace the freedom to experiment with my look.
8. A Cool, Clean Look
A shaved head has a sleek, clean aesthetic that complements almost any style. Whether I’m in a T-shirt or dressed up, the look is polished and modern. Plus, it’s much easier to keep clean and maintained.
Why It’s Great:
- A neat, polished appearance without the hassle.
- It gives off an effortlessly stylish vibe.
9. I’ve Gained a New Perspective on Beauty Standards
Shaving my head forced me to reconsider society’s usual standards of beauty. I realized that a lot of the pressure I felt about my appearance had to do with external expectations—and shaving my head allowed me to break free from those norms. The experience taught me that true beauty is confidence, not necessarily long hair or any specific hairstyle.
Why It’s Great:
- It helped me embrace my natural self and redefine what beauty means to me.
- I now feel less worried about conforming to societal standards.
Conclusion:
Shaving my head during quarantine has been one of the most liberating decisions I’ve ever made. From gaining more time in the morning to feeling more confident and cool, the benefits have been clear. It has made me appreciate simplicity, embraced the freedom of change, and allowed me to challenge beauty standards in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Whether you're considering a big change or simply curious about trying something new, shaving your head might be a step toward greater self-awareness and comfort in your own skin.
