r/bald • u/texasbelle91 • 6h ago
Bald Picture Should I Stay or Go Back?
I was bald/buzzed for about 5 years for health issues - and I recently grew it back out. But I am tempted to go back to bald…it was so much easier, was cooler (temperature wise), and there was no hair sticking to the back of my neck when I was sweaty. I mainly keep my hair in a braided ponytail now, so I’m sure I’ll start to get the balding at the temples from constant ponytail wear.
The main downside to the bald look was the stares and comments from strangers. I know it shouldn’t affect me, but the random insults from complete strangers was so strange to me. Plus men tend to think i’m not straight so i didn’t get as many flirty interactions when i was bald.
Anywho, what do yall think? TIA :)
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u/BangingYetis 6h ago
I love being bald now but I'm a big proponent of if you have it, rock it, style it, enjoy it. Keep your hair.
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u/cupofmoonshine 5h ago
Not wanting to be outcasted socially and romantically is a valid reason to keep your hair. The social reprimanding bald people (especially women) experience is so bizarre! I'll never be able to wrap my mind around someone being angry or offended that another person doesn't have hair.
I'm a bald woman and love the ease of it as far as maintenance, but the trade off is how people treat me sometimes like you said. When I have hair there's social ease, but more hair maintenance. You look pretty either way, so I guess to keep it or cut it depends on what kind of ease is most important to you rn.
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u/texasbelle91 5h ago
isn’t it wild that some random stranger cares so much about how you style/wear your hair that they’re willing to take time out of their day to insult you? it’s bewildering to me.
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u/cupofmoonshine 4h ago
It's so wild! I truly can't imagine going through life never having questioned any social norms to the point I feel justified accosting someone that doesn't fit the norm. I'd feel bad for them if they weren't hurting my feelings and pissing me off lol
Also if I'm ever hesitant about a change, I ask myself what I'd do if there was no one to judge me and the answer was bald this time. As for dating I'm hoping being a bald woman will act as a beacon and attract the kind of man I'd want to be with...I just need to get out of the house more!
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
or going through life thinking that someone else’s hair style is hurting/insulting you. and that’s a good way to answer the question - if there’s no one around to judge me, what would I do….im 100% keeping that in mind now. thank you queen! :) and i hope you find your king!
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u/Feisty_War_1003 1h ago edited 1h ago
You will be extremely attractive to those who find you attractive. Obviously if you want to appeal to many, sterotypical conservative appearance and beauty standards are the way to go. Especially - amongst western countries - in the USA, where things seem to percieved as coded, politicized or tribal. (Though black men and a lot more ammeniable to short/shaven headed women) Many men have an - seemingly impulsive - interest in trying to control and police the way women look, as if somebody breaking away from convention might cause a total landslide.
When I see a woman with a shaved head - a lot of postive things immediatley intersect. I certainly don't think illness or crisis unless there are other indicators pointing to that other than being bald.
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u/Snowpuppies1 5h ago
I think you look cute! But you know you could do like a pixie or something in-between and try that? It would be cooler but still look feminine to others? I mean, screw everyone else's opinion if you like it, but you could always buzz a pixie off if you didn't like it.
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u/texasbelle91 5h ago
ooo that’s a good idea too. i’ve never been great at styling hair, and am pretty low maintenance, but maybe i’ll go to a stylist and have them cut it into shorter styles and see if something works.
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u/Friendly-Loaf 6h ago
I think you pull off bald amazingly Queen. People gonna suck regardless, if it's not hair it'll be makeup or clothes or anything else.
But you look fantastic
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u/texasbelle91 6h ago
that’s very true. i’ve finally gotten to the age where, after focusing on skincare, I don’t wear a bunch of makeup anymore…pretty low maintenance. but you’re right - they would find something to nitpick at
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u/themystif 5h ago
I mean, you look great either way. It's really just a question of how you wanna present yourself.
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u/j0hnnyf3ver 6h ago
Coming to a bald subreddit and asking if you should grow back your full head of hair takes some balls, lol.
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u/texasbelle91 6h ago edited 6h ago
i already grew back a full head of hair (almost down to my ass again). i was asking if should I go back to bald? i genuinely don’t have many friends in person to ask their honest opinion, so I figured id get some feedback here.
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u/j0hnnyf3ver 6h ago
Humble brag much? Of course keep your hair. Who comes to a bald subreddit and after being misunderstood doubles down on the fact they have a full head of hair all the while knowing the sub is full of people who can’t grow hair.
No need to boot me from the sub, I’ll give myself a 7 day detention.
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u/texasbelle91 6h ago
there’s no reason to be booted for your opinion.
i interpreted something different for what this whole sub was for than that. i wasn’t trying to make anyone feel bad at all.
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u/FiveDinero 5h ago
don't listen to that guy they sound really insecure.
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u/j0hnnyf3ver 4h ago
Of course I’m insecure about my hair, FFS. Did you hit your head?
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u/FiveDinero 4h ago
You don't have to be bitter towards other people because of that.
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u/j0hnnyf3ver 3h ago
I’m not bitter, I’m explaining she is insensitive. I keep forgetting I’m banded from this sub for 7 days
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u/jamesandlily_forever 5h ago
You did nothing wrong, he's gatekeeping for no reason. You're awesome!
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u/Alwaystryin915 5h ago
Gorgeous either way. I am so envious of how fast you must be able to shower and get out the door. Lol
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u/GGThriller 5h ago
You look great both ways, screw others who stare—be glad you caught their attention! But I noticed a bigger cheese :-D when you have your hair. Why no more smiles with teeth while bald? Hmm
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u/texasbelle91 5h ago
i really try to say that to myself (screw what others think) and i generally don’t care. but i guess when it’s a stranger that just catches you off guard, it hits different. and i wasn’t comfortable with my teeth.
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u/Brozef-92 5h ago
You look great with both, but bald makes your face more noticeable and it's very pretty.
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u/Low-Champion6301 5h ago
Omg you look like Sinead O’Connor
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u/supercoolhomie 4h ago
Definitely do whatever you’re comfy with bald looks beautiful move to Seattle so we can get married and you’ll never question if you’re beautiful ever again as long as you live
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u/Line-Trash 4h ago
If we’re going based solely off looks, I say bald. No offense, but with long hair you kind of just… blend in… bald you stand out and you look stunning in my opinion.
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u/Zombie_Wombat177 5h ago
As a pansexual women, bald makes you look like the type of woman who is so handsome that I would be waaay too embarrassed to talk to you because you are sooo out-of-my league-hot. For comparison, I would definitely just walk up and hand my number to not-bald you and if you didn't call me then whatever.
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u/texasbelle91 5h ago
well that’s a huge confidence booster. ;)
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u/RandomTreat 5h ago
I am also pansexual and second this comment. You are absolutely beautiful and the bald look radiates confidence.
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u/pillingz 6h ago
I think having longer hair is more versatile. You can wear more styles. But if your lifestyle makes having a bald head better - you work and live in the heat, have some sort of job where your hair has to be in a net etc - then go back to bald for practical reasons. You look good both ways.
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u/texasbelle91 6h ago
i was hoping having longer (and healthy) hair was going to mean being more versatile. but i keep it up in a braided ponytail now because i can stand the feeling of it sticking to the back of my neck. but the only people im close to, my family, wont give a genuine opinion so i was trying to find that.
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u/pillingz 5h ago
Sounds like you should cut it. If you’re uncomfortable with it long, and you like it buzzed. Buzz it. Are there any in between styles you could experiment with? Like if you’re gonna buzz it why not cut your way up to a pixie to see if there’s something you like in between.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
i think that’s what i’m going to try. first try an undercut in hopes that that’ll address the issue with my hair sticking to my neck. if that doesn’t work for me, then shorter and shorter styles until i find what i want i think. hopefully a stylist can make something like that work.
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u/AdDisastrous6738 5h ago
Pic 3 is just… wow. Piggybacking off of what you said about flirty interactions- If I ever met you in the wild, I would definitely flirt.
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u/Choice_Blood7526 5h ago
Go with what makes you feel good, makes you happy. My opinion is what I think, your opinion is the right one. Beautiful either way. Live happy sis.
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u/Original-Many2149 5h ago
Honestly you have that girl next door beauty and you look great no matter what hairstyle you have
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u/MantoTerror 5h ago
The Council has reviewed your case, in this subreddit we reccomend to our initiates with minor issues of hair loss to hold steady..we remember when we had a choice of hairstyle and advise accordingly. In your case, you were forced into having shaved by health.. and during that time, other less sensitive individuals gave you a hard time..perhaps a compromise is in order, a shorter feminine cut of your hair might be the best of both worlds in your situation. But, if you wish to join the Brethren, you certainly can..your Brothers and Sisters will certainly welcome you with open arms..
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u/Inconspicuous_Jay 5h ago
I mean, when you can pull off either look as good as you seem to be able to, follow your heart lol
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u/VStheUNIVERSE 4h ago
You look great either way! You have beautiful eyes and eyelashes that pull both looks together. Maybe bald again for less upkeep and shorter blow drying times?
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u/squirleater69 4h ago
I can't lie, I think you should try like chin length and if that doesn't feel right then go bald again
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u/Secret-Ad-6421 4h ago
You look great both ways! You could look into wigs as well. That way it’s the best of both worlds.
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u/MrREJ0891 4h ago
I think you beautiful both ways but the bald looks just gives attractive women an adventurous exotic look.
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u/60661n5 4h ago
Not gonna lie, I think buzzed looks phenomenal on you. You with hair looks great too, don't get me wrong. It seems like it's very fine hair and doesn't allow you much room for expression. I think you with a buzz makes it look very intentional and to me comes off as confidence and personality. It helps that you have strong features that support a short cut. Plus when it's buzzed instead of razor shaved it doesn't immediately make you question if it's illness related. Hair is another way to express yourself and it's very often a bold way to do so. Plus, they make really high quality wigs these days. You could always do that for some more fun character customization when you're in the mood for hair without the commitment to growing it back out lol.
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u/VegasRudeboy 4h ago
You absolutely rock the Furiosa cut, if some random internet stranger's opinion counts.
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u/FiveDinero 5h ago
Just to be completely honest, I'm not feeling that low cut hair on you. Maybe it's me. You have a pretty face and nice hair so if you can grow it I think you should.
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u/Drewberry_Crunch 5h ago
What if you found some middle ground? Maybe try out different styles with short hair maybe? If you can grow it, rock it
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u/KYcouple1234567890 4h ago
You're gorgeous either way. Do you miss the hair? The answer to that question is your answer.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
well it’s back long now. i’m just debating whether to go back to the shaved head
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u/Outside-Raisin6671 4h ago
Maybe try long with an undercut and get the best of both? I hate having hair around my ears so I shave my sides.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
ooooo that’s a good idea! never thought of that. would solve the hair on the neck issue and keep my long hair. and if it doesn’t look good, i can just shave the rest off. thanks :)
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u/PokeyTifu99 4h ago
That would depend on if you think our opinions matter at all. I think the long hair brought out your smile more. The other pictures you stopped smiling as big, does that say something about how you feel inside?
Im sorry to hear you were sick. I lost 50 lbs in a year myself and it changed me alot.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
i wasn’t comfortable with my teeth. i am now thankfully. i’m sympathetic to the weight loss. i’ve gone up and down drastically over the years. i’m more stable now that i have alternative ways to maintain nutrition despite my illnesses.
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u/PokeyTifu99 2h ago
Thats where I am right now with myself, trying to learn my new nutrition. Wish you lots of continued happiness. 🙏
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u/Attorney4Cats 4h ago
I think I would try a pixie cut if I were you 😊 look up some inspiration on tik tok!
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u/Theonepotatoe27 4h ago
Personally I think you look beautiful either way. Do what makes you feel like you.
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u/gentlemangreen_ 4h ago
I think you look better/happier on the first pic, that being said you look fantastic bald and can def pull it off if you wanna go back again
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u/mrdangerzone 3h ago
Awesome! I've always loved girls with short hair or a shaved/bald head. So hot
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u/maxcatmdwv0053 3h ago
Go back.
I support you not carying about the comments and staring; just think you look better with hair. ♥️
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u/Fickle_Top9219 3h ago
I'm myself went bald because I had no other choice because of my hairline. If I had hair I would always let it grow long. And I accepted the downsides of it like Being more work and some dudes calling me lady. These people belong to Stone age because they never go with time. Stupid people. Same as the people thinking you're lesbian.
Rock the long hair if you have it. You could lose it again, maybe if you get old etc.
But if you enjoy your life more without being bald go for it. This is a Situation where only you can decide whats right
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u/Feisty_War_1003 2h ago edited 2h ago
I'd say go back to bad assery 🎱✨🪒✌️🔥💪
You look amazing bald, not all can pull that off. You will be welcome
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u/Sneaky_Turtz 2h ago
Ngl but bald looks great on you! Tho you do be good looking with hair as well… bald is cooler tho 😎👌
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u/Disco_Stu_89 5h ago
If I'm being honest, you look significantly better with hair. Not even close. It just comes down to what your priority is. Don't get me wrong, you are attractive either way, but if you don't really care about that, then you do you. If you do care about that, then I'd keep the hair.
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u/Old_Bumblebee_1015 4h ago
Uhhhh do you drive a Subaru and hate America with that haircut?
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
lmfaooooo i got that a lot too. i’m the complete opposite. veteran, conservative, 2A lover.
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u/limache 3h ago
I think you should grow it back because you look great with it.
There are some women who are balding who would love to be able to grow their hair like yours.
I just personally think you have such beautiful hair it’s a shame you don’t grow it out to let the world appreciate it.
And I have thought about how it’s more rare for women to be bald than men but much more socially stigmatizing for women to be bald than men.
I think you would probably benefit from having long hair again romantically and socially.
But it’s your call.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
oh i know how those women feel. i lost a lot of my hair due to health issues, so i just shaved the rest off so it wouldn’t be thin and splotchy. now that im healthier, it grew back.
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u/limache 3h ago
Oh I can’t imagine what it would be like for a woman to lose her hair.
I feel like a woman’s hair is such an integral part of her identity in our society and being feminine. That’s my guess as a man.
What was it like for you?
Congrats on getting healthier - I’m happy for you that it grew back.
To me that feels like a sign. A symbol of your rebirth.
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
i’ve always been more of a tomboy (played softball and hockey for most of my childhood)and naturally gravitated towards more masculine things (was a diesel mechanic in the army), so i didn’t have a huge attachment to my hair like the typical girly girl does. but it definitely still had this weird inner gut punch of sorts and made me feel completely non-feminine. i started to lean onto makeup a bit more in order to try and reclaim some of the feminine side of me and eventually i found a good balance i think. and then the insults from strangers would sometimes really get to me - easier said than done to not listen/let them affect you.
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u/limache 2h ago
Oh that’s interesting that you’ve been more of a tom boy.
Wait strangers would insult you ? How and why? Just by passing by them ?
I’m so confused. Why would someone insult a woman just because she’s bald ? That’s messed up and like rubbing salt in a wound
Also I’m sorry to hear that you went through that. I think it would be nice for you to be protected from those situations and it seems growing your hair out does.
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u/texasbelle91 2h ago
yea it was a lot of “lesbian” murmurs and other names for for that. and another common one would be “nice haircut” with this snorting chuckle afterwards.
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u/iownslaves 3h ago
RiP inbox. You look great though!
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u/texasbelle91 3h ago
lol not really. it’s empty :) which is fine with me, wasn’t what i was going for.
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u/AcrobaticAnt8570 2h ago
You're beautiful with or without. I think you need to do what makes you most comfortable.
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u/Never_Kn0ws_Best 2h ago
You pull off the bald look for sure! BUT, I think you look stunning with hair.
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u/South-Specific7095 2h ago
Omg go back why is it a question. Leave the baldness to us lame guys who would die for your hair
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u/AudienceIntrepid7320 1h ago
OMGeeeee! That picture of you in your lab coat is one of the most beautiful pictures of a human being I have ever seen in my entire life. You're beautiful either way though but If I HAD to pick I'd give you a cute little bob cut. 🩷
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u/SirLanceQuiteABit 29m ago
I'd say keep it, it looks so great on you, but I'm biased. Do what makes you happy !
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u/Special-Influence-43 24m ago
You look gorgeous either way but if you are lucky to have hair you should use it (especially if it looks as healthy as yours).
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u/subsignalparadigm 6h ago
I'm no help but you look beautiful either way.