There’s no bigger critic than ourselves, is there? Especially when it comes to our perception of what beauty is, let alone society’s persuasions.
So why then have I chosen to shave my shoulder-length hair to an uncommon buzz cut? Especially at 46, with life already etched into my face!
Granted it is an up coming trend – one need only look at the recent Fall Fashion Week models to see that – but no, I’m 46 and not delusional. Trends don’t motivate me and neither do youthful flawless faces.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month maybe it’s presumed that that was my catalyst. No, I advocate cancer prevention through eating a whole foods, plant-based diet, regular exercise and mindfulness. This encourages one’s focus on lifestyle and disease prevention first, rather than detection later.
My intention behind this bold shave is the intuitive feeling of opportunity:
- The personal growth offered by flexing my strength in social vulnerability
- Facing my own vulnerabilities as I peer into a mirror
- Being mindful to transcend my exposed facial imperfections in appreciation of a deeper beauty that goes beyond good or bad hair days
- Who knows I might even touch someone else, by showing them that conventional beauty isn’t mandatory, not even at middle age!
How to donate your hair to CANSA:
- The hair should be at least 25 cm or more in length
- They can’t use dreadlocks. Treated hair is accepted
- Before you snip it off, ensure it’s clean and dry, ready to package once cut
- Bind both ends of the hair with hair bands. Plaited hair is also easier to manage
- Place in a zip lock bag to help preserve the hair while it makes its way to the wig manufacturers.
- Post it or drop it off at the CANSA Care Centre found nearest you.
(Photograph taken by Marissa Rossouw)
Dearest Lynette. I admire you so much for doing this. You look gorgeous without your beautiful locks! Well done for being so bold and for sharing your story. It makes one think. I recently lost my dear Mother to breast cancer so keeping healthy and eating well to ensure that we don’t fall into the trap of degenerative diseases, is so top of mind for me. Lots of love. Diane Silcock
Diane, thank you for your lovely feedback and my condolences for the loss of your darling mother. Loosing a parent is so very difficult. Here’s to a beautiful, happy and healthy 2017!
I shaved my hair off just before my 46th birthday and it feels great. Someone asked if it did it for a specific charity and i said no I did it because i wanted to and did not want to be stuck following social perceptions that women should have hair. It is such a time saver and so much less product needed.
You are so right Trisha… I know spend half the money of my weekly blow waves, on a 6 week shave & colour! So that’s about 12 times cheaper if my math is right! Love that you follow your own path!
Ditto to that, sounds like we had a shared motivation and experience Trisha!