Beautiful hair was a prerequisite to looking beautiful in the olden times. However, changing perceptions have altered the definition of beauty. In this wave, many women are going bald out of choice.
Meet Ahmedabad’s Ila Chaudhari, who recently decided to shave her head in June 2022. Life Beyond Numbers got into a conversation with her to find out what it takes for a woman to go bald out of her own choice.
“I have had white hair since childhood which increased with growing age. I used to apply Mehendi and Hair color for almost 25 years. I was tired of that now. So, when covid started, I had thought of going bald. At that time, I had black and white hair. I wanted all my hair to be white. I saw a young girl in our community who went bald. If she can, I can do it too.”
While the thought triggered during covid, her inhibitions did not allow her to take the step immediately. Opinions of others and fear of showing up in public places with a shaved head held her back. Fast forward to June 2022, she finally shaved her head and fulfilled her desire.
Every action has a reaction!
As we all know, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. A woman going bald is not an act that is appreciated in society. It is highly criticized and looked down upon. People have compassion only if you have,
- Cancer,
- Been to Tirupati, or
- Donated your hair
Otherwise, it falls in the category of insanity and stupidity when a female chooses to go bald.
Miss Ila is a single lady living with her mom. Not being married saved her from giving a lot of explanations. She did not have to think much about the people around her. It was only her mom whom she had to convince.
Here is what she faced on this journey,
“Firstly, I prepared myself mentally for all the expected reactions. Later, I prepared my mom and told her about my desire. After I went bald, different people reacted differently. Most people thought that I would feel ashamed after going bald. People told me to wear a hat and go outside. Many people showed compassion towards me, thinking I have cancer.”
She teaches at a school in the morning and visits her shop in the evening. The students and employees were in awe when they saw her for the first time after shaving her head. They initially felt awkward, but with passing days, they got used to it.
Also, read: During His Only Weekly Off, This Hair Stylist Gives Free Haircuts To The Homeless
The reactions have been different for various individuals. However, Miss Ila enjoyed the attention she was getting. She chose to focus on the positive and enjoyed being herself. Every woman cherishes her hair the most, as they add to her beauty. The idea of letting her hair go gracefully made her feel more powerful.
Did it change her?
She decided to shave her head to get rid of the blacks and whites. However, it took her on a different journey.
“I felt more confident after doing this. I learned to love myself a little more when somebody judged me for this decision. People with different opinions have the freedom to have them. I have the freedom to live my life. I feel happy when I caress myself and look in the mirror. This is one of the most courageous things I have done. I feel free.”
Going bald has nothing to do with the beauty of a woman. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Or do you agree to disagree with me on this?