The relationship between women…hold on, scratch that. The relationship between black women and their hair is ‘REAL’. Not least because we have created an art form out of expressing ourselves through our hair. From weaves to relaxers, natural curls to 4c fros… for some it’s political, for others it’s not.
By Kiesha Meikle
You could argue that it’s the same for all women, but what sets women of colour apart is the amount of fascinated conversation our hair appears to inspire across social groups – both negative and positive. Our hair IS fascinating. The sheer spectrum of textures is astounding – not to mention the creativity I have seen on the heads of so many of us. For me, the subject of hair is quite often a safe conversation starter “hey, I love your braids”, “What products do you use on your wash-and-go?” or a show of solidarity (yes, it is an act of love for me to share with you the products I have carefully tested out over months of trial and error). In short, our relationship with our hair is meaningful and goes much deeper than for most…
So what happens when we decide to shave it all off?
Here are Black women who have shaved their hair off for different reasons:
“I dare, to travel the world. I dare to wear my hair short, going against beauty norms. Because I dare to be boldly African and refuse to dim my light.”
Jessica Nabongo’s journey from corporate life to global explorer is a testament to courage and authenticity. In 2008, feeling unfulfilled despite a six-figure salary, she made a bold decision: she resigned from her job, shaved her head, and moved to Japan to teach English. This act symbolized a fresh start and a commitment to embracing new experiences without the constraints of societal expectations.
Over the years, Nabongo’s travels took her to every corner of the globe. By 2019, she had visited all 195 countries, becoming the first Black woman on record to achieve this feat. Her adventures, documented on her blog “The Catch Me If You Can,” offer insights into diverse cultures and the shared humanity that connects us all.
Nabongo’s shaved head became more than a practical choice; it evolved into a signature look that challenged beauty norms and celebrated individuality. Her story inspires others to pursue their passions fearlessly and to redefine success on their own terms. She says:
‘For me, decolonisation begins with showing more diversity of the traveller and more diversity of the places we’re promoting. Travellers shown in travel marketing, brochures and magazines are typically White people, so we’re not seeing much diversity in terms of who the traveller is. Also, major media outlets still focus much of their coverage on North America and Europe. We need to decentre this and redirect coverage to destinations in Africa, the Middle East, even Central America and the South Pacific.’
Paige Lewin’s path to authorship is a powerful reflection of self, acceptance, culture, and identity. A British writer and speaker, Lewin was once immersed in the corporate – until she decided to take a different route: one that led inward. She began the process of unlearning, reflecting, and ultimately writing her first book, How to Love Your Afro, a heartfelt celebration of natural hair and the politics tied to it.
The book is part memoir, part manifesto – woven with personal anecdotes, historical insight, and cultural commentary. Through it, Lewin not only reclaims her own relationship with her hair, but also invites readers to rethink the way Black beauty is framed in society. Her words have resonated with women navigating the often unspoken complexities of hair, heritage, and belonging.
For Lewin, the afro became more than a hairstyle, it became a statement. A refusal to shrink, to conform, or to apologise. Her story is a reminder that self-love, especially in the face of a world that often resists it, is a radical act. As she puts it:
“As a Black woman and first-time author, putting this book together wasn’t just about hair, it was about healing.”
“It was about confronting years of internalised bias, painful memories in salon chairs, and the feeling that my natural self was never quite enough.”
Ever thought of shaving your head? Tell us why.x
2 comments
They shaved their heads for the same reason to be fierce!