My Journey with Personal Grooming: From Self-Cutting to Permanent Baldness
Personal grooming is a rite of passage for many, with each individual having a unique story to share. This article delves into the author's experiences with self-cutting hair, exploring both the successes and failures, as well as the reasons behind maintaining a permanent bald head.
Self-Cutting: A Haphazard Experience
Truncating the title to be more accurate, the author has only recently started getting a proper haircut from a barber or stylist. The first two versions of the haircut—before and after trimming with clippers—are quite distinct, reflecting the author's early forays into DIY haircuts with less than ideal results.
College Days and Disastrous Self-Cuts
The author has been cutting their own hair for approximately 15 years, occasionally mastering the art to the point of being on par with professional barbers while being significantly more cost-effective. However, a particularly memorable experience comes from their college days, when a botched haircut led to a large section of missing hair. The roommate's girlfriend humorously pointed out the irony of the author's effort by recalling her own disastrous attempt at self-cutting when she was just four years old.
The Importance of a Scar: A Reminder of a Loved One
Though the author has shaved their head almost permanently since 2012, there is a significant scar on the right side of their head. Interestingly, the author has never actually seen it with their own eyes, highlighting the ways in which physical reminders can serve as emotional anchors. The scar serves as a poignant reminder of a significant life event, the day after which they decided to embrace a permanent bald head.
Weekly Trimming vs. Shaving
While the author has shaved their head for almost a decade, they do so only to the skin, using beard and mustache clippers. This careful maintenance is to avoid the discomfort of ingrown hairs. Additionally, the author maintains a routine of shaving their head 3–4 times per week, adhering to a strict regimen that has been in place since 2012. This routine provides a sense of ritual and consistency, making personal grooming a part of their daily life.
Permanent Baldness: A Choice and a Commitment
Adopting a permanent bald head is a decision that requires both confidence and commitment. For the author, this choice is not about vanity but about personal expression. Shaving their head is not just a physical act but a reflection of their identity and life experiences. This commitment to a clean-shaven head has lasted for nearly a decade, emphasizing the importance of consistency in personal grooming practices.
Personal grooming is an ongoing process, and the author's journey from self-cutting to a permanent bald head illustrates the complex relationship between personal expression and practicality. For those considering a drastic change in their appearance, this story offers both encouragement and a cautionary tale of the consequences of DIY hair cutting.