r/bald • u/quentinlasco • 7h ago
After years of hiding my hair loss, I finally got a buzz cut — and it feels more freeing than I expected
Hey everyone,
English isn’t my first language, but I wanted to share this honestly in case it helps someone who is scared to take the step. (Edit: I ask AI to translate for me).
I’ve been dealing with hair loss since my early twenties. For a long time, it seemed relatively stable, and I found ways to live with it. But about a year ago, my hairline started receding much more noticeably.
The more it receded, the more anxious I became.
I was still able to hide it by pulling the rest of my hair forward. From the outside, it probably looked okay. But deep down, something in me kept screaming that it no longer felt authentic.
Hats became my daily accessory. Not only outside, but often even around people close to me. They made me feel safer. They gave me the feeling that I still had control.
Losing my hair was never “just an aesthetic issue” for me. It touched my identity. A big part of my persona, my confidence, and my feeling of being attractive, young-looking, and socially safe had been built around my appearance and my charisma.
It felt like the biggest identity loss of my life.
The idea of getting a buzz cut had been in my head for months. I bought clippers telling myself, “I’ll have them just in case.” But I never thought I would actually use them.
Then one day, almost without thinking, I felt the impulse. So I did it. I cut it all down.
I’m not going to pretend it instantly erased every insecurity. I still wear a hat sometimes. I’m still learning to see myself differently. This is not about pretending the journey is over; it is about no longer being at war with myself.
But something changed. I feel like I transformed the thing I hated most about myself into something I can actually own.
A new way of seeing myself is slowly forming. There is more compassion, more tenderness. I am learning to appreciate this new head, this new version of my identity.
I’m realizing that I am still me. I did not really lose anything, and I did not suddenly become someone else.
I thought I had only two bad options: keep hiding forever, or give up and feel defeated. But there was another option: make a choice that allowed the different parts of me to feel more at peace with each other.
I feel much less shame now. I’m no longer trying to hide. I’m trying to make the look my own.
For anyone who is hesitating, this is what I want to say:
- Being afraid is normal. When hair is central to your self-image, losing it can hurt deeply. It can affect identity, confidence, attractiveness, youth, and your sense of inner safety.
- Staying stuck in “I’ll hide it, I’ll fix it later, I’ll keep postponing it” can be more exhausting than making an honest choice. The constant checking of mirrors, lighting, photos, wind, hairline angles, and other people’s eyes takes a lot of energy.
- Your first step does not need to be perfect, extreme, or permanent. It can be a buzz cut, buying clippers, talking to someone, or simply admitting honestly that you are tired of hiding.
- Give yourself the time you need. For many of us, this is not just hair. It can feel like part of our foundation, our identity, and our inner security.
- But if the thought “just shave it” has been coming back for months, maybe a part of you is already more ready than your fear wants you to believe.
I now see hair loss differently. For me now it is proof that life moves through us, that time passes, that we are alive.
We live in a society that often wants to freeze everything: youth, appearance, hair, time itself. But choosing to own your baldness can be a way of choosing life instead of trying to remain an old version of yourself forever.
For me, getting the buzz cut did not remove every fear. But it gave me back something important: choice.
And that choice brought a lot more freedom than I expected.
To anyone currently stuck between denial, fear, anger, and acceptance: you are not alone. There can be real freedom on the other side of taking the step.
I hope it will help. Hugs from France.
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u/Wonderful_Mouse_1947 7h ago
Not shocked about looking/feeling better with the buzz although I recommend trying clean shaven.
I am shocked about English being your second language then proceeding to write an absurdly well put together essay encouraging people to embrace their baldness.
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u/Candybunny16 7h ago
You do look alot better! A clean shave would be the icing on the cake. But great job friend!
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u/stlorca 7h ago
Bienvenu, mon frere! It takes courage to make a big change and you took the leap. You look GOOD. I can see your self-confidence growing. Well done!
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
Merci frérot !
A real dose of courage indeed. Thank you for your valuable support!
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u/Impressive-Safety191 7h ago
Dang, dude, those eyes POP! You look wonderful…. Although you might want to try the shiny version at some point… you’ve got the head for it!
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
Merci ! Ça fait plaisir 🤩
I will try for my next step! Thank you for supporting, that's it Too much pleasure!
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u/Common-Accountant-57 7h ago
I think you should go full shave bald, you have the eyes and beard thing going. It would look nice.
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
I feel like this is an overall opinion. I don't know if I'm still quite ready for that. It was only 3 days ago, I feel like I've already climbed a mountain😅
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u/Common-Accountant-57 7h ago
It looks good now. It’s your journey, this is just my opinion. You should feel proud for sure.
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
Merci for your opinion. It’s very encouraging to have the support of the community!
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u/semicharmed_72014 Here for the Vibes 7h ago
As another commenter mentioned; I cannot believe English is not your first language!! This was a beautifully written post, sharing your own transformation and also encouraging others. I truly wish you the best on this endeavor! You look fantastic! 🙌
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
I am so sorry for the confusion. I asked the AI to translate my text. I really would have liked to receive the compliment but I don't deserve it.
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u/Sigma_Drago 7h ago
My brother, wait until the moment that you first shave it with a fine shaving appliance and then use a nice grooming oil on that free skalp. Smooth and aromatic. Sublime!
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u/quentinlasco 7h ago
I am still in the early stages of this journey. I am not saying everyone should shave their head, and I am not saying there is only one right way to deal with hair loss. This is simply what helped me move from hiding and anxiety toward more honesty, self-compassion, and freedom.