HairStory: Cropped & Fierce

This summer, more than any other, I have noticed an emergence of women chopping it all off and rocking short, cropped hairstyles.  In these looks, I see power and fearless beauty!  In a previous post (HERE), I told you what my hair means to me.  For some of us, hair is an accessory.  For others, it's so much more.  Read on as seven stunning beauties tell us their HairStory and give us advice on embracing beauty with confidence.  

Photo: Scott's Design Photography

​Alexan S. Green
Lake City, SC
IG: @alexangreen97

My HairStory
What inspired me to go natural was after having so many issues with weave. My hair wasn't healthy and I was experiencing breakage. In 2011, I decided to do the "Big Chop" to start a new look. Of course it took me a while to adjust and embrace the style that I chose to wear, but I grew fond of it. The first look was the afro and wearing a lot of up- do's.  Then, I decided to do a tapered look. I chose this look because it was FIERCE, BOLD and SEXY! This was definitely the look for me. It represents who I am as a black woman.
 
Embracing Your HairConfidence
The best advice to women who are struggling with embracing their beauty is to first start with self. Make sure that you are in love with the person who you see in the mirror every day! If you find yourself struggling, then make sure you seek why and get the help you need to love every part of you. It's a must to embrace who you are!
 

Erica McClain
Columbia, SC
IG: @TheMcclainExperience

My HairStory
I have been wearing my short hair since I was 19 years old.  I am now 36 years old.  I went through a stage of low self-esteem and trying to figure out what makes me happy and confident as a woman.  One day. I looked in the mirror and told myself I was FINE! My hair, to me, means empowerment, strength and courage.  
​ 
Embracing Your HairConfidence
My advice to women seeking to embrace their own beauty is to just go for it.  Find what works for you.  Find your niche, and make it great.  Never allow anyone to define or dictate how or what you should look like. Only you can stop you! 

Lakisha Commander
Lexington, KY
IG: @freckles2k 

My HairStory
I’ve always been really particular about my hair. I’ve always wanted my hair to be what it wasn’t: long, thick, silky…well you get the point! It took me a while to come to terms with myself, with the fact that I wasn’t blessed with luxurious hair.  But I was blessed with what God intended for me to have. After trying numerous times to be naturally content, I decided in March of 2017 to be FREE in ME and wear my natural!! It was the best hair decision I’ve ever made! I feel bold and beautiful and simply free being me!!

Embracing Your HairConfidence
To anyone of you beautiful ladies reading this that’s having the same struggle, let it go!  Be happy and free, naturally how God made you!!
You are not your hair!!

Photo: Allie-Rose Photography

Leenaye Robinson-Bryant
Columbia, SC
 IG: @leensye 

My HairStory
I have been rocking my cut off and on for 5yrs. I have always wanted to do it. I made it happen in 2013. I LOVE IT! I feel so free with my cut.
 
Embracing Your HairConfidence
My advice to other beautiful Queens who are considering cutting their hair: DO IT! Embrace your beauty and continue to live your best life.

Photo: Kushions Studios

Mahogany Blonde
Columbia, SC
IG: @Mahoganyblonde

My HairStory
They say that women cut their hair when they are going through something. Well, that could be true for me. I started cutting my hair after separating from my ex-husband. From there… chop, chop, chop and it feels great.  I started to like it the more I cut it.
 
Embracing Your HairConfidence
My advice is to just do it and don't look back. Embrace your face with a short cut, you will feel and look thinner.

Photo: MrWorldFamous

Rosselin Jones
Manning, South Carolina 
IG: @Ms.Lashell 

My HairStory
In 2011, I was diagnosed with Alopecia.  After receiving this news, I began to get treatments to help my hair grow. During this transition, I found it difficult to go to the salon or receive any services that would force me into the public’s eye. The embarrassment was overwhelming.  

As confident as I am, I would hold my head down and close my eyes so that I wouldn’t be noticed. One day I decided to start learning how to make wigs and watched some YouTube tutorials. I then began to wonder what people would say about me wearing wigs. I found myself becoming depressed and insecure. Nowhere else to run, I was forced to lay my burdens down, literally, on the altar.

In January of this year, I wrote everything down that was holding me back from moving into my destiny. I prayed and asked God for guidance. I looked in the mirror and said “you are beautiful”. I began to repeat it over and over. That was the beginning of my healing. I became stronger and it was invigorating. July 13th is when I took my wig off. I felt free!

Embracing Your HairConfidence
My hair does not define who I am. I am beautiful, with or without it. God loves me unconditionally and that's all that matters. Practice loving yourself. Admit to all that hurts so that you can start healing. Embrace your now!!!

Sherah Pair
Sumter, SC
IG: @itsmeechbit 

My HairStory
I really don’t have a hair story. I just always admired natural, short hair, so one day I up and cut all of my hair off. I was 15 years old.  Yes, I cried in the barbershop chair in front of everyone. I lost a lot of my confidence, but once I got a lot of compliments on how it fits me, I most definitely started getting my confidence back.
 
Embracing Your HairConfidence
Do what makes you feel comfortable.  No matter what anybody says or feels, you are beautiful in your own way.  Seek it. Find it. Embrace it.  

When I decided to write this post, I never imagined how powerful it would become.  I absolutely LOVE when we love ourselves.  Yes, these ladies are beautiful with their chosen hairstyles but they also inspire confidence!  I'd love to read your HairStory.  Comment and send good vibes to our featured beauties, but don't forget to share your HairStory!  

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