Bald Is Beautiful

Amber Rose made it hot, while Cassie, Rihanna and LaLa Vasquez have all put their asymmetrical spin on the style. Bald is back in a big way, and I know trendsetters out there are looking for ways to rock the look.

From encountering women who have decided to take the leap, I've come to realize that the reasons for going bald can vary. It can begin with a passion for fashion -- as evident in this video, where Trinidadian model and fashion designer Yoko explains why she decided to shave her head back in the Eighties. Medical reasons can also lead to a woman rockin the bald head -- for example, women who suffer with alopecia, like Julia Crittendon, or women with cancer, like an alumni of my high school, Omonike Robinson-Pickering.

Forgive me for stating it bluntly, but going bald takes balls. It's for the brave and the bold, women who are ready to accept getting stared at everywhere.

And believe it or not, it isn't always as easy as shaving your head. But of course, it starts there. Here are five steps towards becoming a beautiful bald woman.

Step 1 - Shave it off. For a first timer, it's advisable to either go to a barber or hairdresser. Have them cut off your hair -- perhaps it can be donated to Locks of Love, or some similar service. Then you can either go super cropped -- use clippers with no guard, or an electric razor. Or if you want that cue-ball shine, try out the HeadBlade, a specially devised razor that rolls over your head's every curve and bump, shaving the surface as closely as possible.

Step 2 -- maintainance. Now that your scalp's totally exposed, you're unlikely to have a dandruff problem lurking in your roots. But your scalp does continue to produce oils and occasional flakes. Use a good face wash that fits your needs, and once a week or so, use an exfoliating wash like Ambi Even and Clear, or St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

Step 3 - protection. Your tender head is now fully exposed to the elements! So protect yourself from head to toe with sunscreen. Your skin up there is sensitive and yes, you can get a nasty sunburn, so go for something with a decent level of SPF. Coppertone Faces is great, and for all-over head and face use there's RX for Brown Skin.

Step 4 -- Learn how to work it. Let's be honest here -- a bald head can either make you look elfin and ethereal, or like an alien from outer space. The shorter your hair, the more noticeable your facial features become. So play up your best assets with some fly makeup and set it off with bold earrings. Theres nothing like a fierce bald woman. They're gonna be staring at you anyway, why not give em something pretty to look at?

Step 5 - Rock it with confidence. Whether you've gone bald because of desire or necessity, there might be moments where you feel overwhelmed by the response of others. Brush that away and hold your beautiful bald head high. Half of the time, the people who are gawking at you might be thinking -- I wish I was as brave as she is!

Have you ever gone super short? Bald? What was your experience like? Share your story!

Photo credit .. that's Danielle Evans, winner of Cycle 6 of America's Next Top Model!