Events and Fundraisers

Hairstyles to Try Before and After Shaving Your Head

by St. Baldrick's Foundation
March 19, 2024

a male shavee with half his head shaved and a female barber holding the clippers to his head

In the world of self-expression, not much beats shaving your head — whether you’re doing it to raise money to fund childhood cancer research or just need to give those follicles a restart. It’s all about courage and choice, rebellion and uniqueness. What if we saw this ultimate form of hair loss as a chance to reinvent yourself – a fresh start for your style journey?

But what to do with those glorious locks before and after you meet the buzzer? Now is your chance to get creative with your hair without much commitment. Let’s take a tour through the various haircuts and colors you can try.

Hairstyles to Try Before Shaving Your Head

Before you pick up the clippers, there’s a fun journey of discovery waiting for you. It’s not just about the trim or the cut; it’s about the artistry – crafting styles that break the rules and express your unique flair.

The Undercut

male shavee with his unshaved hair held up by a female barber holding clippers

Is your hair long enough to put in a ponytail? Consider testing out the bald look first by shaving the bottom half of your head with an undercut. The undercut is like blending a conservative vibe with a carefree spirit. It’s all about short sides and party on top – a hairstyle that screams boldness and a fun-loving attitude. Plus it can prepare you for that light breeze felt on your bare scalp, an unfamiliar sensation for any first-time shavee.

The Mullet

male with a smile, rocking a short mullet

This iconic style, with its ‘business in the front, party in the back’ mantra, challenges conventional sensibilities and showcases an unapologetic expression of self. In embodying the mullet, you’re not just wearing a hairstyle; you’re shouldering a legacy of defiance and nonconformity. It is for those who dance to the beat of their own drum, who see life not as a series of checkpoints but as an open field of exploration. Adopting the mullet is more than a fashion statement; it’s a testament to courage, a nod to the past, and a wink to the future, all woven together in strands of hair that refuse to play by the rules.

The Mohawk

male shavee with a mohawk and the clippers ready to shave it off

Imagine standing out in any crowd, turning heads as you walk through the door. The Mohawk isn’t just a haircut; it’s a declaration of independence, a bold statement of self-identity. It’s more than hair standing tall on your head – it’s about standing tall in your convictions, and showcasing a fearless attitude toward life. The Mohawk is your personal banner flying high, a prelude to the ultimate canvas of expression – a shaved head. Dare to be different, dare to be you.

The Vibrant Color

female shavee with vibrant short hair, ready to shave it all off by a female barber holding clippers

Before the shears sing their metallic hum, consider a temporary mane of turquoise, neon green, or lobster red. Vibrant colors show one’s willingness to step outside the norm and say, “This is me.” But if you’re planning on donating your hair, make sure this doesn’t invalidate your donation eligibility — check out our tips for hair donations.

The Horseshoe Hairline

male shavee with the middle of his head shaved a female barber ready to finish it off

The horseshoe isn’t just a style; it’s a testament to embracing your true self, celebrating the contours of your natural hairline with pride. It’s a declaration of self-assurance, daring you to stand tall and shine with unwavering authenticity. Embrace the horseshoe and let your true essence shine through.

Hairstyles to Try After Shaving Your Head

Before you go back to your old hairstyle, try some fun styles as your hair starts to grow out.

The Bald

male shavee with a head of hair on the left and the same male shavee rocking the bald on the right

Why rush and start your grow out journey immediately? Consider keeping a bald head and use that bare noggin as a billboard and conversation starter for what made you choose to face the clippers. The confidence that comes with a bald head is undeniable for both men and women. Embracing baldness symbolizes strength and individuality, turning the scalp into a bold statement of personality rather than just a covering. And you can’t beat the ease that comes with maintaining a bald head!

The Buzzcut

2 female shavees with smiles while rocking the bald

Having a short buzzcut is the epitome of effortless style. The low maintenance of this haircut not only simplifies your daily routine but also exudes a bold fashion statement. It’s a look that speaks volumes without saying a word, embodying confidence and a touch of edginess. Whether you’re on the go or aiming to make a statement, a buzzcut effortlessly combines convenience with a fashion-forward vibe.

The Colored Buzz

female shavee bright red color hair, ready to shave it off

Experimenting with color on short hair opens a gateway to reinvention, presenting an invitation to redefine your style with the seasons, your mood, or even on a whim. Unlike long locks, which can require a hefty commitment to a single hue, short hairstyles offer the unique advantage of versatile color changes with minimal fuss. Imagine shifting from the deep, rich tones of autumn to the vibrant, energetic shades of spring — your hair becomes an extension of your personal evolution, a canvas for your creativity. Tired of your current color? Grab the clippers and try out something new!

The Faux Hawk

male shavee with a fake green mustache, ready to shave off his hair

Committed to growing your hair back out, but hitting those awkward length stages? The faux hawk is your ultimate friend, easing you into your regrowth process while giving you a sense of style back. Respectful yet radical, the faux hawk carries the spirit of the Mohawk but in a business-casual disguise. This haircut could be the ideal shift from the shaved head to whatever exciting new hair journey comes next.

Embrace the Shave

Whether it’s the Mohawk that captures your essence or the freedom of color that electrifies your style, every phase is a step closer to the ultimate unifier – the shaved head.

The metamorphosis from hair to none isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a communal act to show solidarity. It’s this shared narrative that has compelled thousands to enter the shave zone during St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events.

Make your transition one that reverberates through the pages of your scrapbook and into the hearts of those you inspire. Support childhood cancer research through St. Baldrick’s, not just with a donation, but with the spirit of giving – giving your hair, giving hope, giving kids with cancer the lifetime they deserve.

Register to Shave

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