The Bald and Beautiful

I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expectations…I am the soul that lives within. - India.Arie, I Am Not My Hair

In a world where hair is tied to notions of beauty, it's not difficult to understand the interest stirred up by the bald pate of a man or woman. Dominant media images reinforce the conventionally held view that a nicely styled head of hair is ideal and desirous, and in the case of the fairer sex, long and flowing tresses have long been regarded as a symbol of beauty and a woman's "crowning glory" in many societies.

However, there are many persons who are a part of a growing movement that is challenging the perception that bald is less than beautiful. Whether it's due to style, convenience, religion or a medical condition, there can be no doubt that more men and women are opting to go sans hair nowadays.

Gone is the flowing mane or well-groomed haircut. In its stead are shiny crowns, or in the case of women, closely cropped scalps that bear semblance to the proud and regal women of the African Masai tribe.

Buzzz sought to take a closer look at this "trend", for want of a better word, by speaking with bald persons from both sexes in order to get the scoop on why, for them, being bald is definitely more beautiful.

Oral Tracey...Looks Do Matter

Sportscaster Oral Tracey is one of the popular faces in prime time television. Seven nights a week, he comes into our living room with his crown glistening as he sounds off on the latest issues in the sporting arena. There's been no looking back for this self-assured media personality since he ably filled the vacancy left by Bobby Fray on the popular "Sports Commentary" programme on Television Jamaica (TVJ).

Known to be opinionated and factual with a killer sense of humour, Tracey tells Buzzz that while he is accepted based on his skill and expertise, he nevertheless tries to appeal to his audience on many levels by making his overall look count.

"I understand the demographics of my audience. I try not to talk above them or down to them. When I come on TV, I try to be like a member of their family and break down the technical jargon for them. I put my look together as neatly as possible but I go for communication first, so I have to make contact with them every single night."

Some five years ago, he experimented with having a shaven head and low and behold, everyone loved it.

"Yes man, people love it…especially the females. Those who get close enough to touch it love to run their hands all over it, as it has no razor bumps," he stated. His grooming regiment dictates that he shaves his dome every other day.

Dr. Carolyn Cooper..."It's An African Thing"

For Dr. Carolyn Cooper, Professor of Literary and Cultural Studies in the Department of Literatures in English at the University of the West Indies, Mona, her baldness represents her African ancestry, of which she is extremely proud.

"I realised a long time ago that my head has a nice shape and I sought to emphasise the positive. So really it was partly an aesthetic decision, because it looked good," she explained. Her uniqueness, she stated, can be attributed to her daring.

"I am willing to do things other may not do. I don't just accept what others say. I challenge conventions."

In her youth, she had experimented with every look from locks to Jherri curls. Roughly twenty years ago, she decided that less is more and stuck to the closely cropped coiffure for which she is noted and instantly recognised.

Nicola Sinclair...Strong and Confident

For Nicola Sinclair, being bald did not happen by choice. Rather, her medical condition demanded that she lose her beloved locks of love and replace them with wigs. She told Buzzz all the details about being bald and the process of learning to accept herself the way she is now - a strong, proud and bald black woman.

A diagnosis of cancer is a nightmare that no individual, male or female, wants to hear. A little over three and half years ago, Sinclair got that rude awakening when she discovered that she had breast cancer.

"It totally changed my life. At first it was not easy but I had to come out of my shell and accept the fact that it was there and I had to deal with it."

The effects of chemotherapy treatment meant that her tresses were lost. To top it all off, the cost of treatment ran more than $50,000 for each visit, which did not include her medication. To compound the situation, her illness became apparent to those around her when she lost twenty pounds in the first two weeks of diagnosis. Having been born and raised in Coburn Garden, the harsh reality of inner-city living meant that the evils of gossip had rumours spreading far and wide.

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