Dash Lopez is dedicated to raising awareness for bald women within the beauty industry.

      With ten years of experience in the beauty industry, creator Dash Lopez understands the online landscape very well. Five years ago, she began documenting her journey after deciding to shave her head, a decision that significantly influenced her brand’s direction. “I wanted to present myself on social media in a way that was non-traditional because I didn’t know how to approach it in a standard manner,” Lopez shares with Who What Wear. “At times, you experience creator dysmorphia, and it's hard to perceive yourself accurately because it can be disorienting.” She started to reconsider what kind of content felt authentic to her while also resonating with her audience. This shift led to the launch of her Instagram video series, Fresh Cut Friday, where she reveals her complete scalp care routine post-shave. Over time, the videos gained traction in addition to her other content, helping to build community and empower bald women nationwide. “The key message I want everyone to understand is about embracing their truth and owning their narratives, whether their situation is a choice or not, and recognizing their beauty in either case.” Below, delve into her journey and how embracing her identity as a bald woman is challenging the beauty sector.

      What inspired you to shave your head? How would you reflect on the beginning of that journey?

      The initiation of this journey stemmed from my desire to connect with myself on a deeper level. I didn’t realize that cutting my hair was a step towards that. Initially, it was about maintenance since I wouldn’t have to think about my hair the following day or the day after. It was incredibly convenient and made me feel empowered, but I didn’t comprehend the full extent of its significance until I began interacting with people in my daily life and discussing my decision.

      Society has a complex relationship with hair and identity. How did that affect you before your decision?

      The main factor was definitely my disconnection from the "good hair, bad hair" narrative. Growing up in a Dominican community, my mother and I, being Afro-Latina, spent every weekend in the salon watching my family’s hair routines. My hair texture was noticeably different from those of the women in my family, and I internalized the belief that having "good hair" meant I shouldn’t cut it or alter it in any way. Looking back, I realize this made me reject the thought that I could be beautiful without hair.

      When you consider how you empower women in similar circumstances, do you see a cultural connection?

      Absolutely. I reflect on the cultural ties regarding conversations about hair within my family. My mother has embraced her natural hair and stopped chemically relaxing it. I’ve encountered many women, especially women of color, sharing their stories of alopecia, hair loss, and the search for suitable products for their hair textures, leading many to realize they do not have to deal with those standards anymore. Stepping into that choice has definitely sparked a shift in discussions among women in my community regarding the cultural definitions of good and bad hair and how we can dismantle those ideas.

      You embark on a personal journey, experiencing how it feels for yourself, but when you provide a platform for others to share their stories and aim to amplify voices, it broadens your perspective and becomes greater than yourself. You recognize that the conversation transcends hair; it embodies purpose, beauty, and empowerment through various aspects. I often say losing one sense heightens the others, and this community has proven that to me. It may seem trivial initially, but the outreach from women expressing how I’ve helped empower them is impactful.

      When a person chooses to shave their head, it’s often perceived differently compared to someone losing their hair for medical reasons. Why do you think this perception exists, and how do you challenge it by being your authentic self?

      Whether the decision is voluntary or not, one still encounters public perception. The core challenge I’m addressing is our tendency to categorize appearances. As children, we learn not to mock people’s appearances, yet when it comes to hair, people confidently ask invasive questions like, “Do you have cancer?” or “Are you unwell?” The truth is, illness doesn’t have a specific appearance. You can have cancer and still maintain a full head of hair. Such assumptions can be deeply hurtful and ignorant, suggesting that one cannot find beauty beyond societal norms. A person can be bald by choice and feel empowered, while another may struggle with their identity, a reflection of societal conditioning.

      You’re set to attend Baldie Con later this year—what does an event dedicated to bald women signify to you?

      It has been a long time coming, and Baldie Con represents just one of the fantastic initiatives the community is organizing. One of my favorite brands, Baldare Scalpcare, is hosting a Baldie Brunch in September, which I hope to attend as well. It’s wonderful to witness a revival of events like these because we need community and support outside of typical, often dull