I Let Zendaya's Hairstylist Cut Off All My Hair—Here's What Happened

Welcome to Month of Me, where every day in January we’ll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article featuring a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for 31 days of storytelling, including what it’s like to quit alcohol for 80 days, try Beyoncé's very strict diet, or completely overhaul your closet.

It's no secret that my relationship with my hair is an interesting one. I've touched on this topic before (like when I tested out a celebrity haircare line), but it's worth mentioning again that my 4B natural hair and I are still getting to know each other.

After years of coaxing my coif to grow with hair masks, serums, and protective styling to safeguard it from my unrelenting addiction to heat tools, something came over me late last year that was unlike any sensation I'd ever felt pertaining to my hair: I suddenly felt the urge to just chop it off. And I'm not talking about a trim—I wanted a blunt-bob haircut like the ones I'd seen atop the heads of all my favorite celebrities.

When the team at Suave Professionals reached out to introduce me to their latest collection, For Natural Hair, via a one-on-one styling session with none other than celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen, I knew it was the universe sending me a sign to take the plunge into bob-haircut waters. After all, this artist's famed hands have cared for the tresses of all of my faves, from Zendaya to Ciara, Tiffany Haddish, Kerry Washington, and so many more. Who better to handle this drastic cut? No one.

The Process

After the Suave stylists gave my hair a thorough wash and condition, they went in with the Cream Detangler Spray and the Nourish & Strengthen Leave-In Conditioner to prime my mane for blow-drying. When I asked Stephen about her go-to product for styling her countless celebrity clients, she hardly took a split second to tell me that leave-in conditioner was by far the most important. "It's the foundation for every style, especially if you're going to be layering other products on top," she said.

Then, before flat-ironing my hair smooth and straight, the team of assistants added just a touch of Define & Shine Serum Gel to defend against heat damage. "If you spend the whole summer conditioning and embracing your curl, by the time you get to fall, that first press-out is so nice," Stephen commented.

When it came time for the cut, I was a little bit nervous but mostly just so ready to step into this new style. I knew it was going throw a wrench in my current styling repertoire, which included lots of ponytails and buns, but I was also up for the challenge of learning new ways to make the most of my curly, albeit straightened, crown.

The Final Look

When I looked in the mirror after my hair transformation was complete, I was shocked at how much I instantly loved how chic and refined it made me look. Sure, it was a total departure from my usual laid-back style, but the bluntness of the cut made me feel put-together and powerful without exerting any extra effort. 

Up next, 27 bob haircuts that are so easy to style.