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AIBU?

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Original poster

To let my 8 year old daughter shave half her head

349 replies

Missymini · 28/07/2025 20:12

My daughter currently has a bob and she has decided she wants her hair cut shorter. We have looked together at pictures online and she likes the type were half the head is shaved and the remaining hair has a undercut. It feels quite drastic but I am tempted to let her as it is her hair we have discussed once it is done if she doesn't like it she will have to wait for it to grow out and she is adamant that is fine.

OP posts:
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LabubuMyArse · 28/07/2025 20:13

At 8?

What, if anything, are you actually thinking?

Laura95167 · 28/07/2025 20:13

Id let her express herself with the understanding half term hair and school hair are different and she may need to have something less dramatic in Sept

Minecroft · 28/07/2025 20:14

What about a slightly watered down version?

StMarie4me · 28/07/2025 20:15

LabubuMyArse · 28/07/2025 20:13

At 8?

What, if anything, are you actually thinking?

Why not? Should her daughter look like the patriarchal beauty standard of long hair? Why should she?

OP if she’s going to do it, the start of the summer break (if you are England based) is the ideal time! I say let her go for it!

Minecroft · 28/07/2025 20:15

This is nice

BadgerFace · 28/07/2025 20:15

My 9 year old talks about this type of cut. We compromised on a pixie cut in April (which looked fab). It’s grown out into a 90’s oasis cut three months layer so my hairdresser is coming on Thursday. I’m tempted to let her shave one side if she wants to as it will grow out by September…

Minecroft · 28/07/2025 20:16

Oops

To let my 8 year old daughter shave half her head
RepoTheGeriatricOpera · 28/07/2025 20:16

Just let her, its her hair and it grows back, this is a good age for experimenting as well.

I've always let my dc do what they like with their hair, and by the time they hit their teens they are comfortable with their style and know what they like and dislike.

noworklifebalance · 28/07/2025 20:16

I see no issue per se - there is no damage to the hair, no chemicals and hair grows back.

YorkshireFelix · 28/07/2025 20:16

My daughter was desperate to do this when she was 8 and now she’s 11 and said to me the other day ‘I’m so glad you talked me out of the undercut’ 😂

NuffSaidSam · 28/07/2025 20:17

Yeah, why not?

As long you think she's mature enough to understand how long it will take to grow back then go for it. It's the ideal time to mess about with appearance.

HeddaGarbled · 28/07/2025 20:17

Way too appearance focussed for an 8 year old. Don’t let her look at pictures like that online anymore.

Goldengirl123 · 28/07/2025 20:17

Don’t be so bloody ridiculous

MrsTerryPratchett · 28/07/2025 20:19

I had this haircut in the 90s. As did Salt n Peppa. Those were the days.

MissyB1 · 28/07/2025 20:19

Why is she so bothered by hair styles at this age? I don't know I just wouldn't be encouraging it all.

CornflowerDusk · 28/07/2025 20:20

What like a skullet with an undercut? I can't picture this look!

NestEmptying · 28/07/2025 20:21

Check the school's policy on 'extreme' haircuts first. Some wouldn't allow this.
I would have her think about it seriously and consider all the pros and cons but if she's thought it through and it's allowed at school then why not?

LabubuMyArse · 28/07/2025 20:21

Why not? Should her daughter look like the patriarchal beauty standard of long hair? Why should she?

Who said anything about long hair or the bloody patriarchy? She's bloody 8 - what next? Eyebrow piercing and a couple of Fuck Me tattoos?

NuffSaidSam · 28/07/2025 20:22

Surprised by the number of people horrified that:

a) an eight year old has an opinion

b) the OP might let her child have a haircut of her choice (and that haircut might be outside the norm).

I can't see any problem with either of these things!

NuffSaidSam · 28/07/2025 20:22

LabubuMyArse · 28/07/2025 20:21

Why not? Should her daughter look like the patriarchal beauty standard of long hair? Why should she?

Who said anything about long hair or the bloody patriarchy? She's bloody 8 - what next? Eyebrow piercing and a couple of Fuck Me tattoos?

Exactly!

Because haircuts and tattoos are exactly the same!

They're both permanent for a start. Oh no. Hang on...

SouthernFashionista · 28/07/2025 20:23

No way. What on earth are you thinking? So rough. She’ll be branded one of ‘those’ kids.

WobblyBoots · 28/07/2025 20:24

It's hair, it grows back. I'd let her.

But I do have a massive undercut so would say that

CaptainMyCaptain · 28/07/2025 20:24

It will grow back in the summer holidays. If she's ever going to do it now would be the time.

LadySuzanne · 28/07/2025 20:25

RepoTheGeriatricOpera · 28/07/2025 20:16

Just let her, its her hair and it grows back, this is a good age for experimenting as well.

I've always let my dc do what they like with their hair, and by the time they hit their teens they are comfortable with their style and know what they like and dislike.

What else do you think an 8 year old should be "experimenting" with?

noworklifebalance · 28/07/2025 20:26

NestEmptying · 28/07/2025 20:21

Check the school's policy on 'extreme' haircuts first. Some wouldn't allow this.
I would have her think about it seriously and consider all the pros and cons but if she's thought it through and it's allowed at school then why not?

It’s the summer holidays.
it will grown back

To other PPs - most children have an opinion on hair by this fringe. I remember desperately wanting a fringe at age 7. Some like long hair, some short, fancy plaits, clips, ties, short back and sides, quiff. Doesn’t really matter.
I would be less keen on hair dye - harder to change, chemicals, damage to hair.