Why Did Cynthia Erivo Shave Her Head? Reason Behind Her “Bald” Decision

Cynthia Erivo has never been one to shy away from bold choices, whether on stage, on screen, or in the quiet moments where she shapes her identity beyond the spotlight. Long before her transformative roles and red-carpet statements became pop-culture fixtures, she was already known for her intention and self-possession.
Her look, her voice, her presence, each carried a purpose of its own. So when she showed up with a freshly shaved head a few years ago, it did not feel like just a style switch but a personal statement.
In a previous interview, the multihyphenate has finally explained what that statement really was, and surprisingly, it is not that deep at all.
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Why Cynthia Erivo chose a bold, beautiful shaved head — She reveals
Cynthia Erivo first stunned audiences with her shaved head when she took on the role of Elphaba in Wicked in 2021, and since then, the look has become a signature part of her style. In an October interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she opened up about why she chose to stick to the appearance.
"This is what I want to look like. I love a heel, I love a nail, I love a jaw, I love a bald head, I love a good outfit. It is legitimately a way of just expressing parts of myself," she said.

While Cynthia Erivo played it cool when speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about her preferred hairstyle, the actress in 2023 gave it a meaningful backing, suggesting it symbolized more than just aesthetic appeal. She told Shape in the said year that she first tried chopping her hair long back, but her hairdresser was not on the same page.
"I allowed [my hairdresser's] fears or something she was projecting onto me to affect how I made my decision," she recalled. Therefore, for Erivo, the choice of being bald now is about authenticity and empowerment. Well, despite her standout choice of remaining bald, Erivo is commanding the spotlight because of a different physical aspect of late.
The star of Wicked has been on a press tour for the latest installment, and a specific detail about her appearance has caught everyone’s attention, sparking widespread discussion.
Cynthia Erivo’s striking transformation has everyone talking
The internet has been busy comparing before and after pictures of Cynthia Erivo in recent months, trying to establish that the actress has lost significant weight during her tenure as Elphaba. The relentless dissection of her physical form has also included Ariana Grande and Michelle Yeoh, who appear thinner than ever since joining the franchise.
The scrutiny concerning Ariana Grande has notably been intense, with people going as far as labeling her anorexic. Well, with multiple stars of the John M. Chu film contributing to the chatter, critics cannot exactly be faulted.
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Cynthia Erivo’s headline-making physical transformation, from her shaved head to her striking new look, continues to spark conversation and curiosity. While the internet buzzes with comparisons and speculation, it is clear that Erivo moves on her own terms, embracing her most comfortable self. In a world quick to judge appearances, she remains a reminder that true confidence comes from owning who one is, unapologetically.
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What do you think of Cynthia Erivo’s choice to remain bald? Let us know in the comments.
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Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra
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