Bald choices, bold conversations

By Tiahn McCready Join Me

My Activity Tracking

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I'm fundraising for a great cause!

Shaving my head (on 13/03) is about more than just hair—it’s about shedding the weight of expectation.

The first thing people will probably ask when they see me with a shaved head is, “Are you okay?” And that’s exactly what I want. Let’s start the conversation. Let’s check in on each other—not just on the surface, but for real. Let’s create a world where mental health isn’t just an afterthought, where women aren’t just expected to look like they have it together but are actually supported in their struggles.

About 8 people take their own lives in Australia every day. For every death, it’s estimated another 30 people will attempt suicide.

89% of people report knowing somebody who has made an attempt. I want to help change these numbers.

As women, we are taught that our beauty is our currency, and long hair is a symbol of that. We spend years—decades—pouring time, money, energy, and even tears into maintaining it. We learn to see ourselves through the lens of others’ approval, measuring our worth by how well we fit the mold. But that pressure isn’t just exhausting—it takes a real toll on our mental health.

From childhood, we are subtly conditioned to believe that our appearance is our most valuable asset. That to be desirable, to be acceptable, to be enough, we must look a certain way. And for so many women, that belief becomes a heavy burden. It feeds insecurity, anxiety, self-doubt. It fuels industries that profit from our dissatisfaction. It keeps us trapped in a cycle where we’re never quite good enough.

So I’m shaving my head. Not just as a fundraiser for RUOK?, but as a statement. As a rejection of the idea that my worth is tied to my hair or my appearance at all. As a way to take back ownership of me.

If shaving my head makes even one woman question the pressure she’s under (or anyone, for that matter)—if it sparks a conversation, a moment of self-reflection, or the courage to break free from expectations—then it’s worth it. And if it helps raise money for RUOK?, an organisation that reminds us all to check in, to listen, to support each other, then it’s even more powerful.

Because beauty isn’t in the hair we keep or lose. It’s in our resilience, our strength, our kindness. It’s in the way we lift each other up, not in the way we look.

So here’s to freedom. Here’s to mental health. Here’s to my Brittany moment. And here’s to everyone who is so much more than what the world expects them to be.

My Achievements

My Updates

Save the date!

Tuesday 25th Feb
Save the date - 13/03! I’ve booked in to have my head shaved at a hairdresser since I would have probably ended up getting it tidied up afterwards if I did it at home. I’m going to donate whatever I can towards making wigs for children with alopecia. 

I’ve already cried twice since making this fundraiser page and I can say with absolute certainty that there are many more tears to come. Tears of grief, of sorrow, of regret, of shock, of inadequacy. But I know there will also be tears of joy, of excitement, of relief as weight lifts from my shoulders and I feel free. Until the “I’m so ugly”, “why did I do this”, “everyone’s going to look at me funny” thoughts come crashing down again and again. Rinse and repeat. 

I’m so grateful that I’ll have my partner, Jaimond, by my side, holding my hand and wiping my tears as my hair falls away in a couple of weeks. His unwavering support has and will continue to be one of my biggest crutches in this. We were only together for a few months when I lost someone I love to suicide. I will never forget how kind, supportive, loving, understanding and patient Jaimond was during that time especially (and to this day as I continue to grieve). 

And that’s my why. To start conversations. To raise awareness. To maybe, hopefully save at least 1 life. To be the change. To say “fuck you” to societal expectations and not feeling good enough. 

Just over 2 weeks, now counting down! 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$211

Natasha Reynolds

Amazing cause, you are an absolute legend! X

$106.12

Trista Rogers

So proud of you 🥰😍

$106.12

Jaimond

Long hair, short hair, no hair - no matter what you’re going to pull it off with style and ease! I’m so proud of you and your spirit! I’m so excited I get to see you and be next to you on this journey! I love you! xx

$106.12

Reactive Fire Services

Such a great cause! Well done Tiahn :) proud of you!

$106.12

Kelly & Nate

we’re so proud of you! FTP!

$106.12

Pad Thai

You are incredible

$106.12

Jayne Fawkes

$106.12

Alan Gageler

$103.72

Tarik And Kate

You’re amazing!

$100

Kathryn

You go girl 💪 so proud of you 💕

$100

Nanny

Proud of you! 🥰

$54.12

Courtney M

$54.12

Marg Starrett

Proud of you & very impressed!! x x

$54.12

Ash Brooke

You rock Tiahn!!! Such a good cause!

$54.12

Don And Tracy

$54.12

Ashley Worthington

So proud of you T! You never stop inspiring 💕

$52.92

Kath A

Proud of you!!

$50

Saffron Wadick

Thanks for setting the example for other women about what really matters. Not sure if I'd be brave enough!

$50

Mr Positive

This is a great cause Tiahn!

$50

Tan Hutchinson

Such a fantastic cause and an inspiring lady! You’ve got this!

$50

Olivi

$36

Sophia Scepanovic

$33.15

Joy Acedillo

Wow, T! that takes real courage. I admire you for doing this, very impressive.

$33.15

Michelle Grant

Tiahn, your are amazing and inspirational! So happy to be able to contribute , Michelle G

$30

Alan Xu

$30

Alan Xu

$27.81

Kate Bray

$27.81

Lucy Egan

Go Tiahn! ❤️‍🔥

$27.81

Logan

Stick it to em 🩷

$27.81

Angela

$27.21

Helen Sponton

What a great cause to support and important conversations to have. Well done Tiahn x

$25

Shannon Pollard

You go girl xx

$22.58

Rob

Amazing stuff, well done!! (Sorry it took me a while to track down your page!)

$10

Lauren Di Natale