Shawn Mendes on Why He Opted for the New Buzzcut

Shawn Mendes started this New Year with a whole new hair transformation.

He debuted a buzzcut in January for a very simple reason, “I was just feeling this urge to just shake myself up a little bit,” he stated in an interview with Wall Street Journal.

Aside from wanting an exciting yet drastic new change, the 24-year-old pop singer thinks “everyone should know what they look like with a shaved head.” The transformation from Mendes’ long, luscious brunette locks was not only- for his physical appearance but also signifies a transformation of his life.

After reaching a breaking point last summer, Mendes announced that he was postponing his “Wonder” world tour only a few months after parting ways with his longtime girlfriend, Camila Cabello. When his mental health took a turn for the worse, Mendes started seeking help from therapists. He temporarily put a pause on work and producing new music.

As a result, he canceled his tour, stating, “After speaking with my team and health professionals, I need to take some time to heal and take care of myself and my mental health, first and foremost.” Engaging in therapy sessions to comprehend his emotions, reading books, and spending valuable time with close family and friends proved beneficial to him. Mendes also mentions how meditation, saunas, and ice baths helped him maintain his composure.

The three-time Grammy-nominated singer believed this phase of his life was quite an eye-opener. Mendes continues to express his immense gratitude towards his supportive fans, who were accepting and understanding of his decisions. Their compassionate response also makes him optimistic about a cultural shift where mental health is increasingly prioritized.

Part of his journey taught him the importance of respecting and creating boundaries. “Understanding how setting boundaries does not make you an unkind person has really changed my life,” he tells the Wall Street Journal. He elaborated more on this in a separate interview with Entertainment Tonight, stating, “I think I needed some time just to ground and spend some time with family and friends and gain some perspective of how beautiful it is what I get to do for a living.” After a much-needed break, Mendes is in a much better space and is ready and excited to start hitting the studio to make new songs.

RHEA MALVE

Writer | Tweet me @rheamalve_xo