When it comes to rites of passage, cultural beliefs are often driving factors behind decisions made. In some cultures, shaving the head of a baby is one of those rites and is considered a symbolic act. Yet when a mom in Hinsdale, Illinois recently decided to fix her infant daughter’s patchy hair by shaving it, she made it clear she didn’t do it based on a religious or cultural tradition. As such, she received ample criticism on her TikTok platform.
On October 10th, Ashley Louise Lasco asked her TikTok audience if it was considered mean to shave her infant’s head. The Illinois mother of two stated that the baby’s hair was growing in uneven patches. Ashley expressed the opinion that shaving Melania’s sparse hair off may help future hair growth, making it thicker and healthier.
Ashley’s initial hair video received mixed opinions, but she chose to go through with the process on October 11th. She posted a clip of the haircut, which appeared to take place in her Illinois home. The video gained what she claimed were a lot of nasty comments. Yesterday, she went back on TikTok to set the haters straight.
Ashley asked why any person would still choose to mom shame this late in the game. She then addressed specific judgments that seemed to bother her the most:
No, her cortisol levels are not spiked. And no, her mental state is not affected. She’s three and a half months old. She’s not even gonna remember this.
Ashley went on to tell people that she shaved Melania’s head with the best intentions. She simply wanted her to have a chance at more even hair growth. As she walked around an unspecified Illinois location, she reminded viewers that her choices in no way affect them. She requested they stop trolling her, then told them to have a great Sunday.
Illinois Mom Finds Support Amidst Infant Drama
Ashley’s final video from the haircut saga seemed to get lots of support.
One viewer stated, “She will be good, in many cultures around the world this is practiced and the kids hair turns out great.”
Others praised her as a mother. They told her to ignore the judgment from strangers who didn’t have anything better to do.
Whatever one’s opinion, it appears that Ashley takes great care of both her children and that they are not under any duress. As the Illinois mother has also shared with viewers about past postpartum depression, this is a good reminder to be a little kinder. If you cannot share a different opinion without maliciousness, scrolling may be best.