Imagine being 15 years old and having your best friend diagnosed with cancer. It’s a tough situation for anyone to handle. But what if, in an attempt to show support, your family asks you to shave your head in solidarity with your cancer-stricken cousin? One teenager found herself in this exact predicament, and her decision not to shave her head has caused a rift in the family. Let’s dive into the story and see if her choice was heartless or justified.
Best Friends and Cousins

Anna’s Cancer Diagnosis

Staying by Anna’s Side

Anna’s Head-Shaving Decision ✂️

Aunt’s Surprise Plan

The Request to Join In

Mom Agrees, But…

School Worries

Aunt’s Anger Erupts

Banned from the House

Parents’ Reaction

Anna’s True Feelings

Aunt’s Unyielding Stance

A Family Divided: The Shaved Head Standoff
So, what do we have here? A 15-year-old girl who refuses to shave her head in solidarity with her cancer-stricken cousin, causing a rift in the family. Her aunt is furious and bans her from the house, while her parents think the aunt’s reaction is unfair. The twist? Anna herself doesn’t care whether her cousin shaves her head or not. Yet, the aunt remains unyielding, refusing to let the girl see her cousin until she shaves her head. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
Aunt is TA for expecting a ‘yes’. NTA for refusing.

Asking a question doesn’t guarantee a yes. NTA

Shaving head in solidarity: genuine support or performative bullshit?

NTA. Empathetic comment suggests alternative ways to support cousin’s recovery.

Aunt’s controlling behavior needs to be addressed, NTA for refusing.

Standing up for oneself during a difficult time.

NTA for not shaving head, offer for family counseling

NTA stands firm against aunt’s unfair treatment.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/ac9526aa-f4a0-484a-a5cd-0b110260d75a.png)
Supporting cancer patients doesn’t require shaving your head

NTA. Respect for personal autonomy and thoughtful alternative suggestions.

Shaving head for aunt, not cousin with cancer. NTA

Cancer survivor explains why shaving heads isn’t helpful. NTA.

Stand your ground! NTA, you’re just a child after all

Shaving head in solidarity is pointless and can create problems

Teen refuses to shave head for cousin with cancer. NTA wins.

NTA for not shaving head to appease someone who doesn’t care

Don’t let guilt-tripping aunt make you shave your head. NTA

Not every cancer patient wants attention. NTA for not shaving.

No obligation to shave head for cousin with cancer. NTA

Supportive comment defends teen’s decision not to shave head

Supporting a loved one with cancer doesn’t require head shaving

Authentic support can’t be forced. NTA

Former cancer patient explains why shaving head for cousin is wrong

Communication is key: NTA suggests Anna’s mother should talk.

Shaving head for cancer patient: personal choice or obligation?

Self-expression is valid. No one should be forced to shave.

Spelling mistake aside, what’s their stance on the situation?

Supporting a cousin with cancer doesn’t require a bald head

Choosing to shave one’s head is a personal decision

Aunt’s behavior is questionable, commenter takes side with OP.

Aunt’s projecting emotions on cousin with cancer, NTA for refusing.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/0c5ce711-6df7-4dc6-b533-8f118acff44c.png)
Offering support packages is more thoughtful than shaving heads.

Solidarity head-shaving not always appreciated. NTA for declining.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/fdcd64c0-19be-48b7-851b-736e1b6bf6d6.png)
Teen refuses to shave head for cousin with cancer, commenters support NTA

Shaving head for cancer patients not necessary, NTA comment

Empathetic reply to aunt’s misplaced anger. NTA

Cousin doesn’t need a shaved head, NTA.

Keeping hair while supporting cousin with cancer: NTA wins

Shaving your head for someone with cancer is not mandatory. NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/d599d882-0740-4b66-ac95-662f70b16f18.png)
Performative solidarity? NTA calls out head shaving trend

Empowering response to autonomy debate. NTA

Survivor shares personal experience, advises against grand gestures. NTA.

Chemo doesn’t always cause hair loss, NTA for refusing.

Supporting someone shouldn’t mean losing your autonomy over yourself

NTA. Misunderstandings happen, but it’s the thought that counts.

Body autonomy respected, cousin doesn’t blame OP. NTA

Symbolic gesture shouldn’t be forced. NTA.

Shaving head for cancer patient: obligation or attention-seeking?

Standing up for personal choice when supporting a loved one

Standing up for oneself during a tough time. #NTA

Shaving head for cancer patient: virtue signaling or actual help?

Cutting hair for solidarity or virtue signaling? NTA explains.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/ad44d720-3b99-4bfc-9542-0c906fa2332c.png)
Skipping the head shave doesn’t make you heartless.

Friend’s approval matters, consider wigs. NTA

A cancer survivor explains why shaving heads in solidarity isn’t helpful

Hair doesn’t cure cancer , NTA for not shaving.

Body autonomy reigns supreme in refusing head shave request.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/03b087ab-71f7-4488-8bf9-1ff4d3ced152.png)
Empowering response to body autonomy. Not the a**hole

NTA stands firm against pressure to shave head for cousin

Shaving your head is a stunt. Presence and support matter. ♂️❌

Woman refuses to shave head for cousin with cancer. NTA.

Personal choice or publicity stunt? NTA stands firm.
