Miley Cyrus asked ‘Are we actually doing it?’ before shaving a fan’s head backstage at the Hollywood Bowl

The moment started with a question and a pair of clippers. Backstage after a Hollywood Bowl show, Miley Cyrus stood beside fan Cash Jacobs and asked, “Are we actually doing it?” before helping her through one of the most personal steps of cancer treatment.

A backstage moment that began with a social media plea

Jacobs had posted a video online after being diagnosed with stage III cancer, hoping to persuade Cyrus to be the person who shaved her head. The request reached the singer’s team, and the idea moved from social media to real life.

After Cyrus’ October 18 show at the Hollywood Bowl, the 33-year-old star met Jacobs backstage and picked up the clippers herself. Footage later shared by Jacobs on Instagram and TikTok showed the pair standing in front of a mirror as the singer got ready to begin.

Cyrus kept the moment calm and personal. In the video, she joked that she had shaved her own head before, then used the time to encourage Jacobs as they prepared to go ahead with it. She told her fan that a person can be “soft and strong at the same time,” and said it was completely normal to hold more than one feeling at once. Jacobs, she suggested, could think “I’m scared” and also “I can f***ing do this.”

She also told her, “Everyone’s suffering is different.” Then, as the clippers came on, Cyrus gave her another push of support, telling Jacobs, “Let’s go girl, let’s do it,” before shaving her head while the camera rolled.

Why the experience meant so much to the fan

Jacobs later described the meeting as far more than a celebrity encounter. In the caption that accompanied the footage, she said Cyrus not only brought her back to Los Angeles with tickets to the second night at the Hollywood Bowl, but also took the time to stand with her during what she called one of the most frightening and intimate moments of her life.

She said learning that she had breast cancer, having a port placed in her chest and starting chemotherapy had already been difficult. On top of that, she was facing the side effects that chemotherapy would bring. Having Cyrus there for the head shave turned a moment she was clearly dreading into one she wanted to share.

Jacobs said the singer’s music had helped her through hard periods in her life before, which is why she set out to get the attention of Cyrus and her team in the first place. When it worked, she described the result as an “opportunity of a lifetime” and a “wish come true.”

Her praise for Cyrus was just as direct. She called her “the softest, coolest, KINDEST and most genuine human being” she had ever had the privilege of meeting and spending time with, still sounding amazed that the singer had actually agreed to shave her head.

The setting made it even more notable. Cyrus’ Hollywood Bowl performances marked her first full concert in four years after stepping away from live touring. But one of the moments to come out of those shows was not onstage. It was backstage, with a fan, a mirror and a gesture that meant everything to the person living it.

What a head shave actually means

People often use "shaving your head" to mean two different things. A clipper cut takes hair down very short with electric clippers. A clean shave removes the hair at skin level with a razor. The result, upkeep and feel are different.

A clipper buzz is quicker, usually less irritating, and easier to do casually. A razor shave gives a smoother finish but needs more prep, more care and more frequent maintenance. Hair texture, scalp shape and any moles, scars or sensitive areas can affect which option feels best.

If you are tempted to try it, think first about whether you want a dramatic change for a short time or a look you are happy to maintain. Very short hair can highlight cowlicks, uneven growth and scalp dryness more than people expect.

How to do it safely

If someone is cutting hair outside a salon or barber shop, hygiene matters. Clippers, guards, razors and scissors should be clean. Fresh blades are best. Shared tools can irritate skin and, if poorly cleaned, raise hygiene concerns.

Start with dry, detangled hair unless the tool instructions say otherwise. Long hair usually needs to be cut down first before clippers can move through it smoothly. A cape or towel helps stop loose hair getting into clothes and eyes. Good lighting is important, especially around the ears and neckline.

Do not shave over cuts, sunburn, spots or irritated skin. If the scalp is very sensitive, a short buzz may be a better option than a razor finish. If there is any hesitation, it is fine to stop. A very short haircut feels like a big change even when it grows back.

Aftercare and upkeep

A newly exposed scalp can feel dry, itchy or extra sensitive. Rinse off loose hairs, wash gently and use a light moisturiser if needed. If the skin feels sore after a razor shave, avoid heavily fragranced products.

Sun protection becomes more important once the scalp is uncovered. A hat or sunscreen can help prevent burning, especially in warm weather or bright daylight.

Maintenance depends on the look. A buzz cut can stay tidy for a while, while a smooth shave usually needs regular touch ups. Anyone unsure about the final look can start longer and go shorter gradually. It is much easier to remove more hair than to undo a cut that feels too drastic.