Michelle defends her grey buzz cut: 'Not for everyone, but it's mine'

Michelle has swapped her long mane for a grey buzz cut. Some fans are not thrilled. The 54-year-old couldn't care less, but she does want one thing: no insults.

What happened?

In a new episode of her Instagram series "Nachtgedanken" ("Night thoughts"), Michelle showed her short hair on video for the first time. "Today for the first time with the really short hair," she greeted viewers.

She drew a clear line. "Freedom of speech, I stand by that, that's completely fine. But insults aren't necessary. It's just not everyone's taste, but it's my taste," she said. She knows opinions are split: "The comments naturally differ."

She also joked that the hair above her forehead is already completely white, so it looks as if she has none up there.

What had happened before?

In mid-October, Michelle announced in a livestream that she would cut her hair to about one centimetre and never dye it again. She also wanted to leave a certain energy behind with her long hair. Back then she predicted that many people would write she had lost it, and asked followers to be respectful.

On 23 October she revealed the result in a black-and-white Instagram photo, captioned: "Make yourself happy and stand by yourself!"

How does she feel about it?

Very good, it seems. "I feel super, super comfortable. I can only recommend it to everyone," she said. One drop of shampoo is enough to wash her hair now. "I haven't regretted it for a second."

The only downside is the cold. She doesn't leave the house without a hat at the moment.

A new chapter

The haircut fits a bigger change. In February, Michelle said goodbye to the Schlager stage (German pop music) after more than 34 years, with a concert in Berlin. In October she made clear she won't return.

Now she offers spiritual services such as soul coaching, healing and mediumship sessions. "I have arrived completely at myself," she says.