Context:

Armonie Wilson, a model and content creator, has embraced her alopecia by proudly displaying her baldness after years of hiding under wigs. Her journey towards self-acceptance began in 2023 when she questioned her ability to empower others while hiding her own insecurities. Despite initial fears, she found relief and confidence in revealing her true self to strangers and eventually to friends and a partner who were unaware of her condition. Wilson reflects on her past treatments and wishes she had explored holistic options earlier, recognizing the benefits of nutrition and exercise on her hair growth. Her experience highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to build confidence and self-acceptance, regardless of others' perceptions or potential discomfort.

Dive Deeper:

• Armonie Wilson had been wearing wigs since eighth grade due to alopecia, and it wasn't until she moved to New York City and became a content creator that she embraced her baldness publicly.

• Her decision to go wig-less was fueled by a moment of self-reflection in 2023, where she realized the contradiction of promoting self-acceptance while hiding her own insecurities.

• Initially, Wilson was more concerned about how her friends and partner would react to her baldness than strangers, as no one in her close circle knew about her alopecia.

• Throughout her life, she experimented with various treatments, including steroids and acid treatments, but now wishes she had pursued more natural, holistic approaches earlier.

• Wilson acknowledges the challenge of not having shared hair experiences as a Black woman and regrets not having mastered the art of wig-making sooner.

• Adjusting to life without a wig involved navigating the stares and questions from strangers and children, but she has learned to embrace the unknown and remain confident.

• Her journey teaches that confidence comes from embracing discomfort and taking risks to discover what truly works for oneself, rather than relying on others' validation.