baldies: JSMINE SOPHIA
“No more hiding or feeling inadequate, I finally realised that I had nothing to be ashamed of and that I should be proud to be so unique. ”
name: Jasmine, my artist name is JSMINE SOPHIA
social media: Instagram: @jsminesophia | Twitter: @jsminesophia | Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jsminesophia/
How long have you been a self-proclaimed baldie?
As someone that has had alopecia from the age of 3, becoming bald was never a choice and as a child it was a tough reality to deal with. There was no other girls or women around me that were bald, and I always felt like I had something missing from myself. I spent the most part of my childhood and teenage years hiding my baldness behind hats and then wigs, hoping that nobody would notice and really just wanting to blend into the crowd.
It wasn't until August last year, that I finally took ownership of my baldness and truly became a baldie... imagine, it took me 19 years!! But I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. No more hiding or feeling inadequate, I finally realised that I had nothing to be ashamed of and that I should be proud to be so unique. To me, being bald is now a statement and a sign of strength, and it's weird to say but I actually do feel stronger as I walk down the street.
As an artist and musician, I know that the career path I am choosing is one in which i will face constant scrutiny and be in the public eye. Because of this, I believe it is important that I share the right message about being bald and about hair loss. To let people know that being bald is more than okay, that it is not something to hide, it is normal and it does not make you any less beautiful. I want to be for other young girls without hair, something that I never had, someone that looks just like they do.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourself with short hair?
When I was a child, and I first realised that having no hair made me different, of course I was upset. I would often cry and ask my mum 'why me'. I thought I would never feel or be seen as beautiful...
Do you plan on ever growing your hair back out?
Nope, I don't have the option and it will probably never grow back but that's okay by me :)
Did cutting your hair hurt or help your self-confidence?
Becoming a baldie made me 100 x more confident!! I feel more powerful and I feel more like myself than I ever did when I wore wigs or hats.
Do you regret your decision at all?
Not at all. Embracing being a baldie was the best thing I have ever done.