A ‘Hairless’ Model’s Struggle After Alopecia Impacted His Earnings

Success in the fashion and modelling industries is heavily influenced by one’s physical appearance. However, what happens when a model’s appearance drastically changes due to a condition like alopecia? This article tells the story of a ‘hairless’ model who faced challenges and a decline in earnings after being diagnosed with alopecia. It sheds light on the impact of society’s beauty standards and the need for inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Visualise yourself as a widely recognised symbol of beauty, admired for your luscious hair, charming personality, and remarkable grace. You effortlessly navigate a balanced and fulfilling life in the spotlight. But then things take a sudden turn when you start experiencing hair loss, which affects your crown jewel—your hair—which was once praised as a source of income and beauty. In the face of public scrutiny, how resilient and strong can you remain while preserving your sense of self and self-esteem?
Imagine yourself in a circumstance where you lose the one thing that makes you unique from the others—the very thing that allows you to pursue opportunities in life of which many people can only dream, such as lucrative brand deals. It sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? This nightmare became a reality for model Justin Hopwood when he lost a crucial aspect of his career. But fear not—this is merely an analogy, and Alopecia Magazine UK is here to redefine beauty and give people just like Justin more power.

Renowned model, Justin Hopwood was put in a challenging situation when he lost his striking hair, which was vital to his career. He experienced hair loss due to alopecia, an autoimmune disease that stops hair follicles from growing. Hopwood’s opulent hair served as his signature style and paved the way for a lucrative modelling career with high-end labels and fashion houses. He was able to travel the world and lead an opulent lifestyle while working for renowned fashion houses thanks to his hair.
His journey began with a boutique agency called Kids Inc., where he was discovered in the vibrant city of Cape Town. While Cape Town may be considered a B-list market for models, it caters to American and European clients seeking blond, light-eyed children. Despite facing challenges related to his complexion and size requirements, as well as his thick blond hair, Hopwood’s determination propelled him to overcome every casting hurdle.
As his modelling career progressed, Hopwood’s hair became a defining feature, growing increasingly luscious and voluminous. It caught the attention of everyone around him, adding to his allure and charm. During his first major modelling trip to the bustling city of Hong Kong, the young South African showcased his impeccable physique, boasting chiselled abs and a head of thick blond hair that was the envy of all. This opportunity opened doors for him to grace exclusive markets like Paris and New York, where his striking looks left everyone in awe.

During the peak of his successful modelling career, Hopwood suddenly realised that he was losing his thick hair. This brought an immediate end to his flourishing career as a top model, even though he had previously been the face of Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren. Between fashion shoots, Hopwood was FaceTiming his dad when a patch appeared on his beard. When his dad saw the patch, he began to wonder if stress was the cause of his son’s alopecia. Hopwood did not want to talk about the place beneath his chin where the hair went from dark to light to bare, even though he had noticed it before.
At the time, I’m struggling from this worry, this daily feeling that is overcoming me, and I don’t know where it’s coming from. This area starts getting worse and worse, and I’m shaving it, hiding it. It’s not affecting anything, it hasn’t gone to my head or anything like that, and a lot of times I’m like, ‘Thank God it hasn’t gone to my head.”
Source: GQ Magazine
The diagnosis indicated that the underlying cause of his hair loss was alopecia. Since he was unfamiliar with alopecia and had to cope with both the disorder’s physical and psychological symptoms, this personal experience presented him with a difficult learning curve. He felt that his anxiety exacerbated his condition and that his mental well-being was just as important to his recovery as his hair follicles. As his Hopwood’s alopecia worsened, he admitted that he missed having a haircut and that his alopecia aggressively spread from his beard. He describes his head as a reflection of Earth, with thick, dark hair standing out against patches of weaker blond hair.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, he openly discusses the effects of his alopecia and his challenges with accepting it. When describing how his alopecia has affected him, Hopwood refers to it as ‘not pleasing to the eye‘ and appears to be in a state of denial, struggling to accept his alopecia in its entirety. Hopwood does not use the same vocabulary of self-acceptance and celebration of distinctive features as the body-positive movement that the alopecia community has generally adopted. His journey takes a different turn in the modelling industry, where models living with alopecia have found empowerment and comfort through self-acceptance. He grapples with the challenges of accepting his changed appearance, losing his earnings, and navigating a landscape that may not provide the same support and understanding as it does for his female counterparts.
Alopecia Magazine UK is at the forefront of this beauty revolution, publishing about fashion, health, beauty, and lifestyle. 21st September 2024 is the launch date! #alopecia #alopeciaawareness #alopeciamagazine pic.twitter.com/hISkNhQnV0
— Alopecia magazine (@Alopeciamagazin) September 6, 2024
However, Hopwood’s story sheds light on the importance of inclusivity and support within the alopecia community. While the body-positive movement has made significant strides for female models, it is crucial to extend the same understanding and acceptance to male models like Hopwood. By embracing a more inclusive approach, the industry can create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can find solace and empowerment in their unique features. His journey serves as a reminder that self-acceptance is a personal and ongoing process. It is not always easy, and everyone’s experience is unique.
As we continue to celebrate the body-positive movement, let us also strive for inclusivity and support for all individuals navigating the challenges of alopecia. So, let us come together as a community, embracing and celebrating the unique journeys of individuals like Justin Hopwood. So, if you find yourself grappling with hair loss or any other physical change, remember that you are not alone. Your worth and beauty extend far beyond your external appearance. Embrace your journey, celebrate your uniqueness, and join the movement that Alopecia magazine has ignited. Together, we can redefine beauty and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
Alopecia magazine stands at the forefront of this beauty revolution. It challenges the traditional notions of beauty and celebrates the uniqueness of individuals who have experienced hair loss. Through empowering stories, expert advice, and a supportive community, Alopecia magazine aims to uplift and inspire those who have faced similar struggles.