From Hiding to Strutting: My Journey as an Alopecia Model
In the fashion and beauty industry, where conventional standards are frequently used to define beauty, Therese Hansson—a remarkable model from Malmo, Sweden—came to be more of a goal-getter after being diagnosed with alopecia. However, her path to success was far from easy. After years of struggling with self-acceptance due to her alopecia, this loving mother, model, and activist is now a source of inspiration for anyone attempting to accept themselves.
Therese’s journey began at the tender age of 14, when she received what she imagined to be a life-altering diagnosis of alopecia. Unaware of the symptoms, she initially feared the worst, believing she had cancer. This uncertainty cast a shadow over her teenage years, leaving her feeling self-conscious and insecure about her appearance. Desperate to conceal her bald patches, she resorted to wigs and hats, but deep down, she knew that true acceptance could only come from within.
“I first noticed it when I was standing in front of the mirror, trying to put up my hair in a ponytail, and saw a small patch with no hair close to my forehead;
I was young at the time, so I was mostly worried that it was cancer since that’s normally the first thing you think of when you see hair loss, but little did I know that this hair loss only happens after chemotherapy. It’s normally the first thing you think of when you see hair loss. Little did I know that this hair loss only happens after chemotherapy.
– Therese Hansson
Therese started on a deeply intimate path of self-discovery during a period of her life that most people would consider challenging. She took time to recognise and value her unique beauty as she found comfort in her family’s and friends’ unwavering love and support. This process of transformation demanded incredible courage and resilience. Going after her ideal career, accepting her actual self with all of her imperfections, and accepting her alopecia were all important parts of her journey.
She refused to let her condition define her and took on the difficult task of breaking into a field that frequently prioritises traditional beauty standards. After years of struggling with her confidence, Therese decided to take a bold step and embrace her alopecia. She shaved off her remaining hair and started to embrace her bald head. It was a liberating moment for her and marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. In the face of her initial apprehensions, Therese made the bold choice to embark on a career in the world of modelling. She set out to prove to herself and the rest of the world, with unwavering determination, that beauty transcends conventional norms and takes on a multitude of shapes and forms.
Due to her stunning model features, prominent cheekbones, flawless skin, and confident demeanour, Therese quickly caught the interest of influential figures in the industry. In due course, she secured her first modelling job. After landing her ideal job, she felt confident enough to create her own social media account, where she developed the ability to use her voice and platform to draw attention to the challenges faced by those who have alopecia, a condition she is very passionate about. She continues to work as a model, promoting various brands through her platform. Additionally, she has become a strong advocate for body positivity, inspiring many young women who are struggling with alopecia and finding it challenging to embrace their unique identities.
Genuine beauty is inside each of us—we just need to recognise it. Therese stands as a role model for countless individuals who struggle with self-acceptance. She is a remarkable example of true beauty in a society where perfection is usually associated with beauty. Her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance led to a successful career in the fashion industry, which is becoming more accepting of models with alopecia and learning to celebrate their individuality. Through her advocacy work and candid storytelling, she has become a powerful voice in the fight against societal beauty standards. Her message is clear: Beauty is not confined to a specific mould, but rather, it is found in the diversity and authenticity of each individual.
As an alopecia model, Therese Hansson’s journey from hiding to strutting serves as a powerful reminder of the endless potential that exists for people with alopecia; obstacles can be overcome by embracing oneself and one’s individuality. Thanks to her bravery and persistence, she has not only regained her confidence but also developed into a role model for others facing comparable challenges. True beauty, as Therese’s story reminds us, is found in accepting our uniqueness and revelling in our differences. Her unwavering determination shattered stereotypes and challenged boundaries, proving that beauty knows no bounds.