The fashion and beauty industries are embracing inclusivity and challenging traditional beauty standards. Redefining these standards is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusivity in an industry known for promoting narrow ideals of beauty. In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege to speak with model Yasmin Taylor, a strong advocate for body positivity and self-love in the face of societal pressure to conform to unattainable beauty standards. Yasmin exudes poise, elegance, and confidence both on and off camera, regardless of facing several obstacles. With her outstanding portfolio and charming demeanour, she stands out for her work in the NEW YEAR—Be You campaign.
These attributes have helped her land a highly sought-after modelling position with House of Fraser, representation by one of the leading UK modelling agencies, Zebedee Talent, and a role as the face for national body-positive campaign movements. In the interview, Yasmin talks about shattering stereotypes of beauty and promoting inclusivity in the business.
AM: Alopecia magazine offers style, lifestyle, and fashion for those with alopecia. What do you think of a magazine like this?
Yasmin: AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!! it is really needed. I would have been so grateful for a magazine like this when I was going through my hair loss. It will change people’s lives, it truly will!! Especially for children/teenagers growing up with alopecia, it will help them so much. I’m so grateful for Alopecia Magazine.
AM: Who is Yasmin, and what do you do for a living?
I work as a model and also part-time with people experiencing homelessness. I’m a huge animal lover and enjoy travelling to experience different cultures. I strongly advocate for self-love and embracing both your strengths and weaknesses.”
– Yasmin Taylor,
AM: You have such beautiful skin. Could you tell me which skincare essentials are a must-have and where to get them?
Yasmin: Aww thank you. You know what? I have been blessed with good skin. I have always had good skin. I’m very lucky. I don’t have a skin routine per se. I use dove soap and hot water to remove my mascara. However, I have recently started using Tropic Skincare, which is vegan and natural skincare, and I really like it even though it’s expensive. I usually use Tropic’s “Deep Hydration” soothing cooling mask when my skin is particularly dry, as it is my go-to product for that purpose. It is so good, oh my god! They also have a nourishing face cream called “Skin Feast,” which I use every morning. You can order from their website.
AM: When did you start your modelling career? And how does it feel to be one of the few signed models with alopecia?
Yasmin: I only started my modelling career about a year or so ago. I feel proud to be one of the few signed models in the UK with alopecia and to be able to represent bald women. I feel like I’m in a dream sometimes, it really is amazing. My ultimate goal is to inspire a shift in societal beauty standards. I want people to realise that beauty is varied and has many facets rather than fitting into a single mould.
AM: During your modelling career, which brand campaign is your favourite to work on and why?
Yasmin: Ahh. Gosh, I can not pick between House Fraser and Seashell—they were both so amazing! The bikini campaign for Seashell was such an amazing experience for me. I wasn’t signed to an agency at the time, but this campaign led me to where I am today. Being part of the In a Seashell campaign was so empowering; it is such an amazing brand, so inclusive, so diverse, and run by two amazing women, whom I was fortunate enough to work for. I remember being so nervous on the day because it was the first time I had ever done something like this, but everyone on set was so encouraging and lovely, I had the best time! The brand Seashell will always have a special place in my heart. Working with House of Fraser for their ‘New Year Be You‘ campaign was also an amazing experience, as it was again very inclusive and diverse; the two days we spent on set were full of fun, everyone was really friendly, and we got along well. It was very strange to see myself in window displays and House of Fraser stores. Undoubtedly, it was a “pinch me” moment.
AM: You exude so much confidence and elegance as a model. Could you offer any advice for those who may think you need long hair to appear confident and seductive?
Yasmin: This was something I developed over time. I didn’t feel confident or seductive when I first lost my hair. I hid behind a wig for 3 years because I was so embarrassed and ashamed. I was so miserable hiding my true self and pretending to be someone I wasn’t. I eventually realised that people would judge me no matter what, whether I had hair or not. I advise people to learn to love the person staring back at you in the mirror—it may take time, but you will get there. Just be confident, and don’t care about what others think of you, I know it is easier said than done, but life is so short it really is. Don’t see your hair loss as an issue and others won’t either.
AM: How does it feel to be an industry model of diversity? What needs to change, in your opinion?
Yasmin: Being a diverse model with alopecia can be challenging because, although it feels wonderful to be booked, I am always thinking in the back of my mind, “I hope you booked me because you genuinely like my look and you have not just booked me so you can tick a box.” I think a lot needs to change, particularly in the representation of bald women, who are still incredibly rare. I think many brands would benefit from featuring more bald women—It is frustrating, in my opinion, that so many brands do not feature enough bald women, since I think this adds to the extreme shame that bald women feel about losing their hair. Because they do not feel seen or represented, they assume they should hide it, which is exactly what I did. I find it unfortunate that there are not as many BALD and beautiful women in the media representing brands as there should be.
AM: How does it feel to be an industry model of diversity? What needs to change, in your opinion?
Yasmin: Being a diverse model with alopecia can be challenging because, although it feels wonderful to be booked, I am always thinking in the back of my mind, “I hope you booked me because you genuinely like my look and you have not just booked me so you can tick a box.” I think a lot needs to change, particularly in the representation of bald women, who are still incredibly rare. I think many brands would benefit from featuring more bald women—It is frustrating, in my opinion, that so many brands do not feature enough bald women, since I think this adds to the extreme shame that bald women feel about losing their hair. Because they do not feel seen or represented, they assume they should hide it, which is exactly what I did. I find it unfortunate that there are not as many BALD and beautiful women in the media representing brands as there should be.
AM: What brands would you like to see working with models who have alopecia and what is your dream career in the industry?
Yasmin: I’d love to see more skincare companies working with models who have alopecia. If the main focus is on the skin/face why can’t a model with alopecia be the face of that brand when hair isn’t needed? I think all brands need to step up honestly. My dream career in the industry – I’d just love to get enough work where my face/ bald head is recognised. I would simply love to be remembered as the girl who altered the way that the world views baldness and to have had the chance to be the support system I needed during my alopecia/hairloss journey.
AM: Why do you think it is crucial that role models with alopecia at least respond directly to messages from people who are just beginning their journey with alopecia?
Yasmin: This is crucial, in my opinion, because it took a lot of bravery for that person to reach out. They may be in a really bad place and just want to talk to someone who understands or has gone through what they are going through right now. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to help someone, and your response to them could improve their entire life. When I first started on my journey, I would occasionally comment or message role models on social media and get no response, which would have made me very sad. It can be isolating to have alopecia, particularly if you do not know anyone else who also has it. I always respond when someone reaches out to me because I am aware of how down and alone I used to feel when I was not accepting of my alopecia.
AM: Do you have any words to inspire someone with alopecia?
Yasmin: Do not let hair define you. It is nothing but an accessory. Hair doesn’t make you beautiful, it is your soul, your heart. If you are sitting next to a person who has hair, remember that your lack of hair doesn’t make you any less beautiful than them. Beauty fades, work on being the best person you can be, and people will fall in love with you regardless if you have hair or not. Don’t let alopecia hold you back, go after your dreams. Life is too short to worry about what people think of you, live life for you and no one else.
AM: To wrap up on a fun note, do you have a go-to party trick? If so, what is it?
Yasmin: It won’t be a secret if I tell you, for me to know and for you to maybe find out😉
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