How I Accessorized My Bald Head and Learned to Love It

Published on May 19, 2021 at 12:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Lindsay Walter

A disclaimer: this writer lost all her hair at the ripe age of 2 due to alopecia, the autoimmune condition that results in sudden hair loss and often baldness. And I'm hardly alone — approximately seven million people in the country endure it, too, according to Medical News Today. After I was diagnosed, I wore a wig for many years (20, to be exact). I was bullied and teased relentlessly in school for my bald head — classmates called me a "boy" frequently and mocked me for my lack of eyebrows. But once I learned to accept and embrace my baldness, my entire life changed.

While I credit college basketball and running marathons for my newfound sense of confidence, the truth is, I never felt like my true, authentic self in a wig (though many people do, and that's totally OK, too!). For me, it was a reality I never expected to face. Today, decades after being taunted on the playground, I can't imagine myself any other way than bald. My favorite look, in fact, is leaving my bald head uncovered for the whole world to see. That being said, I love to experiment with other fun styles, too, be it bright scarves, statement earrings, or matching headbands. I look at my bald head as an accessory — and a coveted one at that. Bald is the norm for some people, and it is absolutely beautiful.

With that in mind, here are 10 ways I dress up my bald head. Inspiration ahead (no pun intended!).

As a Knotted Headscarf

After I embraced my bald head, this was the very first style I wanted to try out. Not only is it easy to pull off — it can be worn with a casual or dressy outfit.

With a Bandana

Here, I simply folded over a bandana and tied it in the front. I love the simplicity of this look.

Tied in a Bow

This is my favorite way to tie a scarf, hands down. I love how the big bow on top gives me extra height, too.

With a Sun Hat

Let's be honest: who doesn't love a fun hat, especially at the beach? It also helps protect my head from the sun. Win-win!

With a Headband

I used to wear thick headbands with wigs — strategically placed to cover up the space between my head and the wig — but now, I wear them solo. And TBH, they look just as cute!

With Statement Earrings

Whenever I tie a scarf over my head, I'll leave half of my ears exposed to show off statement earrings.

With a Belt

Fun fact: this yellow band is actually a waist belt that came with this dress but didn't quite fit. Instead, I used it as a headband. And voilà!

Wrapped Around My Head

I love the feeling of wrapping a scarf around my head and letting it hang down — it reminds so much of having hair. This style is a great reminder of my full-circle journey with hair loss.

Braided

This styling trick is casual, easy to wear, and adds a little something extra, don't you think? (Psst, it's a headband.)

Solo!

In conclusion, as fun as it is to style my bald head in myriad ways, I love it just as it is, too. Bald is beautiful!