Mary Sickler, a contestant in the Miss USA pageant, made history by being the first participant to compete without hair due to alopecia. On October 22, 2023, during a preliminary round in Reno, Nevada, Sickler confidently removed her wig, marking a significant moment in her life and in the pageant’s history. The 22-year-old model, representing Miss Nevada, wore a stunning beaded silver head covering that complemented her evening gown.
This bold decision came after months of concealing her total hair loss, a journey that began less than a year ago. Sickler first noticed a bald spot on her scalp in December 2022, initially attributing it to a tight hairstyle. As more patches appeared, she was diagnosed with alopecia areata, which eventually progressed to alopecia universalis, resulting in the loss of all hair on her body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
“It was something that I never imagined doing,” said Sickler in an interview with TODAY.com. After stepping off the stage, she expressed her emotions, stating, “I actually started crying from all the emotions.” Sickler described her transformation from feeling “ugly” after her diagnosis to now embracing her identity, saying she has never felt more beautiful.
Sickler’s experience with hair loss has been challenging, especially as a full-time model signed to a prestigious agency in New York City. She feared how her career might be affected without her hair, leading her to keep her condition a secret for some time. “I was afraid people would look at me differently,” she recalled, reflecting on her past struggles with self-image.
Recognizing the emotional toll of her condition, Sickler emphasized the importance of self-acceptance. “With hair or without hair, I was still Mary Sickler,” she stated. This realization helped her to reclaim her confidence and prepare for her moment on the Miss USA stage.
Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, approximately 700,000 Americans are affected by some form of this condition. The causes are still not fully understood, and while about 20% of patients have a family history of alopecia, Sickler noted that her diagnosis came as a complete shock since there were no known hereditary links in her family.
Sickler publicly shared her condition on Instagram in September 2023, expressing her desire to inspire others who may face similar challenges. She believes her platform allows her to connect with people beyond hair loss, offering hope to anyone pursuing their dreams while dealing with obstacles. “I knew that I would be touching so many women and men out there because I truly believe this is not just about hair loss,” she explained.
The winner of the Miss USA pageant will be announced on October 24, 2023. Regardless of the outcome, Sickler hopes to continue her modeling career and represent women who struggle with hair loss. “I felt this calling that there was a reason why I am at Miss USA without any hair,” she said, embracing her role as a symbol of resilience and courage.
In a world where beauty standards are often narrowly defined, Sickler’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty lies in authenticity and self-acceptance.
