;Resize=(1200,627)&hash=4adc8d251afd7181300dce167c7ce36fd74e8daa6872bb8723423847c19dc1c2 "Circular hair loss: Nina (16) does not want to “hide” her bald head")
Nina was about ten years old when her hair slowly started to fall out. Today, six years later, she has no hair, eyelashes or eyebrows. One in 100 people suffers from their disease. But the 16-year-old decided not to hide anymore.
Nina W. suddenly discovered bald spots on her head in fourth grade. Despite various doctors and medication, nothing could help against her aggressive form of alopecia areata, circular hair loss.
Her dream is to become a full-time cook and a part-time model. Even the layperson can see that she has what it takes. And if there’s one thing she’s not lacking for, it’s confidence.
Nina (16) has no hair because of a rare illness
“I wasn’t always like that,” says the 16-year-old. “I just wanted to hide for a long time. When I saw the other girls with their long blonde hair, I thought no one would think I was beautiful.”
During this time her circle of friends helped her the most. “My friends are great. When the hair loss got worse, we got together to shave off the remaining hair. It was a nice moment and everyone thought it was cool.”
Nina has now won first place in the Hamburg-wide school competition “Freiheit.Sucht.Motiv” with a photo that shows her interpretation of freedom. She shot it alone with her father’s tripod and camera. The photo shows Nina with her bald head surrounded by purple and pink lights and glitter.
“I feel free when I don’t have to hide”
“I feel free when I don’t have to hide,” she says. “I show that those affected are beautiful and aesthetic despite their illness and have the freedom to be who they are.” Her photo and 69 others on the subject can be seen on the north facade of Kampnagel until the end of May.
You can read about the advantages Nina sees in her illness at mopo.de.