Jada Pinkett Smith’s Struggles and Small Victories to Hair Loss

Among the long list of diseases or issues we fear getting as we get older, perhaps hair loss is one of the ones at the top. It’s devastating to realise and experience something you’ve always had suddenly fall out. One of these days, you may take a regular shower and notice that actual chunks of your hair are caught between your fingers.

Hair loss is a lot more common than you think, not just in women, but it is a possibility in people of different ages and gender identities. According to Harvard Health Publishing, about one-third of women experience hair loss (alopecia) at some time in their lives; among postmenopausal women, as many as two-thirds suffer hair thinning or bald spots. Hair loss in women often has a greater impact than hair loss does on men, because it’s less socially acceptable for them.

There are many causes for it. Stress, diet, and sometimes even genetics affect your possibility of hair loss. Alopecia and its various forms are among the top culprits as well as the recent Covid-19 virus. This is something that is common with celebrities as well, believe it or not, they may just have better access to accessories and treatments that may hide signs of it to the general public.

You may recall the infamous Oscar 2022 fiasco in which comedian Chris Rock seemingly referenced Pinkett Smith’s hair loss when he joked that she looked ready to star in a future G.I. Jane sequel. It resulted in the image of Will Smith slapping him for the distasteful remark. Jada, on the other hand, only rolled her eyes since she’s already embraced and shared the facts about her losing hair.

The 50-year-old Girls Trip star first opened up about it in a 2018 episode of Red Table Talk. “It was terrifying when it first started,” she said. “I was in the shower one day and had just handfuls of hair in my hands and I was just like, ‘Oh my god, am I going bald?’ ”

“It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking in fear. That’s why I cut my hair, and why I continue to cut it,” she added.

Of course, medication is out there.

Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, when applied directly to the scalp could stimulate hair growth. Although it was initially introduced as a treatment for high blood pressure, research studies found that a 5% solution of it is a need for a woman’s hair loss.

It is important to note that minoxidil is not a miracle drug. Like most medication and treatment, it will only work for some women and it cannot regain the previous density you once had. Results will not show up until at least 2 months of use. The effect often peaks at around four months, but it could take longer, so plan on a trial of six to 12 months. If minoxidil works for you, you’ll need to keep using it to maintain those results. If you stop, you’ll start to lose hair again.

There are guides on how to use minoxidil online and you may be interested in looking into hair transplantation as well.

Jada Smith does not let her alopecia affect her from living through the greatest days of her life. In the actress’ Instagram page, she shared a video that showed off her stunning skin and look to update her followers on her hair loss journey. The 50-year-old suffers from autoimmune disorder alopecia and showed off the new bare patches that she noticed on her scalp.

“Now at this point, I can only laugh,” said Jada as she ran her finger across a bald line patch along the center of her scalp. “Y’all know I’ve been struggling with alopecia and just all of a sudden one day, look at this line right here. Look at that.”

“So it just showed up like that and this is going to be a little bit more difficult for me to hide. So I thought I’d just share it so y’all are not asking any questions.”

Although alopecia is something that will affect one’s confidence and perception of themselves, netizens admire Jada’s positive outlook and energetic attitude towards her hair loss struggles.

Jada is an icon and an inspiration to women that struggle with the natural effects of age and illness, hair loss. She embraces it as her natural beauty and encourages others to think similarly.