Melanie Sykes showcased a different look on Instagram Thursday, sporting a wig as she continues to navigate her alopecia battle. The 56-year-old television presenter stated she was exploring "options" after shaving her head due to significant hair loss, having lost two-thirds of her hair.
This marks Sykes's first Instagram post since her recent modeling shots were released. She captioned the image "Options #chameleon." The wig featured a shaggy style, resembling the short bob she previously wore before revealing her bald look, which accentuates her facial features.
Earlier this month, Sykes appeared in a professional photoshoot for the sunglasses brand Cubitts, where she proudly displayed her shaven head while wearing a white suit.
Alopecia areata, the most common autoimmune form of the condition causing patchy hair loss, affects approximately two percent of the global population. Androgenetic alopecia, a hormonally driven condition responsible for male and female pattern baldness, impacts roughly 50 percent of men by age 50 and 40 percent of women, particularly postpartum.
Sykes has been candid about her experience since her diagnosis in April of the previous year. She returned to her hometown of Manchester for the Cubitts campaign, which introduced the brand's new sunglass designs, Britannia, Athlone, and Topham.
Sykes first disclosed her struggle with alopecia in April last year, sharing images on Instagram detailing the extent of her hair loss. At the time, photos showed the impact on both sides of her head, captioned with "#Liberty."
In December, Sykes reported feeling unwell, stating she had been ill all year with a condition causing hair loss and was working on healing. She also revealed a heart condition leading to palpitations and widespread inflammation.
Towards the end of the year, Sykes shared a positive health update, mentioning she was experiencing "Post-Traumatic Growth." She explained on Instagram that she was "vibrating high" after "transcending trauma." Post-Traumatic Growth is defined as positive psychological change experienced after a life crisis or traumatic event.
"Even the most difficult times do pass," Sykes stated. "I'm in both camps because you can be both things at once, as long as I attend to myself and what makes me happy and feel grief about whatever has gone on and process it and move on from it. We can transcend all trauma, we can be changed, and I am living f***ing proof of that!"
In an earlier update this year, she told fans, "Hey strumps, my crown is pretty much what's left of my hair now and how healthy it is. I do get cold, however, hence my beanie and various headwear, but I'm learning to live with 'loss' and counting my blessings instead. It's not always easy to be grateful, but it is the key to happiness and takes daily, moment-to-moment practice. Practice love."