Interpreting Alopecia Through the Lens of Art History: Insights into Women's Hair Loss

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Around 40% of women experience hair loss or alopecia at some point in their lives. This may include alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), traction alopecia (hair loss from strain), or other forms of hair loss. The diverse representations of women's hair loss in art history reflect the various interpretations of this issue over time.

In 16th and 17th century Britain, women's alopecia was sometimes seen as punishment for sins like adultery.

However, some historical art showed a more neutral or positive view of women's alopecia. In religious or mythical art, it was even depicted as divine.

In the painting "Madonna and Child" by Italian Renaissance artist Carlo Crivelli from the 15th century, Jesus and Mary are shown embracing in a stylized gold setting. They are seated behind a religious altar surrounded by ripe fruit and adorned with halos. Madonna has a high forehead and her blonde hair recedes, especially on her right temple.

Another Renaissance Italian artist, Cosmè Tura, also depicted a similar association between alopecia and divinity in his work "Madonna and Mary Magdalene" from around 1490. In this painting, both mother and child are shown with prominent foreheads.

"Prudence" by Andrea della Robbia (circa 1475) depicts a two-headed, balding figure.

"Prudence" by Andrea della Robbia (circa 1475) depicts a two-headed, balding figure.

At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, you can find a glazed terracotta piece crafted by the Italian sculptor Andrea della Robbia in 1475. This artwork showcases Prudence, who symbolizes Christian morality, depicted as a unique figure with two heads and balding.

Baldness in women has been historically linked to spiritual beliefs. This connection shifted the focus away from physical appearance towards more profound spiritual values. Additionally, intentional hair removal has also played a significant role in this association. In certain religious communities, like Buddhist nuns and Haredi Jewish wives, a bald head is considered to symbolize purity, with shaving seen as a regular, sacrificial practice.

Ancient depictions of women with bald heads further reinforce the idea of spiritual significance attributed to female baldness. These depictions serve as a visual representation of the deep-rooted connection between baldness in women and spiritual beliefs throughout history.

Artwork found on the walls of the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Akhenaten, shows two of his daughters depicted as naked with bald heads. It was common for ancient Egyptians, including women, to shave their heads or naturally have baldness.

"Two Princesses" from Egypt in the 14th century B.C.

"Two Princesses" from Egypt in the 14th century B.C.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ancient Egyptians had specific words for female and male alopecia, showing how prevalent baldness, head shaving, and wig wearing were in their society.

This cultural practice was not unique to Egypt. Women in sub-Saharan Africa also historically engaged in partial or full head shaving. In the 18th century Kingdom of Issini (now Ghana), it was noted that some women shaved only one half of their head, while others left broad patches of hair unshaved.

During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, alopecia was depicted in art. One example is the 15th century painting, “Portrait of a Woman with a Man at a Casement,” by Fra Filippo Lippi. In this artwork, a woman with a high hairline and prominent forehead is shown facing a man.

During Medieval and Renaissance Europe, having a receded frontal hairline was seen as trendy and a symbol of intelligence. This led to practices like shaving the forehead and plucking eyebrows.

“Portrait of a Woman with a Man at a Casement,” a 15th-century painting by Fra Filippo Lippi.

“Portrait of a Woman with a Man at a Casement,” a 15th-century painting by Fra Filippo Lippi.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Queen Elizabeth I of England in the 16th century was commonly depicted in paintings wearing elaborate bejeweled robes, a pearl-adorned veil, and with a distinctive prominent forehead.

During this period, the practice of removing female body hair, including on the forehead, was not solely a fashion choice. It was influenced by patriarchal beliefs that women's body hair was considered unclean and potentially harmful to men.

Modern alopecia

Today, ads and studies often talk about hair loss in a medical way, like it's a serious illness. An article from the BBC even calls people with alopecia areata "patients" and says their journey is "extremely difficult." While this may be true for some, there are also those who see their hair loss in a more positive light, maybe even feeling proud of it.

Leah Abucayan/Getty

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Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are often marketed as essential treatments. A recently approved drug, litfulo or ritlecitinib, was praised last month as the first medication for alopecia. However, since many types of alopecia are not well-defined and the available treatments have limited effectiveness and potential safety concerns, it may not always be the best option. For instance, the European Medicine Agency reports that ritlecitinib leads to 80% hair regrowth in only 36% of users, with around 10% experiencing side effects like diarrhea, acne, and throat infections.

Another research study found that similar drugs for alopecia, which work by suppressing the immune system, appear to only be effective when taken continuously. Yet, the long-term safety of these medications has not been fully established.

The head of an Ancient Egyptian princess from a group statue dating from the Amarna Period circa. 1352 to 1336 B.C.

The head of an Ancient Egyptian princess from a group statue dating from the Amarna Period circa. 1352 to 1336 B.C.

Alopecia has been portrayed in various art pieces throughout history, highlighting the different perspectives on women's hair loss. It has been used to shame women or even seen as a divine symbol. However, it is important to remember that hair loss does not define a woman's value, character, or social standing.

Historical depictions of women's alopecia and baldness offer hope by showing that alopecia has been viewed differently throughout history. This challenges the current perception of alopecia as a debilitating disease that requires specific treatments, suggesting that our societal understanding of alopecia needs to evolve to reduce stigma and improve individual experiences.

Glen Jankowski, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, offers valuable insights on this topic.

Editor's P/S:

The article explores the diverse representations of women's hair loss in art history, revealing the shifting cultural attitudes towards this issue. From being seen as a punishment for sins in the 16th century to symbolizing divinity in religious art, alopecia has been interpreted in a myriad of ways. The article highlights the spiritual significance of baldness in certain cultures, as well as the societal pressures that have influenced hair removal practices.

In modern times, while medical treatments for alopecia are available, the article emphasizes the importance of challenging the stigma associated with hair loss and valuing individuals based on their character and qualities, rather than their physical appearance. By examining historical depictions of women's alopecia, the article encourages a more nuanced understanding of this condition and encourages individuals to embrace their unique experiences and identities. analysis of women's alopecia in art, offering valuable insights for understanding the complexities of this issue.