Jada Pinkett Smith is rejoicing in a significant change amidst her battles with alopecia. Taking to Instagram on Monday, August 7, the 51-year-old actress posted pictures of her growing hair. "This hair right here is acting like it's attempting a comeback," Pinkett Smith wrote, accompanied by before and after selfies of her hairline. "Although there are still a few problem areas, we shall see."
In the initial snapshot, Pinkett Smith can be seen wearing a buzz cut, which she referred to as being from the "past." In the subsequent image, representing the "present," Pinkett Smith looked stylish with a blonde pixie haircut.
Ever since openly discussing her alopecia diagnosis on a May 2018 episode of her Facebook series, Red Table Talk, Pinkett Smith has been authentically sharing her journey.
Courtesy of Jada Pinkett Smith/Instagram
The initial experience was absolutely terrifying," she shared back then. "I was in the shower on that fateful day, clutching fistfuls of hair, and I couldn't help but think, 'Oh, goodness, am I losing all my hair?'"
Pinkett Smith disclosed that she used to wear a turban to conceal her hair loss. Opening up about this topic was not easy for her. "There was a time in my life when I was filled with fear to the point of trembling," she revealed. "That's why I decided to cut my hair and why I continue to do so. I just felt like I needed to take another step, you know? My hair has always been an important part of me. Caring for it has been a beautiful ritual. And having the choice to have hair or not, and then one day realizing that I may not have that choice anymore."
Alopecia is a medical condition that can affect either the scalp or the entire body. It can be temporary or permanent, as described by the Mayo Clinic. This condition often occurs due to genetic factors, hormonal changes, medical issues, or the natural aging process. Symptoms of alopecia can include gradual hair thinning, patches of hair loss, or sudden hair weakening.
Courtesy of Jada Pinkett Smith/Instagram
At the 2022 Oscars, Pinkett Smith proudly embraced her condition. However, controversy ensued when Chris Rock, the host of the ceremony, made a joke about a potential G.I. Jane sequel, seemingly referring to her shaved head. Despite Pinkett Smith rolling her eyes at the comment, her husband, Will Smith, took matters into his own hands and stormed the stage, giving Rock a slap across the face. "Leave my wife's name out of your f—king mouth," he exclaimed.
Smith, who won the best actor award that night, apologized the day after the awards show and subsequently revealed his resignation from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science. Following an internal investigation, the organization banned the 54-year-old actor from attending any Oscars events for a decade.