Miss USA Contestant Mary Sickler Embraces Alopecia on Stage

Mary Sickler, a contestant representing Nevada in the Miss USA pageant, made history on October 22, 2024, when she became the first participant to compete without hair due to alopecia. In a powerful moment during the preliminary round held in Reno, Nevada, Sickler removed her wig, showcasing her total hair loss and embracing her identity under the spotlight.

Sickler, 22, described the experience as the proudest moment of her life. “It was something that I never imagined doing,” she told TODAY.com. “I was extremely nervous before walking out on stage. And the second I walked off, I actually started crying from all the emotions.” This marked a significant turning point for Sickler, who had hidden her condition for months.

Journey Through Alopecia

The journey for Sickler began less than a year ago when she first noticed a circular bald spot on her scalp in December 2023. Initially believing she had simply pulled her hair out while styling it, she soon faced the reality of her diagnosis: alopecia areata. Over time, her condition progressed, leading to alopecia universalis, which is characterized by total hair loss on the scalp and body. By July 2024, Sickler made the difficult decision to shave the last of her remaining hair.

As a seasoned beauty pageant competitor, Sickler felt devastated by her diagnosis. “I had never felt uglier in my entire life,” she recalled. “You look in the mirror, you have no eyebrows, you have no lashes, you have 20% of your hair, you don’t even feel like the same girl.” This emotional toll raised concerns for her modeling career, as she was signed to a top agency in New York. Fearing judgment, Sickler decided to keep her hair loss a secret, apprehensive about how others would perceive her without her characteristic glam.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Sickler opened up about her condition on Instagram in September 2024, inspired by her victory in the Miss Nevada competition. “I knew that I would be touching so many women and men out there because I truly believe this is not just about hair loss,” she stated. “This is about any person who has gone through a trial, any person pursuing a dream who thought they couldn’t do it.”

With approximately 700,000 individuals in the United States affected by various forms of alopecia, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, Sickler’s decision to share her story resonates with many. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. The emotional impact can be profound, as previously expressed by others affected by the condition.

Sickler’s courage has garnered supportive messages from those who do not have alopecia but relate to her struggle of feeling out of place. “People have said, ‘I don’t have alopecia, but I feel like I don’t fit in and I’m so proud of you,’” she shared. This response has reinforced her belief that her visibility is vital for others facing similar challenges.

As the Miss USA pageant approaches its final announcement on October 24, Sickler remains committed to representing women who experience hair loss. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the strength found in embracing one’s true self, regardless of societal expectations. “I felt this calling that there was a reason why I am at Miss USA without any hair,” she reflected, a sentiment that underscores her mission to inspire and uplift others.