Helen Rowlands

Hi, I am baldbraveandbeautiful from Gateshead, age 37.

I started photography during covid lockdowns. However, I then lost 95% of my hair with alopecia (something I’d had on/off since childhood but never to that extent as an adult). With it, I lost my confidence and wouldn’t leave my house to pursue my passion, photography. Friends encouraged me in front of the lens to get my confidence back. I point-blank refused at first, then realised how empowering it could be, and how it could help others. One of my early shoots was a bridal shoot. I cried when I got the images back, feeling like a beautiful and bald bride. I then posted the photos on Alopecia UK and cried for a whole new reason. Two people with alopecia commented saying they were getting married shortly, and that their wigs were now in the bin. I want to show that those who are bald shouldn’t have to hide to make society more comfortable, and that women can still be beautiful, feminine and sexy, with or without hair.

After a year or two of modelling, I was encouraged to try artistic and figurative nude modelling, in part due to my physique, as I am a 5 x commonwealth fencer (now retired). I soon fell in love with the genre. I am a survivor of sexual abuse, so I see it as so empowering to take back control of my body in an artistic, non-sexual way.

I have now been modelling for nearly 5 years and still love creating art!

In my spare time, I’m still a photographer, still train a bit in fencing, and enjoy gym work and swimming, as well as silk painting. I am also a foodie and love travelling. I was also stunt-trained for a small part in the film 28 Years Later, which came out last year, and got a film credit for my efforts.

Please see my links and photos below:

My modelling instagram

 www.instagram.com/baldbraveandbeautiful

I am also on Purpleport at

https://purpleport.com/portfolio/baldbraveandbeautiful/

And Model Society at

https://modelsociety.com/Model/baldbravebeautiful