These are the words that our #BaldieOfTheDay, Lauren Williams, shared with us when we asked her about her transition to becoming a baldie after a traumatic experience, of having her wig ripped off of her head, by a bully over a $5 bet.

We were torn when we heard the news of the teenager, Lauren Williams, who suffers from a scalp condition that causes severe dryness and hair breakage.

We had the opportunity to speak with her mother, Myckelle Williams, and we are happy to share Lauren's story with you to further spread the awareness of bullying with children and teens in school and help bring justice to Lauren. Follow Lauren's mother Mcykelle for more updates on the case here: www.facebook.com/myckelle

We asked Lauren, how does she feel about transitioning to a shaved head due to her traumatic experience and she replied, "I feel a new kind of freedom. Before wearing a weave or any type of wig I was constantly wondering how was it looking? Was it messed up?  What did other people think, but now I don’t have to worry about any of those things because this is ME and I’ve come to realize beauty isn't defined by the number of hair strands on someone’s head but defined by that person's character and what's within."

Though her experience is indeed heartbreaking, Lauren shares with us how it has helped her to realize that her beauty has everything to do with who she is and not what lies on top of her head. ​

TBM: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
LAUREN: I was born in Georgia but moved to Tennessee when I was in 6th grade. I attend Franklin High school. I’m the youngest of 6. I love to play piano, draw, write, and cook. I’m 16 years old and a sophomore. I desire to be a counselor.  

TBM: Share with us your experience as a Baldie
LAUREN: Recently I was at at school and in the middle of lunch in front of everyone a boy yanked off my wig and ran. I have a scalp condition so my wig was my safe haven. I wore it because I was so embarrassed of my hair because it wasent like any of the other girls. It was like he tore of my clothes. I felt naked and I quickly ran to the bathroom stall and cried my eyes out because everyone was video taping and laughing, even someone that I thought of as a brother. One girl even proceeded to follow me into the bathroom and put her phone over the stall the video tape me trying to put my wig back on and crying. It was the worst day of my life. My sister came in the bathroom grabbed my hand and we walked out of school and went home. Later that night, I made the choice I wouldn’t let what those people did define my and my life so my mom and I shaved off all my hair. It was definitely one of the best choices I’ve ever made because I feel free. I don’t feel like I have to hide anything from anyone anymore and it’s empowering. I look in the mirror and I see a queen, where before I saw ugly.

​TBM: What is your Baldie Care Regimine?
LAUREN: I put head and scalp oil for dryness on and start my day lol

TBM: What makes your feel beautiful?
LAUREN: My hair used to, but now it’s being myself and sharing my story and talking to people about their past hurt so I can take a little of that pain away.

TBM: What is your most memorable moment as a bald women?
LAUREN: When I first walked outside and felt my head get chilly lol!

TBM: What are words that best describe your baldness?
LAUREN: Empowering

TBM: Do you believe society portray a negative image as it pertains to baldness?
LAUREN: Yes! Society says only the fake girls with long luscious long hair are beautiful but no! That’s not true. Why raise a girl to hate what she has so she can wish for something else when what she has is already perfect? No hair still makes you a queen. Your head is your crown, not your hair.

TBM: What words of encouragement would you share with someone who isn't as confident with exposing their baldness to the world?
LAUREN: I swear to you hair is just hair. Your beauty doesn’t come from the number of hair stands you have on your head it comes from within. Keep your head high and no matter what don’t give in to the evil people who wanna bring you down. They don’t define you only you can do that.

For more updates on Lauren Williams story, follow Myckelle Williams at ​www.facebook.com/myckelle

TBM: Share with us your experience as a Baldie

SIENNA: I have Alopecia Areata so my Baldie experience is full of ups and downs. I have been dealing with Alopecia for 11 years now, but before 4 years ago my bald spots were so small my hair could cover them. But 4 years ago one spot had gotten so big and my hair was falling out in large clumps so I decided to shave my head. I had been bald by choice at least 3 times before but this time felt very different. Initially when I first cut my hair I continued to wear a wig. Choosing to be bald and having to be bald is a very difficult vibe at first. After much deliberation and no longer wanting to feel like I was hiding I decided to not only rock my Baldie but I shared my Alopecia story with the world. It was so freeing and showed how many other people were dealing with Alopecia and wearing their crown proudly. I’m proud to serve as a testimony of resilience. Alopecia remains a constant reminder for me to always speak my truth and it helped me realize that femininity has nothing to do with an outward aesthetic. Alopecia has changed my life for the better.

​