Amber Jean Rowan

It took years for Amber to accept herself. The gradual process began with her taking her wig off in places she felt comfortable, namely in front of loved ones. The acceptance she received gave her the courage to do something she would never have entertained at the start of her career: be photographed without her wig. ‘I found it much easier to be in a controlled setting, like a photo shoot, than on the street,’ she says. Her confidence grew with each step she took.

Amber was getting messages from people who’d seen her photos without her wig and she wanted to use her position to create a positive space to share their stories. ‘There were so many other women going through the same thing that I really wanted to lead by example,’ she says. Two years ago, Amber started Hair Free, an online community for others suffering with the condition. ‘I was just so fed up with the fact that there were no resources out there,’ she says.

A turning point for Amber came three years ago when she went to India for a yoga retreat. ‘I promised myself I wouldn't wear my headpiece, that I’d leave it behind in the box,’ she says. Feeling the sun on her scalp and dipping her head under water was an overwhelming experience for her.

When Amber came back, something had shifted. ‘I was stronger and more comfortable with expressing myself, both with wigs and without them,’ she says. ‘I was able to look at myself in the mirror and feel like me – peaceful with or without.’

Now, Amber is gearing up to launch her own line of wigs with Amber Jean Shop. The brand will carry hair pieces as well as educational resources about alopecia and hair loss. ‘My vision is for it to give women going through hair loss practical hair pieces, as well as emotional support,’ she says. ‘To be able to be with them through the whole journey.’