Beauty

Model makes powerful statement after she lost her hair

What a woman.

When Andrea Sierra Salazar began to lose her hair following her cancer treatment she was terrified of being seen in public without a wig.

“Before chemotherapy I had always been a confident person,” she said, “so when my hair started to fall out I would look in the mirror and I wouldn’t feel that confident about myself.”

The 17-year-old model was diagnosed with stage 2 nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma after finding a lump in her neck. While she enjoyed experimenting with various wigs, she was hesitant to do a photoshoot without any hair.

“[At first] I didn’t feel confident enough to do a version without a wig,” she told Buzzfeed, “but then I realised that I had no reason to be ashamed of the way I looked, I should be proud.

“I’ve learned that the hair on someone’s head doesn’t define who they are as a person, but their actions and the way they treat others.”

The photographer behind the gorgeous photoshoot, Gerardo Garmenda, said Andrea is a great example of determination.

“Andrea loves modeling and wanted to have a shoot showing that no matter what you go through in life, beauty lies within,” he said.

The Texas-native hopes her story will inspire other young girls with cancer to remain confident.

“All girls are princesses, and today I feel beautiful inside and out,” she said.

“Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support, you have made this experience a lot easier and worth while!”

What a woman– redefining beauty for us all.

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Image via Gerardo Garmenda

Related stories