Heather Fisher, a former England and Team GB rugby player, has spoken candidly about her struggles with identity and resilience in the face of alopecia, an auto-immune condition that caused her to lose her hair.
For years, Fisher felt "disgusting" about herself after losing her hair, which she attributes to the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. She recalls feeling like she was hiding behind wigs, but they never felt authentic. Instead, she chose to own her condition and use it as a tool for self-empowerment.
Fisher credits social media platforms, particularly TikTok, with helping shift perceptions around body diversity. The likes of Ilona Maher, the most followed rugby player in the world, have shown that women can be muscular and feminine at the same time.
For Fisher, it's not just about her physical appearance but also how others respond to her condition. She's spoken out against harassment, including being poked out of toilets by strangers, which left deep scars she's still working through.
Since retiring from rugby, Fisher has forged a new career as a motivational speaker and leadership consultant. Despite having the opportunity to have a full head of hair again, she says it would make her "itchy" and would not change who she is today.
Fisher credits alopecia with making her resilient and truly believe that she was born to stand out. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to do the same – embracing their unique qualities and using them as a source of strength.
For years, Fisher felt "disgusting" about herself after losing her hair, which she attributes to the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. She recalls feeling like she was hiding behind wigs, but they never felt authentic. Instead, she chose to own her condition and use it as a tool for self-empowerment.
Fisher credits social media platforms, particularly TikTok, with helping shift perceptions around body diversity. The likes of Ilona Maher, the most followed rugby player in the world, have shown that women can be muscular and feminine at the same time.
For Fisher, it's not just about her physical appearance but also how others respond to her condition. She's spoken out against harassment, including being poked out of toilets by strangers, which left deep scars she's still working through.
Since retiring from rugby, Fisher has forged a new career as a motivational speaker and leadership consultant. Despite having the opportunity to have a full head of hair again, she says it would make her "itchy" and would not change who she is today.
Fisher credits alopecia with making her resilient and truly believe that she was born to stand out. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to do the same – embracing their unique qualities and using them as a source of strength.
she's such an amazing role model, you know? I mean, it takes HUGE courage to share your struggles like that, especially when it comes to something as personal as your appearance. And can we talk about how social media has been a game-changer for body positivity and self-acceptance? 
It's so refreshing to see people like Ilona Maher who are unapologetically themselves, flaws and all! 
And I love that Heather is using her experience with alopecia as a tool for empowerment - it's a reminder that our uniqueness is what makes us strong 
just read about Heather Fisher's journey with alopecia and I'm blown away by her strength 
like, what would happen if everyone just owned their imperfections and stopped tryin to conform? 
would be a game changer 
I'm so inspired by Heather Fisher's courage & resilience in the face of alopecia 
Her story highlights the importance of body positivity & self-acceptance. It's crazy to think that she used to feel "disgusting" about herself after losing her hair 
. Instead, she's turned it into a symbol of strength & empowerment 
It's amazing that social media platforms like TikTok are playing a role in changing the way we think about body diversity. 
. And can we talk about how fabulous she looks with a shaved head? Rock on, Heather! 
. I mean, losing your hair is tough enough, but dealing with people being all harassy about it? That's just rough 
. But she's not letting that bring her down - she's using her platform to spread a message of self-love and acceptance. And let's be real, having a full head of hair doesn't make you any more or less awesome 
. I love how she's rocking her bald look and showing the world what it means to be confident and unapologetic 
i love how she used social media to spread positivity about body diversity and how much of a diff it can make