Melanie Sykes has revealed a completely bald new look on social media, following her earlier disclosure that alopecia had left her 'two-thirds bald.' The former TV presenter, 55, posted a beaming selfie on Instagram showing her shaved head, captioned 'Loss + Gain = Life.'
Sykes shares alopecia journey
Earlier this weekend, Sykes posted a video showing large patches of hair loss on the sides of her head, captioning it '#Liberty.' She had previously told followers that only the hair on the crown of her head remained, explaining: 'My crown is pretty much what's left of my hair now and how healthy it is. I do get cold however, hence my beanie and various headwear but I'm learning to live with “loss” and counting my blessings instead.'
Health challenges and recovery
Sykes has been open about her health struggles, including alopecia, a heart condition, and widespread inflammation, which she links to prolonged stress and PTSD. In a video earlier this year, she said: 'I'm not well, as you know. I've been ill all year. I've got an autoimmune condition, I am losing my hair, I keep having crazy inflammation all over and I am working on healing.'
She revealed she is experiencing 'post-traumatic growth,' stating: 'Even the most difficult times do pass, they do. You can be suffering from PTSD but still at the same time be experiencing post-traumatic growth. I'm in both camps because you can be both things at once… We can transcend all trauma, we can be changed, and I am living f******g proof of that.'
Focus on positivity and spirituality
Rather than dwelling on her diagnosis, Sykes has turned to meditation and spirituality, completing a meditation teacher training course. She encouraged fans not to worry, insisting she prioritises her wellbeing after stepping away from television. Sykes first disclosed her hair loss in 2025, noting she had lost half her hair and much of one eyebrow, later progressing to 'two-thirds bald' amid ongoing inflammation and heart palpitations linked to stress from allegations against former colleague Gino D'Acampo, who has denied wrongdoing.
Sykes, known for Boddingtons Bitter adverts and shows like The Big Breakfast and Let's Do Lunch, left entertainment after an autism diagnosis in 2021, saying: 'My late diagnosis of autism has changed my life for the better. For once, I come first.'
