Cynthia Erivo is not only a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning actor, but she is also a style icon and advocate who continues to challenge beauty standards with her bold shaved head look. With the growing curiosity online about questions like “Does Cynthia Erivo have alopecia?” or “Why does Cynthia Erivo have no hair?”, this blog post aims to uncover the truth behind her hairstyles and what they represent in today’s cultural landscape.
Who Is Cynthia Erivo?
Before we dive into Cynthia Erivo’s appearance, let’s first understand who Cynthia Erivo is. Erivo was born in London in 1987 to Nigerian parents. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and rose to fame playing the role of Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. Since then, she has won widespread acclaim for her outstanding performances in Harriet, Widows, Genius: Aretha, and most recently, Wicked.
Does Cynthia Erivo Have Alopecia?
No, Cynthia Erivo has no alopecia– her bald look is completely her personal artistic choice. Furthermore, there are no medical reports that Cynthia Erivo suffers from hair loss, so when she has no hair, analyzing Cynthia Erivo from the perspective of hair loss is totally misleading.
Is Cynthia Erivo Bald by Choice?
Yes, Cynthia Erivo volunteered to choose baldness. She has no hair loss or other diseases that cause hair loss. In multiple interviews, Erivo openly discussed her decision to shave her head and what that symbolic gesture means. For her, lack of hair was a manifestation of empowerment, self-expression and freedom.
Erivo told Vogue that shaving her head made her feel “like [she]” and helped her get rid of the pressure of following traditional aesthetic standards, especially as a black woman in the entertainment industry. “People see a bald woman and immediately think she is strong,” she said. "I wish I could look strong, but at the same time, I did not lose my femininity."
Why Does Cynthia Erivo Have No Hair?
Like many women, especially African-American women, Cynthia Erivo was once bound by society’s stereotypes about hair. From straightening, braiding, to various protective looks, hair is both an outlet for creativity and a source of stress.
But Erivo challenges long-standing traditional ideas by abandoning her hair. But what is unexpected is that Erivo, with a bald head, is more recognizable and charming.
In 2024, Cynthia Erivo said in an interview with UK Elle: "I always hear people say, 'Why is she bald? She needs to wear a wig.'" She added, "Why don't I want to walk around with blonde hair, which makes you care so much? I like my bald head. I have no problem with my hair - it grows very fast. I just like my face." She said shaving her head makes her feel more control over her image.
Does Cynthia Erivo Wear Wigs Or Hairpieces?
While Cynthia Erivo is often featured in her signature short or bald look, she is also known for wearing wigs and well-crafted hairstyles in role-playing, red carpet or magazine shooting. Wicked’s hairstylist Samuels posted on Instagram that Cynthia Erivo wore a hand-woven wig to match the makeup. Whether bald, wearing a platinum wig or braided crown, Cynthia Erivo tells stories with her appearance, always in her way.
Cynthia Erivo’s With Hair Vs Cynthia Erivo’s Without Hair
Cynthia Erivo With Hair
When it happens: Cynthia occasionally wears wigs or styled hair for red carpet events, film roles, or magazine shoots.
Styles she chooses:
Bold, high-fashion wigs (platinum blonde, braids, finger waves)
Creative updos or sculpted looks
Braided or natural-textured wigs
The message it sends:
Versatility in beauty
Willingness to explore different aesthetics
A nod to Black hair creativity and culture
Public reaction: People admire her fearless and artistic approach. Her hair looks often makes headlines in fashion media for its drama and elegance.
Cynthia Erivo Without Hair
Her usual look: Bald head and often shaved brows(Note: She does not have alopecia — it’s a personal choice)
Why does she go bald?
Feels most herself without hair
Rejects societal beauty standards
Simplifies her life and focuses attention on her face and artistry
The message it sends:
Empowerment and confidence
Femininity doesn’t require long hair
Reclaiming beauty as a Black woman
Public reaction: Her bald look has become iconic. Many fans and fashion critics praise it as bold, unapologetic, and stylish.
The Cultural Impact of Cynthia Erivo’s Bald Look
Given that black women’s hair is often scrutinized, Erivo’s bold acceptance of baldness is particularly influential. From workplace discrimination to aesthetic bias in the media, women of color have long been politicized in their hair. In this context, Erivo's flat head is not only a style but also a declaration.
She joins the ranks of other influential women—such as Grace Jones, Lupita Nyong'o, Jada Pinkett Smith, and model Adevo Apoa—who challenge the Eurocentric ideal by choosing hairstyles that feel real rather than unexpected.
FAQ About Cynthia Erivo
How old is Cynthia Erivo?
She was born on January 8, 1987, making her 38 years old as of June 2025.
How tall is Cynthia Erivo?
Her height is listed at approximately 5′1″ (155 cm) — IMDb notes 5′0½″ (154 cm).
Is Cynthia Erivo married?
No, she is not married. Publicly, she has been in a relationship with actress-producer Lena Waithe since around 2020. Erivo identifies as queer and bisexual, and neither she nor Waithe have announced any marriage.
Is Cynthia Erivo sick?
There is no indication of any ongoing illness or health condition. While she mentioned feeling exhaustion and emotional strain during intense roles—particularly filming Wicked—these were not medical illnesses but part of challenging performance processes. No credible source reports any serious health issue.
Did Cynthia Erivo win a Golden Globe?
As of June 2025, she has not won a Golden Globe. She’s been nominated four times: 2020 for Harriet (Best Actress – Drama) and Stand Up (Best Original Song) 2022 for Genius: Aretha (Best Actress – Limited Series) 2025 for Wicked (Best Actress – Musical/Comedy) But she has no wins to date.
Finally Thoughts
In this society, femininity is often equivalent to flowing long hair, and Cynthia Erivo is redefining beauty. She showed that femininity can be both soft, strong, creative and unconventional. In her own words, “You don’t have to conform. You don’t have to bend. You don’t have to fit someone else’s mold to be beautiful. You get to define that for yourself.”
