There She Is, Bald Miss America?

Miss America contestants have long been considered the epitome of glamour and sophistication, minus a few nude photo scandals and interview gaffes! Furthermore, the Miss America Organization has continually claimed that diversity is one of its top credos. Indeed, the crown has gone to black and asian contestants in past years. But will the pageant ever crown someone with a disability or a disease?

In terms of physical attributes, certain Miss America characteristics always seem mandatory: a blindingly radiant smile, flawless skin, and perfect hair. However, at the upcoming 2011 Pageant we will see the hair standard challenged, and possibly behold the crowning of our first bald Miss America.

Bald Miss America Contestant: "I don’t want it to be about my hair."

Kayla Martell, 22, claims she’s been bald for about half of her life as a result of alopecia areata, a rare hair loss condition. Miss Delaware told The Today Show that her hair was completely gone by the time she was 13, but that it hasn’t been a devastating issue for her.

In fact, Martell prefers not to wear a wig when it isn’t necessary. "When I’m home with my family, I’m always without my wig—that’s who I am."

In spite of her hair loss, Martell has participated in pageants since she was 13, and has always worn wigs during competition. When Miss Delaware competes for the title of Miss America 2011, she will be wearing a blonde wig for the entirety of the pageant.

For Miss Delaware’s press appearances and publicity work leading up to the pageant, Martell has been wearing her wig most of the time. "It’s important that people recognize you, so I wear the same hairstyle each time."

Could Miss Delaware’s Hair Loss Help Her Chances for the Crown?

Since Miss Delaware will be donning her wig full-time during the Miss America Pageant, hair loss is unlikely to hurt the odds for the ambitious, blue-eyed communications major.

It seems more likely that the public and the pageant committee will view Miss Delaware’s hair loss condition sympathetically, and as an obstacle that she’s overcome to accomplish some wonderful things: Martell is the founder of "P.L.E.D.G.E." (People Learning to Eliminate Drugs by Gaining Education) and "Caps for YAPs (Youth Alopecia Patients)," and has received several awards for volunteer and community service.

Hair Restoration Options for Alopecia Areata Patients

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), alopecia areata affects 2% of the overall population and roughly 4.7 million people in the U.S. While it’s most commonly associated with hair loss, alopecia areata is actually classified as an autoimmune skin disease.

Most alopecia areata patients suffer from patchy hair loss on the scalp, but in its more severe forms it can cause widespread balding. Miss Delaware aka Kayla Martell apparently suffers from alopecia totalis, or total scalp hair loss. Alopecia universalis occurs when the entire body begins exhibiting hair loss.

Alopecia areata treatments exist, but the options are decidedly fewer for alopecia totalis sufferers like Kayla Martell. Some examples of alopecia areata treatments include cortisone injections, Rogaine (minoxidil), or Anthralin ointment. Many patients with severe alopecia opt to wear hair replacements or wigs like Miss Delaware does.

Addressing Alopecia Areata

If you’re concerned you have alopecia or another form of hair loss, it's recommended to consult with a licensed hair restoration professional. He or she will be the most qualified individual to diagnose and treat your alopecia or hair loss condition.

While alopecia can be an upsetting and frustrating condition for many, Miss Delaware—who’s a liaison for NAAF—hopes that "we’ve gotten past the point of seeing someone without hair and thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I hope they’re OK’".

On The Today Show, Miss Delaware wanted people unfamiliar with alopecia to understand that hair loss shouldn’t be synonymous with weakness, sickness or ugliness. "I run, I’m healthy, I eat well…I am confident and comfortable."