Armani Latimer, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, is using her platform to raise awareness for alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. Diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 12, Latimer struggled to hide her hair loss throughout her youth. In college, stress accelerated her condition, leading her to wear extensions and eventually wigs to conceal her hair loss.
“My support system kept me positive,” Latimer said. “You need people who lift you up when you’re not at your best. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.”
Despite facing challenges as a public figure, Latimer’s greatest struggle has been accepting herself. “People expect cheerleaders to be flawless. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to be perfect,” she explained.
In September, Latimer shared a black-and-white photo for Alopecia Awareness Month and later decided to perform without a wig during the Cowboys’ “My Cause My Boots” initiative on December 9. The decision to go wig-free in front of 80,000 fans and on live TV was intimidating, but she pushed forward.
“I was scared at first, but I reminded myself I’d be with my best friends and my family. It would be an impactful moment for someone,” Latimer said.
The emotional performance, captured in a viral video, received widespread support from her teammates and fans. “You’re representing so many little girls who’ll be inspired by your strength,” one teammate said.
Latimer hopes her courage helps other young girls with alopecia. “I want to change the experience for the next 12-year-old diagnosed,” she said. “You don’t need hair to feel empowered or beautiful.”
Latimer’s performance showcased the power of self-acceptance and the strength to break through societal expectations.
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