Ricki Lake Shares Raw Footage of Shaving Her Head in Hair Transformation Video

Devon Forward
·2 min read

The actress and former talk show host opened up about her decades-long struggle with hair loss.

Ricki Lake got real about her personal lifelong struggle with hair loss, revealing the raw video footage of when she shaved all her hair off in 2019. 

Sharing the video on Instagram, Lake wrote a bit about her story in the caption, saying, "3 years ago today, on the afternoon of New Year’s eve day 2019, I took a brave ass leap of faith and chose to make the drastic decision to shave my head after years and years of struggling in secret w/ my androgenic hair loss."

The Hairspray star continued with her heartfelt message: "I have never shared this raw video footage before but felt like i wanted to now, for those of you who have followed my story and have been invested in it. Some of you know my struggle all too well personally and I want you to know, I truly feel you. ♥️ In this video, you can see me come to a place of peace, liberation, and most importantly, self-love and self-acceptance."

Lake went on to thank her family and friends who were there for her through all of this, writing, "I will never forget your support, love kindness and humor."

Looking back at the tough decision, the 54-year-old said, "After three years, I can honestly say I appreciate and love my natural gray and sometimes wild unruly head of hair. May all of you struggling with whatever also come to a place of peace and acceptance. Life is too damn short."

Watching the video, you can see how liberating the experience is for Lake, with the former TV host closing her eyes and holding a hand to her heart.

Her friend who helps her throughout the shaving process is extremely supportive and encouraging, telling Lake, "You look amazing."

The comments were also filled with earnest and caring words, with Lake's friend, costume designer Marina Toybina, writing, "I love you so much my beautiful friend! You are a magical soul ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️."

Nicole Scherzinger commented, "You are so gorgeous 💜✨."

"Wow!!! Thank you for sharing this very private piece of you and for your vulnerability. You’re so right about life - it’s too damn short," wrote someone else.

Ricki has definitely encouraged us to make more liberating decisions in the year ahead!