Ken Moody was by far the most photographed subject of Robert Mapplethorpe, only second to female American bodybuilder Lisa Lyon, who had an entire book dedicated to her. Despite his prominent and positive recognition in the world of art, Moody faced a variety of personal challenges, particularly with his health, as he was affected by alopecia universalis, alopecia areata’s most severe form. Lacking all body hair because of this, Moody was self-conscious about his appearance in some of Mapplethorpe’s photographs of him. Eventually, as time progressed, Moody learned to appreciate Mapplethorpe’s work for the artistic value it represented. Things changed for those dealing with various forms of alopecia areata rather significantly in 1981 with the founding of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. This nonprofit organization was established to assist those who are suffering from alopecia areata and works diligently to find treatments and cures while offering help to those affected. They also focus on educating the greater public about the condition and raising awareness of the challenges those with hair loss regularly face. Through all of this, the foundation hopes to help improve the quality of life for those individuals who are challenged by alopecia in all of its many variations.

“About NAAF - National Alopecia Areata Foundation.” NAAF, 2025, www.naaf.org/about/

Stansfield, Ted. “Being Mapplethorpe’s Muse.” Another Man, 27 Oct. 2017, www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10019/being-robert-mapplethorpe-s-mus...ody-interview