Selma Blair, the 46-year-old star of Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, was tragically diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) last year.
And she recently revealed that as a result of her condition, she can no longer lift her arms to brush her hair.
So now in a raw and powerful Instagram post featuring her adorable seven-year-old son, Selma has shared the moment her shoulder length locks were cut off.
The post shows Arthur standing behind his mum, holding a pair of clippers, helping to shave her head.
Selma captioned the image: “People. #selmablair #arthursaintbleick. Back to my roots. #zen barber who still says butthole whenever given an opportunity. I love him.”
Her new low-maintenance hairstyle will make life easier, as it won’t need brushing.
Selma Blair’s son shaves her head as she battles MS. (Image: Instagram @selmablair)
Selma’s post was flooded with positive messages, with fans praising the actress for sharing her MS journey and for letting her son share in this touching moment.
“I could just sit here and read your posts all day. They are funny, heartfelt and uplifting. Refreshing. Thank you,” posted one fan.
“Your calm strength is incredibly emotional to see. I am grateful that I know who you are and have had the chance to get a glimpse of your journey,” another commented.
In the comments section, Selma replied back to many of her fans, some who were sharing stories of their own health struggles.
“You’re such an amzing mumma, some days i just want to give up and throw the towel in with my brain disorder making me so tired and exhausted, but then i see you and it always inspires me to keep going and put a smile on my sons face despite how im feeling. you give me hope,” shared one user.
And Selma responded: “I crash. And I see him and the wind in the trees and I get up. And feel loads better. Til I crash again. Keep breathing. Sleeping. Trying.”
Selma and her son Archie rocking the matching PJs look. (Image: Instagram @selmablair)
Since her diagnosis with MS, Selma has been open and honest about the difficulties she faces each day, including having less control over her movements, speech and vision.
“Here’s a truth. I feel sick as all hell,” Selma wrote on Instagram in May.
“I am vomiting and all the things which are not polite to speak of. My son ran away. From me. I have to get him to school. The medical treatments take their toll. I am going to get through this. We do. This will pass.”
She continued: “And to moms and dads who watch their kids sick on things we want them to take to get better… I hold you. So glad this is me and not my child. I cannot imagine ever feeling ok again. #roughday. But it’s still morning. We get through. #realitycheck.”
Selma co-parents Arthur with her former partner, Jason Bleick. She recently celebrated her son’s last day of first grade with an emotional tribute.
“To my son on his last day of first grade. I will hold your hand, I will help hold the light for you. I will lift you up if ever you need me. You are my favorite person and have taught me everything I know about love. I am so proud of who you are. I can’t wait to reach for your hand. And you will be right here. Soon. Soon. Always, your mom. You are a wonderful person.”
“You are my favorite person and have taught me everything I know about love.” (Image: Instagram @selmablair)
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the protective sheath around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, known as myelin.
As the brain sends electrical messages to the rest of the body, when there is damage to the myelin, this leads to scars or lesions in the nervous system. This then means that these messages can’t be sent around the body properly.
According to MS Australia, over two million people around the world and over 25,000 people in Australia are affected by MS and it usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
Women are more likely to be at risk as well, with roughly three times as many women diagnosed as men.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
MS is notoriously unpredictable and symptoms can differ greatly. However some of the more common ones include:
Motor control such as muscular spasms, weakness, lack of coordination, balance and poor functioning of the arms and legs
Fatigue (sometimes heat can make symptoms worse)
Other neurological symptoms such as vertigo, pins and needles, neuralgia and visual disturbances
Continence problems including bladder incontinence and constipation
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Depression
If any of these symptoms concern you, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Currently, there is no cure for MS. However, depending on the type of the disease, there are ways of managing and treating it.
