An inspirational teenager has embarked on a mission to motivate others to love themselves just as they are, after ditching bandanas and embracing the alopecia she's had since the age of two.Emmy Combs, 17, lost her hair as a young girl due to the autoimmune disorder, which caused complete loss of hair all over her body. From the age of five until she was 16, Emmy, from Huntingtown, Maryland, wore bandanas to conceal her head.But in May last year, the trainee cosmetologist made the decision to stop wearing them and rock her bald head instead. Powerful: Emmy Combs, 17, has embarked on a mission to motivate others to love themselves, after ditching bandanas and embracing the alopecia she's had since the age of two Symptoms: The teen (pictured with a friend), from Huntingtown, Maryland, lost her hair as a young girl due to the autoimmune disorder Past: From the age of five until she was 16, Emmy, from Huntingtown, Maryland, wore bandanas to conceal her head (pictured) Empowered: But in May last year, the trainee cosmetologist made the decision to stop wearing them and rock her bald head instead Help: Emmy (pictured as a child) said taking off her bandana for the first time was nerve-wracking, but she was able to count on the support of her friends and family Even as a confident and outgoing girl, Emmy admitted that taking her bandana off for the first time was a daunting experience, but her close friends and family stuck by her. 'It was time to try new things and I have always wanted to grow out of wearing bandanas,' Emmy said. My friends and family pushed me to go through with it and I'm glad that they did.'Even though it does not seem that hard to do, it was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. It was nerve-wracking, but I had my friends and family by my side the entire time. 'I have always been a confident person to others and myself. I was at a very young age when it happened, however over the many years of growing up with it the reaction I usually get from people ranges from just curiosity and kind, generous comments.'Sometimes I will get an occasional rude-sounding comment, however I have never let it get to me.' RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Loving life: The teenager (pictured at a festival with her friends) has been able to enjoy all her regular activities while confidently rocking her bald head Learning: Emmy taught herself how to use make-up to enhance her natural features and replace the ones she's missing, such as eyebrows and lashes Tips: She now shares her make-up looks on her blog and is committed to helping others be confident with their appearance Outlook: 'I would suggest just live through positive thoughts and block out the negative ones. My goal in life is to inspire others and put a smile on your face every single day,' Emmy said At ease: Emmy radiates confidence when she poses for photos without wearing a bandanaEmmy taught herself how to use make-up to enhance her natural features and replace the ones she's missing, such as eyebrows and lashes.She shares her make-up looks on her blog and is committed to helping others be confident with their appearance.'I have learned over the past 17 years of my life that you control how you want to live your life. You choose the lifestyle that makes you happy,' she said.'I would suggest just live through positive thoughts and block out the negative ones. My goal in life is to inspire others and put a smile on your face every single day.'Alopecia has taught me many things over the years. Confidence is the key to a happy and healthy lifestyle. I have learned that my differences from others make me who I am.'I have learned that being different from others is a great thing, not a bad one. I have chosen to express and share my story with the world hoping to inspire and help others love themselves for who they are.'I hope others can learn from my stories and share some of their own as well. I hope you follow me on my journey to inspiring others to be confident in themselves and their appearance.' , Emmy Combs, 17, lost her hair as a young girl due to the autoimmune disorder, which caused complete loss of hair all over her body. From the age of five until she was 16, Emmy, from Huntingtown , Hi I'm Emmy! I have Alopecia Universalis, I am a professional makeup artist as well as a licensed cosmetologist! I want to show you the beauty in Alopecia!! Follow me on Instagram @emmycombss.