Olivia Montford

Olivia Montfort on Reinvention, Confidence, and Life Without Hair

“When I Saw Myself Bald for the First Time, I Cried.”

Olivia Montfort, daughter of renowned singer and television presenter Edward Montford, has become one of the most talked-about figures on social media in recent months. At 38, the psychologist and entrepreneur—founder of Yoiko Aether, an exclusive jewellery and accessories brand—took her followers by surprise with an unexpected challenge.

“If I reach 100,000 more followers more on Instagram by September 10th, I’ll shave my head. Will you help me get there?” she posted. A bold promise that reflected her fearless spirit and deep connection with her audience. And while she didn’t quite hit the target within the deadline, Olivia decided to go through with it anyway—a gesture many have applauded as a powerful symbol of empowerment and authenticity.

Her appearance at the Aurora Fashion Gala in September, completely bald and even without eyebrows, turned every head and became one of the most talked-about moments of the season.Gone was her signature mane of thick, voluminous curls and the bold eyebrows that had framed her face for years—once a defining feature of her image. Instead, her new look—striking in its minimalism—defied conventional beauty standards, marking a defining shift in her public identity.

When we meet her at her elegant Mayfair penthouse, the soft glow of the evening light filters through the expansive windows, casting a warm, inviting ambiance. She greets us barefoot, dressed in a tracksuit—a picture of effortless ease. Throughout the entire interview, she remains this way, her bare feet resting lightly against the floor or tucked beneath her on the sofa—completely at ease, unbothered by expectations.

The living room, a spacious haven of minimalist design in warm, earthy tones, strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Every element appears meticulously curated, creating an atmosphere that invites conversation. On the table, a delicate bone china teapot, adorned with an intricate motif, releases the soft, citrusy aroma of Earl Grey, infused with bergamot and a hint of lavender. Olivia pours the tea with unhurried precision, letting the steam curl into the air before settling back on the sofa.

For a moment, it’s impossible not to simply look at her. Seeing Olivia with a completely smooth scalp, with no trace of the long, cascading curls that once framed her face, without the bold brows that defined her gaze for years, is striking. And yet, this unexpected transformation doesn’t diminish her beauty—it redefines it. If her hair was once her signature, now her allure lies in the purity of her features, in the quiet elegance with which she holds herself.

She is a different Olivia. But no less captivating.

A Promise Unfulfilled, a Tribute Redefined

Olivia’s appearance at the Aurora Fashion Gala was nothing short of unforgettable. Now, a few months later, she reflects on the journey that led her to this transformation.

“When I put that promise out on Instagram—saying I’d shave my head if I hit 100,000 more followers—I never thought it would turn into such a big thing. The funny part is, I didn’t even reach the target in time… but in the end, I realised the numbers didn’t matter. It was never really about getting more followers. It was about proving something to myself, stepping out of my comfort zone, and doing something that, deep down, I knew I needed to do.”

Yet, it wasn’t just about personal growth. It was about something much more profound.

“I also did it for my mother. She passed away in 2023 from leukaemia, and going through that with her, seeing it all up close, was incredibly hard. She was such a strong woman, full of life, but when the chemotherapy took her hair, then her eyebrows… something changed. She struggled to look at herself in the mirror. She hid behind scarves, behind wigs, but I knew she didn’t feel like herself anymore.”

There’s a pause as Olivia traces a hand over her smooth scalp, her voice softening.

“I remember telling her one day, ‘If you shave your head, I’ll shave mine too.’ I meant it, completely. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. But in the end, I didn’t do it. I couldn’t. It was one of those promises made from the heart, but never fulfilled. And that stayed with me.”

Shaving her head now, she explains, was her way of finally honouring that promise—this time, on her own terms.

“This time, it was different. This time, it was my choice. My mother never had that. But I do. And that makes all the difference.”

The reactions came fast and loud. From the moment Olivia announced the challenge, her Instagram became a whirlwind of notifications—messages pouring in, opinions flying from every direction.

“Most of them were people begging me not to do it,” she recalls, smiling. ‘Don’t do it, your hair is too beautiful!’ ‘You’ll regret it!’ Some were well-meaning, genuinely concerned. Others, not so much. ‘You’re completely mad!’

Then there were the sceptics—those convinced it was all for show.

“‘No way she’ll actually shave it off.’ ‘She’ll trim the ends and call it a day.’”

She found it all rather entertaining.

“The funny thing is, I knew I was serious from the start. That’s exactly why I made it a public challenge—so I couldn’t back out.”

And as for those who doubted her? She grins, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Well, in a way, they were right. I did trim the ends… and everything else!”

The Defining Moment

Even now, Olivia feels a flicker of nerves when she thinks back to that moment in the salon chair. Sitting there, cape draped over her shoulders, she was resolute—there was no turning back. Her longtime stylist, Isla Harrington, met her gaze in the mirror, her expression a silent question: Are you sure?

Olivia nodded. No hesitation. No second-guessing. She simply requested to turn the chair and not see her reflection until the end.

“The first stroke of the clippers sent a shiver down my spine. The buzz, the vibration against my scalp, the sight of my thick curls tumbling to the floor—it was surreal. Nerve-wracking.”

Isla, who knew her hair better than anyone, tried to keep things light, chatting, cracking jokes. But the real moment of reassurance didn’t come from words—it came from Sophie, her daughter, sitting beside her, watching in quiet awe and holding her hand.

The process took longer than expected. Olivia didn’t just want a buzz cut—she wanted everything gone.

“I asked for a proper wet shave—lathered up with shaving cream and finished with a razor. I wanted to see myself exactly as my mother had, with not a single trace of hair, not even my eyebrows.”

When it was finally done, Isla slowly swiveled the chair to face the mirror again.

“For a moment, it felt like looking at a stranger. A raw, stripped-down version of myself. And in that instant, the weight of it all hit me—so I cried. Not out of regret, but from the sheer impact of it. It was a shock. But deep down, something inside me whispered: This is right. This is what I needed.”

Having Sophie by her side made all the difference.

“From the moment I told her what I was going to do, she was all in. ‘I want to shave mine too!’ she said, like it was some big mother-daughter adventure we were about to embark on together.”

Olivia smiles, shaking her head slightly at the memory.

“I understood the sentiment completely. But I also knew that, at her age, hair is a big deal. When you’re a teenager, how you look can mean everything, and a change like this could either be exciting… or an absolute disaster. ‘Let’s wait until you see me first,’ I told her. ‘Then decide.’”

It turned out to be wise advice.

“The second she saw me—smooth scalp, no eyebrows—her enthusiasm disappeared. Her face changed, her confidence flickering into something far more cautious.”

There’s a pause, then a quiet chuckle.

I teased her by saying, “Alright, it’s your turn in the chair, darling.” She hesitated briefly before responding, “Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d rather keep it.”

Olivia laughs as she remembers.

“I couldn’t blame her. She was definitely relieved she didn’t have to follow in my footsteps, but she spent the rest of the day telling me how beautiful I looked. So I’ll take that.”

Several days later, at the Aurora Gala, Olivia Montfort made an entrance that silenced the room. She stepped into the spotlight with a strikingly minimalist look, fully embracing the freedom and defiance that came with shedding her hair. A flowing, sleeveless tunic in a soft, neutral tone draped effortlessly over her frame, accentuating the bold simplicity of her transformation. Her feet, almost bare in delicate flat slides, only added to the effortless confidence she exuded, perfectly balancing her subtle yet commanding presence.

Reflecting on the experience, Olivia shared how it felt to make such a dramatic statement.

*”Walking into the Aurora Gala like that was surreal. It was my first major public appearance after shaving my head, and honestly, I had no idea how people would react. I was nervous—scared, even. A little embarrassed, too. But I did it anyway. I even reshaved my head that morning, making sure it was perfectly smooth, no trace of stubble. There I was, standing among some of the most beautiful women in the world—flawless hairstyles, long, glossy hair—and then there was me. Completely bald. No eyebrows. Exposed in every sense. But the response was incredible. There’s something unbelievably freeing about stripping everything back, stepping beyond what’s expected, and just… letting go.”

Redefining Identity

They say hair is deeply tied to identity, and Olivia is no exception.

“I think hair and identity are incredibly linked, especially for women. It’s like our calling card. In so many cultures, hair holds deep meaning—it represents who you are, your strength, your femininity. And of course, when you lose it, or choose to cut it off, it can feel like you’re letting go of a part of yourself.”

She pauses, absentmindedly running a hand over her smooth scalp, her fingertips tracing the curve of her head.

“The first few days were, without a doubt, the strangest. I kept catching my reflection in the mirror—not because I didn’t like it, but because it felt so unfamiliar. I looked… exposed. Completely bare. Then, unexpectedly, a memory from my childhood came to mind. My sister would often tease me about my ears, claiming they stuck out and calling me Dumbo. Suddenly, there they were, completely visible, with no hair to conceal them.”

She grins, shaking her head at the thought.

“I stared at myself for a moment… and then I just burst out laughing. Proper, stomach-hurting laughter. And for the first time in my life, I genuinely didn’t care. It was like, in that moment, by accepting something as simple as my big ears, I released a burden I hadn’t known I was carrying.”

Olivia confesses that her style hasn’t really changed with her new look.

“In my daily life, I’ve always dressed for comfort, and now that I’m my own boss, no one bats an eye if I show up to my jewellery studio in a tracksuit and flip-flops—sometimes I even go barefoot while working.”

She stretches her toes against the floor, a small smile playing on her lips.

“The main change is that I’ve begun experimenting with scarves and turbans occasionally, particularly on days when I prefer not to draw too much attention.”

And then, of course, there are events.

“Without hair, accessories take centre stage. Before, earrings would get lost in my curls, but now I love wearing big hoops or long, sparkly ones. They pop in a way they never did before.”

After shaving her head, Olivia has experienced many humorous incidents.

“I’ve had lots of funny experiences! The most memorable one happened when I was invited to the Off the Record with Ben & Sophie podcast. I was eager yet a little anxious since it was my first interview following the Aurora Fashion Gala. Everything was going smoothly until, right in the middle of the recording, Ben Carter suddenly blurted out: ‘Olivia, can I touch your head?’ I was completely caught off guard! I wasn’t expecting that at all. But I found it funny, so I said yes. And then Sophie—his co-host—immediately jumped in, ‘Oh, I want to as well!’ So there I was, sitting in the studio, with both of them rubbing my head like it was some kind of crystal ball—completely fascinated. And honestly? I just laughed. It’s funny how a bald head sparks so much curiosity, like people are suddenly discovering a whole new world. And you know what? I kind of love that I get to give people that little sensory experience.”

Beyond these lighthearted moments, most women would never even consider shaving their heads—let alone doing it with the effortless confidence Olivia exudes.

“It’s such a personal decision, and it’s definitely not for everyone,” Olivia says, her voice steady but relaxed. “There’s no right or wrong when it comes to how we look and what makes us feel good. If you’d told me a year ago that I’d shave my head—and my eyebrows—I would have laughed in your face. And yet here I am.”

She grins, running a hand over her smooth scalp.

“What I can say is that it’s an intense experience—but in the best possible way. For me, it’s been a journey of self-discovery. It’s not just about seeing yourself without hair; it’s about facing a version of yourself with nothing to hide behind, nothing to soften your features. It forces you to see yourself as you truly are. However, I recognize that for others, it might feel challenging—like unexpectedly confronting a version of yourself that seems unfamiliar or even diminished.”

She shrugs, thoughtful.

“At the end of the day, what really matters is feeling good in your own skin—whether that’s with long hair, short hair, or no hair at all. The key isn’t in what’s on your head, but in how you carry yourself. Because what truly makes a woman shine is how she feels on the inside.”

Raising Awareness, Breaking Stigmas

Olivia recently took part in Stronger Together, a cancer awareness campaign alongside women who had battled the disease and come out the other side. It was a powerful statement—not just about survival, but about redefining beauty and strength.

“When they asked me to be part of the campaign, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It meant so much to me. This is something deeply personal—my mother passed away from cancer, and I saw firsthand how brutal the process is, both physically and emotionally.”

Being part of the campaign wasn’t just about lending her image; it was about standing alongside women whose resilience deeply moved her.

“Every single woman I met had an incredible story—stories of strength, survival, and sheer determination. It was humbling just to listen to them.”

She pauses, tucks her legs beneath her, and rubs her toes, thoughtful.

“What struck me the most, though, were the reactions from women who had gone through treatment. So many of them came up to me and said, ‘Thank you for shaving your head.’ Those words hit me right in the heart. Because the stark reality is, I made this decision willingly. They never had that choice.”

She exhales softly.

“Now, these incredible women have their hair back, and they look absolutely beautiful—strong, radiant, like themselves again. Meanwhile, I choose to keep my head entirely shaved as a personal tribute to honor their journey. I look forward to a time when a bald woman is seen not with pity or surprise, but simply as another hairstyle option.”

But beyond everything else, Olivia wants one message to stand out: early detection saves lives.

“My mother never got that chance. She wasn’t diagnosed in time, and we lost her because of it. If this campaign encourages even one person to book a check-up, to listen to their body, to go to the doctor instead of putting it off—then it will have been worth it.”

Olivia’s sister, Charlotte, also took part in the Stronger Together campaign—though she kept her long hair.

“Yes, well, we each contributed in our own way,” Olivia laughs. “Charlotte really wanted to be part of it, and it meant a lot to share this experience with her.”

As a journalist, Charlotte approached the campaign from a different angle.

“She conducted interviews with women who had beaten cancer, helping to tell their stories in such a raw and heartfelt way. She put in so much effort—honestly, far more than I did. I just lent my image, but she’s the one who gave these women a voice and made sure their stories were heard.”

Olivia smiles, stretching her legs out as she reflects.

“In the end, that’s what made it so special. We both contributed in different ways, but we did it together. And that meant everything.”

Family First

With a famous father like Edward Montford, public curiosity about his personal life never seems to fade—especially now, with his latest relationship with actress Eleanor Hayes making headlines.

“I get why people ask, but honestly? We’re a bit tired of it,” Olivia admits. “Charlotte and I aren’t the spokespeople for his love life, and it’s not our place to comment. Whatever he does—or doesn’t do—is entirely up to him. It’s got nothing to do with us. For us, he’s just Dad. That’s all that matters.”

Since Edward spends the majority of his time in the countryside, it’s not always simple to see him often.

“Not as much as I’d love to,” Olivia says. “He’s outside London, and between work and life, it’s tricky to visit as often as we should. But my daughter absolutely loves going to the countryside, so I’ve promised myself that this year, we’ll make the trip at least once a month. She loves horse riding, being outdoors, and spending time with him—it’s her favourite thing.”

So, does Edward embrace being a granddad? At this, Olivia’s face lights up.

“Oh, absolutely! He loves kids, and my daughter and nephews adore him. The best part is, he doesn’t just spoil them—he teaches them. He’s all about sharing stories, passing down lessons, and making sure they take something meaningful away from their time with him. He’s got the biggest heart, and he always finds a way to leave a mark on them.”

Finding Joy in the Little Things

So, is Olivia happy?

“Yes, I really am. But not in a ‘picture-perfect, everything’s wonderful’ kind of way. It’s real happiness, the kind that comes with ups and downs—because that’s just life. The difference now is that I know how to bring myself back when things feel off balance.”

She credits therapy for shifting her perspective.

“After a tough period and lots of sessions, my therapist gave me a simple but brilliant way of thinking about it—imagining that I have these little cups, and as long as I keep filling them, even just a little at a time, I feel better. Honestly, I must have about a hundred,” she laughs. “Of course, there are the big things, like my daughter and my career. But then there are the small things—like being barefoot. It sounds silly, but it makes me genuinely happy.”

Settled, Single, and Thriving

It’s been a year since Olivia and Marcus Caldwell went their separate ways. There’s no trace of bitterness, no regret—just quiet confidence.

“It was a big change, of course, but over time you realise that life moves in cycles—each one has its moment. Right now, I feel calm, I’m enjoying my daughter, my work, and the things that truly make me happy. I’m in a stage of rediscovering myself, appreciating what I have, and feeling really good in my own skin. Truly, I believe this is a wonderful time in my life.”

She runs a hand absentmindedly over her smooth scalp, as if grounding herself in that truth.

So, is there anyone new? Olivia lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head.

“No, nothing at all. Right now, the last thing on my mind is being in a relationship. I’m really enjoying this time for myself—no pressure, no expectations. Of course, never say never—life has a funny way of surprising you. But right now? I’m perfectly happy as I am. If someone comes along, great. If not, I’ll still be just as happy.”

And if she were to meet someone, would they have to accept Olivia as she is—completely bald, without eyebrows? Her answer comes with an easy shrug, as if the thought has barely crossed her mind.

“Well, my hair isn’t exactly growing back overnight, and I have no plans to change that. Besides, if someone’s drawn to me, I’d hope it’s for a lot more than my hair—or, you know, my non-hair.” She grins. “And if not? Then they can keep walking. It would be pretty sad if someone only wanted me for hair I don’t even have.”

Balanced Living, No Obsessions

Olivia has always believed in balance. She doesn’t follow strict diets or obsess over calories, but she does like to be mindful of what she eats.

“For me, it’s all about being organised. If I don’t plan ahead, I just end up eating whatever’s in front of me, and that’s never a good idea. At home, we have a few staple meals that we know work for us, and we stick to them. Nothing complicated, just food that makes us feel good.”

Her daughter eats much the same way. Olivia keeps things as natural as possible—sugar isn’t completely banned, but it’s limited. She even bakes their bread from scratch.

“She’s used to it now—she doesn’t really have a choice!” she laughs.

That doesn’t mean she’s strict. Junk food isn’t off the table, just kept in check.

“I’m not a food sergeant. If she wants a burger every now and then, I don’t see the harm. Once a week won’t kill anyone. It’s all about balance, not about saying no to everything.”

And if Olivia’s glowing skin and radiant energy suggest anything, it’s that her approach is working.

Growing older doesn’t scare her. She’s more interested in the people who share the years with her than the years themselves.

“At the end of the day, what really matters is growing old with the people you love. My daughter, for example, would rather I have all the wrinkles in the world than not be here at all. And that’s what truly counts.”

Restless, Creative, and Exactly Where She Wants to Be

Olivia laughs when she thinks about herself in five years.

“Who knows… But one thing’s for sure—I’ll still be keeping myself busy.” She grins, tucking her legs beneath her. “I know myself too well. I always need to be doing something new, learning, evolving. I can’t sit still.”

Right now, she’s fully immersed in Yoiko Aether, her jewellery studio, and she doesn’t see that passion fading anytime soon.

“I love creating, designing, experimenting with materials—it’s a world I’m completely hooked on. There’s something so special about taking raw materials and turning them into something meaningful, something that people cherish. I want to push that even further—explore new techniques, work with new textures, maybe even launch a special collection inspired by this whole journey of mine.”

But jewellery isn’t her only passion. More and more, she finds herself drawn to nutrition and emotional well-being, fascinated by how stress and emotions shape our physical health.

“I truly believe everything is connected. The way we eat, the way we think, the way we move—it all affects how we feel. So, in five years, I hope I’m still doing what I love, only more of it, and enjoying every second.”

And will she still be bald? Olivia smirks, running a hand over her perfectly smooth scalp.

“Who knows… but I can’t see myself growing it out anytime soon. I love the freedom, the ease, the way it feels—so fresh, so effortless. I look in the mirror, and I like what I see. This is me—bald, and completely myself. So maybe in five years, I’ll still be exactly the same. At this rate, I might not even remember what it felt like to have hair!”

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