The little girl inherited her unique hairstyle from her mother and grandmother, a rare genetic mutation passed down through the female line. This condition, known as piebaldism, is not a disease but a genetic trait that affects melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. As a result, some people are born with discolored hair or skin, like the famous model Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo. In this case, some are born with gray hair.
Talita Vieira, who has this condition, faced a lot of teasing during her childhood because of it. She tried to cover up the bright white streak of hair on her forehead, but nothing worked—gray hair is hard to dye, even with the strongest colors. It was clear that this feature was inherited, as her mother had the same streak of gray. Talita was worried that her children might inherit the same condition and face the same ridicule. Her fears were partly realized when her daughter Maya was born with gray hair, but so far, they have not faced mockery.
“Maya was born 54 centimeters tall, weighing 4.25 kilograms, and with the most beautiful hairstyle imaginable,” recalls Talita. “Everyone, from nurses to doctors, admired her.” The white streak of hair stood out against the newborn’s black hair, and news of the unusual child spread quickly throughout the hospital. According to Talita, hospital staff kept visiting their room to see the “miracle.”
Despite her striking hair, the baby resembles her father more than her mother. Since the moment Talita told him about the pregnancy, her husband has been deeply in love with their daughter and has cherished her ever since.
Now, Maya is four years old, and her gray hair remains. Talita is teaching her daughter to love and embrace her uniqueness. Maya’s social media is filled with photos of her posing as different characters, from Rogue in X-Men to Cruella from 101 Dalmatians.