Teddi Mellencamp, the 43-year-old star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been navigating a challenging journey with her health while also embracing a bold new look. Recently, the reality TV personality took to Instagram to share her latest style dilemma: whether to wear a wig or embrace her natural, buzzed haircut after battling brain tumors. Mellencamp’s post included a collage of two selfies, one showcasing her sleek brunette buzzcut and the other featuring a blonde, straight wig that closely resembled her previous hairstyle. In her caption, she humorously wrote, “Some days you feel like a wig, some days you don’t,” and playfully asked her followers to weigh in on the decision, saying, “You’re my bestie and we’re going to lunch… am I coming wig or no wig?”
The question of Mellencamp’s hairstyle comes amid her ongoing health struggles. Just last month, she underwent surgery to have four tumors removed from her brain, a significant step in her battle against the condition. However, her recovery took a difficult turn when doctors discovered five additional tumors—three in her brain and two in her lungs. Mellencamp revealed that these tumors are “direct results” of her previous melanoma diagnosis, a fact she shared with her fans in an effort to raise awareness and openness about her health journey. Despite the setbacks, Mellencamp’s Instagram comments were flooded with messages of love and encouragement from fans and friends alike, who praised her strength and resilience.
Among those who showed support were her fellow Real Housewives co-stars and close friends. Kyle Richards, Mellencamp’s longtime friend and former co-star, gushed over the photos, writing, “Gorgeous either way!” She also commended Mellencamp for her confidence, saying, “I don’t know anybody who could look as beautiful as you with a shaved head!” Jackie Goldschneider, another Real Housewives of New Jersey alum, echoed the sentiment, calling Mellencamp’s face “flawless” and suggesting that she might look better without the wig. “Both ways are gorgeous. No wig probably!!” she commented. Actress Tracy Bregman also chimed in, Simply adding, “Beautiful both ways ❤️❤️.”
Mellencamp’s open discussion about her hairstyle choice also extended to her Instagram Stories, where she shared more personal reflections. Earlier that day, she posted a stunning selfie of her buzzcut, revealing that filming the first return episode of her podcast, Two Ts In A Pod, without a wig had left her feeling emotional. “Doing a pod with no hair made me a little emotional,” she wrote, “but I figured for the first one back I needed to be fully me.” In the same post, Mellencamp expressed gratitude to her nutrition coach and makeup artist, tagging them and thanking them for helping her feel her best. Her willingness to embrace her natural look and share her emotions with her audience showcased her determination to remain authentic during a deeply personal and challenging time.
Later that day, Mellencamp returned to her Instagram Stories to share another update—this time, a picture of herself wearing the same blonde wig. She paired the post with a poll for her fans, asking whether she should “wear a wig” or “no wig.” The results were overwhelmingly in favor of the latter, with 88% of voters encouraging Mellencamp to embrace her natural beauty. The poll not only highlighted her connection with her audience but also demonstrated how empowering her journey has been, both for herself and for her fans who admire her strength and confidence.
Mellencamp’s resilience in the face of her health struggles has been a constant source of inspiration for her fans and friends. Her ability to balance her personal challenges with her career and public life speaks volumes about her determination and courage. At the same time, podcast co-host and close friend Tamra Judge has reportedly been struggling with the emotional weight of Mellencamp’s health issues. According to sources, Judge left a RHOC cast trip early, feeling “unstable” due to her concern for Mellencamp. The situation underscores the deep bond between the two women and the emotional toll that health crises can take on loved ones.
In summary, Teddi Mellencamp’s recent Instagram posts have offered a heartfelt glimpse into her life as she navigates her health journey and explores her evolving sense of self. Whether she chooses to wear a wig or embrace her natural buzzcut, Mellencamp’s confidence and authenticity continue to inspire her audience, proving that beauty truly comes from within. Her ability to remain positive, authentic, and open has not only strengthened her connection with her fans but also highlighted the resilience and strength that have defined her journey thus far.
