The foursome, who shot to fame on the X Factor, posed for this eye-catching image at a Sunderland studio after throwing their weight behind the BeBold hair loss charity.

Band member Sam Bennett, 22, of County Durham, underwent hours of prosthetic make-up for the striking shot to show how alopecia can rob women of their hair.

It's a cause close to the singer's heart as her mum has suffered from the condition for a number of years.

"It was so strange to see myself in the mirror after the prosthetic had been fitted," she said.

"Hair is so tied up with identity for women so it came as a shock to see myself like that and made me realise what my mum has been going through."

The final shot from the shoot at photographer Scott Spock's studio in Blandford Street will be used on a billboard in London next month to promote the charity.

Sam added: "All of the girls in the band know each other's family so it's a charity we all feel strongly about.

"My mum wears a wig, but some women don't and they get stared at in the street. I hope the campaign helps break down the stigma of alopecia."

Founded in the North East, BeBold aims to boost the confidence and self-esteem of alopecia sufferers.

A spokesman said: "It's great to have a band like Bad Lashes supporting the cause. They have all said that alopecia doesn't get the attention it deserves and they are happy to support what we do."

The band, which includes former Sunderland schoolgirl Stacey-Lacey Lincoln, will also be performing at a BeBold charity ball at Rainton Meadows Arena on September 12.

Other high profile names signed up to appear at the ball include Warrior and Amazon from Sky TV's Gladiators show and Miss Sunderland, Alexandra Devine.

Yesterday, the Echo revealed how Miss Sunderland went through a similar photoshoot for a billboard that will appear outside Gill Bridge Police Station at the end of the month.

Tickets for the BeBold ball, which include a three-course meal, are £45, tel. 584 8630. For more information on the BeBold support group meetings email theteam@bebold.org.uk