As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Gina spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Gina a few questions related to her hair loss journey; you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, many forms of hair loss exist, the hair I have is permanent. I have CCCA which is a rare form of Alopecia that effect mainly black women.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Take your time and allow yourself to grieve the loss of your hair. We live with near impossible beauty standards at the best of time so losing your hair can be hard to come to terms with, but you will! Join a support group or online community these have really helped me.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Feeling that I was no longer feminine if desirable without hair. I spent a lot of time feeling like I couldn’t do something as simple as wearing a dress. When I did a lingerie shoot bald for the first time, I felt powerful and beautiful on my own terms.
For more inspiring content from Gina, give her a follow @ginaatinukeknight. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Janessa spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Janessa a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is hair loss, alopecia is loneliness, alopecia is forced growth. However, it’s the one thing that taught me a true change in perspective.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Give yourself time, don’t beat yourself up over not being in a place you wish you were. Everyone is different and it’s a journey not a sprint.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Give yourself time, don’t beat yourself up over not being in a place you wish you were. Everyone is different and it’s a journey not a sprint.
For more inspiring content from Janessa, give her a follow @janessastpierre. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Leslie spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Leslie a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is hair loss. It is an unexpected bump in life. It’s a situation like any other that can change your life for better or worse. Alopecia is not a curse, it’s a condition. It’s your own personal condition.
A condition that can not be cured, but managed. How you manage the condition is the test.
The test is not pass or fail. For some it’s shame, for some it’s acceptance, for some it’s a life changer, for some it’s a burden. For me alopecia is hair loss. I will embrace Alopecia one day at a time, and not let the condition define or ruin me.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The advice I would give someone experiencing hair loss, is to see a medical professional right away and get a diagnosis.
Don’t start using creams and over the counter cures until you know what you are dealing with.
On a personal note, one you get your diagnosis, feel everything you need to. Cry, scream or curse if necessary. Then get about the business of living your life to the fullest. Love your dreams anyway.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging experiences are usually not my own. They are other people’s experiences to me and my hair loss. People tell me how brave I am. That always gives me pause. I think to myself “I’m not brave, I’m just bald.” I also have people ask me why I don’t wear wigs. Most of the time I don’t understand why someone would ask me this question. Then I go away and think about it for awhile. I’ve come to the conclusion, that people are curious and afraid. Not of me, but maybe if their own future situation.
I overcome these situations, by continuing to be my true and authentic self. Showing up everyday as Leslie. What you see is what you get, and I’m not going anywhere.
For more inspiring content from Leslie, give her a follow @amireallybald. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Chloe spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Chloe a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is the loss of hair on the head and entire body. it means losing the hair on your head, your eyebrows, even your eyelashes. It has a whole host of other emotional, physical and psychological effects as well, but that is alopecia in a gist.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Accepting your hair loss is both the hardest but the most powerful thing you can do. it helps you to take control of the thing you can’t control, rather than letting it control you. When I first went bald I used to feel so embarrassed and self-conscious that I would always “conceal” my bald head with wigs to feel worth of love or isolate myself at home. I thought I lost myself and who I was. through the years of dealing with alopecia, I have learned that self-love is so important. being able to accept your flaws and have the courage to embrace them is what makes you unique, beautiful, and powerful.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The hardest part was taking control of my alopecia, what I described in the answer above. It took a long time to get to this point, and I even saw a therapist, but they helped me to take control and I made the choice to shave off what was left of my hair. That was a defining moment. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, and it’s given me the control and power over my condition that I described.
For more inspiring content from Chloe, give her a follow @Chl0ebean. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Eeeli spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Eeeli a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Through my time I’ve learned that alopecia is poetry of the body, it is body poetics.. but to be defined only by the soul alone. Its such a subject, that used to & maybe STILL splits my human existence into mosaics and mirrors…Losing my hair when I was 13 (probably due to stress), I felt my body had to let go of SOMETHING, I couldn’t hold it all in my body & MAYBE it was making room for more things. Much more. This challenge created depth within my character and perception of life in deeper ways of poetry and beauty that is not just at surface level.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
You are complete. You’ve always been beautiful and strong. You don’t have to hide, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
&
If you don’t have a good support system, you can’t blame others for not understanding how to handle alopecia/trauma when we ourselves do not know either. We can’t expect that of anyone.
Healing is a complex art, it takes practice and will power.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Still self-esteem. It’s been an uphill battle from the hole that I had dug myself into over crucial years of my life. . It’s taken me a decade to even begin to convince myself that it’s okay to be misunderstood and maybe not fit in, these words came from the cry of my soul, not anyone else. We really need to stand up for ourselves if we tend to be hard on ourselves. It becomes a power that can be shared. Be gentle with yourself always, life is a mystery, you are living breathing poetry.
For more inspiring content from Eeeli, give her a follow @anonymuseee. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. She spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked her a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Losing my hair was one of the most soul destroying experiences of my life – the uncertainty, the loss of identity, the impact on my self esteem. I felt so uncomfortable in every given situation and like I was the only person in the world to be feeling this way. Until I found the online alopecia and hair loss community I felt completely lost. Now I see how common it really is and how many strong, beautiful women (and men) are affected.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice would be to connect with others within the community, talk and share experiences and feelings. Find your own way of reaching acceptance and rebuilding your confidence. And if in doubt, wear the hair!!!!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I realised I barely had enough hair to put in a ponytail and you could see my scalp from every angle. I felt so ashamed even though it was through no fault of my own! But shaving my head and deciding to wear wigs was a huge step in overcoming my warped view of myself and accepting the new version of myself, with hair loss.
For more inspiring content, give her a follow @baldbitchenergy. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Jen spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Jen a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Hey, I’m Jen & I have Alopecia Universalis. This basically means I have total hair loss all over my body. Alopecia sounds a bit weird to those who haven’t heard that word before but all it really means is hair loss. There are many kinds of alopecia: areata; totalis, universalis; scarring; etc and whilst these all sound like quite big names, they all mean some form of hair loss. It doesn’t make us any less of person, if anything it makes us super unique! I have grown up with Alopecia in different forms throughout my life, and by sharing my story, all the highs & the lows, I hope to help others on their own hair loss journey.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My number one tip is a cliché but it 100% helps: just talk to someone about what you’re going through. Even if you don’t feel ready to reach out to family and friends, private message me or someone in this online community. We are one big happy, supportive family. Losing your hair is an emotional rollercoaster that you can’t get off, it has great highs and deep low’s but by reaching out to others who just get it, it gives you a chance to feel all the emotions and be in that moment. It was only when I started my Instagram account and started talking to others that I really processed what I had gone through losing my hair and started building myself back up. Talking is not an easy fix, I still have days where I want my eyelashes back or just want to hide behind my wig, but we’re only human so it’s natural to have those moments too. Also remember, take it one step at time.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I am a pretty determined person and when I was younger, I wanted to see the world. I wasn’t ready for people to know about my alopecia, but I wanted to travel. I got a job onboard on a Disney Cruise Ship, sharing a cabin with 2 other people at times and working long long hours. Now back then wigs weren’t as good and they didn’t have as many tapes, glues, and products available as they do now. Determined and with a plan that I was going to do this contract and have fun, I sourced some special tape from America (I’m in the UK) and off I went. I guess what I’m trying to say is, there is always more than one option out there. If something doesn’t feel quite right or isn’t “you” then don’t be disheartened, there will be something different for you to try and fall in love with.
For more inspiring content from Jen, give her a follow @alopeciaand.me. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Esther spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Esther a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia,” is a label that has become part of my identity as much as identifying as cis female or Korean American even. The unfortunate nature of alopecia in my life has been that it isn’t a “serious” medical condition but a lot of wrong assumptions are made, snap judgements too. So much of my life experience has been shaped by being a person with alopecia
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Allow yourself to really spend time sitting with the reality of your appearance. Feel everything you need to feel about it and then give yourself grace. A lot of grace.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
It is incredibly hard to truly love yourself with alopecia when so much of the beauty culture you are surrounded by highlights having a great head of hair. Even until recently I struggled with finding myself attractive and I’ve had alopecia nearly my entire life. Alopecia has affected every part of my life and largely shaped who I am as a person. I was finally able to breakthrough with the help of counseling, faith, and the support of my loved ones. I also really forced myself to be confident in romantic relationships and found validation that I am beautiful, sexy, and feminine when I embraced my appearance.
For more inspiring content from Esther, give her a follow @the_esther_kim. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Jess spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Jess a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is a disorder in which your body eats its own hair follicles causing your hair to eventually fall out. Although you do not experience health issues with Alopecia alone, it can cause other autoimmune disorders to rise to the surface. Alopecia to me is a disorder that does not only affect your hair but your self confidence, self esteem and self worth. Many ladies pride themselves on their hair so hair-loss is an extremely challenging experience to go through in life. It has taken me years to accept my baldness & come to terms with the fact I may never have hair again. Twelve years later I could not imagine my life with hair and feel very content with my hair-loss.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Do not go through this experience alone!
Hair-loss can be a traumatic, lonely & scary experience. Reach out to others who are on the same journey as you, raise awareness together, share tips together & support one another whenever you can.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Meeting new people.
I never knew when the right time to tell either a new friend or boyfriend that I’m completely bald & wear wigs. I would have huge anxiety over meeting new people constantly over thinking what their opinion would be when they found out I’m bald. I released that I was feeling like this because I wasn’t surrounding myself with the right people. I now only have people around me who love me for me, who make me feel comfortable and who allow me to always be myself with or without hair.
For more inspiring content from Jess, give her a follow @nevertooobold. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. ZaraLena spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked ZaraLena a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is a cruel disease with no support or knowledge on whoever it impacts. It strips your identity in its own time and has no warning.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Accept not being able to control the outcome and the unknown. Change your identity before it changes you. Save to buy a human hair wig and go to a refereed trusted wig company. Be calm and try not to over think as best you can. Make sure you get blood work done from your local health unit to ensure your health is okay.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging was the fall. I took control by shaving my head when I was at 85% hairloss. Losing my eyelashes is now the most testing change. I never leave the house without false eyelashes on now.
For more inspiring content from ZaraLena, give her a follow @zaralenajackson. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Nicole spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Nicole a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is the loss of hair on the head and entire body. it means losing the hair on your head, your eyebrows, even your eyelashes. It has a whole host of other emotional, physical and psychological effects as well, but that is alopecia in a gist.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Accepting your hair loss is both the hardest but the most powerful thing you can do. it helps you to take control of the thing you can’t control, rather than letting it control you. When I first went bald I used to feel so embarrassed and self-conscious that I would always “conceal” my bald head with wigs to feel worth of love or isolate myself at home. I thought I lost myself and who I was. through the years of dealing with alopecia, I have learned that self-love is so important. being able to accept your flaws and have the courage to embrace them is what makes you unique, beautiful, and powerful.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The hardest part was taking control of my alopecia, what I described in the answer above. It took a long time to get to this point, and I even saw a therapist, but they helped me to take control and I made the choice to shave off what was left of my hair. That was a defining moment. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, and it’s given me the control and power over my condition that I described.
For more inspiring content from Nicole, give her a follow @nicolehasaa. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Jen spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Jen a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is hair loss. There are many types and many causes. I have androgenic alopecia that has no cure.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Acceptance is key. You didn’t cause it, it’s not your fault and there’s nothing you can do about it. Focus on what you CAN control.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Bullying from popular people within the hair loss community. Trying to focus on the many more people who support me than those who don’t. We can all have different opinions and still coexist without being hated for it.
For more inspiring content from Jen, give her a follow @real_hair_barely_there. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Kalie spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Kalie a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
As most of us know that alopecia is an auto immune disorder that causes hair loss. For me it’s stress induced. In my opinion, when I start losing patches of hair, it’s my body’s way of telling me to slow down and calm down. If I start noticing a lot of hair loss, I know that I need to start finding ways to breathe and relax.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Most important advice I can give is 100% forget any and every negative opinion that someone has against your hair loss. You will always have more support than hate and it’s important to focus on the support.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
My challenges I’ve dealt with is bald spots coming back when my hair is growing. I’m still learning to overcome this because I feel so defeated when I find a bald spot.
For more inspiring content from Kalie, give her a follow @kalie_maxfield. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Miranda spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Miranda a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia can make hard times harder for sure. I just think about the positive side of it If someday my hair will grow back normal again.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Hair loss is one of the things someone could struggle with I feel like. Since the moment I found out I had alopecia, I just say to myself “stop being negative over something you can’t control” I just try to find the good in it, like not having to shave my legs. 😜
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
My hair has always been something that I feel like would cover my other insecurities. So, when I first shaved my head, I somewhat felt better. I couldn’t see all my hair falling out and all my bald spots as much. Wigs have been a lifesaver for me and helped my confidence so much.
For more inspiring content from Miranda, give her a follow @_mirandachristensen. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Christal spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Christal a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia – a term defining hair loss. For me it wasn’t just about the hair I lost, but alopecia stripped me of who I thought I was and forced me into an uncomfortable space. This was one of my darkest hours because the impact and influence it had on my mental health left me feeling unworthy and hopeless. But once I made the decision to take back my control, it was then I was able to redefine my perspective and purpose in relation to how I could help myself and others.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
This is a tough one because everyone’s journey is different and the emotions that go along with this affects everyone is a variety of ways. But I would say as hard as this journey may be, give yourself grace. Allow yourself to feel how you feel without guilt. You are experiencing a loss and it’s ok to be angry, sad, confused, upset etc. But in the midst of this do not feel like you have to walk this road alone. All of us who experience alopecia understand the high’s and lows of its unpredictability and we are available to offer support. There is this unspoken implication of society’s standard of beauty and if we do not fit in that mold it can leave one feeling less than. For me, making the decision to no longer hide behind my loss and tackle it head on has enabled me to speak about it publicly and become an advocate for those who may not be ready to share.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Learning how to recondition myself to love and accept the “new me”. It was hard because my hair was a part of my identity. The various hairstyles and accessories I used to do I could no longer create. I spent most of my time stressing out trying to find ways to hide my patches and sores. But I just reached a breaking point and I was tired of being tired. I couldn’t allow this to control my life anymore. I’d be lying if I said I don’t have my off days because I do but seeking counselling, support and aligning myself with other alopecian brothers and sisters made the transition easier to bear. Also being more mindful of how I spoke to myself and what thoughts I allowed in my space played a huge role in changing my mindset into a more positive one.
For more inspiring content from Christal, give her a follow @thepeckishpalate . And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Kristen spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Kaylee a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can read her responses below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is a blessing & a curse. It forces us to redefine what beauty is and create our own standard and not the one that society pushes on women. I have been pushed to my own wits end on accepting myself for everything that I am & everything that I am not and this is not linear. I consider Alopecia to be a mental disease more than autoimmune. I will always be different & I will always be me, regardless of hair.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
To all my girls, boys, women & men who are dealing with thinning hair, clumps of hair or full balding. The longer you stay in denial and hide, is the longer you deny yourself true peace. I am not one for sugar coating things… this sucks… it may get worse… it may get better…. It will hurt like hell. All you need to remember is make sure it doesn’t stop you from continuing to live your life the way you want.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I lost all my hair by the time I was 17. That in itself was one hell of a challenge. I was also born with Alopecia and had patching hairloss for as long as I can remember. I developed crippling anxiety when I was 9 because I was so afraid of people seeing my bald spots that I just hid for so long. My biggest fear growing up was the day I would lose all my hair. My fear was that I would be different and not “normal” at 9 years old. As I have gotten older I understand that it’s not the disease that hurts you, it’s your mind telling you that you are different and thus do not belong, that you’re unworthy because of it. That is just not true & it has taken 24 years of living with Alopecia to finally feel like I am enough as is. Time really does heal all wounds. Practicing daily self love is of utmost importance.
For more inspiring content from Kaylee, give her a follow @kayleejmitchell . And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Sunniva spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Sunniva a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is autoimmune condition causing hair loss – in my case the hairloss of the entire body. But to me it is not an “illness”. It can have a huge impact on one’s mental health, so I am trying to normalize it as much as possible to show that living with it can be a wonderful thing if we embrace it.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Giving general advice isn’t easy. But speaking from my own experience I can only say that learning how to accept things we cannot change (such as hair loss), and moving on “with it” instead of moving on “from it” has been one of my greatest and most valuable learnings.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
To realize that the perception of others has nothing to do with how I should feel about myself. Or what “society” tells women how to look and behave. Surrounding myself with people who love me as I am and being in good company has supported and helped me a lot in feeling confident in my skin again.
For more inspiring content from Sunniva, give her a follow @sunniva.ferri And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Madison spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Madison a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience? Although defined in simple terms as hair loss… Alopecia has been a roller coaster of emotions for myself. It’s brought me such high highs and low lows, but even through the ebs and flows, it has made me the person I am proud to be today! It has shaped me to be a stronger, wittier, and more confident woman in every aspect.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
You are more than just your hair! Yes, this process will force you to dig a little deeper, sometimes break you but it will shape you, but you will learn to love yourself on a more intimate level and so will others around you. PS… don’t forget, you’re not alone!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The hardest thing would have to be losing friends and getting dumped during the peak of the process…but I learned that I don’t need to apologize for the things I needed to do for myself to heal in during process. The people that supported me unconditionally, stayed.
For more inspiring content from Madison, give her a follow @madisontomkow. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Janitha spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Janitha a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is basically my body attacking my hair follicles which causes it to fall out and not grow. It began at the age of 3 and I have had it for over majority of my life.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The advice I would give is to not allow hair loss to limit and define you. It’s ok to grieve and wrestle with the feelings of the hair loss but don’t allow it to keep you from living and pursuing the life that you want! You are still worthy and deserving!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging experiences was I had was growing up at a time when Alopecia wasn’t as known as it is now. I was the only girl that look like me in elementary and I had to endure a lot because of it. It shapes my way of thinking and it took me starting therapy about 5 years ago to begin to unpack all I went through and heal those parts of me. It has helped tremendously and has healed so many broken areas of my life!
For more inspiring content from Janitha, give her a follow @janitha.renee. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Oksanna T. spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Oksanna T. a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that essentially is your body’s immune system going into overdrive and misinterpreting your hair follicles as intruders, so it kills them. It also comes in three different forms: Areata, Totalis, and Universalis. Basically what it boils down to is just the different degrees of hair loss. I fall right in the middle with Totals which means I’ve lost all the hair on my head but I still have eyebrows and eyelashes which I’m grateful for.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Alopecia was terrifying at first. I couldn’t imagine not having hair anymore, it was something I would often hide behind in my shyer teenage years. It was really difficult to accept it when my hair first started falling out, but the moment I made peace with it and accepted it as my new normal, it was very freeing. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to do something potentially terrifying, but go out in public without any kind of hair covering letting your bald head be free and just embrace it. You’ve got this! I promise it gets easier. Confidence is key
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The trickiest thing was figuring out what to do for head coverings. I started with bandanas, but with the little hoop earrings I’d often wear, my look became very “pirates.” I then experimented with scarves but found they were too bulky. After a lot of trial and error, I discovered tank tops. The elastic in the arm loops actually makes for the perfect secure fastener to keep the wrap in a bun on your head. My mom then started helping me make tank tops out of a variety of fabrics and patterns from Joann’s, so now I’ve got something for every occasion.
For more inspiring content from Oksanna T., give her a follow @ositalks. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Sheridan spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Sheridan a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia, which is any type of medical hair loss can be both one of the most difficult, and most empowering things you can.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
We see a lot of focus on finding the right medical treatment or alternative hair. This is important, but I would argue it is equally or more important to really make sure you are looking after your mental and emotional health. Practice radical self-care, self-acceptance, and emotional processing. It will make the entire experience so much easier. This could be anything from taking up meditation, journaling, a new hobby, or starting therapy or coaching.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
For many years I let my alopecia limit what I did and what I enjoyed. The little things like play.
For more inspiring content from Sheridan, give her a follow @_sheridanruth_. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Chloe Heaton spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Chloe Heaton a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia came in the night, unannounced like a ninja, and stole all my hair. But I am now fighting for not only myself but all my gorgeous brothers and sister that have fallen foul to this thief.
I am beautiful. You are beautiful. Hair doesn’t define you and why not stand out from the crowd and be proud! Who wants to fit in anyways.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
We are entitled to bad and it’s ok as long as you get up, dust yourself off, and jump straight into battle!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
People assume I have cancer or question my religion. I just correct them (nicely) and explain that it’s Alopecia and I have no hair. I find it’s better to be open and honest rather than being horrible.
For more inspiring content from Chloe Heaton, give her a follow @mybaldtruth. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Büşra Subaşı Kaymaz spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Büşra Subaşı Kaymaz a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia occurs when your immune system attacks the hair follicles. It has several stages, you cannot predict when and at what age it can hit you.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice is to love yourself as you are. Have you lost your hair, smile because we are special people
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Frankly, it took me a long time to initially consider myself bald. At the end of 9 months, I accepted and went out for the first time without a bandana or a hat, then I realized that I was tired of hiding my baldness. We’re not just hair, our looks aren’t made up of hair, so look outside and have fun as you are.
For more inspiring content from Büşra Subaşı Kaymaz, give her a follow @busrakaaymazz. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Thinning hair diva spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Thinning hair diva a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
I like to define alopecia as an emotional rollercoaster, with so many ups and downs. For years I felt extremely alone, thinking that something was wrong with me and feeling “faulty”. When I was finally diagnosed with androgenic alopecia I felt much better as I finally knew what was going on, but at the same time knowing there was no cure was heartbreaking. Then discovering the hair-loss community and so many amazing women with the same condition and facing the same situations/problems as I did was extremely releasing. I am nowadays at a good point with my hair loss, enjoying the endless possibilities of wearing alternative hair, however, there are still really tough days. And I think that these conflicting emotions are part of the journey in this alopecia rollercoaster.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
I would recommend anyone experiencing hair loss to try alternative hair. In my case, discovering hair toppers made me recover my self-confidence and it was a key point in helping me make peace with my hair. Unfortunately wearing hair toppers or wigs is still taboo and there are many people who don´t know that these options exist. And even if you finally decide that wigs or toppers are not for you and you prefer to rock your bio hair or bald head, know that alternative hair exists and that you can use it if you feel like it´s great.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I loved to go to the hairdresser, I actually wanted to be a hairdresser as a child. However, when my hair loss started to be obvious I felt extremely anxious every time I went to the hairdresser. The last time I visited the hairdresser she kept on commenting on how thin my hair looked and suggesting I should seriously try something to fix it. I felt extremely miserable and I had to keep back my tears. So after a couple of days, I decided that I was not going to visit the hairdresser anymore. Since then, I learned how to cut my hair on my own with all the advantages this has: feeling like the hairdresser I always wanted to be, saving the money I used to spend on the hairdresser, and not allowing anyone to make me feel miserable about my hair.
For more inspiring content from Thinning hair diva, give her a follow @thinning_hair_diva. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. The Wig and I – Kylie spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked The Wig and I – Kylie a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease and people can lose anything from some hair to all hair. In my experience, I have had post-partum hair loss after each of my babies which left my hair looking streaking and patchy, and major hair loss shedding as a side effect of mental health meds and the Mirena. For me, that looked like lots of hair falling out when I’d shower or brush my hair or run my hands through my hair! It’s a rush of total panic. It’s out of your control and it’s very frightening. I would dye my hair (more like my scalp) every 2-3 weeks so I wouldn’t look patchy. As if that wasn’t enough I then had cancer on my head which has left me 80% bald!
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Breathe, do research and google images of women wearing wigs or being bald. Instagram was a game-changer for me as there is a huge beautiful hair loss community of people just like me and everyone is so supportive and helpful and you can learn lots about hair loss and headwear and wigs there are wig reviews and just lots of inspiring women wearing wigs or going bald and everyone is celebrated! It makes the hair loss journey less lonely and much more fun ❤️
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I’m still coming to grips with how I look bald. Because of the cancer surgery on my head, my head doesn’t look like everyone else’s and I struggle to accept what’s in the mirror. I’ve been bald for a bit over a year and at this stage, I need makeup to accept what I look like bald. Need my eyebrows done I think that will help. Also, I don’t feel sexy without a wig on so I hope one day I can ❤
For more inspiring content from The Wig and I – Kylie, give her a follow @thewigandi. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Amanda spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Amanda a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that attacks your hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. It is much more than a condition that just has to do with your hair- it has a huge impact on your mental health and social and emotional well-being.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The most important piece of advice I have for someone experiencing hair loss is to reach out to people who are experiencing the same thing. So many more people experience hair loss than you think. You are not alone and have no reason to feel shame. Social media is full of women who are open about their hair loss journey and who want to help you through it. Reach out and find a space where you feel safe to talk about it.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging things about my hair loss journey was just generally reaching the point of acceptance. I spent many years hiding behind wigs, not telling anyone about my alopecia, not participating in the activities I once enjoyed, and not talking about it. I reached a point where I was tired of feeling sad all the time and decided to “rip off the bandaid” and open up to everyone about my hair loss. I wrote a post for social media, closed my eyes, and pushed “post.” I almost deleted it until I began to see the abundance of love and acceptance coming my way. It was so eye-opening for me to finally understand that my hair is not what defines me as a person.
For more inspiring content from Amanda, give her a follow @amanda.hoblak. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
“As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Rina spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Rina a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is medically defined as hair loss. But it is so much more than that for anyone who suffers from it. I’ve had alopecia since I was 17, nearly half my life now, and it has been such an emotional roller coaster. For years I lived in silence and shame, never speaking of it to anyone. I struggled with intimacy issues, the ability to get close to others, and most of all self-love and acceptance. But recently I have found so much beauty in it because I have found an amazing community online of so many women who know what I am going through. Women (and men) who I can relate to and find strength from. It has truly been a blessing in disguise. Plus now I have all these amazing, fun, beautiful wigs!
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Never let anyone make you feel less than you are because of your hair loss – ESPECIALLY yourself! You ARE beautiful. Hairloss is common, despite society’s standards. If you don’t like your hair, you can just buy it, just like eyelashes or makeup or purses. It is an accessory.
Also – it helps so much to just be open about it, even if only to a couple of close people. Holding it in is hard. Let that shit go, sis. You are a queen!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Learning that I am worthy of love, even if shallow people in the past made me feel like I wasn’t. Learning to love me was so hard, but one day it just clicked. I AM worthy. And I AM beautiful.
Learning to love myself allowed the universe to give me the love I was always seeking and the love I always gave to everyone else. Now I am engaged to marry the man of my dreams and it wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t learn to love myself first – despite how others had made me feel.
For more inspiring content from rina, give her a follow @hairandsunshine. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Lena spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Lena a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is when your own immune system rebels against your hair. It doesn’t hurt and there are different types of alopecia that affect different parts of the body and different amounts of hair.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The most important advice I could give to someone experiencing hair loss is to get a good support group. One that encourages you and that you feel comfortable around. Also, try to find what works best for you to feel confident without fearing the opinion of others. What matters is what makes you feel good, whether a wig, turban, or showing off your bald head.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
For me losing my hair to alopecia was especially hard since I had already lost my hair due to leukemia at age 13. So losing the hair I took a year to get back was quite depressing especially since, unlike with chemo, we weren’t sure when or if it would ever grow back. What truly helped me was to open my Instagram page. By finding other people around the world with the same condition I was feeling more and more inspired.
It showed me just how beautiful we all can be with and without hair. This appearance doesn’t matter as much as society makes us believe. And encouraged me to try on new things like new haircuts or turbans. Simply put, it helped me accept it and have fun with it instead of seeing it as a flaw 🙂
For more inspiring content from Lena, follow her @pretty_bald, and to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Cecilie spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Cecilie a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is unpredictable and it can hit you at any time or age of your life, but also in different stages. So you just never know what is going to happen.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My most important advice would be to find the positive things about hair loss – it can be that you don’t have to wash your hair that often or shave your legs and so many other things. But also talk about and surround yourself with people who support you – that can be through social media or family and friends.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Going to the city without my hair on was definitely the most challenging experience. And to finally get to that state of mind where I wanted to go out like that took me 1,5 years.
Doing the 1,5 years I slowly showed and told more people, that I am bald and by doing that I became more confident with my alopecia.
But also when I went somewhere, where I knew that there weren’t any people I would leave my hair at home so I became more confident with my bald head, so when I wanted to go out without my hair it wouldn’t be the first time.
For more inspiring content from Cecilie, give her a follow @cecilie.rasmussen_. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Bri spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked bri a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1. In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is hairs loss with seemingly no warning or reason. Which I know sounds scary – and it is! Anything unknown, especially within your own body, is unnerving. Mine happened very fast, and it’s different for everyone.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
That is it okay to be upset. To be angry. To be sad! It is a huge change and while it will be okay, it is okay to take your time getting there. A lot of feelings will happen, but please don’t let shame be one of them.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The toll on my mental health has been really, really hard. And it’s an ongoing process – made easier with friends, family, and a lot of patience with myself.
For more inspiring content from bri, give her a follow @sincerelybricail. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue scrolling.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Milla-Maria spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Milla-Maria a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1. In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is a complicated situation that needs a lot of adjusting and courage to be comfortable in. Alopecia can change a person and the way they perceive themselves, but in my part, I changed the disease and the way people think of it. Alopecia can be beautiful too if you decide it to be.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
You have to get comfortable with it and share your feelings, because if you do not. You will be limiting yourself and the things you could achieve for the rest of your life!
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The hardest thing is to accept that this is it and I will need to adjust because my hair will not grow back. I started to research and read and learn more about it. I got advice and support on my journey from my family and others experiencing the same. Once you start opening up, the strings are in your own hands and now you can steer the carriage where ever you want!
For more inspiring content from Milla-Maria, give her a follow @millamariakujala. And to hear from more of our hair loss community, continue reading this page.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, and content creator. Elizabeth spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair-loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Elizabeth a few questions related to her hair loss journey where you can read them below:
1. In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
My body being allergic to my hair and rejecting its growth through the loss of my locs and bald patches now that my locs are gone.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice is to learn to love yourself through the loss. Grieve the loss and identify a healthy way to cope with it. Seek out support through Facebook groups and organizations like NAAF.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Working in government and having to cover up the rapid hair loss using scarves. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed when locs fell out during work functions or were handed back to me by colleagues. There was a constant fear during that time in my journey. Even once I shaved my head I feared how colleagues would react coming to work that first day. Feared if someone would say something that would offend me due to my bald head. I cried a lot. I worked out a lot. I found online and offline support from friends, family, dermatologists, educated myself about the disorder, and most importantly shared my journey with others once I shaved my head. It is therapeutic.
For more inspiring content from Elizabeth, give her a follow @joyafteralopecia. And to hear from more of our community pillars, continue scrolling.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, podcast host, and content creator. Kristen spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives. We asked Kristen a few questions related to her hair loss journey, and here’s what she had to say:
Alopecia is a devastating blow to your mental health because when the hair loss started for me I felt I had no control over what could or would happen. Add onto that the standards set out by society that beauty and hair go hand in hand I personally felt forced to hide for more than half of my life because I was different. It was also be a roller coaster ride for me as I tried everything to grow it back just to see it fall out time and time again. Now that I am working towards accepting myself for who I am and have started to show up as my authentic self I feel like there is a lot of power in that acceptance.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Love yourself for who you are and find people you can talk with that truly know what you are going through!! I didn’t find my Alopecia friends until 19 years later and wow what a god send all of them have been for me I have never felt so understood and accepted its truly a wonderful feeling and something I didn’t know I was missing!!
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I would say there has been many challenging experiences but I would say for me accepting myself as I am and learning that hair loss doesn’t define me was a big one. I won’t say I have overcome it completely but each day I work hard to love myself.
I want to add that letting people in on my struggle has been difficult but truly something that was needed. Many times when we meet people we only see the first layer. When I finally let people see past that first layer I was able to share my story and found that others connected with me and were open to share their own struggles leading to deeper connections.
For more inspiring words and content, you can find Shira on Instagram at @shirasalopeciastory. And to hear from more of our community pillars, continue scrolling.
Michelle has cultivated a hair loss community on her Instagram by sharing her experiences and advice living with alopecia.
We asked Michelle some questions about her journey with alopecia. Click this video to hear what she had to say.
Michelle was also kind enough to extend her interview with us, so head to the link in our bio to watch the full version!
And for more inspiring advice, you can find Michelle on Instagram at @theladybehindthewig.
To hear from some of our other hair loss champions, keep scrolling.
Meet: Shira (@shirasalopeciastory)
As a content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Shira inspires her followers daily to find selflove and acceptance. Her honesty and transparency as she shares her journey through hair loss is what makes her such an integral part of our hair loss community. We asked Shira to open up about her experiences living with alopecia, here’s what she had to say:
Based on my own experience, Alopecia can be defined as strength and beauty. Recognizing that being strong and beautiful comes from within is so powerful. Bald is truly beautiful.
The most important piece of advice I would give to someone experiencing hair loss would be, to remember that your hair does not define you. You are still the same person regardless or your hair and being able to love yourself and embrace the bald will help your self-confidence.
The most challenging experience I have had relating to my hair loss would be the realization that my hair may never grow back and I might be a baldie for life. Practicing self-love and knowing that I am still me with or without my hair definitely helps get through the tough days. Also, having a great support system and being able to connect with others going through similar struggles is an awesome confidence booster.
For more inspiring words and content, you can find Shira on Instagram at @shirasalopeciastory. And to hear from more of our community pillars, continue scrolling.
Dr. Jeff Donovan is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of a variety of hair loss conditions. Providing hope and inspiration to his clients in his practice and through his online presence, Dr. Donovan uses his expertise to deliver promising treatments and solutions to his clients.
We asked Dr. Donovan to tell us a bit about his experience working with clients who have hair loss. Here’s what he had to say:
1) How do you approach a client who is experiencing hair loss?
I approach each patient uniquely. There are no templates in my office for treating hair loss. What this means is that I don’t necessarily do the exact same thing for every patient who walks through the door. We might treat androgenetic alopecia differently in an 18-year-old female than a 34-year-old female and even differently for a 35-year-old male. There are well over 100 reasons to lose hair so I first need to determine the precise reasons for why the patient is losing hair and then formulate a treatment plan that works well for them. We work together as a team to determine the treatments they are comfortable with and which treatments they are not comfortable with. There are some very helpful treatments for various types of hair loss but not everyone will be comfortable with them. I need to understand my patient’s goals and help them formulate a plan that they can follow. It’s a very important decision as some types of hair loss require life long treatment.
2) What kind of help or services can you provide for clients experiencing hair loss?
One of the most important services I offer patients who come to see me is helping them with a proper diagnosis. Sometimes, there is not one reason that a patient is losing hair but rather two, three or even four reasons. Every type of hair loss is treated a bit differently. So, a patient with hair loss from the autoimmune disease lupus is not going to walk out the door with the same treatment as a patient with hair loss due to age related thinning. I use over 100 different treatments for the vast array of hair loss conditions that affect human beings. These range from topical treatments, to oral treatments to injection type treatments to lasers.
3) What advice do you give to clients to cope with their hair loss?
I advise patients to dedicate the time and energy to first and foremost find out the correct diagnosis for their hair loss. Far too many people with hair loss walk around thinking they have one reason for their hair loss when in fact they have a completely different reason. It’s hard to start down the road to improvement when one has doubts about their diagnosis. A solid understanding of why someone is losing hair helps a lot with coping.
Secondly, one needs to understand all the treatment options available and be a part of the treatment decisions that are made. Treating hair loss is about shared decision-making between physician and patient. We are a team. It’s not about me saying to the patient to do this or do that. It’s about deciding on a treatment together based on the medical evidence that exists in the world today. I explain a variety of options and together we figure out which works best for them.
Finally, I think it’s important for patients to keep the channels of communication open to talk about their hair loss and the anxieties and worries that the hair loss brings. It’s helpful for patients to talk with family, friends and their physicians in an open and non-judgmental manner. I encourage very patient to find a strong support system.
You can find Dr. Jeff Donovan on Instagram at (@donovanmedical) or visit his website, https://donovanmedical.com.
And to hear from more of our hair loss community members, continue reading this page.
As a mother, content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Martha uses her platform to share personal experiences and advice with her followers to encourage self-love and confidence. We asked Martha to open up about her hair loss journey with us, here’s what she had to say:
1. Can you define your experience with Alopecia?
It has been a long journey but I strongly believe everything happens for a reason 💛 During my alopecia journey, I have met so many wonderful and supportive people, especially within the Instagram hair loss community.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
That it’s ok to not be ok. We all have cried a lot but the most important thing, at least for me, is not to focus on ‘what ifs’ when it comes to hair regrowth. Focus on the future and create the life you want.
3. Is there something or someone who has helped you overcome challenges on your hair loss journey?
My 5-year-old niece has been living with alopecia universalis for the last 4 years and although it is very difficult for them, I think sharing our experiences has made everything easier for the both of us. I am the one for them and they are the one for me!
To view more of Martha’s inspiring content, you can head to her page: @martha_s_baldie_rulez. And, to hear from some of our other hair loss champions, keep scrolling.
As a mom, content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Danielle spreads inspiration and kindness across her platform. By sharing her unique experiences living with alopecia, she encourages others in the hair loss community to live confident and authentic lives.
We asked Danielle a few questions related to her hair loss journey, you can find her responses below.
1. Can you define Alopecia in your own words?
I started losing my hair in my mid 20s. I had locs and due to thining in my crown area I decided to cut them and sport a TWA. I didn’t even know the term alopecia before then. Alopecia is basically the word used for hairloss of any kind.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My best advice for someone living with hairloss is not to beat yourself up or stress about it. Research, seek medical advice early and learn to accept your reality. The moment I stopped trying to hide my alopecia and shaved my head was the moment I felt free, it no longer had control over me. I took back my power and realised that I was more than my hair.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging experiences was dealing with negativity from people. I overcame this by making people aware of what I was going through by posting about it on social media and talking about it to people if they’re curious and ask questions. I remember days where I would get so frustrated trying to hide my bald spots, now I am free to be me!
For more inspiring content from Danielle, you can follow her on Instagram: @itsdaniellewhyte. And, to hear from more of our hair loss community, keep reading.
As an alopecia awareness advocate and content creator, Fay uses her platform to share helpful tips and experiences related to hair loss. She inspires her followers to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. We asked Fay to open up about her hair loss journey, keep reading to see what she said!
1) Can you define Alopecia in your own words?
For me, alopecia has changed my perspective on life. It’s terrifying but at the same time, as weird as it sounds, I feel like I have come out the other side a better person. Losing your hair is a very traumatic and emotionally draining experience, and I’ve had to learn to love myself again. I’m proud to have gotten to a place in my journey where I can openly talk about my hair loss, and show other women that they aren’t alone.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Hair loss is devastating but don’t let it ruin your life. The hair loss journey isn’t linear; there will be days where you feel hopeless, but these days will eventually become few and far between. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone about it!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging part of my journey was the initial part of coming to terms with my new appearance, that my hair would slowly and surely disappear, taking my femininity with it. I was very young, only 18 years old at the time, and I was in a bad place for many months. Once I discovered the hair loss community, I realised that I was not alone. If it weren’t for the advice and guidance of others, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope to give back the same support to others which I received when I needed it most.
You can check out Fay’s content on her Instagram page, @faylopecia. And, to hear from more of our inspiring hair loss community, keep scrolling.
Meet: Kay (@kaywearswigs)
When Kay’s hair loss journey first started, she found support through an online community of women who could relate to her experiences. Today, she uses her Instagram platform to contribute to this same community, providing insight, guidance and support to others. We asked Kay a few questions about her hair loss journey, here’s what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement, can you talk a little bit about your hair loss condition?
My hair has always been thin, it took ages to grow and when it did, it still looked wispy and very thin. I never really felt feminine or beautiful due to my hair. In recent years, my hair has started to recede, mainly around the temples and I have some slight bald patches, my hair line in recent months has also started to recede. I notice my hair loss the most in the shower where in comes out in clumps and clogs up the drain, which at the beginning, really made my heart sink.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The most important piece of advice I would give is to find a support group. Find people who are going through a similar thing – the hair loss community on Instagram has really helped me to accept my hair loss by being nothing but supportive. By communicating with others about your hair loss, you really feel heard and seen in all the right ways.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I was feeling alone in this, especially because I was told that my hair loss isn’t that bad and there are more important things to worry about. Finding my Instagram community made me feel important and validated my feelings. I have grown in confidence in who I am and what is right for me. Wearing wigs has been such a life changer for me. It’s made me accept my bio hair for what it is and I now feel confident in my choice of wearing wigs. Find what works for you, because nobody else is in your shoes❤️
To hear more from Kay, you can check out her page @kaywearswigs. And, to connect with more of our hair loss community, keep reading.
Amber has cultivated an inspiring community by sharing her authentic experiences living with hair loss. We asked Amber to open up about these experiences with us, here’s what she had to say:
1) Can you define Alopecia in your own words?
Alopecia to me is hair loss of any kind. There are many different forms of alopecia with a variety of causes. I personally have genetically thin fine hair, and I deal with bouts of telogen effluvium. I’ve also been diagnosed with androgenic alopecia. I’ve never known what it’s like to naturally have a nice head of hair!
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
You will get through this. It can be all consuming, I know. It can make you feel less than. But you can heal, you can get through this, and you will come out stronger. There are so many incredible options and solutions to help you gain that sense of control and help you feel that peace and contentment. You may even gain a love for alternative hair like I have! It’s so convenient and fun!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I think the most challenging aspect in my hair loss journey was the time before I discovered wigs and toppers. I wore a variety of extensions and I used lots of thickening products, fillers and powders. But it was hard, and there was only so much I could do with my hair, especially when I was experiencing a massive shedding moment. Extension tracks were hard to hide, and I lived in hats. I didn’t feel like I could leave the house without a hat on. I was sad about my hair situation and I envied those who seemed to not have to deal with it. It was frustrating and defeating. Finding alternative hair gave me that instant gratification and change that I needed. It was a convenient way to have the hair I never could obtain naturally and it gave me confidence and peace. It’s become a passion and outlet for me. I have always loved the hair industry; I even went into beauty school when I was younger because I love styling hair. I just never had the hair I wanted. That passion for hair has now developed in the alternative hair world, and I am so grateful for that!
For more inspiring advice, you can find Amber on Instagram at @fabricatingfringe. And, to hear from more of our hair loss champions, keep scrolling!
Georgie has cultivated a hair loss community on her Instagram by sharing her experiences and advice living with alopecia.
We asked Georgie some questions about her journey with alopecia. Click this video to hear what she had to say.
Georgie was also kind enough to extend her interview with us, so head to the link in our bio to watch the full version!
And for more inspiring advice, you can find Georgie on Instagram at @her_head_my_hair.
To hear from some of our other hair loss champions, keep scrolling.
As a mom, content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Kaitlyn inspires her followers to practice self-love and acceptance on a regular basis.
We sat down with Kaitlyn and asked her to share some of her thoughts and experiences about living with alopecia. Here’s what she had to say:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia to me is something quite unique. The way that alopecia affects everyone is so different. I have had alopecia since I was born – I’ve never known what it’s like to have hair. I never had hair and then lost it, so I would say my experience is unique. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything because it has made me the person I am today.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice to anyone dealing with hair loss is to truly feel your feelings. All of those emotions are valid and you have every right to feel them. You don’t have to be positive all the time, you can be angry and mad that this is happening. As long as at the end of the day you remind yourself that you’re strong and you will get through this. There will be highs and lows, but try not to let alopecia dictate your life. Your identity does not lay within your hair.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging experiences for me was truly just accepting who I was without a wig or makeup. I had to learn how to love myself without all of the other stuff. I had to learn to wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and accept myself. It took me quite some time to do that. I find comfort in a wig and makeup. I overcame this with a great support system, writing my feelings out on my blog and finding a great online community of others with alopecia. Learning to love yourself – flaws and all – can take some time but the journey is worth it 💓
For more words of wisdom and inspiration, you can find Kaitlyn on Instagram at @kaitlyn.blogs. And to hear from more of our community pillars, continue reading.
As an alopecia awareness advocate, Alison empowers others to embrace their unique stories. Her confidence and strength is a reminder of how important it is to never let a diagnosis define who you are.
We asked Alison about her journey with alopecia, keep reading to hear what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is a unique disorder that impacts everyone so differently. For me, Alopecia is something that has been able to fill my life with a sense of purpose and passion. However, Alopecia has not always been this for me. I feel lucky to have found so much positive in my hair loss journey, but that does not take away of how emotionally draining, traumatic, and difficult it was to reach a place of acceptance.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Do not let societal beauty standards and perceptions from others shape your confidence. Real beauty comes from our individual uniqueness. Also, remember you’re part of a real bad ass community of hair loss bosses! Not everyone is strong enough to be part of our club.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging thing for me was feeling confident around other people. I could look in a mirror all day and feel secure in my hair loss, but when it came to the opinions of outsiders it took me a while to block out negative judgements and assumptions. I continuously remind myself that someone’s opinion about my hair loss doesn’t make me any less beautiful. I plan to keep fighting and spreading awareness until beauty standards are shattered!
For more helpful advice and inspiration, you can find Alison on Instagram at @alison_mann. And, to hear from our incredible community of hair loss champions, keep reading.
As a mom, content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Becky inspires her followers to live their truth with confidence and strength.
We asked Becky to open about her experience living with alopecia. Keep reading to find out what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia to me was and is a huge self-learning curve. You have to re-love and re-learn about yourself whilst realizing that really nothing has ultimately changed, you’re still YOU.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice is to own it, take control and continue to love yourself. Seeing your hair disappear is heart wrenching but we really have got this 🙌🏻
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
For me, deciding to brave the shave in those final days was hard but I knew it was right. I pondered for about a week before I did it and wow did it feel good. My partner and children helped me and we did it together, I’ll be forever grateful for having such amazing people around me ❤️
For more inspiring content, you can find Becky’s Instagram profile at: @alopecia_bex.xo
And to hear from more of our inspiring community of hair loss champions and experts, continue scrolling.
Since 2015, Thea has been sharing her experience with alopecia on Instagram. Through her natural charisma and transparency, she’s helped provide support and strength to so many people within the hair loss community. We asked Thea a few questions about her hair loss journey, here’s what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
For me, alopecia has been a huge part of my adult life and it had really affected me up until recently. It’s hard, stressful, heart breaking, soul destroying and so much more when it happens but once I overcame those emotions, I had an instant sigh of relief.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The most important advice I would give to someone is do not give up. There are down days, and there are good days. It’s so important to find things that keep your mind occupied and finding a way for you to cope through the bad days. Don’t be afraid to talk about it, it’s completely normal to be upset about losing a part of your identity.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging experience for me was dealing with my hair loss whilst being in a mentally abusive relationship, with constant fear of how I looked and would that partner like how I looked that day, or worry of how much money I had spent that month on regrowth products/toppers/trichology appointments.
It wasn’t easy I will admit, it’s been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure, but coming out of that situation has helped me to accept my hair loss, and to realize that are people who love you no matter what, hair or no hair.
For more inspiration, you can find Thea on Instagram at @thenohairaffair. And to hear from more of our community pillars, keep scrolling.
As a makeup artist, content creator and alopecia awareness advocate, Jess uses her platform to help normalize hair loss and encourage women to feel beautiful in their own skin.
We asked Jess to talk a little bit about her experience living with alopecia. Keep on reading to hear what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia has been a roller coaster of emotions, being the worst and happiest times of my life. At first it felt like my identity was being stripped bare, now I feel lucky to have this. It’s made me more confident, stronger and willing to push the boundaries on what is perceived to be beauty.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My advice to anyone going through hair loss is to stay positive. It seems impossible at first but it’s a journey that will get easier. Be in contact with other sufferers of hair loss, exchange feelings about how you feel. But most importantly don’t rush yourself. Take time to focus on the journey you are on. You can do this!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging time on my alopecia journey was seeing my hair fall out on my pillows, shower, when I brushed my hair and even when I touched it. It was a constant reminder that this wasn’t going away. I couldn’t just forget about it. This took time to get used to but I’ve done it. I got used to me being me, I overcame the fear. I grew to love the person I looked like, and so for me, it wasn’t a fear – it was a gift.
For more honest advice and inspiration, you can visit Jess’ Instagram page, @alopecialovex
And to hear from more of our hair loss community, keep scrolling.
As a writer, content creator, fashion editor and alopecia awareness advocate, Mary Cate inspires women everywhere to be strong and confident.
We had an opportunity to chat with Mary Cate about her experience living with Alopecia. Here’s what she had to say:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
I first got alopecia about 2 or 3 years ago. It started off with a small patch on the top of my head. Every time I would wash it, a clump of hair the size of a kiwi would fall out. It was such a shock at the beginning and initially I got hair extensions to try to cover up. My hair did grow back on one side of my head but then it began falling out on the other side. It was becoming increasingly difficult to hide. A lot of people were mentioning it to me in my job and at social events as if I didn’t realise. It felt so raw and emotional to hear people ask me “do you realise you have a bald patch at the back of your head?”
I thought once I got my hair extensions out, it would all grow back but about a year ago, my sister started treatment for breast cancer and it started to come out again. Every time I brushed my hair or even just touched it; huge amounts would fall out to the point that there was only one patch left in the middle of my head.
At this point, however I had come to terms with the fact that I was going bald and my alopecia had progressed to universalis or totalis.
I did extensive research into the causes behind alopecia and found out that it’s an auto- immune disease. My immune system is over active and erroneously targets my hair follicles because it thinks it is under attack.
I spoke to a dermatologist who didn’t think there was a lot I could do to get my hair back. I decided to get a second opinion with a doctor who had conducted vast amounts of international research on alopecia. This doctor was very hopeful there would be treatments I could try from steroid injections to Minoxidil and topical creams. I’ve just started this treatment and even though I’m hopeful, I’ll get some hair growth back, I’m also ok with being bald.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Losing your hair is incredibly personal. I wouldn’t tell people to follow any specific advice – it’s about forging your own path and doing what’s right for you. For one person, that could be researching how to get her hair back through pharmaceutical options, for another it might be learning to love herself exactly the way she is.
For me, it wasn’t helpful to frame alopecia in terms of a reaction to stress – that places unnecessary blame on the person. And alopecia is not your fault. You are not to blame for your hair falling out. It is not because you are stressed or unhealthy or unfit; alopecia is an actual medical condition. And affirming that to yourself is vital for acceptance.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Losing my eyebrows as a child was quite painful. I can’t count the number of times I was shouted at or bullied for having very sparse to no eyebrows. I felt like less of a human, like there was so defect in me; somehow that I deserved to feel bad because I didn’t have what other people had. I was called “clown eyebrows” and various other derogatory terms. I didn’t pencil them in because at the time, it wasn’t really done and there weren’t a lot of options in the makeup aisles of the local shops.
When I was older, I started drawing them on but that had its own barriers. If I was wearing sunglasses, it often smudged my brows or during a rainstorm, my eyebrows would dissipate. Even when I wore heavy duty, waterproof brow gel, it still could move if I sweat enough.
Eventually, I got my brows tattooed and it worked wonders for my self-esteem. I looked in the mirror and felt instantly more comfortable. It saves so much time and hassle in the morning as my brows are already done. I wish we lived in a world where people didn’t feel like they had to draw or tattoo on eyebrows to be accepted. The more bald women we see in the media, be it on social media, in magazines, modelling, the more we will move towards a more tolerant society. I hope that comes soon.
For more inspiring content, you can visit Mary Cate Smith’s Instagram page, @thefashionhorn. You can also visit her website, https://marycatesmith.com.
Alicia uses her platform to share her experiences with Alopecia, encouraging her followers to feel strong and confident. She also offers helpful reviews and styling tips for wigs.
We asked Alicia to discuss her hair loss journey with us. Here’s what she had to say:
1. In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
The biggest challenge for me was overcoming my own anxiety about how people would react to my hair loss. I anticipated a lot more cruelty, and misunderstanding than I ever encountered, but the most remarkable thing about my transition was how unremarkable it was.
2. What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Do not let hair loss define you. Love and embrace yourself for who you are on the inside, not what people see on the outside.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
When I was first diagnosed with alopecia I had so many challenges ahead of me, but the most challenging of all was the constant worry of my husband leaving me due to my baldness. Even though he assured me daily that I was beautiful, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was truly how he felt, but he didn’t leave me, in fact he stood strong by my side and our relationship grew even stronger!
For more inspiring content from Alicia, visit her page @wigginout. And, to hear from more of our Community Pillars, scroll down.
Jen shares her day-to-day experiences living with hair loss to inspire more woman to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
We asked Jen to share some of her experiences living with alopecia.
1. In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia for me has been a huge learning experience. It’s just a month shy from when I first shaved my head a year ago and I’m shocked by how much I’ve learned since. From learning about what alopecia actually is and its many types, to the varied experiences of those who have it. Discovering important care steps and learning how to stop thinking “why me” and start thinking “why not me?” was so important. Learning that people actually show up and can be so supportive and amazing if you let them in. And most importantly, learning how to love myself regardless of how much hair I have on my head.
2. What is the most important piece of advice you could give?
My biggest advice to anyone experiencing hair loss is: it gets better. In the beginning, it really feels like the end of the world. It’s all-consuming and exhausting and it’s so incredibly hard to picture your life without hair. And I won’t lie, it still is hard a lot of the times. But a year ago, I never thought I’d feel the way I do today. I am genuinely happy. Would I like my hair back? Of course! But will I be OK if that never happens? Also yes. Give yourself some grace, reach out to the people in your life you trust and try to invest in the things that bring you joy. You’re stronger than you know!
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you’ve had related to alopecia and how did you overcome this?
Definitely the hardest part of my hair loss journey was the two months in which my hair was rapidly falling out and I hadn’t shaved my head yet. I feel like I lived in constant panic and terror that someone was going to see my ever-growing bald spots. I learned how to style my hair differently, to constantly reach to my bald spots to make sure they were covered, and I searched desperately for something to wear at night to cover my head so my bald patches wouldn’t be revealed to my now-husband while we were sleeping. I don’t know what would’ve happened if I’d kept existing in this place of fear and self-loathing until all my hair fell out. I know some people prefer to go that route. Instead, I shaved my head in my bathroom on a Tuesday afternoon. I now had to deal with a very new look, but the terror of being “found out” was over and I felt like it was the first time I took control of what was happening to me.
For more inspiring content you can find Jen’s page, @mysecretbaldlife, on Instagram!
As an alopecia awareness advocate and content creator, Sarah inspires her followers through her unwavering confidence and transparency.
We asked Sarah to open about her experience living with alopecia, here’s what she had to say
For me, alopecia has been this detrimental, eye opening, beautiful, scary and unpredictable journey all in one. It’s an experience that most have to deal with all their lives. They must experience losing a part of themselves that they never thought they would…and this part of them carries a lot of importance for their self-esteem and character. Losing my hair was, and is, one of the most challenging things I’ve ever dealt with. I first lost a patch of hair when I was six years old and again when I was eighteen. Not until 2019, did I end up to losing more than 75% of my hair. At this point in my journey, I felt completely helpless. No matter how many times I saw my dermatologist for Kenalog injections, the hair didn’t stay. I would repeatedly lose handfuls of my hair and there was nothing I could do about it. It was heart breaking to feel as though with each handful of hair I lost, I was also losing a piece of my self-worth. I remember obsessing in the bathroom mirror over the way that my head looked. I would constantly fight back tears whether I was at work or with my friends or family. There wasn’t a night I went to bed with dry eyes. Eventually I reached my lowest and darkest depression, where I thought that I would take my own life. That’s when I made the decision to shave my head.
However scary the thought of shaving my head was, I was and still am, so happy with my decision to do it. It helped me feel free and in control. Alopecia has this ability to take control of your life no matter how hard you resist it. This autoimmune disease does not care who you are, or whether you deserve this, it will take over your life if you let it. That was probably the most important lesson I’ve learned going through this. No matter how hard your journey is, remember you have value, and you are loved. You are the one who controls your happiness and your life. Learn to accept your uniqueness and your story, as it can and will help many other just like you. Alopecia has taught me to love a new version of myself that I never knew existed, but that was there all along.
2. What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Do your best to build resilience during hardships and traumatic experiences like hair loss. Surviving hardships can teach us important things about ourselves. It strengthens us, deepens our empathy and in time, enables us to evolve and grow as human beings. Love yourself through every stage you go through, and always be kind. So many people are looking up to you that you don’t even know about, and often, I feel honoured to be able to share my story and help inspire those around me.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to alopecia and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging experiences related to my hair loss has been getting used to being out in public bald. I still struggle with this today, but I’m learning to love myself and my uniqueness each day. Taking small steps toward the big goal is key. I started by showing my bald head to my family, then my close friends, then on social media, and eventually out in public. There’s been a lot of ups and many downs, but in the end, the people that mean the most to you don’t care whether or not you have hair. They love you for you, and that’s what truly matters!
You can find more inspiration from Sarah on Instagram at @sarah_broadhead
As an Alopecia awareness advocate and content creator, Caelen inspires her followers daily by sharing helpful tips and advice for wearing wigs. She’s a great advocate for the Alopecia community as she continues to work toward ending the stigma around wearing wigs.
We asked Caelen to open about her journey with Alopecia. Here’s what she had to say:
1. In your own words, can you briefly describe Alopecia?
Alopecia is an auto immune disorder that can vary is severity that causes your immune system to attack your follicles and cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
2. What is the most important advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to someone is that although hair loss is HARD, your attitude is everything. Along with finding a good support system and getting to know others who also experience hair loss. Once I did this my attitude towards my Alopecia completely changed for the better.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you had had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I think one of the most challenging experiences for me was growing up with Alopecia and going through school. For years I felt very ashamed, and I despised being different from all the other kids. It was when I grew up and decided to have fun with wigs rather than hide behind them that I became not only okay with my Alopecia, but okay with being different. Differences are what make the work beautiful and diverse.
For more helpful and inspiring content, visit Caelen’s page @cae_alopecia
And to hear from more of our community pillars, keep reading this page.
As an Alopecia awareness advocate, Leah shares helpful and relatable content with her followers on a daily basis. She strives to inspire women to accept and love themselves unconditionally, while providing a sense of community to those experiencing hair loss.
We reached out to Leah recently and asked her a few questions about her experience living with Alopecia.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that can affect you at any time in your life, causing your hair to fall out.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The most important piece of advice I could give, would be to find others who also have Alopecia and can relate to the experiences you’re going through. When my hair started falling out, I was a teenager, and I didn’t know anyone else who had Alopecia. I felt very alone and isolated in my experience. Once I found a community, my perspective changed. I felt accepted for who I am, and I felt like I didn’t need to hide anymore.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
The most challenging experience I have had related to my hair loss has been searching for something that would cure my hair loss. I know that I wouldn’t be able to accept my hair loss if I hadn’t tried all the different kinds of shampoos and supplements and treatments, but all they did was give me false hope, letting me down when they didn’t work. I know now that my hair will never be like it once was – I’ve accepted that. And now I truly love myself for who I am.
For more inspiring content from Leah, you can visit her Instagram page @falloutgiirl.
In sharing her daily experiences living with Alopecia, Chloe redefines beauty standards and inspires women to feel confident and beautiful from within.
We asked Chloe to share parts of her journey with Alopecia. Here’s what she had to say.
1) Can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your own experience?
Alopecia is a medical term for hair loss that can affect any part of your body. There are multiple different types of Alopecia. The type I suffer from is Alopecia Areata which is an autoimmune disease. My immune system was pushed into overdrive and it essentially began thinking my follicles were foreign. This caused me to lose my hair rather quickly.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
A) Find support. Whether this is from someone close to you or professional help.
B) Set out a game plan. Create goals for yourself and determine what you need to feel good. This will help you stay focused and optimistic.
C) Work on yourself internally. You can do this through meditation, mindfulness, yoga etc.
3. What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging things I think was dealing with hot weather. Wearing a wig in heat or humidity can be a physical challenge that I didn’t expect. Headscarves or head wraps are a great alternative for combatting the heat while protecting your head from the sun!
For more daily inspiration, you can find Chloe at @chloeshairaffair on Instagram.
Using her personal experiences with hair loss, Mia inspires women daily through her confidence and transparency.
We asked Mia to discuss some of her experiences living with Alopecia. Here’s what she had to say:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words?
I’ve had alopecia ever since I was 3 years old. I’ve grown with it, and it has been something that’s always been a part of me. It’s something that will always be tough to deal with no matter what age you are.
But even if sometimes it gets really hard, alopecia is something that can make you unique, something that makes you different from everyone else. It’s something that makes you stand out. It’s really all about the way you look at it.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
My most important piece of advice to offer is that no matter how hard it can get; you’ll always be beautiful with or without hair. Beauty isn’t defined by your hair. This is something tough to understand, but it truly doesn’t define whether you are beautiful or not.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
I think one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had to deal with because of my alopecia has been dealing with kids that don’t understand what’s going on with me. As a teenager, dealing with people pitying you because of your hair loss is something that happens a lot and can be really tough to deal with. The stares and people talking about my hair loss while I walk through the streets, has always been really difficult for me.
But as I grew up, I understood that it’s normal to get stared at when you’re different. Now I strive to let people know why it is that I’m different, instead of wanting to hide my baldness to prevent those stares.
As a beauty influencer and alopecia awareness advocate, Ebony inspires her followers on a daily basis by sharing her experiences and spreading positivity.
Through her knowledge and personal story, Ebony is challenging the way hair loss is perceived while providing support for the hair loss community.
In honour of #BlackHistoryMonth, we asked Ebony to share some of her unique thoughts and experiences living with Alopecia. Our hope is that this video will further some of the important conversations we should be having about hair loss from a different perspective.
For more inspiring content from Ebony, you can visit her page @__ebonyjean.
Using her personal insight, Andrea empowers self-worth and confidence in women with hair loss.
We asked Andrea to discuss some of her experiences living with alopecia. Here’s what she had to say:
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Alopecia can diminish your self -esteem and make you feel isolated and insecure when losing your hair, without answers as to why it’s happening. After years of struggling in silence, I learned to accept and love myself without conditions and embraced all my imperfections, because hair does not define me. I was ready to take control of my life again. It represents strength and courage to live beyond social beauty standards and be confident in my own skin!
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
The best advice I can ever give is to live by your own terms. Don’t let your condition decide your happiness, and don’t dwell on the negative judgments of other people. Spreading awareness and joining a community with other women of hair loss has helped and inspired me to be confident and brave! We are not alone in this and the support is out there!
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Having to wear wigs was a difficult transition for me and I often felt uncomfortable and embarrassed to admit I wore them. Frustrated that I couldn’t have my real hair and navigating through the different wig options made my experience even worse. I eventually found systems that worked for me and decided to have fun with it and wear different styles and colours! I used to worry what other people thought of me if they knew I wore wigs, but I learned very quickly that anyone worth knowing, shouldn’t care if I wear a wig at all! Focusing on negative opinions is never worth your energy!
For more inspiration, you can find Andrea on Instagram at @alopeachy_me.
Meet: Serena (@lost_locks_)
As a nurse, Alopecia awareness advocate, and woman of color, Serena inspires her followers daily by sharing helpful tips and information on how to cope with hair loss.
In honour of #BlackHistoryMonth we asked Serena to share some of her unique experiences living with Alopecia. We hope that this exchange will further some of the important conversations we should be having about hair loss from a new perspective.
1) In a brief statement, can you define Alopecia in your own words?
Alopecia simply means hair loss. There are lots of different types of Alopecia and it affects people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and genders. It can vary from person to person and even for myself, I’ve had various different stages and types of Alopecia for my whole adult life. It began with Alopecia Areata when I was 17, and I now have Alopecia Universalis.
2) You had previously mentioned in your blog that hair is embedded in Black culture. As a woman of color, has losing your hair had an impact on the way you view your heritage?
I don’t think I necessarily view my heritage any different, but I definitely feel as though I’m missing out an aspect of ‘Blackness’. The way we manage, tend to and style our afro hair is unique. It’s a process that can be tiring but is ultimately rewarding and a part of who we are. My dad was a Rastafarian and had dreadlocks down to his ankles and I’ve always wanted to embrace my roots by having dreadlocks too but now that’s impossible for me. But losing my hair doesn’t make me any less Black, and I still embrace my culture in different ways as many other Black people who experience hair loss do! Our culture and how we embrace it is an individual experience and it may affect some more than others.
3) There is a misperception that women of color are not prone to air loss and simply wear wigs for fashion. What are your thoughts?
Alopecia doesn’t discriminate. Black women are just as likely to suffer from hair loss as anybody else. In fact, due to the way we style our hair, Black women are more prone to experience traction Alopecia, which is essentially hair loss due to over-styling and pulling of the hair. Aside from hair loss, Black women do wear wigs for lots of different reasons. Our hair in its natural state can be difficult to manage and is easily damaged with too much manipulation, so wearing braids and wigs as protective hair styles, allows women to give their hair a well-needed rest. So yes, Black women do wear wigs for fashion, but also for many other reasons.
4) Due to this false perception, do you believe it has created a correlation as to why some women of color are less likely to speak about hair loss?
Definitely. Without a doubt! It has become the norm to see a Black woman in a wig or weave, so women are able to cover their hair loss and avoid speaking about it. From the beginning of my Alopecia journey, I wore wigs and head wraps and was able to hide my hair loss for a long time without any suspicion because it was ‘normal’ for someone like me to wear wigs. Also, I had negative experiences when I spoke out about my hair loss. Some of the Black women I spoke to about it automatically assumed I had caused my own hair loss from pulling my hair too tight and told me to stop wearing certain styles, etc. All this did was make me reluctant to speak about my hair loss for fear of being judged. I thought, if this happened to me, then it must have happened to countless other Black women. Like I said before, Black hair is seen as such an important aspect of our lives that it can be difficult to talk about when we lose it. What I want others to know is that we have nothing to be ashamed of and if you don’t feel comfortable talking to the people around you about it, you can always connect with me and other wonderful Black Alopecians here on Instagram such as: @christalafletcher, @joyfulxbeauty, @thepeckishpalate.
5) As a woman, nurse, and Alopecia awareness advocate, what advice can you offer to other women who are in the process of experiencing and accepting their journey?
Take it a day at a time! I have had Alopecia for 17 years now and still have days where my hair loss gets me down or surprises me. There is no correct way to deal with hair loss. Just because some people wear their patches of baldness with pride, doesn’t mean you have to. It’s okay to wear wigs if it makes you feel better. It’s okay not to talk about it if you need time to deal with it yourself. Do what feels right for you and make the most of the hair loss community online, there are some really inspirational women out there!
As a hair loss champion and advocate for alopecia awareness, Faith has helped provide support and encouragement to women experiencing hair loss.
We asked Faith to open about her personal experience with alopecia, here’s what she had to say.
1) In a brief statement can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
My definition of alopecia is a heartbreaking condition where your immune system becomes overactive and starts to attack your hair follicles because it sees them as a foreign body, or a threat.
For me, it started as small unnoticeable patches that started to join up and create larger patches that are very noticeable.
It doesn’t seem to matter how healthy you are or how well you look after your hair. Alopecia has no prejudice. It can be very hard to accept, but I have had so much help from others going through the same that I have learned to accept it and even enjoy wearing wigs.
2) What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone who is experiencing hair loss?
Something I wish I had learned sooner is that hair does not define beauty. You can let it get to you to the point that you refuse to leave the house, or you can do your research, find a wig that you LOVE and learn to love yourself all over again.
For anyone struggling I would 100% recommend having a look at alopecia profiles on social media for support and advice. That’s what got me to where I am now.
3) What is one of the most challenging experiences you have had related to your hair loss journey and how did you overcome this?
Shaving my head was the hardest thing (emotionally) that I have ever done. But it was the beginning of my recovery.
Since I took the plunge and decided to shave my head, I have felt so liberated. That was the day I took back control.
I gave my kids the scissors and let each of them cut a bit of the hair that I had left, then my husband shaved the rest. Getting my family involved really helped me feel supported.
For more inspiration and helpful advice on hair loss, visit Faith’s profile @rocking_alopecia.
As husband and wife, Gary and Kristina Goldenberg founded their dermatology clinic with the goal of delivering exceptional medical skin services and holistic solutions to clients.
We asked Dr. Gary Goldenberg to share a little bit about his experience helping clients with hair loss.
Since 1999, Dr. Pamela has been practicing naturopathic medicine and delivering natural and successful solutions for hair loss. Providing hope and inspiration to her clients, her individualized approach to holistic hair loss solutions is what makes her a pillar of our community.
We asked Dr. Pamela a few questions about her experience helping clients with hair loss as a naturopath.
1. How do you approach a client who is experiencing hair loss?
With every hair loss client, I like to complete an extensive initial intake, where I ask them a number of questions to try to determine why they are experiencing hair loss. This includes understanding their symptoms, their health history, and their everyday routines that may be contributing to their condition. I also make sure I do a round of blood work for each client.
2. What kind of help or services can you provide for clients experiencing hair loss?
Many of the patients that I see for hair loss have never had a definitive answer as to why they are their losing hair. For this reason, I like to perform a variety of critical tests tailored to the patient, such as DHT and hormonal testing, to get a clearer answer. I like to ensure that I assess and treat my clients through a personalized plan, instead of using a generic set of tests for everyone.
3. What advice do you give to clients to cope with their hair loss?
From a treatment plan perspective, that really depends on what we discover from the intake questions, blood work, and testing. Hair loss can take a long time to correct, and so, my best advice for my clients is to practice patience and maintain a level of hope throughout their journey.
About Dr. Pamela Frank:
Dr. Pamela went to university on a full scholarship and was consistently on the Dean’s Honour Roll. She has been in practice as a naturopathic doctor since 1999 and has received numerous “Best Naturopath in Toronto” awards.
Dr. Pamela lives in Toronto with her family and Farley the dog. When she’s not working you may find her in the karate dojo, leading a Scout Group, on her yoga mat, hiking, spelunking, or involved in any number of other outlets for an adventurous spirit.
***The information by this provider and services offered does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Kapenzo Hair.
Meet a Pillar of Our Community: Lindsay Walter
As an inspirator, motivator, and athlete, Lindsay has helped to positively change the way hair loss is perceived.
We sat down with Lindsay and asked her some questions about her journey with Alopecia.
Q: Can you define Alopecia in your own words and based on your experience?
Lindsay: Alopecia is so much more than just losing your hair; it is losing a part of you. There is no right way to deal with it. For me, it was very difficult, very isolating and lonely. I was unfortunately bullied and teased a lot and didn’t have the support or resources I needed to cope with it. I lost all of my hair at age 2 and I wore a wig for a good 30 years. I thought having hair was the most important thing, and that it would make me beautiful. My perception of beauty and Alopecia has changed over time. I now know I don’t need hair to be beautiful. It is truly the greatest gift I never knew I needed. It has become a great filter for people, it has made me strong, resilient, and a better athlete and person. It was through running marathons I gained self-confidence and finally ditched my wig. One thing I know is all of our journeys are different, there is no right way to deal with your Alopecia. You have to do what is right for you. Whatever way makes you feel the most comfortable and the most like you is beautiful. For me today, that is my bald out, but it wasn’t always this way.
Q: For so many people experiencing hair loss, finding an outlet to further express themselves is so important. Has running been that outlet for you in any way?
Lindsay: Running has been the greatest outlet for me. When I run, I feel so strong, so fierce, and like I can do anything. It is my “me” time. A time to let go and just be present in the moment. I feel the most beautiful and confident when I run; the most like me. Running has been an incredible gift to deal with the stresses of Alopecia and just life in general. Every finish line is a steppingstone on my journey to keep pushing, and when I look back, I see how far I’ve come and that keeps me pushing forward.
Q: What is the most important piece of advice to give to someone experiencing hair loss?
Lindsay: It is really hard. It is difficult to navigate as there is no right way, or one rule book. You have to do what feels right to you, and how you will feel the most comfortable. There will always be the looks, the questions, but being confident in who you are and what you stand for is the most important. And when someone hurts you, never hurt them back. Most importantly, never allow yourself to be bullied or made to feel less than. Stand up for yourself but do so in a graceful way. Alopecia and hair loss has many benefits I’ve come to see, but it is also okay to not be okay. It’s okay to be emotional and upset. We have emotions for a reason, but never forget you are never alone and perfectly beautiful just the way you are.
As a naturopathic specialist, Vanessa inspires her clients by finding holistic solutions for their hair loss conditions. Through her knowledge and expertise, Vanessa is challenging the way hair loss is perceived while providing support for the hair loss community.
***The information by this provider and services offered does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Kapenzo Hair.
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