My Alopecia Journey

March of this year I noticed my first bald patch and at the time I didn’t really think much of it, I thought having my hair up most of time was the cause until I went to my hairdresser and there were more patches at the back of my head and my hair had also started to recede at the back. After a few tests and chats later I got diagnosed with alopecia, which they believe may be genetic as my pops experiences it and was diagnosed at a similar age.

Since finding my first bald patch my hair has got thinner, receded more, snapped and more bald patches have shown up (now in places I can no longer cover), I’ve also had times where my eyebrows and lashes have fallen out too! I’ve been fortunate through out as my natural hair before was very thick so at the start it wasn’t noticeable and to everyone today, it isn’t but to me I feel it and see it, I’ve probably lost around 50% thickness so far.

Over the past few months I’ve been processing, accepting and learning to love and embrace this new part of me which isn’t easy, it has taken an effect on my mental health. I have my fair share of up’s n down’s, days where I cry and days where I have the “it is what it is and I’m not fussed” attitude. I’ve also had to make the decision to put my last year in my accountancy qualification on hold until next year, which I was gutted about at the time but I know its the right thing to do as my brain needs a little rest and high stress levels won’t help at the minute.

My partner, my parents, family members and my friends have been amazing and so supportive which has helped me massively through out all this. I know it’s going to be a long old process until I get to a point where I’m fully comfortable with this condition, however, until then I will take each day as it comes and remind myself of the positives, that I am happy n healthy and that’s all that really matters! Oh and I’ll jazz it up with hair wraps in the meantime until I receive my wig, which I’m very excited about!

Next month is “Alopecia Awareness Month” and in honour of that I’ve decided to cut all of my hair off to raise money and awareness for Alopecia Uk, which I can now confirm I’ve done! I had so many mixed emotions, feelings and thoughts running up to the day, however, it turned out to be one of the most positive things I’ve done and experienced. 

There have been so many pro’s to braving the shave, I no longer see my hair falling out, it’s no longer in my hands or just everywhere in general! I no longer experience the pain and aches my head felt when it was in a bobble or in a hair wrap. My head and well, what hair I have left😂 feel such at ease, like a weight has been lifted and my hair wraps now sit comfortably on my head. Oh and the best part is the low maintenance and the fact I can be whatever colour, style and length wig I please which I’m so excited for! 

I’ve also come out of this feeling the best I have ever felt within myself and my appearance since starting my journey with alopecia. I’m absolutely loving the shaved look and also embracing my “leopard spots”. 

Alopecia UK do a lot of research and work to raise awareness and support people like myself who are experiencing this condition. Alopecia Uk are only a small charity in comparison to others so without donations and fundraising they wouldn’t be able to continue to do the work they do so because of this I would like to give back! Finding these guys brought me some form of comfort at a time I felt lost and also made me feel less alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your donations, I really do appreciate it and it means a lot to me and others. 

Much love 🤍