September is Alopecia Awareness Month and for those who follow me that do not know what alopecia is, alopecia means the loss of hair. There are different types of alopecia that can cause temporary or permanent, total or partial hair loss, including that of the body and not just the head. I suffer from androgenic alopecia myself which is the gradual thinning of the part line followed by an increasing loss of hair from the top of the head. I’ve compiled a list with links to resources and stores if you’re interested, you can click here to find it.
My own hair loss started in my late teens after corneal transplant surgery and I have struggled with this for years since. However, it wasn’t until last year when I was looking at some photos taken at a wedding with my husband when I came to realise how much hair I had lost.
The following months were a dark place for me and I ended up feeling lost and alone. It wasn’t until I became aware of the hair loss community through browsing Reddit that led me to YouTube, which then finally led me to Instagram that I began to see that I was not alone. And you shouldn’t feel alone either!
Since discovering this wonderful community and embracing the fantastic support from those within, I have felt empowered to stand tall and not worry so much about my hair loss. We are not defined by our hair, but by what is on the inside. We are more than our hair.
I still have my bad days, like anyone, but without knowing about this community I would still be in that dark place. That is why I want to do everything I can to spread awareness, to show kindness, to share positivity and spread support to all in the community and beyond.
I would encourage anyone that feels like they are in that dark place to reach out, whether it’s to me, to a friend, to a family member or anyone else in this community – please reach out as you are not alone! If you feel that now is not the right time to do that, then that is fine too! Everyone’s experience and story with hair loss is different and personal to them.
Alopecia UK is a small charity that is working hard to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia. As most of us know, hair loss is not just physical but the emotional impact can run much deeper. The charity has aims around support, awareness and research.
As part of the charity’s 15th birthday, I will be doing 15 different challenges throughout the month, documented on here and on Instagram, to raise money for the charity.
Alopecia UK relies on the support of fundraisers and donors to continue the fantastic work it does so if you are able to help support this then please visit the link below. If you’re unable to donate then that is fine! All I would ask is for you to please continue to spread awareness of alopecia so we can continue to embrace people into our community.
Visit Alopecia UK to find out more and support their work.
FAQ
When is Alopecia Awareness Month?
Alopecia Awareness Month is in September each year. It’s used to raise awareness about different types of alopecia, reduce stigma, and connect people with support and resources.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are several types including androgenic alopecia (female or male pattern hair loss), alopecia areata (patchy loss often linked to the immune system), alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair loss), and alopecia universalis (complete body hair loss). Each type has different causes, patterns, and treatment options.
What support is available for people with alopecia in the UK?
Alopecia UK is the main charity supporting people with hair loss in the UK. They offer information on different alopecia types, support groups both online and in person, and resources for navigating hair loss. Their website is alopecia.org.uk. Online communities on Reddit, Instagram and Facebook are also a valuable source of support and connection.
Is androgenic alopecia the same as alopecia areata?
No. Androgenic alopecia (female or male pattern hair loss) is caused by a genetic sensitivity to DHT and causes progressive thinning in a predictable pattern. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss that can be unpredictable. They have different causes and different treatment approaches.
More on alopecia and hair loss
- Androgenic Alopecia in Women: What It Is, What to Expect and What Helps
- Nobody Talks About What Hair Loss Does To Your Head (The Inside Part)
- What I’d Google If I Was Newly Diagnosed With Androgenic Alopecia
- The Golden Rules for Supporting Someone With Alopecia
- Hair Loss Resources UK
- Fundraising for Alopecia UK
