If you want to support someone with alopecia but you’re not quite sure how, this is the post to read. Working in mental health, I greatly appreciate one’s need for proper support in managing difficult health conditions or facing issues related to body image. As a longtime alopecian myself, I want to offer my insights on exactly how to support someone with alopecia — whether that’s a friend, loved one, partner, spouse, coworker or acquaintance experiencing hair loss.
How to support someone with alopecia: the golden rules
#1 — Don’t mention it until they do. If someone’s hair is thin enough that you’ve noticed, chances are they already know. There’s really no need to point it out.
#2 — Let your friend talk about their concerns. Be sure to actively listen. It is perfectly okay if you don’t know how to respond, as long as you let them know that you are willing to listen.
#3 — Do NOT minimise or be dismissive about your friend’s feelings. Telling someone their hair “doesn’t look that bad” is well-meaning but unhelpful. It makes your friend feel as though you don’t care about the changes they have noticed in their own hair.
#4 — Validate and empathise. “Wow, that must be really hard” is an easy statement to show you are trying to understand from their perspective. This will help them feel heard.
#5 — Do not jump to solutions. Do not suggest that shampoo that totally worked for someone you know. Allow your friend the opportunity to research their own options and make an informed decision.
#6 — Thank them for sharing something so vulnerable with you. Let them know that you will continue to support them no matter the state of their hair or what options they choose.
#7 — Respect their privacy. If and when your friend is ready to be more open about their hair loss, THEY will do so on their own terms. Do not share unless they give you their express consent.
#8 — Celebrate with them. When your friend finds something that works for them, be happy for them. And if they buy a bomb new wig, you better notice.
• Blog: www.elleshaircorner.ca • Instagram: @elleshaircorner
A great list of rules
Author
Thank you ?
My daughter has a couple of friends (twins) with alopecia and I’ve never mentioned it because they’ve never mentioned it. But this was super helpful, thank you so much.
Author
Thank you so much for reading, I’m glad it was helpful! Elle is a great writer and her blog is a definite favourite of mine for everything hairloss and Alopecia.