My Alopecia Story - Losing My Hair For 22 Years

[@sunsharks]

i'm a 13 year old girl and i've had alopecia areta since i've been born, mostly it's been my ophiasis, i don't have any hair on the bottom of the sides and back of my head, but i get occasional patches. at my worst i've lost around 70-80% of my hair, although right now it's been better and i've only lost about 20-30% alopecia is really terrifying, because you don't realize you're losing your hair until you've already lost it. through about like 6th and 7th grade i wore beanies every day even through the summer, because i had so many patches on my head that i was scared of going outside what makes it worse for me is that i don't know anyone in real life that's my age with alopecia, it makes it hard to cope sometimes because it feels so lonely that no one else you know will know truly what it's like.

[@defkake]

I have severe alopecia. The only thing that helped me was making lifestyle changes saving no and putting myself first. I stopped taking all supplements and just started focusing on how I feel and reducing stress as much as possible. Let go. I have recovered I lost so much hair it was so traumatic for me. I feel your pain.

[@greutera]

I developed alopecia universals soon after my sister passed away. That was in 2009 and I remain hairless. It's not so bad as a middle aged man, but I know it is much more for women to deal with. I congratulate you on your courage to make this video.

[@mishca5116]

Very well done, Rachael. It is so interesting to hear the different experiences with this condition. My story is different in that I suddenly over a span of a few months developed AU. But lots of similiarities too and I do think stress for me was also a trigger. No hair loss during my pregnancies. I had a similar experience with losing $$$ to a naturopath who promised the world (and a full head of hair). And wigs, wow, they are so so expensive. Alopecia is an expensive disease. I will admit - I'm finding it hard to listen to your story. You've done an excellent job but your story is triggering a feeling of nausea and sadness in me - not because of you but because it's tapping in on my own sorrow and loss. And if someone reads this note and doesn't have alopecia - they likely won't understand the feeling. Thank you for sharing your story Hugs to you.

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou, Yes it's incredible how many different stories there are but with just as many similarities. Its definitely not a one size fits all. I'm sorry if it upset that was not my intention- I didn't think for one moment I was going to cry during this at all! Even watching back the final edit got me slightly ❤xx

[@mishca5116]

Thanks again for sharing your story!

[@homestudiotutorials]

Both your stories moved me -) I feel so much empathy for women that have this ! Me too it was very sudden at an older age ! As a man I think it is lot easier to live with BUT we can’t hide it with wigs and makeup without looking really weird lols !! So I get the Cancer look all the time and have to explain to people who haven’t seen me for a long time , also I am worried sick my daughter and grandchildren might end up with it too ! Anyway well done for this video xxx

[@mishca5116]

@@homestudiotutorials what a kind response - thank you, sincerely!

[@lyndacole271]

Hi Rachael wow your story made me cry too! Iv had alopecia for 5 years and Im 53years old, you look amazing and that wig really suits you. xxx

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou so much 💕 So sorry it made you cry too!xxx

[@Aurla-R2-D2]

Hello Beautiful Rachael :) Thank you for sharing your experience. It's perfect that your video is 22 minutes long (to reflect your 22 years of alopecia). I'm so glad to find a fellow Brit who is sharing wig reviews! :) I'm looking starward to watching your other videos. Best wishes from Brighton 💜

[@user-hm3wf5yi7d]

Thank you for talking openly about Alopecia. In 2011 I made a move across country, didn't have doctors to prescribe my thyroid medicine, and didn't have my interferon for my MS for 3 months. Plus, I was entering into perimenopause. So basically EVERYTHING was turned upside down for my hair follicles! Eight years later, here I am with alopecia universalis. Life goes on. I am not my hair. None of us are. ♡

[@rachael9640]

I'm sorry to hear that but glad to see you are in a good place. It's mad how just like that of all the the things a body can do it decides to not like hair on our bodies anymore! Life certainly does and yes we are not our hair ❤xx

[@Ceceinlalalan]

Wonderful video! I’ve had alopecia for 16 years, but right now is the worst for me. I have a huge bald spot at the top about almost the size of my palm. I have smaller ones all over as well. I’ve been thinking of also sharing my story, but I kind of embarrassed. I do plan on it soon. Thanks for your story!

[@lilalilyandtheorphans264]

I feel you, i feel you beautiful lady. I pray the miracle happen, don't lose faith and hope and you will get it all back for good 🙏✨🙌

[@AAAF2010]

Really appreciated hearing your story. Thank you for helping raise awareness and support others.

[@cara3055]

Wow I would never have known you have AU if you didn't say you did. I am currently experiencing alopecia areata (2 months in) and I hope it doesn't keep spreading but I know it's pit of my control. One thing I know is that I will never take my hair for granted again.

[@joanharrop3474]

Great work Rachael, well done x

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou ❤x

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Very moving story. I just want to say that you are beautiful regardless. Your condition does not define who you are and it doesn't define the person you were made to be. I think you're doing great and you're beautiful regardless. Victor...

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou so much Victor 😊

[@qtgal6710]

You are so pretty and rocking the hell out that make-up. You are so brave and living your life the best way for you, you should be proud cause the message you are giving and story that you are telling pertaining to your life is helping me as well as others. Thank you for this service you provided to me!

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou so much 💕💕 So happy to hear it is helping you and others it's the best feeling and why I do it 😊xx

[@RS-ov2st]

Thank you , so much , for sharing your very personal experience. Most hopeful.

[@sheridanruth]

Your journey is so important, and the facts you shared were very precise and full of knowledge. Thank you for taking your time to record this for us, and for sharing such important content. I'm pretty sure it has helped many out there who are struggling with their own journeys. You are very beautiful and brave.

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou ❤x

[@k.mcdonald1960]

Thank you for making this video. I was recently diagnosed with Lichen Planopilaris and have been battling losing my hair and eyebrows. It gives me hope to see how you have adjusted and accepted it. I hope to be where you are some day-much more at peace.

[@stephsnoops2879]

Hi I have also been diagnosed with this and have lost my eyebrows. Do you have skin affected on your face

[@k.mcdonald1960]

@@stephsnoops2879 Hey girl, yeah, my forehead along with my eyebrows and scalp. I’m sorry to hear that you lost your eyebrows. Mine are on the way out, too. I have been taking Spironolactone, prescribed by my dermatologist and have seem some positive results. Who knows if the new hair growth will stick around or go again like last time but at least its something for now. I hope you find a treatment that works for you.

[@annmowatt7547]

You are incredibly brave and this is so good for those of us on the same journey and gives us endless encouragement and inspiration. You look wonderful.Thanks, Rachael.

[@s.a.kenyon2767]

You could be a wig model for any company. I know this is an older video. I am so sorry you have gone through such a long hair loss journey, but know you inspire others. Hope you are doing well.

[@lainey5767]

Thank you for a really touching video, I cried with you, I feel the same you deal with the hairloss but when your eyelashes and eyebrows go you don't recognise yourself in the mirror ☹...but as you say make-up is amazing and I too don't leave home without makeup/wig on 😁

[@rachael9640]

❤❤ Xx

[@soniauk4284]

🙏🙏❤️❤️ Well done Rachel for making this video xx

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou ❤️xx

[@MrSeconet]

Congratulations not only you are beautiful but you have a big heart and courage. I wish you the best for your life

[@patticakewtf]

Thank you so much for uploading this, You are beautiful, inside and out 💙

[@Roseart200]

How you apply those lashes is amazing. I have hooded eyelids so any fake lashes stab me in the eyelid. I alopecia after using the contraceptive patch when my daughter was 18 months old. This is such a horrible disease. Thank you for sharing your story. I also thought having another baby (girl) would bring hair back but never did

[@luluu174]

Thank you for sharing you are a beautiful and brave person ❤️

[@72Nooshin]

You are BEAUTIFUL.... Thank You for this video.. 🙏🏻

[@LynntheNewf]

I came across your video in my search for answers for my hair loss. I can't believe you have a wig on! It looks like your own hair and suits you really well. May I ask where you got it from/the name of it? I don't know where to start.

[@JaneDoe-rg4cp]

Hi Rachel, this was a great video! Our journeys with alopecia and feelings on many things that come part and parcel with it are very similar.. you almost feel like a sister from the other side of the pond! I am in Canada by the way. Anyway, I hope you are keeping well… Cheers 😉

[@amandaoconnor2591]

Rachael your wig is beautiful....where is it from? X

[@rachael9640]

❤ It's Jon Renau Sarah from Mimowigs xx

[@manoukdebruijn1240]

Rachael She looks so cute! Wich colour

[@rachael9640]

@@manoukdebruijn1240 😀 it's Malibu blonde xx

[@mrscch1057]

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for your story. I was wondering if you ever tried the new medication that has shown proven results? Minoxidil in pill form has been shown to be very successful. I use it topically. I will wait after the holidays to try it in tablet form. Thank you again, all the best...

[@darkraven6170]

You're so damn beautiful, hope you know that xxx

[@rachael9640]

Thankyou ❤xx

[@richief1957]

Powerful story

[@ryanmcdonald7850]

Thank you for the video. I have AA and it's moving towards universalis. I am losing hair all over my body in patches and it's thinning a lot. My derm recommend one month prednisone and 6 months of methotrexate as he said I could lose all my hair on my body (although it's unpredictable and could stop and go as you know). Do you know anything about methotrexate or did you try anything like that? Apparently, patients can relapse later in life so I'm not sure if it's worth it now or not. Those kinds of of chemo/immunosuppressants scare me a bit. Any info is much appreciated! You're a strong woman. I shed a few tears after the video myself as this has been tough.

[@rachael9640]

Hiya, Sorry to hear you are heading towards universalis - you sound like you know alot which is good as I didn't fully know what universalis was until I had it! I have not been offered either of those but I do know the side effects scare me having heard off others. Also with nearly all treatments it may work as long as it is being used but can stop working once treatment stops. For me losing my hair again is far worse than not having any. Only you can decide what is right for you, it is a really difficult thing to come to terms with. But accepting your hairloss really helps, I highly recommend speaking to others who have tried the treatment. Alopecia UK is a great source of wisdom ❤

[@ryanmcdonald7850]

@@rachael9640 Thanks Rachael!

[@colbysworld768]

I love this video mummy! :)

[@mayasingh1359]

Hi i m also suffering from this

[@barbaragray4309]

You are a beautiful person....

[@allykatt1849]

Thank you for sharing your story. 💜🌻

[@darkraven6170]

I wish that I knew xxx I didnt know, how did you keep that one from me? xx

[@Zee-ob1pe]

Is that a wig ? 😍 wow looks real

[@LaurenNavie]

❤❤❤

[@dinofalcone6645]

It’s. A living nightmare,and I’m 50 years into it

[@newman447]

Well done Rachael, fuckin warrior.....fair play💥

[@rebekahhoshea7423]

Hello Rachel i appreciate to see ur video in you tube my name Rebekah HOSHEA i have same problem alopecia problem i have one child. From U.K.

[@localman12]

It's a hard condition to live with, but I think it can be harder for men, we don't have all the wigs, eyebrows and eye lashes to apply. You look great and can still present yourself well.

[@rachael9640]

I completely agree with you ❤ Thankyou so much 😊x