Alopecia Areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (Alopecia Totalis) or complete body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis). Amid many theories and a great deal of research, the cause is still generally unknown. Some Alopecians can trace their history back through previous instances of family members having been affected. Yet others can’t find such a connection. Some are triggered by stress, some not.
Alopecia Areata is believed to affect approximately two percent of the world’s population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone. This common skin disease is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person. Every Alopecian has their own personal story to tell. For some, the lucky few, the journey from initial shock to acceptance of their condition takes weeks. For some, it takes a lifetime. Many move on to compassionately help fellow Alopecians struggling to understand “why me’? And all the time, they face a general lack of awareness in the greater population, often being confused for cancer sufferers. Even knowing that they are not afflicted with a life-threatening condition, does not ease the emotional toil, pain and frustration for many Alopecians. For children, the challenges are also significant and children can be notoriously mean to other children they deem “different”. Men and boys can be equally affected, yet culturally, so much of a woman’s femininity and self-confidence may be derived by how she feels about herself when she looks in the mirror. Her friends and family may be quick to judge or pity – what does everyone think? How do I feel? Will it grow back? Will my (significant other / children / friends) still accept me, love me, treat me the same? Alopecia can be an emotional roller coaster. During my conversations, including some detailed interviews with many Alopecian women, it becomes clear that this roller coaster has many stopping points along the way. I am not suggesting that every Alopecian goes through every one of these stages, – as shown below – or that they are always distinctly separate. But there does seem to be a commonality of experiences in this or similar form. It is so important to make that journey as smooth and fast as possible. There are many excellent support groups around to help and there is definitely strength in numbers (as in a number of peers going through a similar experience). For your consideration, the following table shows an “Alopecian Journey” through 12 stages of Awareness & Discovery. Please feel free to comment, add your own thoughts and “stages”.
An Alopecian Journey.
The 12 Stages of Awareness & Discovery.
- SHOCK. What is happening to me? Why is my hair falling out?
- DISTRESS. There must be a cure. Looking for miracles. Why me?
- FRUSTRATION. I’ve tried everything. Nothing works. There’s no hope.
- DEPRESSION. Don’t want to be seen anywhere by anybody. Generally upset about even the smallest things.
- ANGER. Angry with everyone. Angry with myself.
- SELF-LOATHING. Lost all my self-esteem and confidence.
- TURNAROUND. Discovery of the real me (same me, just without the hair).
- ACCEPTANCE. I am not alone. It is not the end of the world.
- OPPORTUNITY. I am strong. I can feel great & look different every day.
- HAPPINESS. The world is back and I am right where I want to be.
- COMPASSION. I find myself relating to others not as fortunate as me. I can help.
- INNER STRENGTH . I made it. I am stronger for it. I am better for it.
Joli Caméléon and Alopecia
Joli Caméléon provides exceptional natural hair solutions for all Alopecian women, teenagers and children.
Whether you are dealing with total hair loss, covering patches, or just thinning, Joli Caméléon has a beautiful next generation wig or hairpiece, with a specially designed foundation, just for you.
We stand for top quality and consistency of hair and fabrication, and offer a range of price alternatives that fit most budgets. True natural hair movement and quality is accompanied by supreme comfort, security and fit. And both our all-new Joli-Caresse™ and Joli-Dancer™ advanced design wigs for Alopecians require no tape or glue. They both feature a flexible French top (natural scalp effect) with lace front. If ponytails and updo’s are your preference, no problem – you will be amazed. The Joli Dancer™ is all hand-tied, surprisingly affordable and has an “as though it’s not there” feel to it.
Joli Caméléon also specializes in wigs and hairpieces for children using smaller size caps and appropriate hair density, for a more natural look. Your, or your child’s, transition can be seamless and undetectable. Joli Caméléon Hair is setting a new standard for beautiful, long-lasting added hair choices, at the right price, with expert and friendly service. Thank you for considering us.
If you have any questions, please contact us at Info@JoliCameleon.com.
Or call us at 1 310 456 2727. Or visit www.JoliCameleon.com
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