Alopecia is a chronic dermatological disorder in which people lose some or all of the hair on their head and sometimes on their body as well. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles. In most cases it is neither life threatening nor painful, though there can be irritation of the skin, as well as physical problems resulting from the loss of eyelashes and eyebrows. More rare types of alopecia do result in pain and scarring. In any of these instances the hair loss can be severe resulting in permanent hair loss. 

 

Alopecia has few physically hurtful impacts, however may prompt mental results, including elevated amounts of anxiety and depression. In fact, many can actually experience a grieving process just as you would when experiencing another type of loss such as a death, divorce, moving or losing another part of your body, such as an arm, etc. The loss may be different physically, but the grieving process can be the same. 

Many years ago it was discovered that the grieving process goes much like this:

 

DENIAL
ANGER
BARGAINING
DEPRESSION
ACCEPTANCE

 

These 5 steps became the model for diagnosing and assisting those who going through grief. It has been said that the steps may not always in that order. Over time it has now evolved into 7 steps:

​

SHOCK AND DENIAL

PAIN AND GUILT

ANGER AND BARGAINING

DEPRESSION, REFLECTION, LONLINESS

THE UPWARD TURN

RECONSTRUCTION AND WORKING THROUGH

ACCEPTANCE AND HOPE

​

So, if you are someone who is experiencing hair loss, even if it is not of the severe type you are not alone and there are resources to help. It can also occur among genders alike, people of all ages, ethnic groups, sexual orientations and religious groups. 

​

There are websites, medical professionals, support groups, online forums, fashion and beauty, hair solution websites for both men and women. These solutions are only good if you've come to some sort of place of acceptance. If your not there yet. Seek help from a licensed medical professional to deal with the physical aspect of the hair loss, such as a dermatologist, endocrinologist in addition to a therapist to help you get past the grieving part. Just know that you will get through it with help. I know. I was where you are and I am happy and accepting of my hair loss.

 

For the record, my hair loss is permanent. Good Luck and check out some of the other links on my website and thank you for visiting.

 

Don't hesitate to email me with any questions.

 

Love, Crowned Regal.