Accepting my hair loss, then changing my mind about it My stages Of hair loss grieF

Denial

I refused to accept that I should consider my hair growth (or lack of) differently than others my age. I didn’t want to admit it. It was VERY obvious by 18 years old that I had no future with hair, but I didn’t see it. I didn’t accept it. At the same time, I didn’t do anything to hide or prevent it. I just denied it and asserted “if anyone has a problem with it, they can @&!$ off”. It was an understandable position for a balding teenager to take, but it led me right into the next phase of my grieving...

Photo: 2002

Anger

I started to become more and more aware of the comments regarding my hair. I don’t think people were trying to be rude. They didn’t know how much it stressed me out, but ouch!

I started to get angry at myself about my past choices (not trying harder, smoking, diet, etc)... I would get annoyed at others saying things like “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my hair”. 🤬

I was angry that (at the time) the only options that were available to deal with my hair loss included surgery or mild hormone therapy. I didn’t want to mess with my body or chemistry. I just wanted to look and feel better.

This marks the beginning of a transition from wearing my hair foolishly long, to the next phase of my life (which lasted for years)...

Photo: 2012

Bargaining

This stage was a combination of things. It included searching for new solutions (but most were too expensive for me at the time). So, I wore more stylish hats and declared them my official “look”. I always told myself I didn’t need my hats (which was true), but I didn’t really address the fact that I depended on them to maintain my self-confidence in public. I didn’t feel it at the time, but at this point I began feeling desperate to hide my hair loss.

I accepted that I should at least start shaving my head regularly and I never left home without a hat. I was past the point of no return and I was beginning to realize it now.

Depression

This stage is tricky. Some people quickly skip to acceptance. For others the weight of it is a sincere challenge to overcome. My depression was brief, but I was supported by people who didn’t care if I was bald or not. I had no external pressure and I was not feeling any obvious lack of confidence. Everything was fine and I just continued wearing my hats and secretly mourning when I’d look at the wake of my receding hairline.

*Let me point out that my dependency on hats did me no favours regarding prevention of further hair loss.

Photo: 2019

Acceptance

I started taking pride in my look. I began accepting my balding and believe me, the process took a minute. I continued shaving my head every week but I started leaving the hat at home more often. Then I began growing a styled (and burly) beard... I started to think about hair as something that can be changed to suit me, rather than allowing my hair loss to affect my confidence and lifestyle. The question became “what else can I do?”.

I am not a therapist and I can’t promise you will find enlightenment while in my chair, but when it comes to good health, better grooming and maintaining a dapper look; Natural or Hair System, I can certainly help!

• I am a Barber and Hair Replacement Specialist.
• I am the Lead Educator for Hairskeen Canada.
• I wear a Hairskeen system myself and I LOVE it.
• I work with an incredible team of hair system, extension, curly hair and colour specialists.

So, what is your story?

Have you considered where you are in the stages of your hair loss. Do you grieve? Maybe it’s no big deal, or maybe it’s something you have been dealing with for a long time… Whether you have explored your options already, or this is your first step, it’s the decision to do something new that is hardest. Deciding which hairstyle you like best is easy after that.

So, if you’ve been considering non-surgical hair replacement, or want to learn more about it, it’s time we had a discussion.

If you’re ready for that chat, book now!