Exploring the Emotional Journey of Living with Alopecia

"It gets better. At some point, the hair loss will be less, or it will hurt less. It won’t be as easy as treating a cough or a cold, but with the right care and support, it can get easier to cope with."

I still remember the exact moment I saw a message pop up on my phone from one of my closest friends: "I have alopecia." 

What does that mean? I thought. “What are you saying?” 

And of course, I knew what alopecia was on the surface; I’ve seen it as a popular topic online, but in that particular moment, it felt so different. 

 It felt personal, close, and real.

"I’m really scared. They told me to avoid brushing it. They suggested I change my hairstyle to make it less noticeable, and now I have to follow a strict hair care routine.

But more than that, it’s so hard to deal with the daily fear of how many strands of hair I’ll see on the floor."

At that point, I remembered something profound: you never truly understand the weight of something until it happens to someone you care about, or yourself. 

Alopecia wasn’t just a term I had learned about in passing anymore; it was now part of my friend’s reality. And I thought, if I was going to stand by her, I needed to understand her hair loss condition.

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss, and the type can affect its severity, how it develops, and which treatments work best. Alopecia is extraordinarily common - 81% of men and 49% of women will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime.

One of the most common types is Telogen Effluvium. This happens when stress or a sudden change in your body causes excessive hair shedding. The good news is, this type of hair loss is very treatable and often goes away on its own over time.

Another common type of hair loss is Alopecia areata, although this is far less common than Telogen effluvium. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body’s hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Medications and therapies can help your hair regrow, though severe cases may not respond to treatment."

About 160 million people worldwide have experienced or will experience Alopecia Areata and roughly 1-2% of the Australian population has the condition. 

Why Hair Loss Awareness Month Matters

My friend told me that at first, she thought it was just a phase. But after some time, whenever she was running her fingers through her hair and seeing more and more strands fall, fear began to set in.

This is exactly why Hair Loss Awareness Month is so important. We don’t know how many people suffer from hair loss in secret, the emotional toll they have to endure - like my friend’s constant worry - and fear of looking in the mirror each day and seeing that their hair doesn’t look like it used to. 

I’m relieved my friend trusted me enough to tell me about her hair loss condition because I’m a firm believer that a burden, once shared, is easier to carry. The more we raise awareness, the more we create space for understanding and inclusivity.

The Power of Support and Community

This month is also a reminder that providing support makes a huge impact, whether it’s helping them find the right hair loss treatment, being a constant listener, or connecting them with a community that understands.  

Support groups like Alopecia Areata Foundation Australia (AAAF) and Bald Girls Do Lunch provide a safe space for individuals to share their stories, receive genuine support, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. It’s these connections that can make the journey more bearable, knowing that someone else truly gets it.

How Apotecari Supports the Journey

At Apotecari, we understand that hair loss is far more than just a vanity issue; it's a deeply personal and emotional experience. That’s why we’ve developed a collection of hair and scalp formulations that are designed to support your hair and you. 

Crafted by expert naturopaths and trichologists, our products not only nourish your scalp and promote hair growth but also provide you with a sense of empowerment during a time when you need it most.  We see you. We get you.

Her Words to Anyone Experiencing Hair Loss

A little while ago, I met up with my friend again, and as we caught up, I mentioned that I was writing a piece for Hair Loss Awareness Month. I asked her, "If you could go back to when you first started noticing your hair loss, what would you tell yourself?"

"It gets better. At some point, the hair loss will be less, or it will hurt less. It won’t be as easy as treating a cough or a cold, but with the right care and support, it can get easier to cope with."