'My alopecia meant I didn't leave the house for two years'
Watch: Woman with alopecia gets ready for work the night before and sleeps with her hair and eyebrows done
A woman has shared how her hair loss has impacted her mental health and how she's found confidence living with alopecia.
Jess Mullen, 27, a childcare practitioner, from London, lost her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes when they fell out when she was aged just 16.
She was diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA), which quickly developed to alopecia universalis - where there is a total loss of scalp and body hair – and her hair has never grown back since.
Mullen says she didn’t leave the house for two years before she built up her confidence and started sharing her story online.
Now she has learnt to embrace her hair loss, she describes feeling "amazing" and is able to leave the house without her wigs and make-up done.
Mullen first noticed a clump of her hair had fallen out after she finished her GCSEs in 2013, but doctors initially believed it was caused by her having her hair up too tight in a bun.
A month later, however, Mullen lost all of her hair suddenly – including her eyebrows and eyelashes – and was diagnosed with alopecia.
"I was the kind of girl that loved my hair," she explains. "I was always setting the trend – dyeing it, cutting it into a bob.
"It was traumatic to lose it. There was two-year period where I didn’t go out. Then I built up the courage to try a wig."
Mullen said the wigs started to make her feel more confident, but she still wouldn’t leave the house without one.
Gradually over time she realised she couldn’t change anything about her hair loss and began feeling brave enough to be able to leave the house without a wig and her eyebrows on.
"I knew there was nothing I could do to change who I am and I started to get more confident," she explains.
Her confidence further grew when she started an Instagram page in 2018 and connected with others just like her.
"It made me feel more comfortable," she explains. "I can go out bald.
"I love the person I am," she adds.
Despite learning to overcome her self-doubt, Mullen says still has days when she doesn't feel as confident and tends to wear a wig for her work in childcare.
"I worried the children were going to be scared," she explains.
"But I have gone without a wig a few times and they have smiled."
If she does opt to wear a wig to work, she gets ready the night before to make sure she is looking glam, spending around half an hour putting on her wig and applying eyebrow transfers.
"I have a wardrobe filled with boxes about 50 to 80 wigs," she explains.
"I’m able to change my hair colour whenever I want."
Now that she's found her inner confidence, Mullen wants other people to know they are not alone.
"If you have a visual difference it’s OK to do you – sad or anxious.
"I am who I am – you can be like that too."
The link between hair loss and mental health
Hair loss, regardless of its cause, can deeply impact an individual's mental health.
"The emotional toll of losing one's hair is often underestimated," explains psychologist Barbara Santini.
"Many individuals find that their self-esteem takes a significant hit, as they struggle to reconcile their changed appearance with their sense of identity. This can lead to a pervasive feeling of inadequacy and a diminished sense of self-worth."
Santini says such feelings can, in turn, contribute to heightened anxiety about social interactions and a reluctance to engage in activities that were once sources of joy or confidence.
"The impact of hair loss on mental health is not confined to the individual but can also affect their social life and relationships," she continues. "Some individuals may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their changed appearance, leading them to withdraw from social situations or avoid activities that draw attention to their hair loss.
"This social withdrawal can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, further exacerbating the emotional toll of hair loss."
Additionally, the broader societal emphasis on hair as a symbol of beauty and youth can compound the psychological impact of hair loss.
"Media representations and societal standards often reinforce the idea that a full head of hair is synonymous with attractiveness and success, creating unrealistic expectations and adding to the pressure felt by those experiencing hair loss."
Santini says there are a number of reasons why our hair is so tied up with our emotions.
"Hair has profound symbolic and cultural significance. Across cultures and throughout history, hair has been associated with beauty, identity, and vitality," she explains.
"In modern society, hair is often viewed as a reflection of one's identity and can significantly impact self-esteem and self-image."
The loss of hair can challenge these perceptions, she says, leading to a deep emotional impact that goes beyond the physical aspect of hair loss.
"The emotional impact of hair loss goes beyond the individual. It can also affect how individuals are perceived and treated by society at large," she adds. "Societal norms and expectations regarding hair can create additional pressure and judgment for those experiencing hair loss, further exacerbating the emotional toll."
Thankfully, however, there are some measures you can take to overcome the mental health impact of hair loss
Acknowledge and process emotions
Santini says it is important for individuals experiencing hair loss to acknowledge and process their emotions. "This may involve seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals to navigate feelings of grief, loss, and self-esteem issues," she says. "Talking about these emotions can help individuals come to terms with their hair loss and reduce the psychological burden.
Explore alternative self-expression
Beyond physical appearance, individuals can explore alternative aspects of identity and self-expression. "This can involve focusing on personal strengths,hobbies, or talents that are not tied to physical appearance," Santini explains. "Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment can help individuals maintain a positive sense of self.
Seek medical advice and treatment
Santini suggests seeking advice about any underlying medical or physiological factors which may be contributing to hair loss. "Seeking medical advice and exploring treatment options can not only address the physical aspect of hair loss but also alleviate the psychological burden associated with it," she explains.
"Understanding the cause of hair loss and taking proactive steps to address it can provide a sense of control and empowerment.
Practice self-care
Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise, can support overall mental wellbeing during this challenging time.
"Taking care of one's physical and emotional needs is crucial for maintaining resilience in the face of hair loss," Santini adds.
Additional reporting SWNS.
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