Strength in Numbers

Often when going through a hidden condition, like hair loss, we can feel isolated, paranoid and embarrassed. From my own personal experience when I lost all of my head hair to alopecia, I felt all of these emotions. I was too embarrassed to speak to my friends about losing my hair, I was paranoid that everyone knew I was becoming bald and in turn I felt isolated from those around me, as I thought nobody could or would understand what I was going through.

A turning point for me was attending the first annual BeBold conference in Durham in 2012 and meeting lots of others with alopecia. Having kept my secret for so long, it was amazing to finally feel at ease with those around me – I didn’t even have to explain anything, they knew what I was going through. Since that date, and meeting people I now consider good friends, I've gotten involved with many Alopecia UK awareness events, reached out to other alopecia sufferers via social media and, most importantly, opened up to friends and my wider family about the condition. I'm not afraid.

With this in mind, I urge anybody suffering in silence to do the same. I know it's a scary HUGE step but it's one that could change your life forever, for the better! The more people who know about your condition, the more that can support you, and the bigger the weight that is lifted from your shoulders. You're never alone – there's strength in numbers!

One thing I always found awkward while I was "in hiding" was invites to theme parks! What did I say?! I LOVE adventure parks and the like but I couldn't risk it as my wig would most definitely fly off.

Alopecia UK solved that for me when last year they hosted their first day out in Alton Towers. Surrounded by others with the condition, I felt I was comfortable enough to bare all in the theme park and enjoy a fantastic day out free from the worry that wearing wigs can bring. I cannot describe the feeling of freedom you get from being around those who know your struggle. I was in my element.

The charity are hosting this event again this Spring and will be heading to Alton Towers on Saturday 11 April 2015 – and I strongly urge you all to join us! Whether it be your first meeting or you're a seasoned AUKer (do you think that'll stick?) it is a guaranteed BLAST!

So, head over to http://www.alopeciaonline.org.uk/altontowers.asp and check out the details. Sign up to the Alopecia UK newsletter so you are never out of the loop (doing this can also help you access discounted tickets for Alton Towers!) and I'll see you on the Smiler ;)

Much Love, Kay x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Meet Miss March #PrettyBald #Calendar #NudeBald

This is the 'model' intro I have been dreading writing since I started this blog, simply because Miss March in the calendar - well it's me! I've already told some of my story on this blog, plus there is a whole profile of me on the website, so what can I say that's interesting...?

I guess instead of telling more about my story (I've written up all the good bits), I'll tell you instead about the calendar...

For me, the calendar represents and opportunity to educate the public and change perceptions of the 'right' body image, as well as fundraising for a cause close to my heart! It was an incredible learning experience for me, not least on the organisational front where everything took twice as long as expected! I always said it would be a one-off; just one year, to make an impact and create a difference; then... I got the bug and now I'm looking at doing it again this year, but totally differently!

We will be looking for people to take part and whilst this isn't the official shout-out, if you do want to do it (no nudity this year), please send us an email...

Next month's profile will be a proper profile, but that's because you probably haven't met Miss April yet!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

"It's Just Hair"

That god awful line people use time and time again in an effort to support those experiencing hair loss! If it's just hair, why don't I see more men and women walking around with dodgy buzz cuts, replicating a patchy alopecia areata type do? Why aren't more people going for the one-eyebrow-missing style?

Because the hair on our bodies is precious (some parts more than others, ey?!) and by downplaying the importance of our missing 'fro, our family, friends and acquaintances think they're helping us. It's not their fault really though, is it? It's one of many awkward situations where we just don't know what to say to comfort somebody going through a difficult time.

However, while those three little words do infuriate me, I can sometimes look at the bigger picture and I hope I can inspire you guys to do the same.

I have alopecia. I have something wrong with my immune system which has caused me to lose my hair but otherwise, I'm well. I have a loving family, supportive (although mental) friends, a job I love and I'm filing my life with as much enjoyment as possible.

I've discovered others with the condition that have completely enlightened me. They've given me advice, shared their experiences with me, we've raised awareness together, supported each other and they've become my friends. People I would have never have met had I not lost my hair!

In a twisted turn of events, this condition has made me a more thoughtful, more considerate, more resilient and understanding person. I see life from a different perspective than I did before… and that's crazy!

What would my life have been like if I were ordinary? What kind of person would I have been? I don't even care to think about it.

Be it divine intervention or not, everything that has happened to me – and has happened to you – has done so for the greater good. When you're feeling down, remember all the positives because I can guarantee you there are more than you think!

If any of you reading this need any advice, support or a simple chat about your hairloss, don't hesitate to get in touch with any of us here at Pretty Bald (twitter below). Reaching out and seeking help could be the beginning of something great for you.

Much love, Kay x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

It's time to introduce another regular blogger... Kayleigh / Kay

Last month we introduced our very first regular blogger, Jenny to the Pretty Bald blog and now, we're really excited to announce our second!

Meet Kayleigh (Kay)...

Kay has had Alopecia Areata since the age of 11 and lost all of the hair on her head at 20. Talking to her, she says that since she was very young she's always had a penchant for tattoos and piercings and has quite a collection of them.

One of her hobbies (awesomely) is playing the glockenspiel in a marching jazz band (which she's done for around 14 years) and when she was about 15 years old she became Northern and World Champion!

After conquering Mount Kilimanjaro last year and raising over £4,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, she is now training to take part in the Great North Run in September and in doing so, raising as much money as possible for Alopecia UK! Well done to Kayleigh and she'll be posting her first blog very soon! In the meantime, we'll make sure to post a link to her sponsorship page so everyone can get behind her Great North Run! I can safely say I'd rather you than me Kayleigh, but well done!

Before we go, here's Kayleigh's favourite picture of herself...

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald