Interview with a Trichologist - talking everything Alopecia with @Mark_Blake

Mark Blake is a celebrity Trichologist, drawing on years of experience as a hairstylist, to support men and women with hair thinning and hairloss issues. A comment I often hear from Alopecians and an experience I once shared was that "Trichologists can't help and just rip you off". Mark has restored my faith in their profession after my own first disastrous experience elsewhere and whilst he can't help cure my alopecia, he has huge success with other types of hair conditions and hairloss. Here at Pretty Bald, we put him through his paces answering all things Alopecia and here's what he had to say...

Q1: What is Alopecia? 
Alopecia is a generic term for any type of hair loss, including male pattern baldness, but it is commonly used to specifically refer to the Universalis, Totalis and Areata forms of the condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles.

Q2: What is the difference between these three types of Alopecia? 
The main difference between these three types of Alopecia is the amount and pattern of the hairloss, (although there are numerous other types of Alopecia that can affect someone). Alopecia Areata is a patchy hairloss, mostly from the head and usually in circular patches. Alopecia Totalis refers to total loss of scalp hair, and may appear initially as Areata before progressing to total hairloss. Alopecia Universalis refers to total loss of hair, including all scalp and body hair.

People can progress through these different stages quickly over just a few days, or slowly over several years, and not everyone will progress to Universalis either.

Q3: What causes it? 
Alopecia is a disease of the autoimmune system where the immune system becomes overstimulated and attacks healthy cells. The causes are still a bit of a scientific mystery, however more work has been done to solve alopecia in the last few years than ever before. Research shows that this process does not just affect hair follicles, but also attacks cells in the skin and nails too.

Q4: What happens to the hair? Is it dead? 
The body attacks its own hair follicles by mistake thinking they are a foreign body; despite attacking the follicles, they don't die, the hair simply stops growing. Hair growth goes through several phases including the Anagen (growing phase) and a stage called the Telogen phase where the follicle rests before growing again. Each hair enters the various phases at a different stage and because the head has so many hairs on it, despite many being in the Telogen phase the individual will still have a full head of hair. With alopecia, all the hair follicles enter and remain in the Telogen semi-permanently or permanently, waiting for the signal to start growing again which doesn't come. Over time, the likelihood of the hair regrowing is diminished, but in the right circumstances it is always possible that the hair will start growing again.

Q5: What can be done to prevent it happening? 
Unfortunately, not enough is known about alopecia, so nothing can prevent alopecia from happening. Hopefully in the future this will become a fully preventable and treatable disease, however for now you only know about it when you've got it.

Q6: Is there anything that can be done to treat it?
Some treatments are available, all with varying degrees of success. The effect of the treatment will vary from person to person, meaning some will be effective and sometimes they simply won’t work, at the same time leaving you with uncomfortable or difficult side effects. If you do start suffering from alopecia, the best thing to do is ask your Doctor for a referral to a dermatologist, or opt to visit a Trichologist if you would prefer. Some of the treatments available include:

• Scalp irritants - strange as this may sound, irritants like DCP or Dithranol are painted onto the scalp creating a burning sensation and redness. The logic is that through either an irritant or allergic reaction, they will provide a 'distraction' for the immune system, hopefully improving the long-term balance of the body, and enabling the hair to regrow. The expected side-effect is raw, irritated skin that can be quite painful, but which will heal; the physical response of the body is usually mixed, and whilst it can be really effective for some, and totally non-effective for others. 
• Corticosteroids - either applied topically as a cream, or injected direct into the scalp, corticosteroids can help suppress the immuno-effects, enabling the hair to regrow. For some people, a single course of treatment will be enough for permanent regrowth, whereas in others the effects will be temporary or even non-existent. Short-term used, particularly when topically applied will have limited side-effects, but if taken orally or used over long periods, side-effects can become more pronounced. It's worth noting that the scalp injections can be pretty sore too!
• Minoxodil - Minoxodil is a topical scalp treatment; it is a synthetic drug used in the treatment of hairloss, and is most effective for patchy hairloss. It helps to suppress the immuno-effects, enabling the hair to regrow and fill back in. It is not normally effective for long-term use or for widespread hairloss, and can cause skin irritation. 
• High-dose zinc - zinc is required for healthy growth of the skin, hair and nails and in some cases, has proved effective for alopecia patients. It is however required in very high doses and side effects include vomiting and diarrhoea. 
• Immuno-suppressant drugs - used to 'switch off' the immune system, providing time for the hair to regrow, immuno-suppressant drugs are almost universally effective; BUT before you get over-excited, use can only be short-term due to the increased risk of contracting infections, and the negative effects on organs such as the liver. This means that although in many cases the drugs will be effective whilst you are taking them, many will lose their hair again when the treatment is stopped.
• Light treatments - including UVB exposure which has been effective in a few limited cases, but which is more likely to simply increase the potential for skin cancer, and exposure to UVA light when combined with oral light-sensitive drugs. The idea is that the skin will be partially damaged and the body will focus on skin repair rather than attacking itself. 

As well as pharmaceutical solutions which have varying degrees of effectiveness, some people have had success with changes in diet or addition of specific minerals or vitamins if they are found lacking. Realistically however, it is entirely possible that your alopecia will be untreatable and that's why support from organisations like Alopecia UK may be a viable, more long-term solution.

The above list is by no means a definitive list of treatments, but is an overview of some of the most common ones you could be offered. More information can be found on the Alopecia UK website here, 

Q7: How long will alopecia last?

The time someone will have alopecia will vary from person to person and in some will be weeks or months, whereas in others it will be permanent. Generally the rule of thumb for hairloss is that "the quicker the hair grows back the better the long term stability of the hair is"; the important thing to remember though is that the follicle is not dead and hair could start to regrow at any moment if something in the body’s immune system flicks the relevant switch on!

Q8: What does the latest research into the condition show? 

There has been a lot of different types of research going on, but most recently, the focus has been on JAK inhibitors in a new study by Dr Angela Christiano. JAK inhibitors are already being successfully used for other conditions, and recently reversed hairloss in people with alopecia areata. There were only three participants in the study, but all of them saw their hair grow back after five months of treatment. This theory is now being put to the test on a larger scale in partnership with the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Centre with a clinical trial in humans.

Q9: Can Trichology help with alopecia? 

Given the unpredictable nature of alopecia and the limited effect of treatments, it is difficult for many professionals to help and support with the condition. Trichologists can help with the early diagnosis of alopecia, identifying the condition, monitoring its progression, at the same time providing reassurance and passing on information about support groups and social networks for alopecia. Some topical treatments (irritant sensitisers) are also available from trichologists.

Q10: Is there anything else about alopecia that our readers might find interesting? 

Yes. All of the world's leading scientists are meeting in Miami USA from November 18th –21st to share the latest research on Alopecia and hairloss. I am one of the delegates attending the ninth World Congress for Hair Research and will be reporting for Pretty Bald as one of only a few British delegates attending.

One final piece of advice, the most important thing is to ask yourself what your ultimate objective is and whether the treatment is really worth it? This is a very personal question, but alopecia sufferers should take care to be true to themselves and to ensure they focus on realistic outcomes rather than risk compromising their health through long-term treatments that aren't working. 

Thanks very much Mark! We'll put you through your paces with another interview again soon! 

In the meantime, anyone interested in talking to Mark, he can be reached through his website, or you can follow him on Twitter @Mark_Blake.

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

#100HairFreeDays Week 6 - we're getting there!

We're getting there folks! This week's #100HairFreeDays challenge means we're almost halfway there! Let's hope we can make a full 100...

• doesn't get in your face when you are playing sport / running
• provides a comedy act when your wig gets caught on a tree. #TrueStory, but you have to laugh!
• makes you more aerodynamic which will shave a half second off your winning swim time
• your hair doesn't get stuck to your lip gloss
• no more hair washing every other day - once a month will do!
• has made me a more patient, understanding and compassionate person
• means I have a whole new set of dad-style jokes that only I can crack!

Don't forget, if you want to let us know the reasons you love your bald head, please email us or Tweet Us!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

The countdown is on... Alopecia UK Alton Towers trip - here we come...

Last month, Kayleigh wrote about the importance of group support and the benefit of strength in numbers. She of course referred to the inaugural Alopecia UK trip to Alton Towers, giving individuals the chance to ditch wigs and ride the rollercoasters, without constantly worrying! Sounds great!

Last year, I couldn't make it, but this year, I'm in! I'm joining the group as a volunteer and have been assigned to keep the adults in check (not that they need it). The great news is I am now on my way with pal and fellow Alopecian Hannah and we'll be arriving later this afternoon!

The countdown is on folks and tomorrow or Sunday once I've exhausted myself running like a loon around Alton Towers, I'll of course write it up and share the pics I'm allowed to! I think for me, the best thing about events like this is the opportunity to not be 'the odd one out' and be able to truly embrace who you are, without having to constantly explain if you don't have the energy to!

I'm hoping that everyone else benefits as much as I expect to and advise anyone struggling to come to terms with being a #BaldHeadedBeauty to sign up to the Alopecia UK newsletter to ensure they don't miss out on more great events like this!

Whoop whoop!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Real Life #Hairloss Experience - Meet Brenda (@MuskehoundFinn)

Remember my trip to the Ideal Home Show? Well, aside from enjoying an interiors show and coveting lots of things I couldn't afford, the visit had an ulterior motive - to see MuskehoundFinn (aka Brenda) strut her stuff on stage, representing us baldies! Well, we couldn't let her pass us by without a Real Life Hairloss interview for you, our lovely followers! Here goes...

Brenda lost her hair nearly 16 years ago, at the tender age of 14. She admits that initially, her alopecia got her down and she spent the first three years as a recluse. Speaking of her school life Brenda says "Six months into having Alopecia social services agreed to let me be home schooled; apart from the bullying, mentally I just froze. I could not absorb anything going on. I did not realise at the time, but I think I was in shock, so I just shut down as a type of coping mechanism. Around 17, I started to slowly get my bearings mentally again, but the anxiety was still prominent for years, so socially in all aspects I struggled to interact as I would always be thinking "Do I look alright?"."

For Brenda, the opportunity to participate in Katie Piper's "Confidence: The Secret" catwalk was a daunting prospect, but one she knew she must embrace. It wasn't what she expected though and what started as a chance to represent fellow alopecians, ended with life-changing decisions and new found confidence. To understand the transformation, we asked Brenda how she would describe herself before participating in the show, and in her own words she said "I was pretty much bumbling along, especially when it came to my body confidence. I had hit the stage of being "just comfortable" so I did not think a mental change would come at any point; I thought I had hit the stage where I have a confidence that makes life liveable, despite not fully embracing it." Yet, despite being far from her personal expectations, she came off stage at the end a different person to the one who started. Brenda explains "After the second show it really hit me how I am now truly confident in myself; I no longer feel this need to 'compete' in a realm where there is an expectation of the basics of how we should look, from body weight to hair. I had accepted my alopecia in a positive way [before the show], but I now see alopecia as something I can work with more. I did not fully realise how cool the bald look can be until I did the show, so I do want to be rocking the look on nights out, which I never had the urge to do until now."

That's not all, her new found confidence actually stimulated her to make a life-changing decision, quitting her job as a costume character performer, seeing her in the roles of lovable kids characters like Peppa Pig. Talking of this radical decision she says "That job matched the person I was - not confident enough to show my whole self - rather than the person I am now."

Speaking of the show, we asked Brenda the best and worst bits of being involved. For her, the best was without a doubt the people; she says "I was not expecting it but it was the other women (including Katie) who I had the privilege of doing the show with. It was the first time I was in a group setting & my "body difference" was not "different". It was just a part of me. We all had different visible differences but were there with the same goal." The worst bit though was definitely her hatred of heels and her fear of falling flat on her face. Laughingly she told us "I have to say it was wearing heels! - I don't "do" heels! The original shoes I had for the show, I was walking like an injured penguin in - the point of the show is about body confidence so luckily the stylist Lucas Armitage agreed I could wear the one pair of heels I personally own which are 2 inch nude peep toes, but even then I was nervous in them."

On stage at the end, each lady was asked to state their own positive affirmation in line with Katie's use of them for motivation and confidence. Brenda's was "We were born to be real, not to be perfect" and I have to say we agree!

Well done Brenda for putting yourself out there and for helping to educate people and raise awareness of Alopecia!

Brenda on stage at the Katie Piper diversity catwalk

Braving the swimsuit section! Rather you than me!

Rocking an Easter Theme - as a self-styled easter 'egg'

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

A new approach to cancer treatment?

At the end of last week, news emerged of a possible new approach to treating cancer patients, using the body's own immune system to fight the mutating cells! Whilst it might sound like a far-fetched idea from future generations, a research group at Washington University, may have successfully developed the first cancer-fighting vaccine.

Our bodies have the innate ability to produce 'T-cells', which are a type of white blood cell, crucial to successful immunity. They scan for cell abnormalities and infections and can be broadly divided into 'helper t-cell' and 'killer t-cell' groups; the former are responsible for creating an immune response to threats and the latter respond to abnormalities by hunting down and destroying cells or infections, including many of those which are cancerous. Unfortunately, these t-cells are also responsible for the majority of auto-immune conditions, when they become over-active or over-sensitive, identifying healthy cells as a threat.

When it comes to cancer, the problem is, these t-cells are often not numerous or strong enough to overcome cancer on their own, resulting in the need for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy to combat the problem. Now, a trail at Washington University led by oncologist Gerald Linette has identified a way to create a personalised vaccine, support the body's own immunity and ability to fight cancerous cells.

The results of this prototype study are incredibly early, and it is as yet unknown what the full capabilities or side-effects could be, however three cancer patients were subjected to the experimental treatment, and all are said to be doing well according to researchers. In fact one is now in full remission, whilst the others are being heralded as 'stable', despite it being too early to measure the full effects.

So how does it work?
Researchers at the University took three patients with advanced Melanoma Skin Cancer and studied the proteins present in each individual's tumour; these proteins vary from person to person and so the intense study enabled the researchers to create personalised vaccines. The vaccines encouraged the production of T-Cells, specifically designed to target the melanoma skin cells, and the researchers were able to identify the different t-cell responses to the cancer.

Speaking to The Independent, Gerald Linette of Washington University said "Melanoma likes to grow and spread and it hasn't done that in these patients, but we don't know yet whether it will. The tumour antigens we inserted into the vaccines provoked a broad response among the immune system's killer T-cells responsible for destroying tumours. Our results are preliminary, but we think the vaccines have therapeutic potential based on the breadth and remarkable diversity of the T-cell response."

As yet, the vaccines seem to be somewhat effective with no obvious side-effects. The research is the first to sequence and analyse the complete DNA of each patient's tumour, and the first to identify seven different cancer proteins that are unique to each patient.

The next step is for researchers to start clinical trials within twelve months, as well as assessments into the potential effectiveness of this kind of treatment for other tumours such as bladder or lung cancer, both of which have high rates of mutation.

What a fab and innovative approach to cancer treatment and we wish them luck with their trial!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Look mummy, she has hair...!

It's known that kids have little or no filter when it comes to speaking their mind, and the younger they are, the worse that can get. However, it's not always a bad thing and whilst their honesty can sometimes be an embarrassment to parents and recipients alike, this refreshing honesty usually isn't malicious and can have some surprising side effects too.

During my stay at the Grange Holburn Hotel, I ventured into the health facilities, making the most of complimentary access to a steam room and sauna. As usual, I wandered around without my wig, and felt perfectly comfortable in the relatively calm and quiet environment. Whilst there, a little boy and his mum hopped into the pool, making the most of their membership during the half-term days. I relaxed, they played and then I coincidentally found myself in the changing room at the same time as three-year-old Arthur and his mum Victoria.

As I dressed, I inevitably reached the final part of my outfit and swiped my favourite wig off the bench. I aligned it in my hands and then tipped my head forward, pulling the elasticated band down over my scalp. As I reverted upright, I turned in time to see Arthur looking at me intently before turning to his mum and saying "Look Mummy, now she has hair!". It took me a second, I blinked and then in the moments that followed I couldn't help but guffaw with laughter. My lack of hair hadn't phased this very cute little boy, nor had the fact that I opted to wear a wig, but instead this three-year-old was fascinated with the seemingly magic trick of growing my hair in ten seconds. I checked with his mum if we could speak and then bent down to chat to this fascinated little boy. 'It's a wig' I said. 'Why?' he asked. 'I have a condition called Alopecia; one day I woke up and my body decided I'd look better without hair so it all disappeared.' 'Oh' he said; 'I like that'.

I then proceeded to chat to his mum (another Victoria) who was making the most of the electricity / running water as her own house was currently cut off by the fire in Holburn. As we chatted, Arthur interrupted again, an intense and irresistible look on his face as he said "You should have two" referring to my wigs. "I do", I said. "In fact I have lots". "What colour are they?" he demanded. "All brown", I replied. "That's what suits me best". Arthur fell silent for a few more seconds, then looked at me intently "I like all the colours" he said "you should have them all."

For me, this was an absolutely wonderful exchange and once again reinforced the fact that negative judgements are more likely to come from adults than kids. In my experience, kids are more readily willing to take things at face value, and accept things just the way they are, adding their own innocent and touching insights if you'll simply give them a chance. The other slightly bitter sweet realisation this gave me is just how strong an influence parents have over children as they grow, and that until adults learn to accept and embrace difference, we're likely to continue seeing generations or young individuals that are unkind and unfair.

Still, for now, Arthur offered me a moment or two of reflection and a moment or two more of laughs and for that I'm grateful to him and his mum. Not having any hair didn't make me 'different' and therefore unwelcome in his eyes, just another person to have a conversation with! Perfect

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

The Grange Holburn Hotel, London - Massage Review

Why review a massage on a blog dedicated to hairloss? Well actually, it comes as a result of my past experiences, which have sometimes left me baffled and upset at the reaction of therapists to my Alopecia. Let me explain...

I have no hair (d'uh) and whilst to me, that seems perfectly normal and acceptable, to many apparently it is a subject for discussion or for staring. Worse than that, in many spa / beauty experiences, my lack of hair has caused a sub-par treatment that quite frankly is at best disrespectful and at worst downright disgraceful. I have always loved beauty treatments (and have to thank my mum for that expensive habit) but facials to help improve skin condition or massages just because, have often been a feature of weekends away, little bits of luxury, or the 'must-do' treat during an overnight hotel stay. Some of the people who've treated me (before having this blog) have been absolutely superb with handling my hairloss, whereas others have not. The negative reactions I've seen have ranged from a briefly horrified look on the face of my therapist who then proceeded to 'finish' my facial just above my eyebrows, missing three inches of my forehead, to the girl who had so little training in customer care and who's wrists went limp anywhere above my shoulder blades in a massage as she totally lost her confidence. I even had one who asked about my hairloss, and then proceeded to tell me all about how she couldn't do this or that due to my cancer, no matter how many times I corrected her. Don't get me wrong, not everyone will have met someone with Alopecia, and it's entirely likely it didn't come up in training because it's not a contraindication to treatment, however what was sorely lacking in each case was any natural customer service training and the professionalism to ask what they needed to know at the same time maintaining the high-level experience any other client could expect. If someone says "I've never come across Alopecia before, is there anything I need to know, or anyway to make you feel comfortable", it might not be the easiest conversation to have, but at least I can inform them. Instead, there are those who shy away from asking (which is simply poor practice) and then let their ignorance / hesitation negatively affect an experience that I have the 'privelege' to pay for.

Anyway, after that slightly long rant, I will revert to writing about the title - my experience this Easter of a treatment at The Grange Holburn Hotel in London. 

Mum and I had a business meeting in London on Thursday 2nd April and had tickets to The Ideal Home Show at Olympia on Friday 3rd. Rather than spending five hours in the car each day, we understandably decided to book a hotel and in doing so, found ourselves at The Grange. Following our meeting, we checked into the hotel and inevitably meandered our way to the steam room and sauna. The treatments were fully booked on thursday, but they did have two massage spaces Friday morning before check-out - perfect! 

Down I toddle and strip off in the changing rooms, wrapping a fluffy white robe around me; I'd put 'alopecia' on my questionnaire and opted to proceed without a wig in a bid to avoid the aromatherapy oils affecting it's condition or forcing me to wash it. My massage was with a gorgeous lady called Vanesha who was also trained in hairdressing. 'I never would have guessed it was a wig' she said 'You look fab!'. Brownie points straightaway for a) acknowledging it and b) complimenting me! She checked my head wasn't cold as it was uncovered and also asked if it was sensitive or my condition would affect any part of the massage, giving me a chance to reassure her of how I personally feel. 

Well, she then proceeded to give me one of the best full body massages ever and certainly worked her magic on some pesky knots lurking beneath my shoulder blades. More importantly however, she adapted the massage to suit me and my alopecia. She massaged all the areas you'd expect, then as she reached the top of my shoulder blades, and continued up my neck, she didn't stop and simply continued with the massage, incorporating a full scalp massage, right down to my earlobes. It was wonderful! Put simply, it is this very professionalism and calibre of massage that deserves a mention on a blog otherwise dedicated to hairloss! Thanks Vanesha!

What I loved about Vanesha's massage:

• True professionalism - not once did she question or hesitate or treat me as anyone but me! It was fab to have someone with the ability to treat me as I am, a human being the same as everyone else.
• Personalisation - she listened to what I would and wouldn't be happy with, then adapted her techniques to my needs! The added scalp massage might feel invasive for many, but for me, it was truly relaxing and very touching. It also felt right - owning a part of me and reminding me that it's part of me too! 
• A superb massage - no matter what way I look at it, it's one of the best I've had! Anyone who happens to be in the area, I'd recommend you pop in and give her massage a try!

All that remains to be said is thank you Vanesha, and what a truly gorgeous massage! 

Victoria x

P.S. I was here right next to the Holburn underground fire! Oops! 

#100HairFreeDays Part Five - a full month gone and we're a third of theway through!

For part five of #100HairFreeDays, I was sat on the sofa with my mum, chatting about my hairloss journey and coming up with ideas! There's still lots of good reasons to come, but they're stretching my brain to remember them all!

• A personal experience one for me with alopecia was appreciating that I wasn't ill with something more life-threatening!
• No disgusting hairballs in the sink plughole! You know the ones I mean!
• On the same theme, no stray hairs clinging to the carpet, or wrapped round the hoover head, or anywhere else really
• Saves me 20 minutes a day that would otherwise be spent blow-drying hair
• and less blow-drying means less electricity - in fact now I don't even own a hairdryer
• Holding a friend's baby, there's no hair for them to pull! Very relevant when they're learning to grip!
• no more sweaty betty hair at the gym - actually it's the sign of a good workout, BUT the stringy hair look is probably out!

Phew! Another week done and we're still thinking of the positives of hairloss! As we've said before, these blogs aren't designed to make you covet hairloss (who would), but they are hopefully demonstrating that it's not all bad! If you have a hairloss positive, don't forget to email us or tweet us and we'll add them to the list! 

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

A day of inspirational women and celebrating difference with @MuskehoundFinn and @KatiePiper_

Alopecia UK circulated a message not that long ago, encouraging followers to enter a competition to win a chance to appear on the first Diversity Catwalk, being organised by Katie Piper. The competition asked entrants to upload, email or tweet a picture of themselves and their 'difference' telling the judges of the defining moment in their journey to Body Confidence; the winner would appear on stage at the Ideal Home Show, Olympia, alongside an inspirational group of women who all had their own point of 'difference'. AUK hoped that enough ladies from the #BaldHeadedBeauty community would enter to ensure that at least one of this group of gorgeous women would appear on stage, showing the world that Bald is Beautiful.

When I saw the competition and read the info and inspiration behind it, I absolutely knew I wanted to be there (not on stage mind you, a front row seat would suffice). I wanted to see first hand what these 'differences' looked like and how Katie Piper planned to try and change an industry that is bought and sold upon the idea of perfection. Not long after, I received a tweet from one of our very lovely followers Brenda who had been hand picked to join the select group of individual beauties parading down the catwalk in a show entitled 'Confidence; the secret'. Coincidentally, Brenda hadn't been recruited for the show through the competition, but had in fact been one of the original cast; a coup for bald awareness, particularly Alopecians.

Brenda kindly sent me two complimentary tickets and I bought along my biggest inspiration - my mum. We travelled to the show on Good Friday, and after a tortuous trip around the stands coveting a lot of things we didn't need, but loved (including a hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub and a fire pit), not to mention an expensive impulse buy I'll not doubt regret when the bank statement comes in, we nabbed ourselves two second row seats, right next to the stage. We were there early and a group of models / dancers took to the stage, showcasing a range of clothes from sponsors. Glamourous, co-ordinated and tall, everything you'd expect from a model, these ladies and gents grooved their way down the runway to a number of tracks, showing off everything from yellow macs to evening wear. Not what you would call bucking the trend, but engaging nonetheless.

Next onto stage came the very gorgeous (and absolutely tiny) Katie Piper, more beautiful and frankly normal in real life than the pictures or TV cameras do her justice for. She's spunky, funny, intelligent and resolute and has a goal to engender and promote absolute Body Confidence in each and every person. She spoke, some about her own experiences, some about the experiences of others she's met, and most importantly about the fact that fashion and beauty can be very important in helping someone be the best, most confident version of themselves, ultimately providing a very exposed and very real platform to promote and gain acceptance for the unconventional or 'different'.

She stepped back and onto stage strutted a feisty and confident bunch of women; I would challenge anyone to tell me how and why these women were anything other than beautiful. True; burn scarring, a missing limb, a wheelchair and no hair may not grace the front covers or inner pages of glossy magazines, but there is absolutely no way that any of these women could be considered anything other than stunning.

Next, Katie talked about the human spirit and the fact that despite negative comments being oft heard by those struggling to come to terms with a condition, it is in fact the strength within ourselves that is important. She highlighted that each and every person has a 'human spirit' and that no matter what guise we believe that appears in, each and every one of us will have been touched by someone else in some way. A particularly poignant point was that none of us know just how strong we can be until we are tested and that ultimately, we are in charge of our own destinies.

She then segued into the fact that each and every women on stage was concerned not with their 'difference' or 'disability', but with entirely unexpected areas or features of their body; back onto stage they strode, wearing oversize baggy white t-shirts, and on the back of each was their own area of concern. From a 'big tum' to 'thighs' and even the size of their hips, each and every one of these women had an area they'd like to improve. This too included Katie, who for the record would like to be taller than her 5'3'' so she can give heels a miss, and would also like a more round bum like 'Kim Kardashian'; she too was clear that actually there are things she would like to change, but that she won't love herself any less.

One very interesting technique which Katie opts for but which I personally have never used, is positive affirmations; reminding yourself of the important things and ensuring that happy thoughts are interlinked with day to day life. She dropped a number into her motivational speeches, including one statement from her Doctor in the early days of her recovery; as she sat worried about never finding love, or being considered beautiful again, her doctor said to her 'Why worry; worrying about what hasn't happened yet is a waste of energy that gets you nowhere.' Katie was clear that this was a turning point for her, and regularly using affirmations like 'I am bigger than my problem', 'Inhale Confidence, Exhale Doubt' and 'The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts' have all served to have a positive impact on her life.

Speaking to Katie after the show*, I realised just what a philanthropic person she truly is, but also how draining it can be to put yourself in the spotlight and say 'This is Me'. Talking of her work, she was clear about the importance of dividing her time between being a mum, working and looking after the Charity. The Katie Piper Foundation', at the same time, highlighting her understandable drive to support burns victims. Despite that, she said that the show, which had showcased a whole range of different conditions, had underpinned a realisation that their differences don't need to be the same for people to inspire other people; it is the journey each individual takes and the strength that they show that can provide inspiration to others on the same or different journeys.

Katie's ultimate goal is to provide a platform to deliver awareness, show difference and help people to understand and embrace it. Kudos to her!

Here's a few pictures from the event and over the next week or so, there will be a follow-up interview with Brenda talking about her personal experiences of the show, once she's come down off Cloud 9 of course!

Brenda & I

Katie Piper & Pretty Bald

Swimsuits - well done girls!

One final point is to say well done to each and every one of the ladies!

Victoria x

*Please note, I am paraphrasing here; I was a little too starstruck to remember exact words used! Sorry Katie x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Stop telling me I'm stressed!!!!!!!!

I know this one is a bugbear for many suffering from hairloss, particularly when it's a poorly understood condition like Alopecia or androgenetic Alopecia. Why is it that hairloss seems to be intrinsically linked to an assumption of stress? When in reality it isn't?

I've done a lot of research into this and studies show stress can be a factor or contributor to hairloss; but it isn't the only or even most commonly-related cause. In fact it appears that in many cases of hairloss, stress is evident, measured by increased blood pressure or levels of cortisol, but these measures are often taken after hairloss has started - go figure! It seems equally likely then that hairloss is caused by other factors and while stress can be a contributor (and in one or two extreme cases the cause I'm sure) it is equally likely that the increased levels of stress hormone are in fact a side effect of the hairloss, not the other way round! 

To look at it another way, if stress and hairloss were intrinsically linked, then anyone who has lived first-hand through an extreme natural disaster, poverty, terrorism or even a personal tradegy would be joining the ranks of the bald army, even just once in their life. For me, linking my hairloss to stress is probably one of the most disrespectful things a stranger can do; you don't know me, have no idea what my life is like or in fact how well everything is going at the moment (and it is), so why make an assumption about my levels of stress? The same in fact is true of assuming we have poor diets, or not enough sleep, or mental issues, or any other potential contributor, when the fact remains that they have no idea.

I think for me, the perfect illustration of this was on a trip to the Doctor; I had been having severe knee pains for several months and eventually, the doctor gave up and referred me to a specialist. Off I hobble to the hospital, wait in a stark white room, stinking of disinfectant and twiddle my thumbs through the inevitable delay to see a knee specialist. In I go and he looks at it; "Yes he says, I can feel it grinding", going through each of my symptoms one by one. "I wonder if you have a slipped piece of cartilage or perhaps you've just twisted it." He proceeded to book me in for a scan and some physio, advising some exercises in the meantime. As we neared the end of my allotted time, he popped onto the computer and looked up my NHS records to add some notes; while there, he stumbled on a whole series of blood tests I'd had a month or two before and wanted to double-check there were no underlying issues. "Why did you have them done?" he asked. "My hair fell out" I replied matter-of-factly. He asked if they got to the bottom of it, and how long it took to grow back, and I told him it hadn't.

It was like I'd flipped a switch. He proceeded to cancel all the appointments he'd booked me, advised me my knee was a result of the same 'stress' that had caused my hairloss and promptly booked me in to see the nurse and the psychiatrist. Needless to say, the nurse found verifying symptoms of stress like high blood pressure and a fast pulse; I was so angry at this point, I'm surprised I didn't explode the machine! I didn't attend the appointment with the psychiatrist (I cancelled) and I didn't ever get to the bottom of the knee pain. Instead, I opted for alternative therapy, and regularly see an osteopath who helps keep the knee clear of pain!

I guess to sum up, although it happens far less often these days, I really hope that greater education helps reduce these comments on stress. I'm not, it's not and frankly, it's none of your business!

Anyone else have this sort of experience?

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Don't be a fool - make sure you flip over your calendar page!

Despite being April Fool's Day, we're not kidding with this post, reminding you to turn the page on your gorgeous Pretty Bald calendar...

This month features the gorgeous of our gorgeous #BaldHeadedBeauties posing with umbrellas in case of the infamous April Showers! Julie, Emma, Jackie and Jen all took part in this shot in their wellies and not much else; this was one of the first taken during the day and I have to say hats off to these ladies for getting into the swing of things so early on...!

Cue 'Singing in the Rain theme tune folks!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Sometimes it hurts...!

Before you jump to conclusions, I'm not being emotional here; I'm referring to the oft-times physical pain that comes with medical hairloss! This isn't the same for everyone, but as a rough estimate, about 45% of people I meet also experience pain as they lose their hair, same as I do. Ironically, roughly the same number also experience a burning / painful / itchy sensation as it grows too!

On the scale of 1 to 10, 10 being excruciating, this pain would probably be better described as discomfort and would be graded a 1 or 2. In fact, it's probably comparable to a papercut; BUT that's not the point! Right now, I am sat on the sofa with a sore, pulsing, hairfree eyebrow, and a tender, painful to touch scalp! Initially, when this first starting happening, I remember thinking - you have to be kidding me, but now, I'm more simply resigned to this added discomfort!

From the little research I can find, it appears the pain is a result of the auto-immune attack, where the immune system is attacking not only the hair, but some of the healthy cells and the follicles themselves. The result is this minor level of discomfort, which is apparently entirely normal, but nevertheless a frustrating side effect! In the meantime, it's a bit of a joke my eyebrow hurts BEFORE the hairs even grow, but I guess that's what they call life!

Anyone else get this problem?

Victoria x

Can Chemotherapy cure grey hair?

Now before you gasp in horror, we're not advocating you undergo chemotherapy as an alternative to hair dye! No, instead, we're considering a story posted on a forum in Australia which claims that following chemotherapy treatment for cancer, one guy's hair grew back in his natural colour, without a grey in sight! He was previously totally grey, and until undergoing chemotherapy had never experienced hairloss.

Certainly an interesting story, but not one that has much grounding in science unfortunately...

Chemotherapy causes hairloss because the chemicals target rapidly growing cells, which include the unhealthy cancerous ones, as well as healthy hair cells for example. This means that during chemotherapy, hair growth and production can be effected and these effects can be partial or total, temporary or permanent. Chemotherapy and the ensuing hairloss will be different in each individual person and in fact, whilst I've met people with an almost immediately restored head of hair following chemotherapy, I've also met individuals with limited growth five years later. What's more, scouring the internet, this success case seems isolated and there seem to be more stories of chemotherapy removing the pigmentation and actually causing greyness. Your Doctor will be the best person to tell you what to expect, so it's worth talking it through with them to see how specific dosages and target areas will affect the outcome.

In the meantime, it seems a few people may be able to expect additional stimulation resulting in increased pigmentation in the hair following chemotherapy (a very small silver lining), but I'm not sure they'll be using it as treatment any time soon!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

#100HairFreeDays Part Four

The heat is on and finding more #100HairFreeDays benefits is getting challenging! Here is the round-up from Week Four; nearly a third of the way there!

• Means no nits or lice when they are going around the school!
• No grey hairs when all our friends get old 
• My highlights come ready designed - no expensive trips to the hairdressers every six weeks to get them redone
• No roots - alright some people like them, but personally they're not my thing! No hair means no roots!
• Dandruff is a thing of the past! Period!
• Avoid the £15 price tag on a bottle of home hair dye
• and on the same theme, no dye stains on your hairline where you forgot to apply Vaseline!

Don't forget, if you have any suggestions, send us an email or tweet us and we'll make sure we include them!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald

Did he see me? Do I look ok?

Break-ups can be hard and as well as a feeling of devastation that often occurs at the end of a relationship, there's also at least some element of hurt pride too! What's more, once the initial sting has passed, that feeling of humiliation also diminishes, yet somehow, us ladies in particular struggle to shift the need to impress our previous partners.

You surely know exactly what I'm talking about - the feeling that whilst we wouldn't touch them again with a bargepole, if we do accidentally bump into our previous boyfriend / girlfriend / jumped up idiot / cringe-worthy mistake, we'll be looking perfect and glamorous and they'll realise what a mistake they've made! It's definitely a derivative of hurt pride and one which will last an unspecified amount of time according to variables like how long you dated, whether you still see them, whether you've bumped into them yet and ultimately how bad / humiliating the break up was!

Why am I rambling on about this I hear you ask? Well over the weekend, out of the woodwork comes a Facebook invitation to be 'friends' with my ex boyfriend. Initially, I hovered over the button to view his profile, trying to resist the temptation to stalk through its content and find out what he's up to these days. Next came the momentary panic that there's something on my profile that makes me look less than a 10/10 or reaffirms I'm the biggest mistake he ever made, and then came this overwhelming moment of clarity - why on earth did I care?

D is my most 'recent' break-up i.e. the serious one before my current relationship with T. D was my first crush at the age of 11, who made me blush like a tomato and giggle so much in the queue at the cinema that I nearly wet myself! We met again at 16 and had a short 'romance' before he went crawling back to his long-term ex girlfriend (alarm bells here people) and then met again randomly at Uni when I was 20. For the first time ever, I felt there was a real chance for us - he was still a fitty, just my type, he made me laugh, spoiled me rotten and most importantly didn't run a mile at my personality. We saw each other nearly every weekend and then when I finished Uni, saw each other several times a week when I was back home in the same town. Just over six months in, everything seemed perfect and to top everything off, I went to pick up my new puppy from The Dog's Trust - I was on top of the world. 'Text me when you are home' D said 'and I'll come and meet her'; so I did. 'I'm on my way he said, can't wait to see you.' Twenty minutes later, he still hadn't arrived (he lived five minutes away) and then I remember word-perfectly the text that arrived to say 'I can't do this anymore; I'm sorry.' That was it - no explanation, no answer to my text messages and rather a dampener placed on my new puppy day! I was gutted!

A month later, D text again 'I'm sorry' he said, 'I owe you an explanation'.' Don't bother' I replied, 'I'm over it!' Bravo me I thought - cue no more contact ever!

Eight months on and I started to lose my hair (it's worth noting here, these two points aren't connected) and a month after that I met T. T has supported me through everything, and even waited patiently after I told him 'we'll never work'. We've been together nearly four years, own a house together and have a very happy, very real relationship together. My hairloss doesn't worry him, and we've even reached the stage where he rubs my bald head 'for luck' the cheeky sod!

Back to the Facebook request and whilst I'm pretty please with my moment of 'I don't care clarity', I can't help but wonder how D, or for that matter anyone else from my past would react to the news of my hairloss. Thanks to support from friends, family and Alopecia UK, I've come to terms with my hairloss being a part of me, and I'd even go as far as saying I'm proud of my new luck; yet, even though this is true, there's still a small part of me that wonders how I'd be judged and whether I'd still make them question why they didn't keep a hold of me tightly, with both hands!

It's safe to say I'll never know and ultimately I'm OK with that, and I should probably also mention, I didn't accept the request either - D can crawl back where he came from and I can go on happy that none of it actually matters!

Victoria x

www.prettybald.co.uk Twitter: @PrettyBald