Alopecia Awareness Month: Sharing Stories, Spreading Understanding

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a general term used to describe hair loss, and there are several different types. Each type can affect people differently, with hair loss ranging from small patches to more widespread or complete hair loss.

Some of the most common types of alopecia include:

Alopecia Areata – An autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the hair follicles, often resulting in small, round patches of hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and other areas of the body.
Alopecia Totalis – A more advanced form of alopecia areata where all or nearly all of the hair on the scalp is lost.
Alopecia Universalis – A rare form of alopecia areata that causes hair loss across the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.
Androgenetic Alopecia – Also known as pattern hair loss, this is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It can affect both men and women and typically develops gradually.
Telogen Effluvium – Temporary hair shedding that can occur when more hairs than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. It can sometimes follow factors such as illness, stress, hormonal changes or significant life events.
Scarring Alopecia – A group of rare conditions where inflammation damages the hair follicles and can result in permanent hair loss in affected areas.

There are also other types and causes of hair loss, so if you’re experiencing unexplained or sudden hair loss, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional for appropriate advice and diagnosis.

Whatever the cause, alopecia and hair loss can have a significant emotional impact. That’s why raising awareness and sharing real experiences is so important. By hearing from others who have experienced hair loss, we can help people feel less alone and more understood.

Real Stories From Real People

One of the things we’re particularly proud of at Simply Wigs is the collection of customer stories about alopecia and hair loss we’ve gathered over the years.

These stories come from people with different backgrounds and experiences, but they have one important thing in common: they’re real.

Our customers have shared stories about discovering their hair loss, adjusting to changes in their appearance, finding confidence again and discovering wigs that make them feel like themselves.

Some stories are uplifting. Some are emotional. Some are funny. And some simply capture what it’s like to navigate everyday life with hair loss.

Together, these personal experiences help to raise awareness of alopecia in a way that statistics alone can’t.

View All Customer Stories

Your Story Could Help Someone Else

This Alopecia Awareness Month, we’d love to continue building our collection of customer stories and we’d love to hear from you.

Perhaps you’ve been living with alopecia for years. Maybe you’ve only recently experienced hair loss. Perhaps wearing a wig has helped you rediscover your confidence, made getting ready in the morning easier, or simply given you the freedom to choose how you want to look and feel.

Whatever your experience, your story matters.

By sharing your journey, you could help someone who has just been diagnosed with alopecia, someone considering wearing a wig for the first time, or someone who simply needs reassurance that they’re not alone. You don’t need to have a perfect story or the “right” words. We’re interested in your honest experience; the ups, the downs and everything in between.

If you’d like to share your story with us, we’d be delighted to hear from you. As a little thank you for taking the time to share your experience, we’ll send you a 30% discount code to use on your next Simply Wigs order.

Your story could be the one that makes another person feel understood, supported and a little more confident about their own journey.

Send In Your Story

Discovering I Have A Rare Form Of Alopecia

I started to notice that the hair at my temples was being replaced at intervals by a small fringe of new, short growth. First one side would go and then the other, with the hair regrowing and then disappearing again. This process went on for a long time, and I discussed it with my hairdresser, who was as puzzled as I was. However, as I began to understand more about the stages of women’s hair loss, it became obvious that the hair regrowth was slowing and my hairline started to recede. As my hair became thinner, I also began looking at options such as hair toppers for thinning hair.

Read Story

Alopecia Has Been My Companion Since Early Childhood

I am Ginta and I am now 50 years old. Alopecia has been my companion since early childhood. My hair came and went, came back and then went away again. But from the age of 15, it never returned. And thus began my story of living with a wig.

At that time, the wigs available for people with alopecia, to me, were quite ugly and made of low-quality synthetic fibres.

Read Story

Let's Talk About Alopecia

Awareness starts with conversation.

For many people, hair loss can feel like something they have to hide or avoid talking about. But by sharing our experiences, we can help break down those barriers and create a more understanding and supportive community.

This September, we’re celebrating Alopecia Awareness Month by listening to the people who know it best – those living with hair loss themselves.

We’ve already had the privilege of hearing so many inspiring customer stories, and we’d love to welcome more.

Send In Your Story

Can I wear a wig if I have alopecia?: Yes. Wigs can be a great option for people experiencing hair loss and can be worn for as little or as much of the day as you feel comfortable with. The right wig help you gain back confidence to live your every day life as normal!
What are most comfortable wigs for alopecia?: The most comfortable wig for alopecia will depend on your individual needs, but lightweight, breathable wigs with a soft cap construction are often a good place to start. Monofilament and handtied wigs are known to be the most comfortable wigs for those with complete hair loss.
Can I get help choosing my first wig?: Absolutely you can. Choosing your first wig can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never worn one before. Take your time, explore different styles and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

At Simply Wigs, our team of experts are here to help you find a wig you’re comfortable with and that makes you feel confident. Simply contact us on 01484 844557 or through [email protected]
Is there VAT relief on wigs for people with alopecia?: Yes there is. If you have been diagnosed with any form of alopecia, you are eligible to reclaim the VAT on your order.

Simply Wigs offers VAT relief to eligible customers. You’ll need to complete the relevant VAT relief declaration when purchasing a qualifying wig. VAT relief doesn’t apply to every product, so it’s worth checking the eligibility requirements before ordering.