I’ve lost my hair probably 3 or 4 times before. It comes and goes, so I’ve gotten better at managing it. 

For me, steroids don’t really help that much. They can slow down some of the spreading but they don’t stop the disease. They’re probably a bit counterproductive.  

The bald picture was taken in 2021 I think? 

I used to fervently deny being stressed. But looking back, every alopecia episode I have had was coincidentally around a very stressful exam period ! I still struggle to this day. Here is how I have learnt to manage my condition. 

1. Don’t stress about it- seriously. 

Stressing about it doesn’t help you at all it. It just leads to more anxiety and spiralling. Everytime my hair loss got bad, I’d go to the barbers and get it all chopped off. That way, I wasn’t worried - “can people see my bald spots”. I claimed power over the situation. Maybe I looked a bit different but embracing it is the most powerful thing you can do. I even did some fun things with my hair like bleach it a couple times, paint patterns in it. Go crazy! Just as long as you embrace it. It doesn’t have to look good (I had LOTS of crazy hair days with different coloured hairs sticking out everywhere alongside bald patches). It doesn’t matter. Just embrace it! 

2. Channel your energy towards things that will help your physical and mental health!!!

This is what drastically improved my alopecia. After deciding not to care about it, I spent the energy I used to be worrying about my hair into my fitness, diet, education etc. for me that meant the GYM! I would really recommend for anyone struggling to get into the gym. Even if it doesn’t help- it can’t help can it (i believe it will). Work on building muscle, improving cardiovascular health. Etc. you will feel and look 100x better! And also, even if your hair doesn’t grow back, at least you will have a hot body and physical health. 

Also find a hobby. For me I joined boxing. After a couple months of consistent training, my alopecia was completely gone! 

Clean up your diet. You don’t have to be perfect (I’m not) but try and avoid junk and excessive UPF. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fibre and protein you will thank yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. I cut costs as much as i can by meal prepping (student budget). It’s hard at first but once it becomes a routine, you don’t even care any more. 

3. Learn to love yourself 

The first time I lost my hair, I felt I was the most disfigured creature in the world. The most recent time, I got to the barbers, buzzed my hair and went on with my life. It took me a long time to realise this but you cannot attach your self worth to aesthetics, or hair, or desirability. Love yourself for who you are inside, not what you look like. Your friends and family will still love you, and if they don’t, forget about them. Remember your hair doesn’t define you- work on the aspects of yourself you can improve on, like kindness, mental ability, health, discipline, whatever. 

I believe in all of you. Go and be the best versions of yourself and don’t let alopecia ever hold you back. 

It gets better guys ! How I have learnt to manage my alopecia.