Did you know that alopecia affects nearly 2% of people worldwide? According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, 147 million individuals have or will develop alopecia areata at some point in their lives.

While many women and men have alopecia, it is rarely talked about, leaving those who experience it feeling lonely and isolated. This is why Alopecia Awareness Month is so important. Awareness sparks conversation about the auto-immune disease, shifts perceptions, and empowers those who experience it—raising awareness not only in September but year-round.

This year for Alopecia Awareness Month, we turned to our hair loss community to feature the words of six brave women. From stories of sadness and loss to powerful messages of hope and strength, we hope that their stories bring comfort in shared experiences and inspire confidence in one's differences.

Laura  @relightalopecia

"IT’S ALOPECIA AWARENESS MONTH.

I remember a colleague I’d worked with for over a year, who didn’t know about my alopecia, casually moaning about how many awareness days there are and how it was ‘apparently’ alopecia awareness month.

I calmly responded: “Well, I guess these awareness campaigns work because they get people talking - for instance, I have alopecia and wear a wig. I have since I was 13.”

He was shocked, asked questions and we had a positive conversation about alopecia which left me feeling empowered. That’s why this month matters. 

That’s why raising awareness of alopecia is important. It allows us to have those conversations that we previously deemed impossible.

So, whether you have hair loss or know someone who does (hoping you know me if you’re reading this) please support and share this or any alopecia awareness post you can and get people talking.

Thank you."

Christi @wigginwithchristi_2.0, wearing Amber in color 12FS12

"Today is September 1st. September is ALOPECIA AWARENESS MONTH.... In these first few photos are snaps as I took off my wig in the middle of the streets in Grass Valley... I didn't care. I wanted to send a message that THIS IS ME! This is what I face but I let what I struggle with BE A STORY. Don't be afraid to BE WHO YOU ARE!!! BE BRAVE! BE BOLD! BE YOU!"

Kira @acting_like_kira

"Today, September 1st, is the first day of Alopecia Awareness Month

Alopecia isn’t always black or white. It can be shades of gray in the form of varying levels of hair loss. It can appear out of nowhere or slowly over time. Alopecia affects millions of men, women and even children around the world. Whatever type of alopecia it may be, it’s devastating for those who have it.

I sometimes catch myself looking back in the mirror at someone I don’t even recognize. It’s taken me quite some time to be able to publicly talk about my androgenic alopecia, but I am so thankful to be living in a time when we can recognize and celebrate our own unique beauty. To have an ever-growing, incredible network of people who share their stories and educate others.

Alopecia doesn’t define the person it affects...it tears us down physically and emotionally before it makes us stronger."

Lainie @lainxo

"Alopecia Awareness Month is already here! I’ve been growing my hair for 1.5 years now and quarantine has finally allowed me to show off these locks (and these baby lashes) daily. I’ve also grown, and lost, the back 1/4 of my head since March- the unpredictability of alopecia is real.

It’s been over four years since my diagnosis which means four years of ever-changing patch patterns and now a ‘hair cut’ that’s reminiscent of childhood me.

More importantly, it’s been four years of connecting with people all over the world about hair loss. The number of messages I’ve received and conversations about hair loss and wig-buying makes me emotional, because it helps me just as much as those reaching out.

Alopecia can be sad, scary, and isolating- but it doesn’t have to be. There are millions of people affected by medical hair loss and so many of those that are open to chatting (and commiserating). Any communication feels healthy when you have someone to relate to.

So, to all the new people that stare at me in public, I didn’t choose my patches, but I’m very much okay with them being mine. Next time, let’s chat- not just have a staring competition."

Kim @kim_stam, holding Kim human hair wig in shade FS26/3136

"Alopecia Awareness Month is the perfect time to show everyone what alopecia can be. To show that we are worthy - beautiful - confident - strong.

We all have it in us to embrace our differences, to prove we are more than just hair.

I always had nicknames growing up that revolved around my overabundant hair ‘hairbear’ or ‘Effie’ (this is an Aussie 80’s reference) and ‘bridesmaid’ (because my hair was never out of place). Alopecia stripped me of those, but it gave me a bad**s bald head instead.

Also, can I just say that this is honestly one of my favourite photos of myself because it is ME in all of my bald head glory. Is that a vain thing to say? It’s also my favourite because it conveys that my wigs do not define me, but rather I love them as something separate; my oh so coveted accessories. But I also love this shot because it’s some Kim-on-Kim action. My latest human hair love in Salted Caramel is everything.

Do not let alopecia define us. Show everyone what WE want it to be."

Lia @mslia_89, wearing Miranda in shade 1B

"Holy Alopecia, Batman! It’s Alopecia Awareness Month!
My experience with alopecia areata has been a lifelong journey. Long story…short. I was diagnosed when I was 5, my parents did everything they could to find someone who could remedy the issue. But there was nothing that anyone could do for an incurable autoimmune disorder. Alopecia areata is an auto immune disorder that attacks your perfectly healthy hair follicles instead of the bad stuff in your body, the result you lose your hair in patches. It is not contagious; it does not affect anything else on my body.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve just kept losing more and more and mooooore. What an emotional rollercoaster. So, with convincing from my mom and sister I started Instagraming wigs and chewing on the idea of shaving what little I had left of my hair. Four wigs later (all by Jon Renau) and a buzz cut lol I can say I feel SOOO MUCH happier. I have the best support system. And I’m really grateful, I think if I didn’t have that support system things would’ve gone differently for me.

I do have regular type wigs as well, and I will be posting my viewpoints on the differences with the help of my newest girl Miranda (Like I said Heidi has yet to steer me wrong, check her out.) If you have any questions about the units I wear or about my experience with alopecia areata, feel free to reach out."

Jon Renau thanks all the amazing ladies who allowed us to share their photos and stories, to help bring awareness and inspiration to others. We also want to remind you that just because September ends, that doesn't mean the conversations about alopecia need to. Continue to have those uncomfortable conversations and bring awareness to those who aren't educated on the topic. Lastly, remember that alopecia does not define the person it affects - it does not define YOU. ⁠

If you’re looking to stay connected with the hair loss community, follow us on social at @jonrenau for daily wig-wearer spotlights and alternative hair tips.