Alopecia Awareness Month is all about the power of storytelling. So, what better way to honor this month than to share a personal story and experience of someone with alopecia?

We reached out to Heather—wig shop owner, wig expert, Jon Renau retailer and alopecian beauty— to ask if she was open to sharing her alopecia journey with us. We admire her bravery and willingness to share her story to inspire others!

Raw, informative, impactful, empowering—We invite you to read.

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1. Can you share your personal journey with alopecia? When were you diagnosed and how has it impacted your life?

I was first diagnosed with alopecia at the age of three. Starting as alopecia areata, a small round patch of hair fell out at the crown of my head. Then, after having a child, my hair fell out and grew back, until eventually it all fell out for good (alopecia totalis).

Growing up it was challenging; I was constantly trying to cover up my bald spots so no one would notice my alopecia. Later in life, I had a calling to help others like myself. I decided to embrace my alopecia and continue to help others by opening my own wig boutique and posting about my alopecia journey on social media.

2. What strategies have you used to cope with the emotional challenges that come with alopecia?

I have shifted my mindset, instead of “why me?” I believe that “everything happens for a reason.” I am grateful for the amazing options that are available now to help those going through hair loss of any kind. These beautiful wigs and hair toppers are so realistic, and even nicer than my biological hair ever was.

3. What inspired you to start Pretty Wigs To You? Did your experience with alopecia play a role? If so, how does this guide your business and the way you work with your clients?

Yes, 100%. Prior to opening Pretty Wigs To You, I worked in the corporate world for 15 years. I knew I wanted to do more to help others.

I didn’t realize what an impact I have made on others who are struggling with their own hair issues.

People reach out to me from all over the world, they feel comfortable with me, knowing I have gone through similar experiences as them. They feel comfortable showing me their head, when they don’t normally show anyone.

There is a trust and comfort factor, many of my clients feel when they come into my boutique or follow me on social media. I’m the first one to whip off my wig and make them feel that it will be okay!

4. Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes about people with alopecia that you would like to address? How can we work towards breaking down these stereotypes and promoting acceptance?

There are some people who have never heard of alopecia, so some misconceptions would be that we are “sick.” Recently, thanks to social media, it’s being discussed and celebrated.

As for promoting acceptance, I think it’s a good idea to educate others on the different types of alopecia. Alopecia means hair loss. It's important to provide educational videos on different types of alopecia (androgenic, areata, totalis, universalis to name a few), hair toppers, and which wigs work best for each type.

5. What advice would you give to those recently diagnosed with alopecia?

The beginning is scary when you start losing your hair, all you want is for your own hair to grow back. There is a bit of an acceptance phase, and then it becomes fun. I promise!

6. How can friends and family best support someone going through the challenges of alopecia?

Family and friends can help by going to appointments with the dermatologist and even going with them to a  local wig boutique to check out options.

Some friends or family members come in for a wig consultation with the person who has alopecia; sometimes, the friend or family member also gets a wig or topper. So, they can both go through the experience together. I encourage picture-taking for a memorable experience also!

7. In what ways has your experience with alopecia made you stronger or more empowered? Have there been any positive outcomes that have arisen from your journey?

Having alopecia has given me the courage to speak on stage and go bald out in public. 

The positive outcomes have been meeting so many awesome people who have alopecia. Being able to leave the corporate world to open my wig boutique, not only has it allowed me to be there for my 3 kids, it has allowed me to help people every single day!

8. What is your favorite Jon Renau collection or style?

My favourite collection is the  California Blondes. And my favourite wig is Sarah in Venice Blonde!

Looking for more wig expert tips from Heather? Follow her on social media at  @prettywigstoyou or check out her wig shop: Pretty Wigs To You.