In a landscape saturated withunrealistic beauty standards and deceptive advertising, we wanted to create adedicated space for authenticity. Jon Renau Gets Real brings focus to the candid narratives of those with hair loss—from the difficult lows to incredible highs and immense growth and resilience along the way.

This annual campaign aims to break the stigma surrounding alternative hair, empower others with hair loss, and build a community that embraces the beauty of real stories and real people.

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Can you describe your journey?

My hair loss is genetic so I kind of knew my fate as a young person. My dad was bald at 18, so he wore wigs my whole life. My mom lost her hair when she was 40 and she started wearing wigs. Both my brothers lost their hair, so I kind of knew what was coming.

I started thinning pretty significantly, but I could hide it well. Then my husband passed away very unexpectedly, and I had illnesses that I was struggling with, and it just exacerbated the hair loss.

I knew I wanted more volume. As my hair was thinning, we started with our first topper, but it was very small, just to cover a little bit. Then, after some other circumstances, my hair loss got worse.

It’s funny because when it was the larger topper, I was very against it. I was like, “absolutely not, I’m not ready for that” and Kevin, my hair specialist, said, “Just trust me, I think you’re going to be so happy.” I was so happy; it was wonderful. I have to say it gave me such confidence to have beautiful hair again. 

How do you feel with a bonded piece?

A bonded piece feels surprisingly amazing. I had some trepidation and fear about the bonding type mechanism but it’s even lighter than what I've been wearing. It feels very secure, and so light that I can’t even tell I have something on. I am really blown away. 

What would you say to your younger self?

Don’t worry! It’s going to get better, I promise! There’s going to be really wonderful things that allow you to have that great hair again.

What would you do differently?

Probably the way I used to style my hair, and granted, I grew up in the 80’s so big hair time, but the way I would style it was constant teasing and teasing to try to get some volume. If hair was available then, I wouldn’t have had to do that.

What advice would you give to others?

Not to be afraid of hair replacement. The thought of wearing a hairpiece could feel really different for someone. But, as you can see, it’s so natural looking and so beautiful.

Ready to embark on your hair transformation journey?

We are always on the lookout for real people with real hair loss stories to share! If you are interested in sharing your story with us, click here.