By Brooke

I was 4 years old when I started losing my hair in patches around the top of my head.

My family and I persisted with combing my hair over the patches, until one day it was just too thin. It was decided that it needed to be shaved.

In return for me being incredibly brave and shaving off the little hair still remaining – I got a scooter! A scooter at age 4 is better than hair any day. I hardly needed any convincing.

The same day I shaved my head, my dad also shaved his which made it easier.

Throughout my primary school days I often struggled with wearing bandanas and synthetic wigs. It was around age 16 that I totally embraced having no hair – when my first real boyfriend accepted me for who I was. It was then I decided that if others can accept me, why can’t I accept myself?

I changed my outlook on life – instead of ‘I have no hair’, it changed to ‘wow I don’t have to buy lots of shampoo, conditioner, shave my legs or underarms or pay crazy prices at the hairdressers’ – maybe I am the lucky one?

Today at age 24, I have a loving boyfriend who on my days accepts me more than I accept myself. I have accepted that my hair will most likely never grow back, nor will I grow eyelashes or eyebrows. I am now open about alopecia and happy to discuss it with anyone who asks – I often joke about not having to shave and that normally brightens the moment.

I encourage everyone to accept themselves. It’s corny, but it is what’s on the inside that truly really matters. This is how I embrace alopecia and sustain a healthy outlook – without acceptance of yourself you can’t expect others to accept you. Every day I am thankful that I am otherwise healthy and who needs hair to have fun!

This article was submitted as part of our #HealthyAlopecia Blog Competition which is running throughout 2018. One winner every month will be drawn to receive $2000 towards improving your journey with alopecia or creating a healthier you. Brooke was randomly selected as our winner for February.  Find out how you can get involved and win $2000 here.