My name is Kylie, and I’ve been living with alopecia since I was six years old. Now at 39, people often say, “you must be used to it by now.” But the truth is, you never really get used to it. There are still quiet moments where I catch myself wishing, “what if it just […]

“Hi, I’m Mila. I’m 5 years old. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata when I was 2 years old, and I lost 80% of my hair. I also lost one eyebrow, and if asked where it was, my reply was, “It’s gone on holidays to Hungry Jack’s!” If people ask where my hair is, we […]

“Thank you to the AAAF for this sponsorship – that has enabled me to continue my dancing. Dancing is my favourite activity to do. It is not just the physical activity – but all aspects, the hard work and training to improve, the confidence of performing on stage in front people, whether it’s at home […]

The last few months have mainly been about starting year 10 and training hard for the big competitions coming up. School is going well this year. I feel more confident with how I look. I’m currently in a growth stage. I have a few small patches of hair growing on top of my head, but […]

Hello, my name is Hayley. I would like to thank the AAAF Team for awarding me the sponsorship gold program. At age 5, I was diagnosed with Alopecia. Initially, I had tried some treatments which I stopped due to side effects. In the beginning, I would wear wigs as many people would make inappropriate comments […]

My name is Alexia Russo and when I was 3 years old I was Diagnosed with Alopecia. It started with small patches of hair gone which would come and go, however when I turned 7 it all fell out.  As a young kid my hair loss did not bother me however as I got older […]

My name is Kylie, and I’ve been living with alopecia since I was six years old. Now at 39, people often say, “you must be used to it by now.” But the truth is, you never really get used to it. There are still quiet moments where I catch myself wishing, “what if it just […]

I have come to the end of Year 6, and the end of a year of cello lessons, those being thanks to the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation.  2025 saw me playing for school events and in music festivals and competitions.  I started to learn vibrato and really get comfortable sight reading in my orchestra.  Towards […]

Hi, I’m Abbie I am 13 years old and I love to dance. I have been dancing ever since I was 4 years old. I was just 6 years old when I got Alopecia Universalis and lots all my hair in a short span of time. I was extremely lucky to be supported by everyone […]

Since my last update there have been no big trampoline competitions. We had a friendly competition at my club, Central Coast Trampoline Sports. I came first on double mini trampoline and 1st on Trampoline. We also had our own competition within our club for our end of year presentation. I came 2nd on trampoline and […]

A Written Update on my Progress in the Activity: Since my last update, I have experienced significant success in my tennis. In early September, my team qualified for the grand final in our winter league. Unfortunately, we were not victorious on the day, however, each captain was provided with the opportunity to address a small […]

Is Alopecia Areata Genetic? Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Many people wonder: Is it genetic? Will I pass it on to my children? The answer is more complex — and more reassuring — than you might think. Alopecia Areata is […]

Alopecia Areata can affect anyone — males or females of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It often starts in childhood. See the full infographic here Inflammation develops around hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair. The immune system mistakenly attacks the follicles, but the exact trigger isn’t fully understood. See the full […]

I was out flying on Friday and have attached a video and photo below. Sadly, I didn’t get to complete my first solo flight — but who knows what might happen in the future! Jandakot is more expensive than Serpentine to fly from, as it has more traffic and a different setup. I did, however, […]

This term has been super exciting for me as a cello player! Our orchestra recently performed at the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival and we got a silver medal. I was so proud of everyone. Performing live is always such a buzz — your heart’s racing, the lights are on, and you just go for […]

I am writing to provide an update on my progress with Tai Chi, made possible through the generous sponsorship from the AAAF since July 2024. The AAAF sponsorship has been truly transformative for my Tai Chi journey. By covering the class fees, this program has given me access to regular sessions that I would not […]

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Yesterday, I took to the skies for the first time and completed my first landing at Jandakot Airport. I had tried last week, but the weather turned bad, and my instructor wouldn’t let us fly. This time, everything fell into place. With my instructor beside me, calm and watchful, I finally had the chance to […]

In March, before my last milestone update, my hair started falling out again. It all happened pretty quickly and by the end of May I had lost most of the hair on my head. I made the big decision to shave it all off to a zero before my big competition. My trampoline friends were […]

Checking in to let you know how my Gold Sponsorship for Tai Chi isgoing. I have been practising Tai Chi now for about 6 months I attend myclasses 1 day a week . Since starting Tai Chi I feel I am getting stronger physically andmentally. I look forward to attending my classes each week .My […]

On Saturday 12th April 2025 I competed at the NSW Gymnastic State Trial 1 for Trampoline. I competed in the International Stream for Under 17 in trampoline and National stream Level 6 for double mini trampoline. Unfortunately I didn’t qualify for the State team on trampoline at this event but I came first in double […]

It was just after my first birthday when my hair started falling out, so alopecia has always been part of my story.  I’ve never really hidden my alopecia at all, and I’ve had everything from patches that I could cover up, to patches that I could not, to being totally bald and missing an eyebrow.  […]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share what’s been happening with my hockey lately – it’s been pretty insane! So, I made it into the Northern Territory U/21 squad for Nationals, which is fantastic because I’m only 18! I have been putting in heaps of work on my skills and fitness, and it’s finally paying off. […]

When we think of alopecia areata, we often focus on the visible signs — patchy hair loss or total baldness. But what’s less visible is that for many people, alopecia areata is only part of the picture. It’s frequently linked to other health conditions known as comorbidities — especially autoimmune, atopic (allergy-related), and mental health […]

The figures below represent my commitment to displaying the AAAF logo both at my tennis club and when participating in the sport. In particular, it demonstrates me actively featuring the awareness posters in a visible location at Blackwood Tennis Club, helping to raise awareness about the condition. Since the 30th of January, I have made […]

On 23rd December 2023 I found my first bald spot. I was 13. It started as a small semi circle at the bottom of my hairline on the back of my head. By April 2024 I had lost more hair on the back of my head. It had slowly spread out and up. It was […]

Thanks to the sponsorship program, I have been able to improve my skills and grow into a much more confident player on the court. Before receiving this support, I struggled with self-doubt and lacked confidence when I had the ball. In the past, I was often teased while playing basketball at school, which affected my […]

Living with Alopecia: Rising Star on the Hockey Field Living with alopecia universalis since I was two hasn’t stopped me from chasing my dreams inhockey. Here in the Northern Territory, I’ve found my place not just as a player, but as someonewho gives back to the sport that continues to offer me so many opportunities. […]

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that often materialises itself through the progressive hair loss across one’s body. This definition is most consistent in the medical information available on the internet, whose authors have been seen to egregiously dismiss the anguish induced by the condition. Currently, our stories are being underrepresented, a reality that is perpetuating […]

2024 finished with a bang with me being named the Senior Gymnast of the Year for our gymnastic club at the end of year award evening. I was so pleased to be recognised for my hard work, commitment and achievements throughout the year. It was a big year with many goals reached and some that […]

My name is Ethan, and I was diagnosed with alopecia when I was 9 years old. It all started after we came back from our annual beach trip. During a routine haircut, my mum noticed a small bald patch on my head, about the size of a 20-cent coin, and half of my eyebrow had […]

The last few months have been like a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. My alopecia journey began about four months ago when I noticed clumps of my hair falling out which led to me finding a bald patch in my hair.  The next few weeks I had appointments with my local GP, blood […]

Looking for a powerful way to raise awareness for Alopecia Areata? Try these different creative ways to make an impact: WRITE A POETRY Poetry is an incredible way to express emotions, share personal experiences, and raise awareness. A heartfelt poem can connect deeply with others and inspire understanding about the alopecia journey. Here’s how to […]

Hi, my name is Rebecca Stone, and this is the final update for the Gold Sponsorship Program with the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation. I was very fortunate to receive their sponsorship last year, and now I’ve reached the end of my sponsored year. One of the highlights for me was racing in Western Australia at […]

As I sit here and begin typing I am still amazed at all that I have achieved in the past 12-18 months. To finish off that past 18 months, we had our End of Season Tri Club Awards presentation last night, and I was awarded the Coach’s Award for 2024. This came as a complete […]

My name is Pauline and I am 56 years old. I live in Geraldton Western Australia. I have had Alopecia since I was 21 years old my hair has never grown back. It started as a 20 cent piece on the the back of my head then progressed to fall out in about a couple […]

This is the forth checkin since I’ve been fortunate to have become a part of the Alopecia AreataAustralia Sponsorship program. It has been a very full couple of months since the last check ,in which was the beginning ofFebruary, both personally, professionally and within sport with a few key milestones reached.Professionally I have embarked upon […]

My Alopecia Journey: Strength through Taekwondo Hi everyone, I’m Piper, and I’m 11 years old. I want to share my journey with alopecia and how Taekwondo has helped me build confidence and resilience. Three years ago, my mum noticed my hair falling out in patches. It was scary and confusing at first, but after visiting […]

It has been a very busy pass couple of months after my huge winnings at our Australian open water national championships in January.  Since then, I went down to the Australian institute of sport in Canberra and got the opportunity to train amongst some of the best including the mighty Bronte Campbell which I may […]

Welcome to my next update for my Gold AAAF Sponsorship.  Where has the past year gone? When I was at Port Macquarie last Sunday, I couldn’t believe that it has been a year since I gained that spot at the World Championships and went to Hawaii.  The place that my sponsorship journey began. The last […]

Learning to fly has been an exhilarating journey filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. From the moment I first stepped onto the tarmac, the allure of the open skies captured my imagination like nothing else. Each lesson brings new challenges and triumphs, as I slowly but surely master the art of flight. The […]

Hamish was a part of our sponsorship program – you can also participate! Go here to learn more https://aaaf.org.au/sponsorship-program

Hi I’m Abbie and I received the amazing dance sponsorship from the AAAF in 2023. This is my final wrap up for the sponsorship that allowed me to participate in so many different activities over the year that I am so thankful I got to do. I performed at 3 competitions and performed 1 jazz troupe dance,1 tap […]

A comprehensive safety study on the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib, used for rheumatoid arthritis, revealed concerning risks compared to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. These risks include major cardiovascular issues, various cancers (particularly lung, lymphomas, and non-melanoma skin cancers), severe infections, and increased mortality rates. Since other JAK inhibitors like baricitinib and upadacitinib operate similarly to tofacitinib, regulatory agencies like the FDA in […]

With Great thanks to Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation AAAF I have started taking flying lessons which I have found very enjoyable. It has allowed me to explore a passion of mine which I did not think I would be able to fulfil. I have learned to live with alopecia over the years, which is a condition where your hair […]

It’s been a rocky few months into the lead up to my next mountain bike race which I’ve been lucky enough to be able to enter through the AAA sponsorship program. In February i will be travelling down to Jindabyne to compete in a 5 stage, 3 day mountain bike race. The format is XCO […]

What are the key factors that determine Alopecia Areata severity? IMPORTANCE: Current measures of alopecia areata (AA) severity, such as the Severity of Alopecia Tool score, do not adequately capture overall disease impact. OBJECTIVE: To explore factors associated with AA severity beyond scalp hair loss, and to support the development of the Alopecia Areata Severity […]

Hamish has been attending Premier 2-3 times per week. It has been hot over some of the Summer days but they all have fun all the same. Going for a swim after has been a great way to cool down. He has been on his orange belt for about 4 months but this week was […]

I was so excited to tell you all that I qualified for the NSW Level 4 State Gymnastics competition, representing the Met West Region. The competition was a tough one, I made sure that I tried my best and followed my coach’s advice to achieve my best outcomes. Unfortunately, my journey with gymnastics hit an […]

After having a very long and hard training block thanks to the AAAF for funding my training for me to have the best possible training and opportunity to achieve what I want to achieve. In the past 3 months I have competed in many ocean swims across the north and southern beaches on Sydney winning […]

A lot has happened this year thanks to my amazing scholarship from the AAAF to allow me to continue to explore my dance. I dance at The Performance Company located in Morley right next to the Morley rolerdrome. The Performance Company celebrated 35 years of operating this year. They have a wide range of different […]

Connor is currently working on an amazing video game and he made a YouTube video showcasing the latest updates on his sponsored AAAF-backed game! Watch the full video here: At AAAF, we are delighted to have sponsored Connor in bringing his dream project to life! Connor was a part of our sponsorship program – you […]

Hi, my name is Jamie and I have alopecia universalis. I was first introduced to the A A A F (short for Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation ) in 2021 looking for a support group to get more insight into the extent of this condition and the number of people who have it I have to […]

Over the past few months, I’ve taken some exciting steps to raise awareness about Alopecia areata and the incredible support provided by the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) within my tennis community. I made a conscious effort to visually represent AAAF by proudly displaying their logo during my tennis sessions. Whether it’s on my gear […]

“Hi, my name is Tayla, I’m 24 and I have had alopecia universalis since I was 10 months old. My mum tried to cure me with cortisone injections but I was too little, so my scalp wasn’t fully developed to perform procedures on. My brother and mum both have alopecia. My mum was 17 years […]

Hi, I’m Abbie, and I’m  thrilled to share a little glimpse into my world of dance, made possible by the incredible sponsorship from the AAAF. Your  support has given me the chance to expand my passion.  This year has been a whirlwind of rhythm and movement, as my tap, jazz, and hip hop troupe dove […]

Since my initial story, my one of my two major events for this year’s sponsorship have occurred and I am currently in New York for the marathon tomorrow. The Ironman World Championships, held in Kona, Hawaii was held on the 14th October 2023. I flew over one week prior to Kona, to start to acclimatise […]

It’s been a very busy couple of months in the Stone household after being awarded the Gold Sponsorship level from the Australia Alopecia Areata Society. Following a thumb injury in late March which only allowed for mountain bike riding in June it was full speed ahead to try and claw back lost time. I had […]

The Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation’s sponsorship greatly impacted my life by supporting my newfound passion for playing the guitar. Through their generosity, I was able to embark on a 10-week journey of guitar lessons that not only honed my musical skills but also provided me with a platform for personal growth and self-expression. This sponsorship […]

Primitive Protection has progressed a considerable amount since the last update. If you hadn’t heard of the project before I’ll give you a quick rundown. Primitive Protection is a multiplayer, wave survival shooter where you can build your own base and survive against hordes of gnomes as a time traveling prehistoric human. Firstly, I have […]

This has been the best six months of my life! So much has changed but definitely for the better. A MASSIVE part of this goes to Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation for their sponsorship. Their support and encouragement has been so good. If you are thinking of participating in the annual camp or applying to their […]

I had noticed that AAAF provided the Sponsorship program over the past 12 months, and thought often that maybe I could apply, but I kept thinking to myself that there are more people out there that deserve help and support then me. I eventually took the courage to enquire about applying for one, but again […]

On a cold June morning, my whole tennis team attended an away game, yep even our ‘emergency’ woke up early on a Saturday morning to come along. Why? Was it the final? No, the finals are later in the year. It was our first match in our new team shirts sponsored by AAAF. We had […]

I was about 21 when somebody first noticed my hair was falling out. Sitting at a friend’s house, I scooped my then-long blonde hair into a high bun. Standing behind me, she asked if I had recently gotten an undercut? “What do you mean?” I asked. At the time, I’d been creative in the hair […]

The story started 23 years ago when I was 21. It was towards the end of my nursing degree and I was experiencing a little stress in my life. I was navigating finishing University and starting a new job. I noticed a few tiny bald spots and thought no more of it.  I assumed that […]

Since I first wrote, the following has happened: 1) I spoke to my whole choir at a rehearsal to explain what alopecia areata is and shared my journey so far. I also expressed my thanks to the many there who have given me support. I explained what the AAAF sponsorship means to me and the support […]

Hi, my name is Neva, I’m 8 years old and happy to share my Alopecia story! I love being bald, it has taught me how to be brave, strong and resilient. Alopecia has become my superpower!!Some days can be a bit tough, kids can be mean, and the stares can hurt my feelings at times, […]

My alopecia story began about 25 years ago it started off when I had small patches of alopecia for a good number of years, it would go bald sporadically in different areas, and I would try to mask it by combing over the top, which you can get away with if its only small patches. […]

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with alopecia. My mum found a bald spot on the back of my head one night when my wet hair parted after a bath. Before too long my hair grew back to cover the spot, which my doctor said was a good sign as it proved […]

I’m excited to share the latest progress update on my game, Primitive Protection, which is currently in development. The generous support from the Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) has significantly impacted its progress thus far. With the $1500 received as part of the AAAF sponsorship, I’ve made meaningful strides in terms of both game design […]

I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata at 5 years of age. My name is Connor, and this is my experience with it. I don’t remember much when I got the consensus on what it was. I just remember people feeling bald spots on my head. It felt weird, unusual. I remember initially my mum tried […]

I’m excited to share my most recent update. I’ll share about taekwondo and a fundraiser my friend did for me.  I love going to taekwondo. The teachers and all the students support each other and we all work hard to get to grade.  I’m now a red belt with 2 tips and can break boards […]

I don’t remember when I started to lose my hair. My mum says I was about 2 years old. It started with a tiny patch on the crown of my head, but that grew back a few months later. About 6 months after that the patch came back again but this time instead of growing […]

Hi, my name is Phoebe and I am 31 years young living with alopecia! My story starts back when I was in Grade 3. I was brushing my hair when I noticed large amounts of hair falling out. When taking a shower, clumps of hair would gather in between my fingers and fill the bottom of the shower. I […]

I am so excited for competitions to begin. We have started working on our routine preparation for our first competition in May. Our upcoming competitions are at different locations to my home gym and I am looking forward to spreading awareness of Alopecia at all the gyms we go to for our competitions. I was […]

I am currently working hard in preparation for competition season and I have lost my hair, again!!! Would you believe it all fell out again in just 1 week! After a couple of days, I asked my mum to shave my head. This was a hard time for me again as I started at a […]

At the age of 29 (almost 25 years ago), my hairdresser told me that I had a few bald spots on the back of my head, roughly the size of 20/50 cent pieces. The spots were under my long, thick dark hair so I never saw them myself. Each time my hairdresser would check for […]

All information has been taken from the ABC Interview located in this link. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/alopecia-treatments-false-promises/102142714 Statement from Professor Rodney Sinclair a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Melbourne and director of Epworth Dermatology. We went pretty much 40 years without a single new treatment, and then in the past two or three years, we’ve probably […]

Hey everyone, just checking in for one of my last milestones to let you all know how life has been for me on my journey with Alopecia Universalis. Since the last time I checked in, I have started on immuno-suppressant therapy but I was already on a non-stimulant ADHD medication that has low blood pressure […]

My last six months have seen a lot of changes. Firstly, my parents made the decision to move interstate. While I was finishing year 8 at boarding school, Mum and Dad made the big move from Nhulunbuy, NT (our home for nearly 11 years) to our new place. At first, I was surprised and a […]

It all started in May 2015 and I was 4 years old – that was when I had my last haircut. No, I don’t have super long hair that I can sit on, I have alopecia which means I have no hair, no eyebrows and no eyelashes. Mum and Dad tell me that just before […]

I am pleased to say that I have been continuing to work hard towards my goals in Crossfit since I received my sponsorship. The event I was sponsored for was back in August, and I’ve been training hard since then to continue in the community competitions. I did, however, hit a bit of a hurdle […]

I am loving my reformer Pilates classes I have through my sponsorship. I go to 3 classes per week. Strength, Athletic and Cardio.  I usually go in the morning so to set the intention for the day so I feel good. I have never felt so fit, strong and healthy in my life. I have […]

Hi, my name is Abbie, I am 10 years old and love to dance. I have been dancing since I was 4. Miss Caroline was my first dance teacher and she inspired me to keep dancing during the time of my alopecia journey. When I was 6 years old, I got Alopecia Universalis. I was […]

Since our last Milestone Claudia has really come a long way in her self-esteem and how she is managing her Alopecia. She has received her new Freedom Wig which has been such a blessing. The wig enables her to participate in Cheerleading with the confidence that she can do all the required movements without the […]

Taking part in an AAAF sponsorship has been an amazing experience that I’m so happy I decided to apply for! Learning how to ride a horse has always been something on my bucket list. I wanted to experience the feelings of liberation and self-assurance that come from horse riding, but prior to the sponsorship, I […]

Hi, my name is Piper and I have just turned 9 and finished Grade 3.  About 4 years ago my mum was brushing my hair when she noticed a little bald patch.  For a while, I just had little patches that moved around a bit, but then the patches got bigger and bigger, and in […]

Over Christmas and New Years, I travelled along with my crew, Olive to Williamstown Victoria. In Williamstown, we competed in the Australian international cadet national championship where we qualified for the Australian team to sail the next week, in the International Cadet World Championship. Throughout these regattas, we sailed against world-class sailors from all around […]

My name is Michael, I am 11 years old and am a level 3 Men’s Artistic Gymnast. I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when I was 9 years old. My mum and my sister have Alopecia as well. In the beginning, I had a few patches here and there but my hair would come and […]

Hi, my name is Isabella, I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when I was 10 years old. My mum and my brother both have Alopecia as well. I am 13 years old and am a competitive gymnast. I am currently doing level 4 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. The Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation is sponsoring me to […]

Meet Claudia, she is 11 years old and started losing her hair at the beginning of 2022 at age 10. The hair loss started above her right ear. More patches started appearing around the back of her head from ear to ear. Within 6 months Claudia had lost all her hair followed by her eyebrows […]

Being able to ride a horse with confidence has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to say that I’m well on my way there thanks to the riding lessons I’ve been undertaking during my sponsorship.  Beyond riding skills, I’ve also learnt how to saddle and care for horses, and build relationships with […]

After 9 months of my gold sponsorship, the development in my performance skills has been significant. Over the last 3 months, I have had the privilege of performing in my Stage 2 dance showcase and participating in the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. Within the leadup to my dance showcase, I raised awareness for alopecia by promoting […]

Time for an update on all things Alopecia Universalis in my world…it’s been 3 months since I last updated everyone. Since September, I have been attending my martial arts classes twice a week to get more tags to earn my black belt. The good news is that I got another tag so I’m close to […]

Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAK inhibitors) are a hot topic within our community peer support spaces and are the number 1 repeated questions being asked to the AAAF team, so we wanted to provide an update about the current position regarding JAK inhibitor drugs as a potential treatment for alopecia areata. Firstly, what is a JAK […]

Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation’s sponsorship program has given me the wonderful opportunity to pursue something I was keen on trying for an awfully long time, that being boxing. I have been so grateful for this experience so far, as having been diagnosed with alopecia along with other health issues, boxing has been a great stress […]

It all started when I was 17 and I had a few major life events all happen to me within a short amount of time. I was in year 12, my grandfather passed away, I contracted glandular fever and I found out then my boyfriend had cheated on me. It was a stressful time, to […]

I was diagnosed with alopecia at 7 and a half during a pandemic lockdown. This meant we couldn’t see doctors in person immediately, but we got there eventually.  My hair started to go in a couple of little patches on the back of my head but then I started to lose it on the top […]

It’s the 20th of September 2022 and I want to tell you about my progress at taekwondo. There’s good news and there’s disappointing news, but mostly good. Since the last week of July, I’ve successfully attained 2 of the 5 tags necessary to be able to grade for my black belt. I have been keeping […]

It has been about two months since my last update. Here is how I am going with my Singing scholarship in 2022. I am very grateful to have received this as I have now moved on to learn more advanced and more difficult skills with my singing. This semester, I have learnt more new vocal […]

I am nine years old and was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata in kindergarten at the age of five.  From the age of five to seven, I had small patches of hair that would fall out and regrow with a treatment. At the age of eight and during the lockdown of Covid-19 slowly all my hair […]

Jesse recently received a sponsorship from AAAF for his taekwondo classes. Read his experience living with Alopecia Universalis and how participating in taekwondo has helped him through his journey. Hello, I’m Jesse & I have Alopecia Universalis. I also have ADHD, OCD & involuntary facial and body ticks, especially when I get stressed. At the […]

My name is Lilly. I am 13 years old and I have Alopecia.  I have had Alopecia since I was 7. I remember that at the time it was very confusing. I didn’t understand why it was happening to me and I hated all the questions that I would get asked. The most common was, […]

I would like to thank the AAAF for my gold scholarship! This scholarship has paid for my dance classes which are tap, musical theatre and contemporary dance private lessons. Thanks to these, I have improved so much that two months ago I was asked to join the performance team, which means I can now compete […]

I’m delighted to share with everyone here that I was selected for a music education sponsorship through AAAF’s 2022 sponsorship program, and I couldn’t be more excited about the incredible opportunity.  I am so grateful to AAAF and this community for supporting me on my alopecia journey and wanted to share more about my past, […]

She is a certified yoga therapist, meditation facilitator, an empowerment coach and a member of our AAAF community! She has worked with many women with Alopecia Areata to help them navigate the ups and downs of the journey, come into radical self-acceptance and cultivate more self-love and confidence. She has come a long way since […]

How to embrace your alopecia with grace and good humour The impact of an alopecia areata diagnosis is both immediate and incremental. We’re not going to lie: losing your hair is a big deal. That’s why learning to navigate the external world is critical to living life fully. Sadly, some folks will still stare or […]

It has been three months since I received the scholarship so here is my update. It has been a tough couple of months health-wise but hopefully, things will get better now. This AAAF scholarship has helped me a lot in so many ways.  To begin with, it helped with my music studies this year. I […]

Alopecia is a life-changing event that causes a lot of unknowns to enter into our life. Since this can feel scary, a normal response to this is for the brain to focus on the negative aspects about all of this new uncertainty. However, these negative thought patterns can take up a lot of our energy […]

Did you know that AAAF has a program that provides grants so that children with Alopecia Areata and their families can purchase a wig? AAAF has been running our Wigs For Kids Program since 2012.  AAAF believes that whether to wear a wig or not is a personal choice. As government assistance and Medicare / […]

Whether you have been newly diagnosed or have been living with Alopecia Areata for some time, AAAF recognises that when a child has Alopecia Areata, this affects the whole family. Information provided below is based on psychological research, AAAF’s committee members and our broader community’s lived experiences. We hope that the information, advice and stories […]

My name is Katie Hale and I have Alopecia Universalis. My hair loss came on rapidly at the age of 23 and it hasn’t ever come back. Like most, I found a small circular patch of – well, nothing – on the back of my head on the right side. Having no idea what it […]

Victoria recently received a AAAF sponsorship, which she used to take singing lessons. Below she describes the ups and downs of her experience living with Alopecia Areata. “At the age of 4, I was starting to lose my hair in small patches here and there. This was the first time it ever happened to me. […]

Hi I’m Faye, I have had alopecia since I was five years old. This is the same age I started sailing. During this time, I have experienced small amounts of regrowth but most of the time I haven’t had any hair. Some of the time I have not had eyebrows or eyelashes. It’s really frustrating […]

When I was diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 13, it was a very sudden life shift. I went from having long, thick hair to being bald within a couple of months, which made navigating high school particularly tricky. Developing alopecia at that formative age impacted my identity, and self-esteem, and instilled a lot of […]

AAAF recently contacted some of our corporate supporters who we love working with and asked them about their experience with AAAF. Below you can find more about their experience and their business.  Company Title: SMP- HQ Premier Scalp Micropigmentation clinic. I am associated with AAAF as I want to promote scalp micro-pigmentation as an affordable, […]

My name is Brigette Lucas, I am 34 years young and I have an autoimmune condition called Alopecia Areata. My friend in High School noticed that I always had hair collecting on my jumper, like the way a cat or dog’s hair always sticks to your clothes, but in my case, it was my human […]

My name is Hayley. I am 11 years old and I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when I was 5 years old. Initially, my hair started falling out in circle patches, when 3 months had passed I was totally bald and had lost all body hair. The treatments offered were invasive or had side effects […]

Did you know that AAAF has a program that provides grants so that children with Alopecia Areata and their families can purchase a wig? AAAF has been running our Wigs For Kids Program since 2012.  AAAF believes that whether to wear a wig or not is a personal choice. As government assistance and Medicare / […]

When I was four years old I started losing my hair in patches. My mum took me to the Dermatologist and I was told I had Alopecia Areata. I was given some DCP ointment which made the hair grow back. When I was 8 my hair started falling out again, we went back to the […]

Bren is a biologist that has lived most of her life with alopecia. She started losing her hair when she was five years old, all while she was going through a very rough moment with her family, but even when that was over, the hair loss was not. Bren tells us a bit about her […]

When my Mum first told me that I had gotten the scholarship for my music learning I was so happy, and I was filled with excitement. This scholarship really helped me with my music learning this year because now I can do my singing exam for grades 3 and 4. In the year 2020, during […]

What is Alopecia? Well it is something that I never knew about until 2019. After my Nonno passed away my mum was hugging me and noticed a bald patch at the back of my head after I had a haircut. She thought that the hairdresser couldn’t cut hair and we didn’t think anything of it. A […]

Kyla is a 13-year-old who has been living with Alopecia areata since 2020. Here is her story. “I was diagnosed with Alopecia areata when I was 11 and I am now currently 13 years old. It all started when my sister Lorelai was playing with my hair at my grandma’s house. The next week my […]

Meet Chrissy!  Chrissy recently shared her story with us about living with Alopecia Areata for 30 years. She shares openly and honestly about what the journey has looked like for her – and what it might be like for others, too. Read it below! “I first noticed my Alopecia Areata about 30 years ago.  I […]

Hi, my name is Emma, and I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata just before my 14th birthday. My hair had always been perfect until one morning I woke up and got in the car to drive to school and mum asked me what I had done with my hair. At this stage, it was no […]

The word “alopecia” means hair loss. Alopecia Areata is an auto-immune disease that results in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It can range from small, individual smooth patches of hair loss, to total loss of all hair on the body – including ear and nose hair. Alopecia Areata is not […]

Since making exercise a priority I’ve noticed changes in my mental health. I try to exercise most days, and this helps me feel strong physically and mentally, it releases stress and produces endorphins leaving me feeling happier and giving me more energy. When I feel good mentally, I cope with my alopecia better. If I […]

My Bridgeneering lessons are finished and it was really really super great.  There was nothing about it that I didn’t like – the whole thing was the best.  If I could make one of the bridges in real life, I would make the Tower Bridge.  It’s a bascule and suspension bridge.  That means it has […]

Christine has Alopecia Universalis and it’s been an emotional journey. Exercise has helped her through it and AAAF is honoured to be able to sponsor her.  Christine received sponsorship for her exercises classes where she participated in an 8-week challenge despite being nervous about wearing a wig.  In the process, she embraced her strength and […]

Hello, dear Alopecia family. We have spent some time collecting advice from our beloved community, so you could access our ultimate compilation of advice. Some advice has been edited to allow us to feature each person and to create an enjoyable reading: Be proud of yourself and everything about you including your bald head, but […]

My Name is Isabella. I am 9 years old. I have had Alopecia since I was 3. I was born with a birth defect called Gastroschisis. This means my organs were outside of my body when I was born and I needed surgery right away to save me. I have a poor immune system because […]

Guest post by sponsorship participant Sheridan Ruth. View the meditation support flyer here. It’s believed that about 5% of adults worldwide suffer from depression and at least 4% suffer from an anxiety disorder. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Anxiety disorders can affect everything from physical health to social wellbeing. The rates of […]

Alopecia is never life-threatening or extremely physically painful, however, the psychological impacts of alopecia can be devastating. This simple process can reconnect you with your natural state of calm.

My name is Frankie. I am turning 8 in August and I have Alopecia. My mum noticed a small bald patch in my hair when she was washing it one day in May 2020. Mum accused me of playing with her razor but I hadn’t touched it. Mum watched it for a couple of weeks […]

Did you know there are many types of alopecia areata? Each type has a unique pattern of hair loss. You may have seen that some people with alopecia range from just a few patches to having no body hair at all. This guide will help you understand why that is and attempt to answer the […]

My name is Corinne, I am 37 years old and I am currently suffering from Alopecia Universalis. My journey with alopecia began when I was in primary school and I started losing patches of my hair. Alopecia was something my mum already had experienced herself so we knew what it was straight away. I recall […]

My name is Kylie and I am Emma’s Mum. Emma was diagnosed with Alopecia during the first lockdown in SA, in March 2019. It all started with some of Emma’s hair on her head falling out in big patches.  Then it slowly progressed to her eyebrows, eyelashes, and all of her hair on her head, […]

Guest post by sponsorship participant  Sheridan Ruth.  Many people feel that meditation is out of reach for them. And yet, since 2012, the number of people who practice meditation has more than tripled. Meditation is accessible to everyone, you just have to know how to go about it in a way that promotes the best […]

It was the end of February 2018 after what had been a brilliant summer, I slowly noticed two or three coined shaped patches of hair on the top of my head that weren’t growing more than half a millimeter in length on my already shaved head, a style I had kept since about 2014 for […]

What Are the Phases of Hair Growth? Every day, the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs. That loss is part of the normal hair growth cycle. But when you have alopecia areata (AA), your hair doesn’t follow that same pattern.  If you have alopecia areata (AA), understanding how hair grows is an important […]

I was thrilled to be included in the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) sponsorship program and I have made huge progress towards reaching my goals this year. The winter campdraft carnival saw just one event held before the cold, wet weather set in. At Bundarra Campdraft in the New England region of NSW, I took […]

Mum told me I often developed small bald spots on my head from time to time when I was school age. They would stick around for a little while and then the hair would grow back. I had so much hair back then – so thick and so long it never bothered me. I would […]

Alex is one of the 2021 recipients of our Sponsorship Program and we are so proud of his wonderful story! Read his alopecia story below. Hi, my name is Alex.  I am eight years old and I have had alopecia forever (Mum says I was one when I started to lose my hair).  I used […]

When I was young my hair was my pride and joy. I received so many compliments on it… I was known as the girl with the long plait. Then one day, I felt the hairdressers cold fingers against my scalp. It felt barer and more exposed than normal. She quickly ran to my mum and […]

My name is Isabella. I am 9 years old. I have had Alopecia since I was 3.  I was born with a birth defect called gastroschisis. This means my organs were outside of my body when I was born and I needed surgery right away to save me.  I have a poor immune system because […]

My daughter was diagnosed with alopecia 20 years ago. She’d visited a friend in Queensland for the school holidays and the mother called to say she noticed spots of baldness on her head. It happened quickly as they were not there when she’d left home. I asked what shampoo was it as it was noticed […]

My mum first noticed the little spots in my head when I was about four years old.  We went and saw a dermatologist and tried different treatments, but nothing really made that much difference, and back then it wasn’t really that much of a big deal. In year six, big patches of my hair started […]

Meet Cath!    We recently spoke with Cath from CMT Psychology and she shared a bit about herself and her alopecia story. Tell us about your alopecia story! At age 20, after a sunny day outdoors I noticed a tender spot on the top of my head. Closer inspection revealed a sunburnt bald patch about […]

Nervousness about an interview affects nearly everyone. But if you’re experiencing alopecia areata, you may feel like you have an added stressor around interviews. You may be unsure what to wear, whether or not to tell your story, and what your interviewers will think. Preparing yourself for all of this will help you ace your […]

Did you know AAAF has a sponsorship program? Receive up to $4,000 to go towards skill development or participation in activities/hobbies. For more information check our website. As part of the 2021 sponsorship program successful applicants are required to create awareness for alopecia and AAAF.  In the application process you will be prompted to share […]

Shayna, the face of Instagram account @hairsgonebabygone recently appeared on Insight SBS and talked about the hot topic – Dating with Alopecia Areata (including Totalis and Universalis). Shayna tells us how she conducted an A/B test on a dating site to see if posting bald photos affected responses.  She brings such a light, easy energy […]

Did you know that a large majority of individuals with alopecia areata will have some degree of hair re-growth? This is because the cells that supply the hair follicle remain active despite experiencing balding. But you may have an even greater chance at experiencing re-growth if you decide to pursue treatment for your hair loss. […]

Name: Kellie Type of Alopecia: Androgenic alopecia First diagnosed: 2017, aged 31. Hair loss began at 27. Instagram: Hairloss Boss (@hairlossboss)  If you’re a part of the online hair loss community, chances are you’re familiar with Kellie Scott and the wonderful content she shares through her instagram platform @hairlossboss. For those who don’t know Kellie, […]

It’s estimated that 55% of chronic alopecia areata patients will have persistent multifocal relapsing and remitting disease if they do not receive systematic treatment. However, there is also very little evidence that active treatment can alter the natural progression of the disease. But it may be argued that a large part of this lack of […]

According to research, alopecia areata (AA) affects 1 in 1000 people.  While only 2% of those individuals are at risk for developing AA for their lifetime, the experience of hair loss can be difficult, regardless of the low potential for permanence. So, if you’ve found a bald patch, it’s not uncommon to be feeling overwhelmed, […]

In 2017-2018, 13% of Australian adults reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. Long-term stress can lead to mental health problems, cardiovascular disease, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and even hair loss. But is stress the cause of Alopecia Areata?  If you’ve ever gone to the doctor to discuss your hair loss and been asked […]

A study on the physical activity levels of people with alopecia areata (AA) found that nearly 82% of participants did not meet the physical activity guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In addition to that startling figure, participants who did not meet those guidelines and who had more than 50% hair loss on […]

Many of us who have been diagnosed with alopecia areata can attest to the fact that depressive episodes or a diagnosis of depression can be quite common as we manage the emotions alopecia areata can bring up.  Although there’s an increasing amount of research and information around mental health in general, there isn’t a great […]

Alopecia areata (AA) is a condition that causes hair loss. But the amount of hair loss and the duration of time that it persists varies greatly between individuals. The reason for this is unclear, as is so much about the AA. While we know that it’s an auto-immune condition, we don’t have enough information about […]

Alopecia areata (AA) is more common than you might think. Indeed, it’s thought to effect 2% of the population at some point in their lifetime. For those who have been diagnosed with AA, the rates of remission are often a more pressing concern than incidence rates. However, the research that exists around remission rates is […]

When hair loss occurs, we know it can impact your self-esteem, self-image, and confidence. One of the most common ways of combatting the physical, emotional, and mental impact of alopecia areata is to purchase a wig. By giving the outward appearance of a full head of hair, they can boost confidence, help avoid awkward questions, […]

Did you know alopecia areata (AA) falls under the category of Genetic and Rare Diseases? As an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, affecting roughly 2% of the population at some point in their lifetime, it sure does.   Rare is strong. Rare is many.  Rare is proud.  AAAF is […]

Have you been wondering how to choose the best wig for you? Do you need to know how to care for your new, beautiful wig? Not sure which type or style of wig is best for you? Are you wondering if you will be able to do all your favorite hairstyles in your new wig? […]

I do not know if I would have done this course if it wasn’t for my Alopecia, I feel as a person I have grown so much stronger with a sense of empathy to how people feel.

What to prep, questions to ask and getting ready to head back to school

Choosing the right wig for you is a very personal decision. If you’ve never shopped for wigs before, it can also be overwhelming or stressful. But it doesn’t need to be.

This reading list is a collection of books which speak to us and share something meaningful about the experience of alopecia. Do you have a book that helped you on your hair loss journey? Share it in the comments!

As part of the reveal of these terrifying villains, they shed their normal human disguises to show cat-like claws and itchy bald heads.

Sigh.

Alopecia support looks so different now than ten years ago. When AAAF first began, the most common question we were asked was “Am I the only person with this condition?”. We consider it one of the greatest signs of success that we no longer hear this.

I have come a long way with accepting my condition and do believe I am unique, I was born to stand out for a reason, I no longer stay in the shadows. My personality isn’t as loud as some, I am the shy quiet achiever however I am finding my voice slowly but surely. I’m not the girl who just wears a bandana and no one knows why; I’m Siarrah and have Alopecia.

AAAF are working on a creative project collecting alopecia-related art and writing. We’re looking for artists, writers or other creatives to share their art with us.

But did you know that AAAF have a YouTube channel with hours of video resources all about living with a form of Alopecia Areata?

How do we, as members of the public and people with Alopecia Areata, find quality information? How do we know who and what to trust?

There were many lies I told myself and believed about myself and my future.Now,  my life is far different than I had expected it would be. Here are 10 of the truths that have replaced them.

Giveaway pack descriptions and details for AAAF’s Christmas in July Giveaway.

Looking back on all the challenges, I wonder why I proceeded. Reflecting back on the children and families supported, the research conducted, the awareness raised, I’m glad we did. 

I doubt my hair will grow back, however I don’t mind.
Art was my passion and has been for most of my life.

I had never seen anything like this. I knew that some guys could lose their hair and aging grandmas but 14-year-old girls? Never.

It was only a month before most of it was gone, and I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata.

A lot of research has been done on coping with Alopecia Areata.

I was diagnosed with Alopecia when I was only 3 years old. It started as little spots on my head and then throughout the years, it has spread to my body.  It wasn’t new to our family as my brother had been diagnosed with alopecia 3 years before me. He was totally bald.  

Fires, floods, pandemic, political scandals, workplaces closing down and suddenly we can’t buy toilet paper. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what gets us through tough times. How can we stay motivated and optimistic when faced with challenges and disasters?

Did I wish I could sleep in after a draining week this week, instead of having a hit? Yep. Did I get up anyway?

Alopecia Areata can occur at any age. Did you know that it most often first presents during childhood?

The best thing about having alopecia is that sometimes it is good to stand out and have something different about yourself. I like that I am unique.

Heading back to school is an exciting time. Whether you’re headed into a new year or a new school, it’s a time of a lot of change

At this time of year, many people are taking up healthy habits and looking to get active. If you’ve thought about exercising more but find it difficult, you’re not alone.

The end of the year and the end of a decade – what a time for reflection.

What have you learnt from your journey with Alopecia Areata? What do you wish you’d known when you were first diagnosed? Let us know in the comments!

I’ve been tempted to rip my wig off and ride bald. I haven’t quite convinced myself to do it yet, but you never know, maybe one day I just might…

How did we #EmbraceAlopecia during this special week?

Alopecia is a deeply personal condition, something we must eventually come to terms with and, hopefully, accept within ourselves.

Sometimes questions can be okay. Other times, it can be annoying or upsetting, and you may not want to answer.

When I was six, I lost all the hair on my head and body.  I started dancing when I was four with Miss Caroline.

Hearing comments about your alopecia is often upsetting. Having a strategy for dealing with comments can be really helpful.

People making comments about your hair can be difficult. Sometimes, people can say unkind things by accident. They might not mean to hurt your feelings, but they don’t know any better. Sometimes, people can be deliberately mean, rude, or unkind.

So if someone says something about your alopecia, how can you handle it?

Now I have realized that I have a gift something that only about 1% of the world’s populations has. I’m part of that 1% and I am now proud!

Whether you’re hitting the snowy slopes or heading north to escape the winter chill, this time of year is amazing for travel. But travelling with Alopecia Areata can have some new complications and considerations. 

My name is Sarah. I am 6 years old. Last year when I started school my Mum and Dad noticed a small patch of hair missing on the top of my head.

Many people with Alopecia Areata find losing brows, lashes and other facial hair is a very difficult adjustment. As well as changes to appearance, facial hair like brows, lashes and even nasal hair has really important functions that many of us aren’t aware of. So when we lose this hair, we can have some unexpected challenges.

One of the biggest hits has been my reluctance to take part in exercise including running and team sport, for fear of accidentally exposing my secret to the world if my hair were to misplace itself

Did you know that people with alopecia may have more trouble keeping warm? That’s because body hair plays a huge part in how our bodies regulate temperature. So what can we do to get through the winter?

This is when my new lifestyle journey started. My life was not just about acceptance but living with Alopecia and embracing the condition. I was enrolled in swimming to create strength and fitness, Dance to build self-confidence, then netball to become part of group sports.

By Linsey  I am immensely proud of my two boys. They seem to think that having a mum who is bald is really no big deal. But for me, it’s still pretty much a big deal. I was hit in the face with the reality of this as I walked into my son’s prep class […]

When I was in grade 6, spots turned to patches and patches then turned to the total loss of my hair in a matter of weeks.

Letting go of how something should be and just allowing it to take on its own forms as it happens — that’s a great lesson in life as well

But then I thought “I am going to own this alopecia”.

There are so many amazing people out there making amazing content – we couldn’t possibly fit them all into one blog post! Is there someone you’re loving in the online world of alopecia who we haven’t listed here?

Muay Thai Kickboxing has really changed the way I see myself, and although I did love myself before, now I feel truly strong.

Sue Hampton knows first hand what it is like to lose her hair. She does an amazing job of exploring Daisy’s experience through the emotional upheavals and triumphs. The Waterhouse Girl is such an enjoyable story. I myself have alopecia and it was refreshing to read a story that I could relate to on such a deep level.

. January the perfect time to look back on the achievements and hard work of the last 12 months, and get reinvigorated for the year to come.

The AAAF team is so excited about the coming year and looking forward to sharing it with our wonderful community. We wanted to start the year off right by celebrating some of the little wins in our community recently.

Alopecia Awareness Week 2018 was huge! We had so many great projects launch, announcements of upcoming programs and great events all over Australia.

Before I developed Alopecia I did ballet, jazz and tap dancing, swimming and martial arts. Then when I lost more than half of my hair in two weeks I stopped doing all of these because I was embarrassed and scared.

I talk regularly about supporting appearance diversity as one of my passions and drivers of being part of AAAF. But what does that actually mean?

It’s been a year since I first started losing my hair. I didn’t think my introduction to adulthood would so dramatic.

I hope this story helps anyone who is feeling a little less confident

I am now in a much healthier emotional place with my alopecia. It still amazes me that I can now stand in my hot yoga class, without anything on my head, look myself in the eye in the mirrors and say to myself – ‘You look great

If you’re considering donating your hair, I would say do it!! I have learned so much about myself and about others from doing it.

I kept thinking, “Why me? How much more do I have to go through??

Alopecia Areata isn’t caused by stress, but it can be stressful. We asked the Team Behind the Scenes here at AAAF (aka our amazing Committee volunteers) how they tackle stress and time management.

These days, I still have AA, it now affects my brows, lashes and body hair too, but I have accepted it for today and as long as it sticks around

When my hair all fell out in January this year I felt I had made a big step because I just asked my mum to cut it off I wanted it all gone. It made me sadder seeing it the first time because last time I tried to hold onto it and it took a lot of grief and time which this time around I knew it wasn’t worth it.

I’ve resigned myself to knowing I’ll be the bald one in a nursing home, but maybe by then I won’t give a hoot. I can only hope.

My hope is that boys take away from this weekend acceptance of their current situation, at whatever stage they are at. Looking back and saying “I wish I didn’t have alopecia” won’t change anything at all. It’s about resilience.’

Having this beautiful group of ladies has been an immense blessing.

‘One day I’ll be able to share my story,’ I thought and promised myself that I would not allow my hair (or lack of) to define me.

I encourage everyone to accept themselves. It’s corny, but it is what’s on the inside that truly really matters.

Facebook, a company making over seven billion dollars per quarter, is pushing small groups to pay to be able reach their communities. And we’re supposed to believe this is about bringing people together. Really, Zuckerberg?

You could ask a thousand people who suffer from Alopecia what it is like living with it and I can guarantee each and every one of them will give you a different answer.  My answer, heart breaking.  

I want my boys to have a healthy appreciation about what beauty is, that it’s not just about what magazines and movies say we should look like. I want them to know that I don’t have to be ashamed because I don’t have any hair and they don’t have to be ashamed of me.

A year ago today, we posted AAAF’s New Year Resolutions for 2017. A year later, we’ve done more than we could have dreamed. But what’s next for AAAF? What are we working hard to bring you in 2018?

But after all the excitement had subsided I started to think about when I lost my hair and how hard things were for me going through school and being bullied. Would my beautiful baby girl have to go through these things?

Alopecia Areata is like a strange aunt, the one that calls in unannounced, makes a mess of the place, and eventually leaves — but you know she’ll be back.

We’re looking for your story on any aspect of health and wellness, ranging from mental health, physical activity, social engagement, what wellness means for you, or anything in between. In exchange for your story, you go into the draw to win up to $2000 towards a healthier you!

AAAF President Chel Campbell shares her experiences from our very first AAAdventure Camp, plus some exciting new announcements about our plans for the camp in 2018.

To find out more about what the #HealthyAlopecia campaign will mean, including a sneak peak into an amazing competition we’ll be launching next month, check out the blog.

In March 2018, a second team is taking up the challenge to tackle the Kokoda Track to raise funds and awareness for a worthy cause – and you’re invited too! Kokoda18 is now recruiting!

The session was hosted by an amazing panel of individuals in their early 20’s who have lived with alopecia through their childhood and teens. Individuals in the audience, most of them parents of kids with alopecia themselves, were able to ask questions and seek information based on the panels personal experience.

Two representatives from AAAF were able to attend this year’s National Alopecia Areata Foundation Annual Conference in Miami, Florida. This event is one of the largest gatherings of people with AA in the world, and was a fantastic experience to see and speak with so many people living with condition from all across the world.

Alopecia, while visible on the surface, is like an iceberg – Most of the damage is hidden.

Carlo, the former Head Coach of the Italian National Rugby team has had Alopecia Areata almost all of his life and attributes many of his personal successes to his experiences growing up with Alopecia Areata

Greg’s latest project, Kokoda17, is an awareness and fundraising challenge for himself and a team of other dedicated individuals from our community. On Sunday the 13th of August, they begin the journey of a lifetime – tacking the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. They’re taking on this 97km of rough terrain and poignant history to help improve the lives of people living with Alopecia Areata. 

 The short answer, if I must give one, is that self-love is a deep appreciation for yourself, its accepting yourself for all you are and all you aren’t. It’s unconditional love for yourself even when you don’t have it all together. It’s a journey, not a destination. It takes dedication, devotion, and practice. It’s about being consistent each and every day. It’s experimenting, learning, reading and discovering yourself.

You have a choice. In life, work, relationships you always have a choice. Work out what your wants are, and what your needs are. Just yours and no one else’s. Be selfish about your puzzle. No one else can put yours together. You can get help to start it but from there it’s all on you.

I’m excited to be part of a large group of people with the same condition as myself.  When I was first diagnosed there was no support group anywhere in Australia.  I was continually asked by my wig supplier to talk to people who suffered AA and we’re having difficulty coping, but I never met them personally.

I am now in Year 6 and still don’t have any hair – although we are still trying! I now chose each day what I feel like wearing. Some days it is a wig, some days a head scarf and very occasionally I go completely bald. I need to keep showing courage and am learning to embrace my Alopecia!

Before we begin, there is one thing I want to make absolutely clear: This article isn’t about help you lower stress levels in order to start hair regrowth. It’s about lowering stress levels in order to live happier and healthier.

Alopecia Areata is not caused by stress.

Shea is one of AAAF’s Support Ambassadors. Here she shares her experiences with treatments for Alopecia Areata and her own personal journey with this condition.

If you’d have asked me 5 years ago if I was embracing alopecia, I would have absolutely said yes. But man, hindsight is 20/20.

My feeling of relief immediately disappeared after I heard the words, and had turned to total disbelief. I was shocked that he would convey this information so bluntly, but also astounded that these were the options presented.

Reflections on Alopecia, Identity, and the power of choice.

As you well know, receiving a diagnosis of AA can be a really scary period for yourself, your child and your whole family. The lack of conclusive information makes it hard to plan for the future and you can feel like you’re making decisions in the dark.

But I promise you, it will be okay.

I can’t tell you what it feels like to raise a kid that’s going through this, but I do know what it feels like to be a kid trying to understand AA and negotiate its’ effects on my life. If you’re going through something similar, then it’s my hope that maybe these four pieces of advice can help.

Living in the tropics can be unbearable at times and not just for me in a wig, for everyone. I wore my wig on top of my hair, sometimes even to bed. I broke out into heat rash on my head and my face. My skin was not happy and neither was I.

Then the magical moment happened. When I was getting ready for my cousin’s engagement party I realised something – I was actually pretty lucky. Sure it sucked to lose my hair in the first place, but now that I had, I could essentially choose what I wanted to look like every single day. Blonde, brunette, intimidating and sexy biker chick – I had as many options as my imagination limited me to.

The language we use to describe the world around as has a huge impact on how we think and feel about it. “Alopecian” is a term some use to describe people living with Alopecia Areata. But why might some people choose to use this term, when to others, it’s not even a real word.

If you are out there, bald and dating, rise and be proud because you have something very unique to offer, you have nothing to hide behind, come forth with pure personality and essence. You already have a life partner within yourself. Rise my beauty and let your bald head shine!! You are gorgeous, whole and rich just as you are.

For people living with Alopecia Areata, confidence and self-esteem can be severely impacted by their condition. AAAF’s Support Ambassador extraordinaire Stef is here to help, with her five tips to increase confidence and self-esteem.

It’s easy to think that taxation on wigs is a tiny issue, only affecting a tiny portion of people, and only having a very small impact on those people. If you don’t wear wigs, you might find yourself thinking why on earth does this matter, and why on earth would it matter to you.

There was a time in my life where I would’ve preferred to run 10 km in spandex through Melbourne CBD than tell any of my friends about having Alopecia. Luckily, as I got older, I realised that people probably wouldn’t act like I’d committed a mortal sin for having the audacity to get a chronic illness. Whether you want to tell your whole school, someone at work, or a new friend or partner about your alopecia, it can feel pretty scary. But with the right preparation and the proper tools, it doesn’t have to be. Learn from my mistakes Young Padawan and stock up your arsenal of awareness weapons.

These goals are our commitment to our community that we will never stop striving to do better, be better and help others to have a positive journey with Alopecia Areata. So what’s in store for 2017?

2016 has been a huge and amazing year and we are so grateful to have shared our joy and successes with all of you. We’re even more excited for all the amazing things that 2017 will have in store. All of this and more was only possible because of our AAAF team of donors, supporters, volunteers and families – so thank you!

One day I was having a particularly emotionally hard day at work, and I decided to write a response to every comment that had been said to me since I started losing my hair, and created this list of things not to say to someone with alopecia.

Are you one of the many people who make charitable donations an end-of-year tradition? If you’re thinking of supporting a charity this year, you might want to consider these three big reasons to support small charities this Giving Season

Last week AAAF launched out theme for the next year – Embrace Alopecia. We figure you probably have questions. That’s okay, because we’ve got answers. So what is a theme and why does AAAF have one? Every year AAAF’s Committee gets together at our Annual General Meeting to discuss our programs and brainstorm ways we […]

Alopecia Areata is never a smooth ride, but for those living with total or near total hair loss to the whole body (called Alopecia Areata Universalis) the condition can have extra hurdles. Body hair has a range of functions beyond appearance, and many alopecians find themselves surprised and unprepared for the ways universalis can affect them. Love, Alopecia is here to help.

Apart from my friends, nobody knew I had Alopecia. Since getting my suction-based wig almost 5 years ago, I had hidden my condition from almost everyone. It was an exhausting way to live. So today, in front of all my peers and teachers, I was giving a 15-minute presentation about my hair loss journey.

Welcome to Love, Alopecia!