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Life with Alopecia Universalis

Life with Alopecia Universalis

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Episode

Episode 29

Life with Alopecia Universalis

alopecia-universalis-Ariel-Rawlings-029-blog
In honor of Alopecia Awareness Month, we’re bringing you a beacon of hope through our conversation with Ariel Rawlings. She is a remarkable individual whose alopecia universalis has led her down a path of advocacy and self-actualization. She is also a professional in the hair replacement industry, helping her clients with the empathy and heart that comes from knowing exactly what they’re going through.

Alopecia Universalis: The Early Stages

It can feel isolating to go through this disease. Alopecia universalis is a condition that leads to complete loss of body hair. For Ariel, this journey has been about more than just coping with physical changes. It has been a path to understanding and embracing her identity. Aggressive hair loss can be a distressing experience, as it can sometimes indicate other health issues. While Ariel ruled out those issues by treating a hormonal thyroid problem, this helped move her closer to her diagnosis of alopecia. After her diagnosis, she still had to navigate presenting herself to the world in a way that felt authentic and natural to her. Ariel acknowledges that each person’s solution is as different as the next. Her story is a testament to her strength and the evolving nature of her self-acceptance.

Advocating for Yourself with Hair Loss

Hair loss affects many people for various reasons, and it’s important to rule out health problems early on. In the early stages of her diagnosis journey, Ariel had to advocate for herself with her doctor. Occasionally, medical professionals will not prioritize non-lethal issues like hair loss, and the responsibility falls on the person with alopecia (or their guardian) to be their advocate. By sharing her journey, Ariel hopes others can see what is possible when you become your own champion, working tirelessly to ensure you are heard, and your condition is taken seriously.

Alopecia Universalis Support

A community can make all the difference when you’re struggling with hair loss. Ariel was fortunate to have many supportive people in her circle – her family and husband helped her through the emotions of losing her hair to alopecia universalis. However, not everyone has a community, and even those who do may wish to seek advice from people experiencing the same things as them. While alopecia universalis is rare and there is no medical cure, people have found many different ways to thrive with this condition. It’s important to seek out people who empathize with your plight and validate your emotions.

Ariel is a professional in the hair replacement industry, empathizing with clients who are feeling the emotional burden of hair loss. Her journey remains an inspiring example of resilience and encourages those struggling with alopecia to embrace their true selves and find strength in the support of others. We’re honored to share her experiences on HairPod and hope her story resonates with you!

Empowering Resources
As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.29 Transcript
Ariel Rawlings [00:00:04]:
It is genetic. So I had to have the genetic trait from both of my parents. And then since it’s autoimmune, you have to have an environmental trigger as well. The genetic from both my parents is weird because I had never heard of alopecia before in my life. Until my hair started falling out. I didn’t even know what it was. Nobody in my family has it, so it’s just like silently been passed down. Genetically, genetics are weird, but somehow both my parents had the alopecia trait, and I got both of that from them.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:45]:
Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Ralston. And each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week, were talking to Ariel Rawlings, who came on the show to share her experience living with alopecia universalis. For those who may not already know, alopecia universalis is a rare and severe form of alopecia areata that causes complete hair loss across the entire scalp and body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and all other body hair. According to the National Institute of Health, this hair loss is caused by an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks hair follicles. While alopecia affects around 2% of people worldwide at some point in their lives, alopecia universalis is even less common.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:48]:
Ariel’s story is not just about the experience of losing the hair itself, but of finding a way to live that makes her feel comfortable and confident. And in doing so, finding a new life path, helping other women do the same, were starting back at the beginning when Ariel first noticed her hair loss. Like many women, she suffered from postpartum hair loss after her children were born. But after her second baby, something was different. Her hair wasnt growing back.

Ariel Rawlings [00:02:20]:
A lot of women experience hair loss after pregnancy, and I had that with my first, and it, you know, just postpartum hair loss with my second. It just, it started as what I thought was postpartum hair loss. And, you know, there was some thyroid issues going on that I thought corrected the hair loss. But it really, you know, a matter of months after I started the thyroid medication, it just all fell out, everything. And I think it was directly related to, you know, hormones are crazy after pregnancy. And then our baby was just one of those kids that cried all the time and never slept. So with autoimmune if you’re high stress like that can trigger it. So that was my trigger, I think, was just the stress of this little baby that never slept.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:12]:
Wow, that’s so tough because I know in those instances you may not be paying too much to yourself because you’ve got this new life that you’re giving all of your attention and focus to. So what was that like? Tell me about the thought process that went through it and how extreme did it get? Because im sure at first you might notice a little bit and think, okay, my body has gone through a lot here giving birth, and so this is just part of the process. When did the alarm bells start going off? How bad did it get?

Ariel Rawlings [00:03:40]:
Yeah, so like I said, at first I thought it was just postpartum hair loss because that happened with the previous child that I had. And, you know, it was a little bit worse than that. So I was able to get in and see my doctor, and she diagnosed me with low thyroid or whatever and then went about my way, like a couple months, you know, after that it started falling out again and we would find, like, wads of hair in the laundry or, you know, every time I took a shower, like, I’m like scraping all this hair out of my hands and, like, just, you know, vacuuming hair up all the time. Like, the vacuum was full of hair. Like, you would not believe how much hair you have until it starts falling out.

Kevin Rolston [00:04:23]:
Right.

Ariel Rawlings [00:04:23]:
And a lot of those, you know, alarming things started happening. And I am very much a person that’s like, just brush it off and, you know, it’ll get better. Don’t worry about it. But it’s kind of, like, hard to ignore when you can see my scalp and there’s spots of total hair loss. And so I also really had to advocate for myself with my physician because, you know, I was like, I think I need to come back in. I think it’s getting worse. It’s not getting better. And there was no urgency from my physician.

Ariel Rawlings [00:05:00]:
And then when I finally got in to see her, she was like, oh, you weren’t kidding.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:04]:
Wow.

Ariel Rawlings [00:05:05]:
No, I wasn’t kidding about that. And even to get an alopecia diagnosis, in my experience, I really did have to like, and, you know, the doctors just didn’t care as much as I cared about it. It felt like. So I really had to advocate for myself to get that diagnosis and get them to pay attention to what was going on. So I pretty much diagnosed myself before I finally got into the doctor and got a diagnosis. But the timeline really was, yeah, the timeline was, you know, about four months postpartum, I started experiencing postpartum hair loss, what I thought was postpartum hair loss. And, you know, it was really extreme. So maybe a couple months after that, I went in to see the physician, and they prescribed me with low thyroid.

Ariel Rawlings [00:05:47]:
I had blood, a ton of blood drawn through this whole experience.

Inquisitive Co-host [00:05:51]:
That sounds like fun.

Ariel Rawlings [00:05:52]:
Yeah. I got on, like, a thyroid supplement medication that, you know, at the time, which is funny looking back on, but that, like, being told that I needed to take this thyroid medication for the rest of my life was devastating because I do not take medication. Like, I pride myself in that. And there was maybe a little bit of, you know, obviously some pride in that, like, feeling like the world was ending a little bit there. But looking back, that was not a big deal at all. But, you know, in the moment, what my experience. But, you know, I started taking that thyroid medication, and the hair loss pretty much stopped, like, for a month or two after taking that, and then it just, like, rapidly fell out after that. So I don’t know if, like, so it.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:38]:
I don’t know why it stopped.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:40]:
And then all of a sudden, it picks up. But it’s more intense than it was before.

Ariel Rawlings [00:06:44]:
Yes, exactly. So it was, like, quite an emotional roller coaster.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:48]:
Oh, yeah. Like, wow, great.

Ariel Rawlings [00:06:50]:
You know, this is the answer. Everything’s gonna be fine. My hair is growing back. And then a few months later, like, this is all. So I had my baby in August, and then, so this is all happening around the holidays, too. And so, like, I. Thanksgiving to Christmas. Like, I went from, you know, being able to go out and people wouldn’t really notice.

Ariel Rawlings [00:07:12]:
It was more just me noticing it to having, like, hardly any hair at all. Whoa. So, yeah, it took, like, a month or so, and, like, all the hair on my head fell out, and then the month after that, like, eyebrows, eyelashes, like, everything. So.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:27]:
No, everywhere. Oh, my goodness.

Ariel Rawlings [00:07:30]:
Yeah. Yeah. Like, no arm hair?

Kevin Rolston [00:07:33]:
No. Wow.

Ariel Rawlings [00:07:36]:
Yeah. And then, so after I got the thyroid diagnosis, it took me until February to get an alopecia diagnosis.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:48]:
Ariel was going through so much, as if the stress of parenting both a child and a newborn while dealing with sudden, aggressive hair loss wasn’t enough, Ariel had to tirelessly advocate for herself while seeking a diagnosis with her physician. And its important that she did. Unlike a broken leg or a life threatening illness, hair loss is seen as an aesthetic or cosmetic issue. So it isnt always prioritized by doctors. But as anyone who has experienced hair loss knows, it can be so much more than that. Hair loss can sometimes indicate other health concerns, like hormonal issues or lack of nutrition. But even if someone who is experiencing hair loss is otherwise healthy, the emotional toll caused by hair loss in many cases shouldn’t be ignored. For many people, hair is an important part of how we see ourselves.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:38]:
It can even be a part of how we envision the future. Like it was for Ariel.

Ariel Rawlings [00:08:48]:
As a female, my hair was part of my identity, and, like, I didn’t realize it, but, like, I had pictured my future, like, with my daughter, like, playing with my hair or, like, giving eyelash kisses, you know, like, with my little kids.

Kevin Rolston [00:09:04]:
Like, you want to take photos, right? And part of taking a photo with your kid is you want your kid to look cute, but you also want to look good yourself in those photos.

Ariel Rawlings [00:09:13]:
Yeah. And my kids played a vital role in, like, my emotional state through it because I wanted to be a good example to my daughter. Washington two. And I had my baby boy, and so I wanted to show her that, you know, I am still me. You know, there’s more to me than my hair. So I challenged myself a lot, and I was lucky to have a supportive husband and supportive family around me, which was huge. But it didn’t take me too long to, like, embrace it in a way, which is. It’s a constant struggle to embrace it.

Ariel Rawlings [00:09:48]:
But I feel like I was able to adapt quickly. You know, I challenged myself to go out without hair. You know, I hadn’t really gotten into the world of wigs yet. You know, at the beginning, I had a wig that my mom bought me that was terrible.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:02]:
Thanks, mom.

Ariel Rawlings [00:10:02]:
I just didn’t know what options were out there. Yeah, thanks, mom. Really. But we just didn’t know. But, yeah, there was definitely a lot of tears. I think the hardest emotional thing, hurdle for me was my relationship with my husband.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:17]:
Yeah.

Ariel Rawlings [00:10:18]:
Because I felt like, in a way, I was letting him down. Like, we got married and, like, you know, we’ve been married for 13 years now, but I just, like, you married me, and I looked a certain way, and I know that I’m not going to look that way forever, but I just never pictured, like, being so drastically different than the woman that you married. And, like, over the years, just his reassurance has, you know, strengthened our relationship and shown me, like, goes both ways. Like, it’s not about, you know, it’s about who you are. Like, he always tells me, I have the same smile, I have the same eyes. Like, I’m still me. So there was a lot of tears, particularly to him. And, like, just, like, him convincing me that he was still.

Ariel Rawlings [00:10:58]:
Still loved me and was thought I was beautiful with or without hair. So that was the huge emotional hurdle. And, like, even today, I sometimes just wish I had hair. It would make things easier. So there’s still emotional days. I think that’s just the way it goes.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:13]:
But you are so fortunate that you had a great support team and something that really supported you. And I know you can’t take yourself to a place where you didn’t. But tell me a little bit about your self talk, because the way that we talk to ourselves is very important. And you’re going through this, and there’s somebody right now that’s listening that wishes they had the wonderful husband that you have, and they’re trying to figure out how to talk to themselves about how they feel about their hair loss. What would you say to them? Because what were the struggles you went with? And it sounds like you turned a corner at some point, but I imagine it took a little bit of time. How did you change your self talk to get to that point?

Ariel Rawlings [00:11:50]:
I think one of the biggest things that helped me just realize that I can still live a full life without hair was finding a community and getting to know other women that have gone through this. So, for me, this was right before COVID times. So Instagram was a big thing. There was a lot of people sharing their stories on Instagram at that time. I feel like. I don’t know if it’s still the same, but I was able to find a lot of a few women on Instagram that were sharing their alopecia stories, and that gave me strength just to see them, like, living their life without hair. And it’s fine, and, like, you know, I can still have joy in life without hair. Life goes on.

Ariel Rawlings [00:12:37]:
As far as self talk, I think I’m just a naturally positive person, and I think that helped a lot for my timeline of, you know, working through it and not constantly feeling devastated, but I think it just took time. I think I have learned, too, like, our process of dealing with alopecia, each individual person that goes through this, it’s a little bit different, and you shouldn’t compare your story to anyone else’s.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:04]:
Mm hmm.

Ariel Rawlings [00:13:05]:
I thought that I really needed to, like, to fully embrace who I was. I needed to, like, go out bald all the time and, like, just be unapologetically, like, you know, I thought that.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:15]:
Was, like, you had to own it. You wanted to be authentic in your authentic, true self.

Ariel Rawlings [00:13:19]:
Yeah. But I’ve learned over the years that if I’m more comfortable in a wig. That’s okay.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:24]:
Yeah, right?

Ariel Rawlings [00:13:25]:
Just wear the wig. It’s like, for me, it’s an accessory. Like, I have no problem telling people I wear wigs and I wear different styles and colors all the time. But, yeah, I, you know, other people stick to the same style. They don’t want people to know. And that doesn’t mean, like, I’m any farther along on this acceptance journey than you are. It just means we deal with it differently. And so I think that was a good thing to realize.

Ariel Rawlings [00:13:45]:
You know, I see these women just embracing it fully out and about bald, like, on social media, and I’m like, I need to be that, but I don’t.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:58]:
I loved hearing that Ariel’s support team, her family, her husband, and online community were supportive forces throughout this process. Finding people that will treat you with love and compassion while youre struggling to navigate the emotions of losing your hair can make the process so much easier. And to Ariels point, she was able to find her own unique path through her hair loss. There are many healthy ways to cope, and its up to each person to decide what theirs will be. And socially speaking, our culture is becoming more accepting and stigmatizing hair loss less. But it’s hard to say how things are changing in the medical field.

Ariel Rawlings [00:14:39]:
As far as, like, the medical world being more understanding of it. I think in general, our generation is more accepting of, like, the emotional toll of many things in life, you know, like anxiety and depression. And, you know, it’s a lot more talked about, like, going to counseling and therapy and, and I think we’re taking notice more of the emotional toll of whatever your life experiences are. But it’s hard to say, like, because I’m not talking to the medical field a lot about my alopecia anymore, because I’ve sort of decided to stop seeking medical help for it. I will say, I will speak to it a little bit, too. I’ve have, since I’ve lost my hair, I’ve had the opportunity to open a wig shop here in Round Rock, and I get to see women who are experiencing hair loss. And so it’s so rewarding because so many of them come in and they say, I’ve been to hairstylists, I’ve been to other places, I’ve been to even medical professionals asking for help with this. And nobody understands the emotional toll that it takes.

Ariel Rawlings [00:15:47]:
Like, I’ve had women and their husbands, like, give me hugs and, like, cry, because just having someone that knows the emotional toll that it takes is something they haven’t experienced before. So there’s, you know, it’s not perfect, the medical side of things. I think there’s still room for understanding, and maybe that’s why I share my story, is because maybe they just aren’t going to find that support and empathy from medical professionals. But it’s, there. There’s a great community of support for those dealing with struggling with hair loss. There’s Facebook pages that I’m a part of, some that are more local, some that are just people from all over the world. You can find them out there for sure. I find a lot on Instagram, too, just like, even on my Instagram account.

Ariel Rawlings [00:16:37]:
Like, I have women that message me and just for advice or support or, like, whatever. And I’m always happy to talk to people about it and my experience and how I’ve been able to get through it.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:53]:
I think one of the most inspiring, inspiring parts of Ariel’s story is knowing that she now uses her platform and her career to support others who are going through hair loss. She’s come so far since day one from realizing that something wasn’t quite right and her hair wasn’t quite growing back to now being able to speak openly about her hair journey and help others through theirs. I asked her if she could see growth over the course of her journey.

Ariel Rawlings [00:17:24]:
Yeah. I mean, mentally for sure, emotionally for sure. Even, like, just knowing how to put my eyebrows on and to do eyelashes, you know, like, I look at pictures and I’m like, just. I can just like.

Kevin Rolston [00:17:39]:
So it’s still everything you still have?

Ariel Rawlings [00:17:42]:
Yeah. I mean, nothing. Yeah. Alopecia universalis is the most extreme type of alopecia, and it rare for it to grow back. It can for some people. And when I first got alopecia, I dove deep into the inflammation and, like, autoimmune stuff, and I totally changed my diet and went vegan. And what caused all these natural things?

Kevin Rolston [00:18:05]:
What happened with pregnancy, too, that it was so different? Did they have a. Is it anything the doctors don’t really know?

Ariel Rawlings [00:18:12]:
Okay, well, it is genetic, so I had to have the genetic trait from both of my parents. And then since it’s autoimmune, you have to have an environmental trigger as well.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:22]:
Okay.

Ariel Rawlings [00:18:23]:
The genetic from both my parents is weird because I had never heard of alopecia before in my life. Until my hair started falling out. I didn’t even know what it was. Nobody in my family has it, so it’s just, like, silently been passed down genetically. Genetics are weird, but somehow both my parents had the alopecia trait and I got both of that from them.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:42]:
Oh, wow.

Ariel Rawlings [00:18:43]:
And then if I had an identical twin, she wouldn’t necessarily experience alopecia. You have to have an environmental trigger and the genetic traits from both parents in order to get alopecia.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:56]:
Was giving birth that environmental trigger, or was there something else?

Ariel Rawlings [00:18:59]:
I think it was the stress of postpartum, like not sleeping. This poor little boy cried all the time.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:07]:
Oh, boy.

Ariel Rawlings [00:19:10]:
Yeah, it’s hard when you’re not sleeping. And I had a lot of. I had pretty bad postpartum anxiety, probably from not sleeping. That just makes everything worse. So it was. And then I had a two year old at the same time. It was a very hard time in my life. Very stressful.

Ariel Rawlings [00:19:26]:
So that stress is a big trigger for autoimmune. And they say, like, if you can, you know, eliminate the stress and, like, clean your diet, like, you can kind of reverse it. I’ve tried. It didn’t work for me, and maybe some people are better luck with it, but.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:44]:
Right.

Ariel Rawlings [00:19:44]:
There’s also, like, the FDA’s approved recently a couple of drugs that treat it that actually work. There’s just weird side effects that you have to take into account. You know, you have to balance the value versus the risk. So it’s not a perfect answer.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:59]:
I thought I knew about everything when it came to hair loss. Ariel, talking to you today, I learned so much more. You were very educational and inspiring at the same time. And high five your husband for me because he is an awesome dude. And I’m so happy that you have that ingrown support team to be there with you and help you through this. Thank you so much for taking the time today.

Ariel Rawlings [00:20:21]:
Yes, thank you so much for having me. I love sharing my story because there’s hope after hair loss, and I want everybody to know that. I want people that are in the place that I was, where I was crying every night and didn’t know who I was when I looked in the mirror. Like, there’s life beyond that, and there’s joy and hope, and you can live your life to its fullest still.

Kevin Rolston [00:20:48]:
We want to thank Ariel for joining us today and sharing her story of hope. The experiences she shared are a powerful reminder that something as challenging as hair loss can be a catalyst for growth, community, and self discovery. To everyone out there who is dealing with any form of alopecia, we hope Ariel’s story has inspired you to advocate for yourself, to seek out the resources and support that you need, and to remember that you are not alone. Finding a strong support system, whether it’s friends, family or community of others who understand can make all the difference. No matter where you are in your journey, remember that there is always hope and there are people who care and want to help. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot. If you’re looking for a community to connect with, you can always check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them.

Kevin Rolston [00:21:47]:
If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast hairclub. We’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review and subscribe it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

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Alopecia Awareness

Alopecia Awareness

by | Sep 3, 2024 | Episode

Episode 28

Alopecia Awareness

alopecia-awareness-Joey-Logano-028-blog

Alopecia affects millions of people worldwide, including well-known figures like NASCAR driver Joey Logano. This week on HairPod, I connected with Joey in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month. By speaking openly about his experience, Joey helps shine a light on the realities of living with alopecia.

Understanding Alopecia: More Than Just Hair Loss

Alopecia is more than a cosmetic issue; it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and mental health. Typically, the condition presents as round patches of hair loss on the scalp, but it can affect any area of the body where hair typically grows. For those like Joey, being in the public eye while dealing with such a visible condition adds an extra layer of challenge. Despite this, Joey has embraced his journey, sharing his story to help others understand that hair loss is just one part of who someone is, not the defining factor.

Alopecia Areata Awareness

Joey’s openness about alopecia is more than just a personal story—it’s a call to action. By talking about his experience and the use of a hair system, he encourages others facing similar challenges to feel less isolated and more empowered. Awareness is crucial because it helps dispel misconceptions, fosters understanding, and supports those affected. When public figures like Joey Logano use their platform to discuss alopecia, it encourages conversations that can change perceptions and build a more compassionate community.

If You or Someone You Know Has Alopecia…

Alopecia Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate and uplift. If you know someone affected by alopecia, sharing stories like Joey’s can offer much-needed encouragement and solidarity. Let’s celebrate those who face their challenges with grace and strength, reminding them that they are not alone. Together, we can build a world where we can experience confidence and community, even as we experience hair loss.


Empowering Resources
As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.28 Transcript

Joey Logano [00:00:04]:
I always think that the first move is to call your family doctor, the doctor that you trust and that knows you and knows your family history. Go to that person first and they may send you to a specialist after that. And I would probably do that. And then after that, go look for what the best solution is for you.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:37]:
Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Ralston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week, we’re bringing you a story about alopecia areata in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. It usually occurs as a round patch or patches of hair loss on the scalp, but it can affect hair on any part of the body. While the condition doesn’t cause any physical pain, losing your hair can have a significant emotional impact. It is estimated that about 2% of the worlds population has alopecia areata or will develop it at some point, which is why we want to raise awareness and shed light on this issue.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:36]:
And who better to talk about it with us than NASCAR champion Joey Logano? Hes back again on the podcast to speak about his experience with alopecia areata. Joey was diagnosed with alopecia after a routine haircut revealed a few bald patches on the back of his head. Now he uses his platform to speak openly about his experience with hair loss in hopes that he can help others going through it. Today, he’s going to take us all the way back to the beginning before his diagnosis, back to the moment when he first discovered his hair loss.

Joey Logano [00:02:12]:
It was definitely your first thing. You realize what’s going on? You’re like, huh? What is this? How dangerous is it? Am I what’s going on? For me, I just got a haircut and I got back home and my wife thought that the hairdresser just completely screwed up my haircut, is what she thought because there’s like spots all over the back of my head. Wow. Completely butchered your hair. And I’m like, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Kevin Rolston [00:02:39]:
Wow. So you couldn’t see it yourself. It was in a place where you couldn’t even notice.

Joey Logano [00:02:43]:
It was a little longer at the time. So when I got a haircut, it really exposed, and then the spots kept kind of growing, you know, and then you kind of. You know, at that point, your first thing you do is call your doctor and say, hey, what’s going on? I went to the doctor, my family doctor, like, okay, we think we have alopecia. I’m like, all right, so what do I do? What is it about? And it’s an autoimmune disorder that, honestly, nobody really understands. From what I’ve learned about it, no one really knows where it comes from, how you got it, hereditary stress. It could be. There’s a lot of different things that can really.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:13]:
Okay. Wow.

Joey Logano [00:03:14]:
Yeah. And it’s different for everybody. Everyone’s got different things. It seems like some people lose all their hair sometimes. It’s all the time. Sometimes just a little bit here and there, which I just get flare ups every now and again. And. Yeah, so there are some different remedies that.

Joey Logano [00:03:26]:
That I looked into. I talked to a few friends that had a similar experience, and then, you know, eventually, you know, hooking up with hair club, that was the best fix. It was really the easiest fix.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:37]:
Yeah.

Joey Logano [00:03:37]:
And I don’t have to go through all the needles and stuff that they’re wanting to put in my head. I was like, hang on a second. Before you start injecting stuff into my. Into my skull here, I want to make sure we’re doing the right thing here. So hair club was definitely the correct fit for me. It’s worked out well.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:54]:
So with what you do for your.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:55]:
Solution that you got with hair club, does it present a problem when you’re traveling so much? Do you have to pack up a lot of stuff with you? Does it affect your routine at all, or is it pretty serious?

Joey Logano [00:04:05]:
Not really to be asked what you. I mean, once you get the system going or you kind of understand how things work, you get your routine, then it’s really smooth. It takes a couple months to figure out, okay, what works for me. How do I do this? And then over time, it’s like second nature, right. And get your hair cut once a month just like everybody else. Right. Like, it really isn’t that different, which is great. It’s worked out really smooth.

Joey Logano [00:04:29]:
And, you know, I still get the flare ups every now and again, but honestly, you can’t even tell. You don’t even know. It’s pretty impressive.

Kevin Rolston [00:04:35]:
Now, you talk about how you just after one haircut, your wife noticed that you had the spots. Tell me a little bit about how big the spots were, and it sounds like you found the diagnosis pretty quick. Did you google it? Did you already know about alopecia. How are you so fast to find out? What was the cause of your hair loss issues?

Joey Logano [00:04:54]:
Well, I mean, like I said, I called my doctor first. That was the first thing I did because I didn’t know. I didn’t know what it was. But, you know, just kind of looking at, there’s probably, I don’t know, ten or twelve small spots, you know, yay. Biggest, you know, maybe a half. Some were a half inch. Some were an inch, inch and a half big somewhere were pretty big, and they would kind of grow for a little bit. And it just.

Joey Logano [00:05:14]:
It’s just bald. It’s kind of. It’s interesting. There’s no hair, and then it grows back gray, and then eventually your color comes back. Yeah. So it’s just kind of a. That’s the, like you said, it’s different for everybody, right? I mean, I feel like I’m pretty lucky for this scenario. I have some people, you know, they lose their.

Joey Logano [00:05:33]:
Their eyebrows and you full, like, all your body hair, you know, hair in your arms, whatever. Whatever it may be. Yeah. But that’s, um. Doesn’t seem like that’s what I have, which is, you know, which is good. But like I said, the cool thing is there’s. We live in a day and age that it’s not that big of a deal, right? Like, I mean, it is, but there’s a. At least there’s a fix, right? And then you don’t have that.

Joey Logano [00:05:56]:
You think 20 something years ago there is no answer for it. And then you got to answer questions and people look at you funny. What’s going on? You know, you got to answer awkward questions, you know, where people just stare at you and you’re scared to ask a question, but, you know, it’s a distraction in the room. I didn’t like that. I wasn’t a big fan of that part of it. Like, I didn’t mind having it, and I didn’t mind someone asking me a question. I just don’t like people staring at me. Like, I turn around, like, what.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:24]:
They were looking. You just feel the eyes on you and looking at those.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:28]:
Yeah.

Joey Logano [00:06:28]:
You catch up, you know, you turn and be like, hey, I saw you.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:31]:
I got you. So how long did you go with having signs of alopecia before you found your solution to cover it up? Cause I assume now anytime you see Joey Logano, you’re not gonna be able to tell that you have any flare ups with alopecia.

Joey Logano [00:06:46]:
Yeah, I don’t think. You’ll probably, probably never know from now on. But, you know, I went probably, I don’t know, it was probably five months or so before I started to. I wanted to see everything that was out there first and understand, okay, what’s, what’s my options, what’s my risks, you know, and how do I want to handle it? Because for me, it’s, and this is kind of for everybody, right? Like, it’s a big adjustment in your lifestyle, right, doing something about it, but also, it’s a big appearance change for people, right. It’s kind of like a, oh, what happened to you, right? Like, so there’s kind of a, how do you want to handle it? How do you want to play that out? You kind of got to think through that stuff a little bit. But eventually I realized that it was kind of a no brainer thing to do. I wanted to do something, and I understood that. There is going to be some people making comments.

Joey Logano [00:07:39]:
The majority of them, almost all of them are positive. You got to know, for me, I’m a professional athlete, so not everybody loves me. There’s people that root for you, and there’s people that don’t root for you. So the people that don’t root for you are always going to have something to say, right? The people that knew me best, or even the people I didn’t know, they all think it’s great. And now I don’t think anyone thinks about it or realizes it, right? It’s just a normal thing now. It’s just how I look.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:10]:
Joey’s experience with alopecia while being in the public eye is a powerful testament to his confidence. While there is no cure for alopecia, Joey points out that there are things that can be done so that people with his condition can look and feel the way they want to. Joey found something that works for him, and now no one really ever thinks twice about his hair loss. They just see Joey as he is today. And because he was never shy about it, his transformation sparked curiosity among his friends and coworkers. People started to reach out, eager to find out how he managed to get his hair back.

Joey Logano [00:08:48]:
Oh, I got a lot of phone calls afterwards, like, hey, what’d you do? What? How do I do that? What’s. Like, what’s going on? Like, I got my phone ran off the hook there for a little bit, especially when I first got my hair. So it’s definitely, you know, it’s a. It, it gets everyone’s attention, but you’d be amazed how many people want to do something about it. Like, it was, I mean, literally 50 something text messages. You know, the day I just said, here’s what I did and is amazing how many people are like, oh, I want to do that. How do I do that? Where do I go? And, yeah, that just, that, to me, proved the point that somebody needed to be more open and talk about it and go out in the public and just accept what it was. Right.

Joey Logano [00:09:29]:
What I was dealing with. And that, yeah, I did something about it. You know what? And I’m happy I did. You know, and a lot of other people do, too.

Kevin Rolston [00:09:36]:
Now, for alopecia awareness month, there are a couple things that I’m curious about. First of all, do you have anyone else in your family that has alopecia?

Joey Logano [00:09:43]:
Not that I know of. And a lot of times, from what I’ve learned, this lives in your system for years, right? Like, it’s something you. It seems to be, from what I understand, maybe it’s hereditary. They don’t completely understand it, but there’s things that can trigger it. Right. So it’s there the whole time. And the way I look at it is, listen, if this is my autoimmune disorder and this is all it is, right. And I can fix it.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:08]:
Yeah.

Joey Logano [00:10:09]:
I feel like I got away with one. You did?

Kevin Rolston [00:10:11]:
Yeah. All the things you could have.

Joey Logano [00:10:14]:
Yeah, exactly. Like I said, because there’s a fix for it. But I understand that it’s also, you got to think, too, for. I think for a woman, you know, for women, that’s definitely a little bit more challenging than it is for men. You know, it’s. Because it’s just different. Any way you look at it, it’s just different for girls. But there’s fixes for that, too.

Joey Logano [00:10:32]:
Right? So that’s the good part. But it is an interesting experience when it first happens and you get, you get a little nervous, for sure, because you’re like, well, what’s the. What else can happen and how bad can it get? And you don’t really know. It was crazy. Every doctor I went to, they’re just like, we don’t really know. But, you know, we think if we do this for a little bit and, you know, you can give you some steroid injections into your, you know, your scalp and all this stuff. And I was like, hey, hang on a second. Like, right? I.

Joey Logano [00:10:59]:
I don’t know how far I wanna go with something like that. And it’s different for everybody.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:03]:
What about the ages that alopecia hits? Does it pick on a certain age or can kids get alopecia?

Joey Logano [00:11:10]:
Oh, kids, yeah. Kids can definitely get it. And that’s one of the cool things that hair club does is that they will, they work a lot with children, and as you know, not all kids are as well polished as adults are when it comes to being polite. And kids can sometimes just, they can just be nasty. Right. They don’t know better. Right. So you can’t get mad at them.

Joey Logano [00:11:31]:
They don’t know better. But put yourself in a, you know, eight or nine year old kid’s shoes, going to school with a bunch of spots on the back of your head or worse. Right.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:41]:
That’s tough, boy.

Joey Logano [00:11:43]:
That’s hard. Right. I can do that as a, as a full grown man, but, and know how to handle it correctly, but to put a kid in that situation, that’s hard. Yeah. And it’s cool. Haircut does that with cancer patients and kids and all that. Yeah. Donate a lot of hair.

Joey Logano [00:11:58]:
I think that’s one of the greatest things they do.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:00]:
Do you have any advice for anybody that is right at the beginning stages of saying, maybe I have alopecia? You contacted your doctor. Is that the best first move or what is the right process to figure out, do you actually have alopecia? And then how can you best treat it?

Joey Logano [00:12:18]:
Doctor Justin I always think that the first move is to call your family doctor, the doctor that you trust and that knows you and knows your family history. Go to that person first and they may send you to a specialist after that. And I would probably do that. And then after that, you know, go look for what the best solution is for you.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:42]:
As we wrap up today’s interview, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joey Logano for taking the time out of his busy racing schedule to speak with us. When people like Joey have the confidence to speak openly about conditions like this, it helps to break down the stigma surrounding hair loss, showing that its not something to be ashamed of. It also helps to educate others who might not otherwise know how to react when they see someone with alopecia areata. To anyone out there living with alopecia, remember that you are not alone. Your journey is unique. And with the right support and community, you can face it with the same strength and resilience as Joey does. For more inspirational stories and words of wisdom from people who have been through hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:32]:
Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode. We would love it if you would share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast Dot hairclub.com. were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review and subscribe, it helps us do just that.

Kevin Rolston [00:14:06]:
So thank you. Until next time.

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What is Hair Loss Awareness Month?

What is Hair Loss Awareness Month?

by | Aug 27, 2024 | Episode

Episode 27

What is Hair Loss Awareness Month?

hair-loss-awareness-Kevin-Rolston-027-blog

In honor of Hair Loss Awareness Month, we put together an episode featuring some of the most impactful conversations we’ve had on the show so far. We wanted to share the insights we gained from this diverse group of guests, each bringing their unique perspective and experiences, but all united by the importance of finding the courage to talk about your hair loss. 

Thinning Hair in High School: Nick Wilkins

Influencer and vlogger Nick Wilkins opens the episode by sharing his journey of coming to terms with hair loss. He discusses the emotional challenges he faced when he first noticed his hair thinning in his high school years. Nick struggled on his journey alone for some time before he reached out for support from a hair loss professional. Nick highlights the importance of seeking support from the people around you, and how impactful that can be.

Hormonal Hair Loss: Lisette Davila

Next, we revisit a conversation with Lisette Davila, who lost her hair as a result of an undiagnosed hormone imbalance. Lisette’s insights are invaluable for anyone who is searching for answers to explain their hair loss. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional advice, even when it seems like there’s no hope. Her courage in advocating for herself helped her physician determine the root cause of her hair loss so that she could be treated accordingly, which helped resolve other health issues she was struggling with as well.

Alopecia and Emotions: Claire Fullam

Claire Fullam’s segment offers a heartfelt look at living with alopecia. Claire shares her struggles with this autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and the emotional toll it took on her. But her story is also one of resilience, as she talks about how she learned to live confidently despite her condition. Claire’s experience highlights the importance of mental health support in managing hair loss and reminds us that there is always a path forward when we lean on those around us for support.

Confidence and Hair Loss: Jordan Pryor

Jordan brings a fresh perspective with his discussion on the various hair solutions he tried and his candid approach to sharing his hair loss journey on social media. Jordan began wearing a men’s hairpiece in his early 20s and quickly caught the attention of many of his social media followers. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Jordan helped to educate his curious followers on his hair loss system. Stories like Jordan’s can provide hope to those who are still trying to gain their confidence back. Whether you’re ready to speak openly on hair loss or you’d prefer to be discreet, you’re not alone.

Don’t Let Hair Loss Define You: Steve Barth

Finally, the episode wraps up with insights from Steve Barth, one of the founding fathers of HairClub. Steve shares his experiences from the early days of the company and how the way we view hair loss has changed over the years. His reflections provide a historical context, showing how far we’ve come in addressing hair loss and offering hope for continued advancements in the future.

Empowering Resources
As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.27 Transcript

Steve Barth [00:00:04]:
Losing hair has a very powerful emotional effect on our personality because we can control it, but yet we’re left with this real discontent or this real feeling of not looking our best, which means that we’re not always feeling our best. And it’s so important in today’s world that’s so competitive to have that level of confidence.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:40]:
Welcome to this special episode of Hairpot. This week were celebrating hair loss awareness month with you. Thats right. Were celebrating not the hair loss part, but the changing world of hair loss awareness. Even though hair loss affects millions of people, its not every day that you hear someone speak openly about how its impacted them. Listeners to the show know that we are changing that one story at a time. Hairpod has brought so many amazing voices together. So this week we’re sharing some of the most powerful moments from our past episodes.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:13]:
To emphasize one crucial message, it’s important to talk about hair loss. Silence and stigma only make the journey harder and people like our incredible guests are breaking those barriers down. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can find strength, support and solutions together. We’re going to start off by looking back to one of our earliest episodes where we talked to full time content creator Nick Wilkins about his hair loss. It began for him while he was still in high school, and because none of his peers were going through the same thing, he didn’t have anyone else to talk to. Luckily, he took action quickly and was able to see incredible results.

Nick Wilkins [00:01:59]:
But it wasn’t until I turned like 18 when it really all started just like falling out. It was in my combs, it was on my collar of my shirt. And there’s kids in my class saying like, man, you got a lot of hair all over your shirt. Do you have a dog? And I’m like, no, this might be mine, but I was thrown off because they say you lose like 100 hairs a day. So I was like, ah, this is just like my hundred hairs a day that I’m losing. Like, it’s normal still. But then it was, like, starting to happen a lot more and it was a lot more in the shower. My shower drain was getting clogged.

Nick Wilkins [00:02:33]:
Oh, man. I was comparing myself to my friends all the time, like, they had such good hair. And I started to just watch a lot of YouTube videos and I was doing a lot of searching, just like, about hair loss, like how it’s caused and it, like, it gives you a million different answers. There was nothing that I could say, okay, this is me. Because I was watching, like 30 to 40 year olds talking about it. I’m like, man, but I’m 18, so, like, what am I going through right now? And I started to, like, doubt that it was, like, genetics. I started to think it was, like, maybe I was eating bad. Maybe I was doing this or that.

Nick Wilkins [00:03:03]:
So I was, like, trying to, like, avoid the fact that I was just losing hair, like, genetically. But, yeah, I was watching a lot of videos, and then it got to a point where my hair was just, like, it was, like, dying, like, the whole front of it. Like, you could just tell I couldn’t cover it up anymore, like, with my standing hair. And I went to, like, a hairdresser, and I remember talking to her about it. I’m like, do you know anything about hair loss? And she goes, nah, she didn’t know too much. And she was like, everyone who I do hair for, they tell me that there’s no way to fix it. So, like, I don’t think if you are going through hair loss, you can fix it. You can get different haircuts to help it out, to make it look more full.

Nick Wilkins [00:03:40]:
And I was like, man, you know what? I want to prove this wrong. I want to see if you actually can. I had to bring my brother’s girlfriend with me. I had to bring someone with me. I couldn’t do it alone. I had to have someone, like, come in with me because, man, I was embarrassed, and I was just so scared because I didn’t know what was gonna happen or, like, what we were gonna talk about. It was like, I compare it sometimes it sounds kind of weird, but, like, I compare it to, like, if you’re going to the doctors to, like, find out that you have really bad, like, cancer or something, like, you have to bring someone with you to come in for the appointment. Like, it’s too hard to go, like, by yourself, so you have to bring someone.

Nick Wilkins [00:04:13]:
So she came with me, and that definitely helped. That pushed me to actually go. I walked in, they set me up with someone who kind of told me what I’m possibly going through, and they gave me, like, two routes on what I could do, like, to try to fix my hair. And it was just like, it was so easy. I went home the next day, and then I told them, I want to do it. Like, I thought about it for a little bit, and then they got me in contact with another person, and they signed me up for everything, and they started sending me all the products. And it was, like, I’d say after, like, two months of doing it, I started to see, like, changes already. It was just exciting to see, it wasn’t, like, crazy yet.

Nick Wilkins [00:04:48]:
I was still going through a lot of shedding when I was starting everything, and it was still kind of, like, a lot of doubt. But, like, I still had a little bit of hope coming in because I lost my hair really quickly. So I was like, maybe I could fix this. But my one thing I wish I did was going in even earlier. Cause there’s, like, parts of my hair where I’m like, oh, man, if I went in, like, two months earlier, stopped overthinking it, maybe I could have fixed that part of my hair.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:14]:
Even though Nick struggled in silence for some time, he still found the courage to take action and was able to regrow the hair that he had lost. Now, his hair loss was genetic, so he saw it coming, but it still took a lot of strength to reach out to someone and talk to them about what he was going through. The first step is so important, and our next clip is going to tell you why. Lissette began losing her hair in her mid thirties, and it got to the point where people around her were starting to notice. When she reached out to a professional, she discovered that her thinning hair was caused by a health problem that hadn’t yet been diagnosed.

Lisette Davila [00:05:58]:
Yeah, definitely. I remember fixing my hair one day, getting ready for work, and the light in the bathroom just above the mirror was shining on my head. Like, I can actually see the reflection of my scalp. And I was like, what is that? And I’m looking in the mirror as I’m, you know, playing with my curls, and I noticed it was thinning just a little bit here at the top. And so when the light would hit it, I would see my scalp shining off. And I thought, wow, that’s new. That’s different. Am I losing my hair like, I thought I was, you know, way too young? I’m, you know, still in my early thirties, and that’s unheard of.

Lisette Davila [00:06:37]:
You know, my mom and my dad both had their hair, and, you know, I didn’t think that that was normal. I’m in my thirties, and all my friends are, you know, with their thick, full, lush hair, and I’m going thin and starting to feel like I’m getting old. Like, am I getting old? Like, what’s going on with me? It was getting to the point where I felt like a recluse. I didn’t want to go out and socialize with people because I was so embarrassed. I was ashamed, and I didn’t have anyone I can turn to that was a female that suffered or is suffering the same situation that I was. I actually ended up having a surgery. I had a hysterectomy. I was very young.

Lisette Davila [00:07:25]:
I was in my thirties. I was like 32, 33, somewhere around there when I had it. And it was after, when I started noticing the hair loss. Right. So I didn’t put the two together for a while. I didn’t think that having that surgery was going to cause my hair loss. And again, I didn’t have any females to turn to that were going through my same situation to advise me or tell me that, oh, it could possibly be that, until I turned to my doctor and said, you know, I had this surgery, and since then I’ve noticed my hair thinning. Could the two be related? So, yeah, I approached my doctor about it, and she told me that is definitely a possibility that that could happen because of the change in hormones or loss of hormones.

Lisette Davila [00:08:20]:
I had found my situation was hormone replacement therapy, and that’s something that a lot of women are doing today. And that has actually helped me with a lot of other issues that I was dealing with after my surgery. So that is a huge help for women who are dealing with hormones, whether it be if they had to have a hysterectomy or if they have a thyroid condition, which can also wreak havoc on your hair, too, is just going to your physician and getting some blood tests done. It’s as simple as getting some blood tests done to see where your hormone levels are at and then work with your doctor to see where you can get them back on course.

Kevin Rolston [00:09:05]:
Lisette’s story reminds us that hair loss isn’t just about appearance. It’s also about health and well being. Next we hear from Claire Folum, who faced a deeply personal journey with alopecia. Claires openness about her struggles and the emotional rollercoaster of hair loss has helped so many people in her community understand hair loss better. But thats not all it did. Becoming a more open person and getting things off her chest helped reverse the effects of her alopecia.

Claire Fullam [00:09:38]:
The type of alopecia I have is alopecia areata. So it’s like, it’s an autoimmune condition. So it’s like a psoriasis, you know, somebody who has psoriasis, it will flare up and then it will disappear and it will go through different bouts and all that kind of stuff. So that’s the type of alopecia I had. So I did loads of different treatments. But really, I think what was the making of me and the reason why I have hair today is because I spoke about it. You know, I was such a person who used to internalize every slight worry that I had in my life. I used to never want to express myself because I didn’t want my mom to worry or my dad or my husband to worry.

Claire Fullam [00:10:14]:
So I used to internalize. I was one of those, like a swan on the water, you know, like, I looked like I had it all together, but underneath I was panicking. I listen now, and I get stuff off my chest, because I used to kind of internalize a lot, and I used to not speak about things. I will, unfortunately ring my friends, ring my mom, talk to my husband, and I. I will say, I need help right now. It can get really dark, really quick. Hair loss, you know, and I think that a lot of people would understand that who have gone through it, and I think that it becomes very, very out of control. What I would say to people is, when I had no hair, people still loved me.

Claire Fullam [00:10:52]:
I could still do my job. People still wanted to be around me. I was still exactly the same as I am now, with loads of bloody hair. Do you know that kind of way? And I think that it’s really, really hard in those moments to see that, but I think that, and it’s a really hard lesson to learn, and I’ve had to learn it the hard way as well. And I’ve gone through so much over the past eight years to be where I am today. But you really have to dig deep and really care about yourself again, because there’s some part of you who’s let that go along. That way, maybe you’re bottom of the pile. You’re not looking after yourself a little bit.

Claire Fullam [00:11:25]:
This is a whisper from your body to you to try and get you back on track again.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:36]:
Claire’s story is a powerful reminder of the emotional impact hair loss can have and the importance of both giving and receiving support. Her presence on social media has helped bring so much awareness to her journey with alopecia. It’s incredible just how much social media has given people a platform to share their lived experience with hair loss. One of our guests, Jordan Pryor, has been breaking the stigma of hair loss by being an open book. Not only does he share on social media, he’s open and honest with everyone in his life.

Jordan Pryor [00:12:14]:
So I had a video that went viral on TikTok where I was doing, like, a Q and a thing, and someone had commented about how my hairline was super crispy. You know, like, it was, like, nice and straight on the sides. My fade was a lot better than it is right now. And I flipped it up. Flipped up. The hairpiece was like, oh, well, you know, that’s funny that you say that like it’s fake, you know, because I’ve never been one to shy away from making people laugh or anything like that. Like, I don’t care that people know.

Nick Wilkins [00:12:41]:
That, you know, I don’t have real.

Jordan Pryor [00:12:43]:
Hair, so to speak. I really did just show up one day and just had all of my hair back. And my friends were like, how? Because I didn’t tell them. I didn’t tell them what I was doing, where I was going. They were just like. Because, you know, they’d given me such a hard time for years about it. And then it was just like, one day they’re like, wow, your hair looks better than mine. I was like, yeah, it does.

Jordan Pryor [00:13:01]:
Part of the reason why I think I’m so open with it is I do have an individual in my family who has had a toupee since he. Or a men’s hair piece, rather, since he was 25. And so it’s never really been a taboo thing in my family. But, yeah, for folks who might be listening, I would definitely suggest starting off young. And while it’s. While you’re early into the hair loss process, if that’s the route that you’re wanting to go, because it is easier to show up with, just like you were saying, just a little bit more hair at a time versus what I did, going bald and then full head of hair.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:36]:
Jordan’s story is a testament to the power of openness and community in overcoming the stigma of hair loss. Finally, we revisit a conversation with Steve Barth, one of the founding fathers of hair club. Steve’s journey began at a time when talking about hair loss was even more taboo than it is today. His story reminds us that while hair loss can be challenging, it doesn’t have to define you.

Steve Barth [00:14:07]:
It was 1976 that I actually found myself wandering into 185 Madison Avenue in New York City. And that was the only space in the entire city and the entire universe. That hair club existed. What drove me into that office was probably about two years earlier. I was starting to really become aware that I was losing my hair. Although, again, that shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anybody, because there’s just such a strong genetic predisposition for hair loss in my family. My mother’s father lost his hair. My father’s father lost his hair.

Steve Barth [00:14:39]:
My father had three brothers that lost their hair. So I guess in many ways, my cards were marked, and you know, 1976 was a crazy era in the seventies or the mid seventies, and the most popular show on Broadway was hair. So the ability as a young man getting out of college and getting started in life to be able to have the confidence to go forward, build a career, build self esteem while experiencing thinning hair was very different then, what, 22, 22 years old or 2021? I think today a lot of young guys that are getting into this are taking, you know, have a very different attitude, and they have a more progressive attitude. And I think they’re more liberated in many ways. Get me right, they still like transition to be comfortable and not necessarily drawing a lot of attention to that. They did something to the hair, just like if you did something with your skin or, you know, or you did something aesthetically. But I think that a lot of the guys today have liberated themselves from the shackles and the chains of being kept in the closet and concealed and afraid to confront their whole issue about hair loss, to get out of that closet and confront it. I think it’s a healthier attitude today.

Steve Barth [00:15:54]:
Losing hair has a very powerful emotional effect on our personality because we can control it, but yet we’re left with this real discontent or this real feeling of not looking our best, which means that we’re not always feeling our best. And it’s so important in today’s world that’s so competitive to have that level of confidence.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:20]:
Steve’s message is a powerful way to wrap up today’s episode. Hair loss may be a part of your story, but it doesnt have to be the whole story. Talking about it, seeking help, and finding community has helped so many of our guests reclaim their confidence, and we know it can help you, too. Thank you for joining us on this journey through Hair loss awareness. If todays episode resonated with you, please share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Lets continue to break down the stigma surrounding hair loss by talking openly and supporting one another. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation.

Kevin Rolston [00:17:05]:
If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. we’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss us feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

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Frankie Muniz: My Hair Loss Journey

Frankie Muniz: My Hair Loss Journey

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Episode

Episode 26

Frankie Muniz’s Hair Loss Journey

frankie-muniz-hair-Frankie-Muniz-026-blog
Hair loss can happen to anyone, and it can deeply affect your confidence and self-image, even if you are a well-known actor like today’s guest. In this week’s episode of HairPod, I spoke with actor/stock car driver Frankie Muniz about his experience with thinning hair. While many fans might not be aware of his battle with hair loss, he came on the show to share his story in hopes that it can help others who are going through the same thing.

Frankie Muniz’s Hair Loss Story

Frankie Muniz recalls how, in his early 20s, he began to notice significant hair thinning even though he grew up with really thick hair. This unexpected change led him to try a variety of treatments, as so many do when they discover their hair loss. He acknowledges that these solutions are effective for many people, but he dealt with some of the rare side effects that the products can have, which left him feeling disheartened. He opted to shave his head for some time but still wasn’t happy with how he looked in the mirror.

Frankie’s Hair Transformation

Frankie’s journey changed completely when his wife encouraged him to make an appointment with HairClub. Despite his initial skepticism, he agreed to a consultation. The immediate results of his hair system left him emotional, as he finally saw a version of himself in the mirror that restored his confidence. “It was truly life-changing,” Frankie shares, noting how this newfound confidence positively impacted every aspect of his life, from his career to his personal relationships.

Hair Loss: Breaking the Silence

It’s important to understand the cause of your hair loss and the hair loss solutions available so you can make informed decisions about your treatment. From medical treatments to hair systems, the options are vast. HairClub offers comprehensive consultations to help find the best path for each individual. It’s essential to understand that the journey to regaining your confidence and hair is unique and personal. By seeking the right support and being persistent, you can achieve the best possible results. Understanding your options empowers you to take control of your hair loss journey.

Frankie Muniz’s hair loss story is unique in that he is willing to speak openly about it, unlike many public figures who prefer not to. In an industry where appearance is often everything, many choose to keep their struggles private. Frankie, however, wants to break that silence. By sharing his story, he hopes to empower others to seek solutions without shame. His transparency serves as a powerful reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone, and that finding the right solution can truly be life-changing.

By raising hair loss awareness, exploring advanced hair systems, and understanding the diverse solutions available, you can find the right path tailored to your needs and regain your confidence.
Empowering Resources
As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.26 Transcript

Frankie Muniz [00:00:04]:

I have tons of people because I think I’ve been vocal, and they see my results, right? They see the before and after they saw it, and they go, what did you do? Like, I have to know. Like, it’s something I’m super self conscious about. So I love being able to just tell them, call HairClub. Go for the free consultation. They’ll show you the options, because they don’t have to go down the path that I did of trying. Like, if you think of all the solutions that there are for trying to combat hair loss, I did them. So the fact that I can just send people to HairClub and they can find a solution that works for them, I think is really cool.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:50]:

Welcome to HairPod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston. And each week, I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. Today, we’re joined by somebody who has truly lived a life in the spotlight, Frankie Muniz. You might know him as the star of Malcolm in the Middle, Big Fat Liar, or Agent Cody Banks. Or maybe you follow his current stock car driving career. Frankie has experienced a remarkable journey.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:30]:

But what many people don’t know is that Frankie has faced his own challenges off camera, including hair loss. In this episode, we’re going to dive into his personal experience, how it impacted his life, and the steps he’s taken to navigate this journey with confidence.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:01:50]:

I remember actually really early, like, being 19 or 20 years old, when I always had thick hair. Like, I always had a lot of hair. Like, if you look at, like, the episodes of Malcolm in the Middle or you look at even movies, I did, you know, I’ll look back and I’ll go, how did I go from having so much hair and, like, three years later, I was really thin to where I started the journey of looking for solutions, right. I started taking the medications and doing topical creams and laser hats and kind of all the things that I could. And I remember it just kind of continued to get worse and worse and worse, and I really didn’t know what to do, almost to the point to where I kind of gave up on it. You know, I was tired of trying things that weren’t helping the situation and just made me more and more self conscious about my hair. And it’s not that I was self conscious for, like, what other people thought I know that might sound weird. It was like, for me, like, I found myself every time I was in front of a mirror, like, checking it out.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:48]:

Yeah.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:02:48]:

You know, looking down, like, seeing it, like, taking pictures, comparing pictures. So it’s definitely something that even though I try to say it didn’t really affect me that much. It definitely did, you know what I mean? And now that I found a solution with hair club, like, I can’t believe I waited as long as I did to go there to feel the way I do now.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:08]:

Yeah. Tell me where you were in life at this age. What are you doing career wise when you start to notice your hair loss?

 

Frankie Muniz [00:03:15]:

I mean, I was still, I think, on the last season of filming Malcolm in the Middle. It’s also when I initially started racing cars professionally, but I was always busy. I was always working. And I think maybe that’s why, I don’t know. Like, I don’t want to say it shocked me how I went from having hair to not having hair. Like, I didn’t really notice it, like, until I noticed it, but maybe I was just so busy, like, kind of doing things. I also, you know, when you’re on a movie set or you’re filming, you have hair and makeup people and they have little things that they might put in or they might make your hair look thicker in certain ways. And, you know, when you’re having your hair done every single day, like, you don’t really have to worry about it that much.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:03:50]:

It wasn’t until really, I think, yeah, Malcolm was just ending and I started having to actually comb my hair for the first time myself. As weird as that sounds, right?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:58]:

Yeah.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:03:58]:

And it definitely was, like, just a shock, you know, especially because I was young, you know, 1920 years old. Like, you just don’t expect it, you know? Yeah, I was in it big time.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:10]:

So when you’re in a world where you are doing acting and you have hair and makeup people, do you have somebody then that’s a consultant that can help you, that walks you through? Because I’m sure you’re not the only person in Hollywood. In fact, I’d imagine we’d be stunned if we knew all the people in Hollywood, film and TV that have hair loss issues and what they’ve done for it. So when you’re acting on a tv show, you’re doing movies and things like that, is there somebody there that walks you through to say, okay, here’s what you do with your hair loss? Or were you, like anyone else, you were googling your own searches and trying to find your own path.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:04:44]:

No, you know, really, I didn’t have anybody helping me, you know what I mean? I just kind of went down the path like I think most people do is like, what can I do? I think I went to a doctor. The doctor put me on. Is it finasteride?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:56]:

Yeah.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:04:57]:

Propecia. And to be honest, I actually had a really negative side effect to the medicine, so I couldn’t even be on it that long before, like, I realized I can’t take it. I was kind of one of those. I kept hearing, oh, if you do this, like, yeah, there could be side effects, but it happens in one in a million people. Well, every one of those things, like, happened to me. I always couldn’t, like, accept the side effects of what it was, whether it be the Propecia or even Rogaine. Right.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:26]:

Wow.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:05:26]:

I even did a hair transplant. I had one full hair transplant done, I think, in 2012, 2013, and I have like crazy shock loss. Like, I was like the worst-case scenario of like, what could go wrong during a hair transplant. Went through all that. So even like, my before photos that, like, I’ve shared online, those are all like, post every other treatment I had already done, right. That was me trying to do everything. Like, all the list of things that I thought were options, including having a hair transplant, you know, those are my before photos, if that makes sense. So that was, I feel like if I hadn’t even done those, my before photos would be even worse.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:06:10]:

But it’s shocking the difference of my before photos, which is post trying everything else, and then my afters, which is now as a hair club member.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:23]:

Studies show that the side effects of treatments like minoxidil, finasteride and hair transplants are very rare. And if you want some information on stuff about that, we will link a few specific scientific studies in our show notes. Unfortunately for Frankie, he was that lucky person that got hit with all the side effects, which had to be hard to deal with given how his hair loss was affecting his confidence. In Hollywood, theres an unspoken rule, nobody talks about it. Even when people find something that works for them, they dont usually broadcast it to the whole world. That’s why Frankie is so outspoken. He wants others to know it’s okay to talk about your hair loss and the path that you take to get your confidence back.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:07:12]:

You know, I think one thing, like, for some reason, maybe it was just me, like, in my world, I feel like people were like, afraid to talk about it. Like, it was almost not taboo, but like, didn’t really want to kind of, it had to be this big secret of, like, if you did have a hair transplant. I remember having one and, like, saying it out loud, someone and people on the side would be like, hey, I had one, too, but didn’t want anyone to know. Like, it was some kind of secret, which I guess I get, like, if you have a procedure done, like, maybe you don’t want to share that you had it. You just hope to show the benefits of maybe have had it. I don’t know. No, I really honestly don’t remember having many people to talk to about it. Like, maybe because I was also trying to be secretive.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:07:51]:

Not secretive, but kind of keep it to myself.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:53]:

I know what you’re saying, though, because people unfairly, really get brutalized for any kind of treatment that they’ve done in Hollywood. People run with it. The tabloids are all over it. It becomes a big conversation and it becomes what you’re known for. And people can’t get away from the fact that, okay, all you’re right. Yeah, Malcolm had a hair transplant. And that’s the whole narrative that people say it is.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:08:15]:

You know, I think it’s interesting because, you know, we live, especially now, in a time where most celebrities, most people that you see on social media have tons of work and they don’t hide it, but it’s still a touchy subject when it comes to men talking about their hair. And it’s such a. I think that’s an interesting thing because, like, it’s not something that you can help, right? If you’re losing your hair, if you have issues like that, it’s nothing like you did something wrong or you know what I mean? It’s genetics. It’s just kind of the hand that you were dealt. So I think that’s why I’m so willing and open and want to share my story, because I want people to know, like, hey, it’s okay to talk about it. I know how I feel. Post going to hairclub. Right, right.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:09:00]:

Like, I didn’t expect it. To be honest. My wife, you know, maybe you want to get into this later, but my wife forced me to go to hairclub and I was like, I don’t care anymore. I was shaving my head, like, bicking it. Like, looked all just easier.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:09:12]:

Wow, okay.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:09:14]:

Yeah, I kind of went to that level where I was like, it is what it is. Like, wear a hat, shave my head. It is what it is. But my wife really kind of forced me to go. And I remember thinking like, okay, they’re going to tell me stuff that I want to hear. And I had the free consultation, the initial consultation, and I went, all right, I’ll try it, I’ll try it. But I was so used to being kind of let down by the results of things that you spent a lot of money on, or you spent a lot of time or pain, like, physical pain. So I kind of didn’t have very high hopes.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:09:45]:

But I remember the moment that I got my system through hair club, and I looked in the mirror, and, like, it makes me emotional, even right now. Like, the immediate gratification and the way I felt and the confidence I felt that moment, it was truly life changing. And like I said, that’s a big reason why I want to talk about it, you know what I mean? Because I know what people are going through. Like, maybe they’re thinking with their hair, and the fact that they can do something like I did and maybe feel the way I do it changed every aspect of my life. It made me more confident in everything from a work standpoint, from a working out standpoint, everything, because I wasn’t caught looking in the mirror, like, thinking, like, oh, man, I felt good, and I wanted to, I don’t know, just be out there in the world.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:10:35]:

What really struck me about Frankie was the passion that he brings to helping others on their hair loss journeys. It’s so clear that even though he’s a celebrity, hair loss became an isolating experience for him. He struggled with how he looked in the mirror, and he stopped feeling like himself, which is an experience that so many of us have already been through. When Frankie talks about that first moment where he got his hair system on, you can hear exactly where his excitement comes from. He went into that experience unsure of what to expect and was absolutely blown away when he finally looked in the mirror with his new system on.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:11:14]:

So the first time that you got your hair system, it was just an unbelievable transformation for you that right away you fell in love. You loved the way that you looked, and it just. It stuck.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:11:25]:

Oh, yeah. I mean, I remember being, like, just so shocked by it, because, you know, the results are basically immediate. You know what I mean? You don’t have to wait for a long time. You know what I mean? Get it on. And there it is. Right? You have hair. And I remember just being so shocked. I did go through a small period where, like, it was just such a drastic change to me because I was so used to looking in the mirror and feeling like, oh, dang, what can I do? And then I was looking in the mirror going, like, who am I? Right? Like, I just felt like a different human.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:11:55]:

And I will say, like, I was not worried, but I was kind of curious what other people would think, right? People who knew me, my family, my friends. And I remember being a little nervous going to dinner for the first time because I went from being pretty bald to, like, having hair, and literally everyone was like, man, you look good. You’ve been working. Like, what are you doing? You’ve been working out to get a tan. Like, nobody could actually pinpoint it, because, you know, one thing I think people don’t realize is, like, when you fixate on something or you see something, you think everybody else might notice that thing, but, like, not everybody looks in the mirror or sees you every single day. Right?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:35]:

Right.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:12:36]:

Even my mom was like, wow, like, you look great. Like, what did you do? And when I told her, she couldn’t believe it. They were just shocked, you know, everybody. And I think that was kind of the coolest thing, too, is that I thought maybe it would be extremely obvious to outsiders. But they really, like I said, like, they couldn’t pinpoint what was different about me, just that they thought I looked improved.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:06]:

I love this point that the things that bother us about our own appearance may not be as obvious to somebody else. It drives home something Frankie mentioned before. He didn’t really care what other people thought about his hair. Choosing to get a hair system was something that he did for himself. And because he’s so open and talks about what he did so freely, people in his life feel comfortable asking him about what he did to achieve such great results.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:13:37]:

I have tons of people because I think I’ve been vocal, and they see my results, right? They see the before and after they saw it, and they go, what did you do? Like, I have to know. Like, it’s something I’m super self conscious about, so I love being able to just tell them, call HairClub. Go for the free consultation. They’ll show you the options, because they don’t have to go down the path that I did of trying. Like, if you think of all the solutions that there are for trying to combat hair loss, I did them. Every one. I don’t think there’s one I didn’t try. You know what I mean? And so the fact that I can just send people to hair club and they can find a solution that works for them, I think is really cool.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:14:15]:

I don’t know. I loved having people talk to me about it and ask me questions and see the disbelief on their faces when I tell them what I have or, like, what I did. You know what I mean? People just can’t believe that it’s not. I mean, it’s my hair, but you know what I mean? It’s not.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:31]:

Yeah.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:32]:

I gotta tell you, your energy about it is very contagious. And I’ve seen the videos that you’ve put out for hair club and you speaking about it, and I think it’s really amazing that you’re so bold and you’re so open because there really are people and how it affects people’s self esteem. You know, you’ve been on the other end of it that you think the whole world notices, and your self confidence does take a massive hit. And the way that you feel after you find your solution, whether it be a hair system or whether it be something else, it truly is life changing. And so I think that’s really awesome. I just want to talk to you today about your own personal journey. It’s interesting to hear how many failures you had on the path. And because you have a great wife, she didn’t let you give up, and she finally got you there across the finish line.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:15:15]:

She’s funny because she was always like, look, it doesn’t bother me that you have thin hair, balding, whatever, and she’s like, but I see how much it affects you. And like I said, I had given up. I tried one more solution or one more thing that I thought was going to work. It really didn’t. And I was like, look, I don’t care anymore. Shave my head. And she was talking about it with her hairstylist, who was like, set him up for a consultation at HairClub. And so my wife did it.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:15:43]:

And I remember her telling me, I was like, no. Like, I’m not wasting time. I’m not doing it. Like, I don’t care. You know what I mean? Like, they’re going to tell me the same stuff, that they can have this magic solution and. And we’re just going to be let down. And so I think I actually canceled the first consultation. She’s like, just go.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:15:59]:

She, like, drug me in there and. Best decision I ever made, you know what I mean? Like, I honestly, like, I know it might sound cliche, like, and I. It just. It really changed every aspect of the way I feel about everything. Like, it gave me the confidence to even, like, as dumb as it sounds, like I went back racing. It gave me the confidence to go back racing. As weird as that sounds. I don’t know, I just felt like I could do it.

 

Frankie Muniz [00:16:25]:

Like, I felt like, I don’t. I think I’d kind of just kind of crawled almost in a hole a little bit, you know what I mean? And kind of just stayed away from the acting stuff, stayed away from kind of like putting myself out there and I don’t know, like, I hate to admit that almost, but I didn’t realize it had such a big effect on me in a negative way, my hair, until I had the positive feeling after going to HairClub. Right. And having a solution, because every aspect of my life changed. So, yeah.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:59]:

Losing your hair is more than just a physical change. It’s an internal journey. It can make you want to hide, isolate yourself, and avoid the world. The emotional toll could be overwhelming, making you question how you see yourself and how you see others. We want to thank Frankie Muniz for showing us that there are options out there for everyone and encouraging anyone who has tried everything not to give up hope. Because its not just about getting your hair back, its about getting yourself back. When you feel good about the way you look, it can give you the strength that step out of the shadows and embrace life with a renewed sense of self. It’s about living your life with confidence, no matter what challenges you face.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:17:41]:

Frankie’s journey reminds us that while the road may be difficult, the destination is worth every step. For more inspirational stories and words of wisdom from people who have been through hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them. If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast hairclub.com.com.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:26]:

we’re here to build people up and to share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.


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Featured Guests

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Why Hair Loss Awareness Matters

Why Hair Loss Awareness Matters

by | Aug 13, 2024 | Episode

Episode 25

Why Hair Loss Awareness Matters

hair-system-restoration-Dan-Medeiros-025-blog

Hair Loss Awareness Month is here! In this episode of HairPod, I sit down with friend-of-the-pod Dan Medeiros. Last time he was with us, he told us about how his hair loss got into a vicious cycle with his stress level. This week, he came back to help us celebrate Hair Loss Awareness Month and explain how he managed to get his confidence back after struggling with it for so long.

 

Hair Loss Awareness Month: Why It Matters

Hair loss affects many people worldwide and touches all of our lives at some point. Its emotional impact can be profound. According to studies by PubMed and Monpure, 88% of women and 62% of men report that hair loss affects their emotional health. These statistics emphasize the importance of raising awareness about hair loss and supporting those affected. Hair loss affects not only one’s appearance but also self-esteem and overall mental well-being. Embracing your hair loss journey is vital, and open conversations can help reduce the stigma surrounding this topic.

 

Hair Systems and Hair Restoration

Hair loss solutions should be as unique as the people who seek them. Dan uses a combination – he has a hair loss system and he uses hair restoration techniques. “Follow the instructions. Follow the path. It will work. Sometimes it takes longer than others,” says Dan. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and following the path. Since embracing his hair system, Dan has gained immense confidence and has been instrumental in inspiring others in the hair loss community. The transformative power of hair systems is not just about regaining hair, but about regaining hope and inspiration. Hair systems today offer natural, seamless solutions that blend perfectly with your existing hair, making them nearly impossible to detect.

 

Understanding Hair Loss Solutions

It’s important to understand the cause of your hair loss and the hair loss solutions available so you can make informed decisions about your treatment. From medical treatments to hair systems, the options are vast. HairClub offers comprehensive consultations to help find the best path for each individual. It’s essential to understand that the journey to regaining your confidence and hair is unique and personal. By seeking the right support and being persistent, you can achieve the best possible results. Understanding your options empowers you to take control of your hair loss journey.

 

By raising hair loss awareness, exploring advanced hair systems, and understanding the diverse solutions available, you can find the right path tailored to your needs and regain your confidence.



Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.25 Transcript

Dan Medeiros [00:00:04]:

Follow the instructions. Follow the path. It will work. Sometimes it takes longer for others. Everybody’s different. Our genetic makeups are different and how we respond to what we’re on. It will be different for everybody. But just keep going. Persist. Follow the instructions every single day and you will get to where you want to be. If you have any concerns, questions, I mean, the HairClub staff will be there for you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:43]:

Welcome to HairPod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week, we’re celebrating hair loss awareness month by welcoming friend of the show Dan Medeiros back on the podcast. Dan has been a passionate, uplifting voice in the hair loss community, using his personal journey and public platform to inspire and support others. Since embracing his hair system, Dan has gained immense confidence and now speaks to many people about their hair loss experiences. He’s been a beacon of positivity and empowerment, helping others find their own paths to a more confident future. But things weren’t always so easy for Dan. He struggled with hair loss from a fairly young age, and as his hair fell, so did his self-esteem. And this is what so many people go through. According to studies by PubMed and Monpure, 88% of women and 62% of men report the emotional impact that hair loss has on them. And Dan and I both experienced that firsthand. Now, both of us have reached a point where we want to talk about our hair loss and how we gain confidence, both from figuring out how to handle our hair loss and how to navigate the messaging that we receive from society.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:02:15]:

I was born with an issue with my scalp, kind of like a rare form of psoriasis. And the older I got, stress ended up becoming a major factor on it, sort of activating and getting really bad. So it caused a lot of problems with my hair loss once I kind of reached the early parts of college and of high school and progressively got worse as moving further and further up into the workforce and stress becoming more of a factor in my life. So it was destructive, it was life-altering, and it completely just destroyed any sort of confidence I had in myself and in anything I did in life. So I found HairClub back in 2009. 2010, I became an official client in 2010, and they completely turned everything around for me. It’s been a process as it is, but it’s been a process that I’ve followed, and it’s done amazing things for me. It’s completely changed my life. It’s turned it around 360, and it’s essentially brought me to where I am right now. I’m going on, you know, 14 years with hair club, and I still have a lot more to do and a lot more stories to tell.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:29]:

The thing I really want to do, a deep dive on this episode, is a little bit about your own confidence and the stigmas that surround hair loss. You talked a little bit about the emotions that happened when you had the hair loss and what that was like, and there has been a stigma. And I, you know, I’m trying to process in my own mind how much society has changed and then just how much I have changed because I felt like you. Same way when I started losing my hair. I had a lot of self-confidence issues. Really bothered me. It was always top of mind. I hated looking in any kind of reflection in the mirror.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:07]:

And a studio we have, there was a dome camera always captured the bald spot, and I hated catching a glimpse of it. It was always there, and it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:15]:

It was soul-crushing. It really was tough. I looked at the calendar. I looked for social events where I couldn’t wear a hat, and I dreaded it. And I wondered what I was going to do and how I was going to try to fix my hair and deal with those kind of issues. So when I didn’t have the hair, it was such a big thing for me. And I know that as I was growing up, I remember hearing a lot of teasing that would go on for older guys that would have hair pieces and had done something with their hair. People would mock them, they make fun of them, and it would be that two-tone ugly hair. And so what I try to think about is, is it the fact that I matured and it doesn’t bother me as much anymore? Or do you think that it’s become more normalized in society, or is it a match of both? From your own personal feelings about your own hair journey, tell me a little bit about the confidence and where you are with it. Now, if somebody came up and pointed out and asked you be like, hey, man, you that clearly that’s not your hair, and made something about, would you have a sinking feeling, or does it roll off of you like, it’s not a problem at all now?

 

Dan Medeiros [00:05:23]:

Well, geez, I just hearing you talk about that, it’s in your own experience, I mean, it’s. I. If I could reach out and give you a hug right now. I absolutely would, because I. My God, do I feel that. It’s like. It just. It’s. God, it’s so, so soul-crushing, as you said, you know, I went through it all myself. The exact same thing. And everybody does, and it’s. You’re scared. You have no idea what to do, how to react. It just. It alters your entire perception of who you are and what you’re doing in life and where you’re going in life. And, gosh, Stephen, just the whole thing looking in the mirror, that is probably one of the hardest things.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:06:04]:

Looking people in the eye, like, seeing their eyes look up rather than looking at you. It’s like, what are you looking at? You know? And it’s like it immediately just takes you right away from what you’re doing, where you’re at with the conversation you’re having. And then it just takes over your mind as to, well, is there something off? Like, what are they looking at? Is this so. And, you know, this goes all the way back, you know, funny. I’ve been watching a lot of Saturday Night Live, and I just happened to watch an episode where Kelsey Grammer was hosting, and from the early nineties, and they had the. The president of HairClub on at the time and Instagram were being bald. He walked out onto the stage wearing a wig because, you know, they were a lot of wigs. And then it was.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:06:45]:

It was kind of played on that way, and it just kind of reminded me again just how. How far. How different things are now. And back to your question. You know, whether it’s us maturing and understanding more, or if it’s, you know, how the social look of things, I think it’s a good mix of both. The world we live in is very different. And the perception of bettering yourself, whether, you know, it’s something to do with your skin, something to do with your hair, something to do with your teeth. Like, regardless of what it is, the stigma, at least these days, is so much different.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:07:18]:

And it’s very minimal compared to what it used to be. Gosh, I remember growing up and seeing people. Bald people. And the jokes. It was always the butt of jokes. Even before I moved from Canada, I remember being in the office, and a lot of a. A lot of us were either losing hair or had gone bald and shaved their heads. And, you know, it’s, everyone cracks jokes about it, and, you know, you don’t really think of it, but, you know, even though I hadn’t gone fully bald, I, you know, I hadn’t gone bald, but I thinned out incredibly due to my job. It, you know, I’d hear it and I’d see it and, you know, kind of chuckle along with it, but on the inside, it’s just absolutely just, oh, my gosh, my world is overdevelop.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:58]:

Yeah. I think part of it that I have noticed. Think about when you were growing up and the role models that you had. Imagine if Superman had the hair of Doctor Phil, you know?

 

Dan Medeiros [00:08:10]:

I know, absolutely. Yeah.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:12]:

It never happened. You think about Thor. You think about the superheroes. We had a don draper on mad men. He had great hair. And to me, growing up, I think that’s part of the subtle perception about hair is how many of the heroes that we had had that kind of horseshoe hair loss that was in there. I really can’t think of anyone. There was a superhero that was that that person was always kind of the mealy mouse guy in the side corner office that was always the loser or the schmuck or the person that everybody didn’t want to be.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:46]:

They were the whiny person. And there was something about that that if you saw yourself becoming that, it’s like inevitably you become what your hair is. You can’t be a leading man. You can’t be a superhero if you start to lose your hair. And I think that’s part of the subtle thing that maybe we don’t really process, but it’s part of why we freak out so much when we start to see our hair going is that we think, wow, that’s just it. My cool days are over. There’s no way I’m going to be awesome again.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:09:15]:

Oh, exactly. It’s like, okay, so am I the villain now? Am I the goon? Yeah, it’s crazy. It’s the same kind of stigmas around you seeing what the male female form body is supposed to be. You see, well, that’s the only way you can look good. I can’t be that if I don’t have that again, it’s with every stigma we’re told, and we see what we’re supposed to look like, how we’re supposed to feel, and it’s just, you know, doing something about it. Now it’s, you know, I feel like we can do that. And it’s so accepted. And I did it myself.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:09:53]:

And, you know, for so many years, I went through the process of trying to regrow my own hair. And then, you know, we’re in the his hair system, and now I do a mix of both. And it’s, you know, I can talk to friends about it, I can post about it. I can be completely open and honest on social media with anybody who asks me about it now. And, you know, I’m completely, 100% open because I want that transparency. And I think that’s a huge part of it is being transparent about it and understanding that this is something we should all be okay with. We should all accept, you know, if it’s females wearing, you know, extensions or wigs. And I mean, that’s okay.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:10:29]:

So why can’t a guy wear hair to make themselves look and feel better, too? I see myself when I look at myself, I need to see myself how I’m supposed to see myself, how I want to see myself. And this is how I see myself. You know, I can’t imagine living my life without this because without my hair, this isn’t me. It’s just, it’s the me that hides, you know, hides under a hat, that hides, you know, in the house that doesn’t go out, doesn’t socialize. Who doesn’t want to get on that stage and perform in front of, you know, hundreds of people with lights flashing down on top of me?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:11:04]:

It’s powerful to hear how taking action and doing something about your appearance can make you feel like the best version of yourself. While keeping things covered up can lead to feelings of wanting to hide or isolate. It’s an experience I can relate to. And so many others who have shared their stories on the show have expressed similar feelings as well. We touched on how when we were growing up, we didn’t see many bald heroes. Balding characters were often not depicted as cool or strong. But things started to shift in the nineties and two thousands with icons like Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and the rock all embracing their shaped heads and redefining what it means to be a leading man. Societys perceptions are slowly starting to change and its important to recognize this were moving towards a world where talking about hair loss and finding solutions that make us feel confident are less stigmatized, which gives us the freedom to be more open and how hair loss affects not just our parents, but our mental health as well.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:12:10]:

It’s a huge mental game. You know, I struggle and deal with it myself. You know, I’m severely ADHD, I’m OCD, I have anxiety, depression, I’m un, you know, I deal with all that stuff and when I didn’t have my hair, that was. All of that was amplified to the 10th degree and it’s like, I have enough stuff going on in my life that I’m trying to fight. My outer image shouldn’t be one of them. And once you take care of that, then you can really focus on your internal self. And that’s at least that’s how I was able to finally start doing that. And now I found that perfect place with everything, you know, it’s helped center me, my hair helps me get out there and do what I need to do and be who I need to be.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:12:55]:

And it’s. It all goes hand in hand. And we should, you know, our mental health and who. Who we are and who we feel, who we see ourselves as. I feel we need to really focus on that. And more than ever before, this isn’t the eighties and nineties where it was, I don’t know, take some Ritalin, you know, or, I don’t know, figure it out, flip the switch. It’s now, let’s talk about it, let’s discuss it, let’s figure it out. Because we have, this is the age of learning about ourselves and taking care of ourselves and understanding that, you know, we have so much to offer, not just to the world, but to ourselves as well.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:13:29]:

And that’s so important, so very important.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:33]:

Yeah, it really is. So, you know, I think for me, in my own personal story is there’s several factors in this. One, the maturity has definitely helped out. I think society has been a big part of it and how they look at it. And then the other component is just the fact that it has improved. If I had some of the hair pieces I saw when I was a kid in the early eighties, I think.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:55]:

I would be self conscious.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:56]:

If I knew I had that on my head, I’d be like, gosh, I feel I’m not fooling anyone. And no one fooled anyone in the early eighties with a lot of the hair pieces that were out there. Now I’m stunned at how many people I find through this podcast that I talk to that have hair systems looking at you and looking at so many other people I’ve had these conversations with, you just don’t really know anymore. It looks fantastic. It’s natural, real human hair that just blends in perfectly with the color and the cut. I don’t know how you would know unless you knew a person’s personal story that they have a hair system on. Have you been able to see anybody? Do you feel the same way about your hair system? And when you see others that have one?

 

Dan Medeiros [00:14:39]:

Oh my gosh, it’s so true. Like, it’s amazing how many people, even friends of mine family had, like, until they found out they had no idea. And even a lot of them still, like, you know, they don’t believe that I’m even wearing hair like that. I’m just, you know, I just grew it all back. And yes, I’m trying to grow my hair back as well, but it’s just truly incredible. And the amount of people I run into, again, just like you, in this industry, since I worked so closely with hair club and have for so many years, it’s everybody I run into, I can’t tell they’re actually wearing hair systems. And that, that’s the most amazing thing. I love when I love that, I forget I’m wearing a hair system, you know? Yeah, that’s the greatest feeling.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:15:18]:

When I can, I look at myself in the mirror and I just stop and I go, man, like, I’m even fooling myself. And that’s awesome. That’s exactly what we’re going for. That’s, you know, with all these years and all this technology and everything we’ve learned, I’m so happy we’ve gotten to this point. You know, I’ve been, you know, 14 years with haircloth. I’ve seen just the transition in the technology that we’ve had in those 14 years from when I first started. And I look forward to where we’re going to be in the next ten to 14 years as well. My gosh, it only gets better.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:15:49]:

It really only gets better for people.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:15:52]:

That don’t know and are maybe thinking about, I don’t know where my self esteem would be if I went with a hair system or if I did treatments. I got the ultimate test today. I do a YouTube show. We have a live audience, and it’s the nature of entertainment. You get trolls. And we had a troll in there that was looking for any possible way to get anybody upset. And he’s trolling the audience that’s in there. That’s big fans.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:16]:

And then he went out on me, and I’m very open about being a client to hair club and how much I love it. And he went in and he’s like going, yeah, the head host there with the fake hair. And he kept going in on that. And when I read that, it had no effect on me because I know that he knows that I had it before, and that, to me, was a really great test because he tried to use that as a weakness against me. And there might be a time and a place where he might have said, yeah, the balding guy or the guy with, and that might have hit hard, and that might have affect me, but it was a really good test day, and I felt so good when he went after the guy with the fake hair. And I know my hair looks great, and I’ve got no problems with it, and it bounced off me as much as he would have said, oh, the guy in there with the nose, I’d have been like, okay, yeah, so I got a nose. So to me, it’s great that we’re having this conversation today, because I don’t know if I would have said with 100% confidence that I have full self esteem about my hair, and today I absolutely can. It’s not a weakness for me, my hair and how it looks and anything like that.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:17:19]:

I now know people can dig on me and try to go in on that. You know, sometimes you have friends, you’re looking for a weakness, and you’re trying to rip them apart. The hair is off limits now, which used to always be the number one thing. People would go in on me. I’d be like, on, all right, baldy, or all right, patchy, or whatever it might be. It’s not a weakness anymore. And to me, it’s great to have that kind of self esteem.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:17:39]:

Oh, exactly. And that’s 100%. I mean, there will always be trolls. You know, it’s. They haven’t all kind of dissipated yet. They’re still there. They’re still under, you know, the same kind of understanding of how things were again back in the eighties and nineties. I mean, we’re so far beyond that now.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:17:54]:

So it’s like, I feel like if anybody, anybody who does troll, they are in the vast minority, you know? If anything, I don’t even have to say or do anything. I feel like everyone else will completely run them out. It’s just, you can’t do that anymore. Like, ripping on someone and destroying their own personal image and their mental health. That is just, it’s become such a no go zone, and it’s just, honestly, yeah, you’re gonna, if anything, you’re gonna get trolled out of existence for doing that kind of stuff now. So it’s like, and it’s just like any troll for anything on social media in this world, it’s just, it, it means nothing anymore. Their words mean nothing because it’s just, it’s a. Unfortunately, they’re sad, they’re upset, and, you know, they’re not, they’re not happy with themselves inside, and it’s unfortunate.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:18:42]:

And all we can do is just educate and support each other and just everybody needs to support everybody. And that’s, I feel like it’s become such a huge thing now. And that’s why, as I said before, that mental health and our, and our image go hand in hand.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:19:01]:

Its so important to acknowledge the mental health aspects of hair loss. Dans openness about the emotional toll hair loss can take really sheds a little bit of light on often overlooked issues. Many people experience feelings of anxiety, depression and a drop in self esteem when they start to lose their hair. These emotions can be incredibly isolating and addressing them head on can really help. But transitioning to a mindset where you feel comfortable speaking about your hair loss isn’t easy. The first conversation you have about your hair loss can feel daunting. It’s hard to know where to even begin.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:19:43]:

I tried everything under the sun, just trying to do it quietly myself, because again, I didn’t know who to talk to. I wasn’t comfortable talking with anybody about it. I was freaking out internally every single moment of every day. You know, I would have told myself way back when I first started noticing it, when I first started getting people mentioning it to me, I would have been, get the hair club right away. Scheduled that consultation right away. And I think I might have even mentioned in our last podcast when I went in for my first consultation, finally I was sat down and told, you have reached the BMW of hair loss solutions. And that’s something I’ll always bring up and mention because it was something that has stuck with me and still sticks with me. The support system, the incredible people that you work with that help you find the best way for you to get to where you need to be.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:20:32]:

It started me on that journey, and again, I just wish I would have started earlier. I wish I would have handled stress in my diet and my outer image a lot better. I wish I would have stayed off the energy drinks and the fast food back then. So many things.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:50]:

Mm hmm.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:20:51]:

But, you know, just going back and telling myself that eventually it will get better and you just keep fighting, keep pushing on its persistence and just following the course, you know. And for anybody who has started out and unsure whether they should keep going, if it’s right for them, keep pushing, keep the persist, and just follow the instructions. Follow the path. It will work. Sometimes it takes longer for others. Everybody’s different. Our genetic makeups are different and how we respond to what we’re on, it will be different for everybody, but just keep going, persist, don’t follow the instructions every single day, and you will get to where you want to be. If you have any concerns, questions? I mean, the hair club staff will be there for you and those of us like myself, who we’re here to help.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:21:38]:

I’ll get on the phone with new clients, people looking who are interested, and just talk with them. I’ve had conversations with them on a Sunday for 45 minutes. Like I’m talking to you, telling stories, what I’ve been through. And it’s just there’s so much help. And we’re all here to answer your questions, whether it’s myself or an actual, you know, your stylist or your center manager, whatever it is, just keep going. That’s just. It will get there.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:22:04]:

I would tell myself 1015 years ago, I had massive anxiety about having big divots of hair missing and really looking like I was balding. And if you get plugged into hair club, your journey may change. It may be different throughout the course of it, but there will not be a time that you will be self conscious about how your hair looks. They will always have you looking on point. And so to me, walking in the door to say, all right, they got you by the hand. You don’t have to worry. Let go of the worry. Let go of the fret.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:22:35]:

What you’re afraid of looking like is not going to happen to you when you are here. So stay with them. They will give you the right direction. You listen to what they have to say, you follow it, and you’re going to be good. To have that peace of mind would have meant everything to me ten to 15 years ago.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:22:51]:

Absolutely. And they are the best. And I said, now we know. And that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing right now. We’re getting the word out there. We’re helping more people understand, because it’s never too late, it’s never too early. Either way, just start it. Get it going.

 

Dan Medeiros [00:23:06]:

It’s the best in the world.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:23:12]:

Everyones hair loss journey is unique, but its important to remember that this is an issue that touches everyones lives, whether they experience hair loss themselves or they know someone whos going through it. Thats why conversations like these are so important. Everybody who speaks out about hair loss experience helps break down the stigma and allows others to feel, feel less like they’ve got to face it alone. Whenever we help each other and share our process, we help create a supportive community where everyone can find encouragement and understanding. This year, for hair loss awareness month, we want to normalize conversations just like this one. The more we talk about it, the more we can destigmatize it. Whether it’s through personal stories, seeking professional help, or just having honest conversations with friends and family. Every bit helps.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:24:02]:

Not everyones journey will be exactly like mine or like dans, but everyone can find a solution that works for them and we hope you feel encouraged to explore the options that are out there. Remember, youre not alone in this journey. Reach out, share your story and support one another. And if you can think of someone in your life who might need to hear a story like this, please share it with them. For more inspirational stories and words of wisdom from people who have been through hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:24:48]:

If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website, check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.


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Ask A Trichologist: What Is Causing My Hair Loss?

Ask A Trichologist: What Is Causing My Hair Loss?

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Episode

Episode 24

Ask A Trichologist: What Is Causing My Hair Loss? 

trichologist-hair-loss-Eva-Proudman-024-blog

In this episode of HairPod, I sit down with UK-based trichologist Eva Proudman. We talk about the many potential causes of hair loss, hair thinning, and hair shedding. If you’re not sure what the differences between those terms are, make sure to listen in for that and more actionable tools you can use to help you navigate your own personal hair loss journey.

 

Hair Loss: Eva’s Personal Experience

Hair loss is a difficult thing to experience no matter when or why it happens. Eva’s journey began when she underwent bariatric surgery to manage her diabetes. While the surgery successfully put her diabetes into remission, it also led to significant hair loss as a side effect. This experience, coupled with her involvement in a program providing hair extensions for young cancer patients post-chemo, inspired her to transition from owning a hair extension company to becoming a trichologist.

 

Trichologist Talk: Diagnosing and Treating Hair and Scalp Disorders

As a trichologist, Eva Proudman specializes in diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders holistically. Trichologists consider various factors such as diet, stress, and medications when assessing patients’ conditions. They undergo comprehensive training and use a differential diagnosis approach to understand patients’ symptoms and provide effective, personalized treatment plans.

 

Proudman explains the process of diagnosing hair conditions through patient accounts and clinical evidence. She discusses various conditions, including telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and autoimmune scarring conditions like frontal fibrosing alopecia. She emphasizes the complexities of diagnosing and treating multiple conditions in women and the importance of thorough diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

 

Hair Health: The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle

Throughout the podcast, Eva Proudman highlights the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining hair health. She emphasizes the importance of protein in supporting hair growth and recommends incorporating red meat, eggs, chicken, fish, turkey, dairy, nuts, beans, and legumes into the diet. Proudman also advises against excessive consumption of processed foods, fast foods, salt, and sugar, which can negatively impact hair health.

 

In addition to nutrition, Proudman discusses the significance of stress management and quality sleep for overall hair health. Trichologists may refer patients to therapists or specialists for psychological hair-related conditions such as trichotillomania, and they encourage stress management techniques to promote hair well-being.


Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.24 Transcript

Eva Proudman [00:00:04]:

So I was a diabetic and my diabetes was out of control. And I was offered serious bariatric surgery to put my diabetes into remission. I was basically given a very stark choice at the age of 40 because of my genetic inheritance and the type of problem I had. My professor said to me, I give you six months before you have a fatal heart attack or a stroke unless we do something drastic. And at that point, I’d got a ten year old son, so I would do anything.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:52]:

Welcome to HairPod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host Kevin Rolston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. For this episode of Hairpod, I get to talk to Eva Proudman, a trichologist from the United Kingdom who also has experienced hair loss herself. We’re going to find out about her own personal hair story, and you’re going to learn a lot of great information about hair loss, hair shedding, hair thinning, and the myriad of causes and treatments available for these conditions. There are so many different possible causes of hair loss, from genetics to diet to stress. And I am excited to dive into all these different topics with Eva. Hair loss can have a massive impact on our lives.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:46]:

Sometimes we have to change our lifestyle and be open in trying solutions we never thought of before or even knew existed. We aren’t taught about hair loss, and finding trustworthy sources is a real challenge. It’s hard to know what is actually effective and what’s going to work for you. So having clear, science-backed information is critical to determining your path forward, or you could end up wasting a lot of time and money. It’s a journey, and people like Eva have made a career by guiding people through that process.

 

Eva Proudman [00:02:20]:

Trichology is the study of anything to do with the hair, the scalp, and as far down as your chin. So this little box of our anatomy, that’s what we specialize in. We diagnose any of the disorders that you can have hair-wise, scalp-wise, and as I say, as far down to the chin. And the way I got into trichology was that I used to own, many years ago now, the largest hair extension company in the UK, we used to export to 40 countries. All of our products were about education, no damage to hair, very ethical. And I was asked by the Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK if I would have a meeting with them to talk about how we could possibly provide hair extensions for younger people post-chemo so they could get their wigs off. The last thing you want to do if you’ve been through chemotherapy is wear a wig or wear a hat because it reminds you of treatment. So we developed a program called hair in recovery and we trained a special network of salons to use these super fine micro bonds.

 

Eva Proudman [00:03:26]:

We subsidized the hair and the service to make it affordable. And we launched the program and it’s still running today. The company that I left still run it, which is great. But at that point, I realized that my passion was hair loss, not hair fashion. And so I sold my shares in the company and I trained to become a trichologist. And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. And it’s the best job in the world.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:54]:

It sounds like you’re in it because it’s rewarding and you feel like you’re truly helping people. Is that right?

 

Eva Proudman [00:03:59]:

Every day is a delight. You know, hair loss is a big taboo, really. People still don’t openly talk about it in the UK. It’s very badly signposted. It’s not something that our national health service specialize in. And very often people feel they’re on their own. It’s vanity. There’s nothing that can be done when, in fact, hair loss is very emotional.

 

Eva Proudman [00:04:22]:

It’s not about how it looks, it’s about how it feels. And it can affect your self confidence, it can affect your mood, it can affect your social life. Very, very often. There are a lot of things that we can do to improve the problems that we find. And very rarely do we find that we can’t treat something. And there’s this big misconception that if your hair is thinning or you’re losing it, it’s because of your age, your medications, the menopause, all of those things kind of get thrown at people that this is why it’s happening. And I find in clinic, I’ve got nine of them across the UK, I see 250 patients a month. There aren’t many people that we can’t treat and improve.

 

Eva Proudman [00:05:07]:

There are some conditions that are permanent scarring conditions, where we can’t recover the hair. But again, we tend to have a network of specialist people that can provide very specialist cosmetic solutions that are not necessarily full wigs and look really natural and are comfortable to wear. So, yeah, it’s really, really rewarding.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:29]:

So what you’re trying to do is help somebody find their best solution.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:34]:

And if you can you want to.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:36]:

Provide a more natural solution for the people so that a wig or something of that nature is not the end all, be all for everybody.

 

Eva Proudman [00:05:44]:

Absolutely. And the priority is if we can restore the health of the scalp and the hair, and we can get that hair to grow better and thicker. That’s the ideal. That’s our goal. That’s where we aim. If we treat and we get some improvement, but it’s not enough for the individual patient, then we can look at other interventions from there. But the baseline is we accurately diagnose what the problem is, we will treat it accordingly. And our treatments are very holistic.

 

Eva Proudman [00:06:14]:

We look at the whole person. So your hair is very much affected by your diet. What you eat really affects your hair. It’s affected by your hair care, the products you use, how often you wash the hair, how often you wash the scalp. Stress is an issue, diet is an issue, medications can be an issue. But there again, there are conditions like thyroidism, where if you’ve got a low thyroid function, you can find your hair is slow growing, it’s dull, it’s brittle, it will shed. If you’ve got an overactive thyroid, it will shed like mad and thin. But when they are medicated and you get that thyroid stimulating hormone into a good mid range with medications, those things go away and the hair should return to normal.

 

Eva Proudman [00:07:01]:

And if it doesn’t, then there are lots of things we can do, whether it’s with blood tests or from an examination, we can add things that will get that hair to recover. So there’s lots and lots of areas that we work in.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:19]:

It’s encouraging to hear that there are just so many options and approaches to restoring the hair and scalp to its healthy state. As Eva points out, its not really about your hair so much as how you feel about your hair. Knowing that there are options is a huge relief. What trichologists do is so in depth, so personalized, and requires such a vast amount of knowledge in so many different areas.

 

Eva Proudman [00:07:47]:

I did a three year training course with the Institute of Trichology, and every month I did clinical hours. And you’re taught to do what we call a differential diagnosis, which is a combination of asking your patient what is it they are feeling.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:04]:

Which is a what?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:04]:

I’m sorry, you said it’s a combination.

 

Eva Proudman [00:08:06]:

To give you their symptoms.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:08]:

Can you tell me?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:08]:

You said it was a combination of something. What was it a combination of, Eva?

 

Eva Proudman [00:08:12]:

So it’s a combination of asking the patient what they are experiencing, seeing and feeling, and then having a look with what we call a trichoscope. It’s like a microscope for the scalp and looking at what the clinical signs tell us. And we then work out what the condition is from what we’ve been told and what our clinical evidence is. And generally what we find is if you see your hair falling out a lot, so there’s an increase of hair fall when you wash it, or you brush it and it feels thinner, or if you’ve got long hair, it’s gone ratty on the ends of. Generally, it isn’t always what you think. It’s not hair loss. It can be a disruption to the growing and the shedding cycle. It’s called telogen effluvium.

 

Eva Proudman [00:09:00]:

Telogen is the natural shedding phase. Effluvium means you’re doing too much of it. And there are lots and lots of underlying causative factors, and when we identify those, we can normally correct them. You can get that growth cycle to go back to normal. The shedding reduces to normal range and the density comes back into the hair, because you haven’t actually lost any. It’s just turning over too quickly. If somebody feels their hair is just disappearing gradually getting thinner. And it might be in a pattern for ladies, generally, through the centre scalp, the parting in the middle gets wider.

 

Eva Proudman [00:09:38]:

You can sort of see in, see and feel more scalp. The crown sits open. It could be something like an angiogenetic alopecia, female pattern. And again, we can manage female pattern very, very effectively. And whilst we’re on the subject of ladies, they tend to be sort of more complicated than the guys. We have a more complicated sort of background. Our physiology is more difficult. So we see ladies with multiple conditions, and again, you’ve got to treat all of them in the right way to get the best results.

 

Eva Proudman [00:10:11]:

You then get the autoimmune type conditions, so you can see things like the patchy circles of loss. That tends to be a condition called alopecia areata. It’s where the immune system is misfunctioning and it sees the hair as a foreign object, it breaks it out at the root and leaves those circles. It leaves all of the follicles behind so the hair can regrow. And what our job is is to try and stimulate the hair to regrow and to distract the immune system from attacking. And those immune attacks tend to be caused by huge amounts of inflammation in the body. So we work to reduce that. It can be sort of high levels of emotional stress, it can be low stored vitamin and mineral levels.

 

Eva Proudman [00:10:57]:

And again, we would work to investigate all of those and to correct it. And then we move on to the worst kind of hair loss, which, again, is autoimmune. But unlike the areolators, where the hair can recover, it’s what we call a scarring condition. The immune system doesn’t attack the hair, it attacks the growing unit. It’s called the pilosubaceous unit, and it attacks it underneath the scalp and it leaves permanent hair loss. We can’t regrow it. Once that hair’s gone, it’s gone. And an ever-increasing popular one we see in clinic is something called frontal fibrosis and alopecia, or FFA for short.

 

Eva Proudman [00:11:36]:

What you notice, particularly in ladies, is the hairline is receding. You’re losing hair in front of the ears, you can lose it behind, and it can progress all the way back to the crown. And you can lose that whole frontal section of your hair. At the back, it still looks perfect, but from the front you’ve got loss. You tend to find that you lose the outer third of the eyebrows, you can lose body hair. The scalp can have sensations. It can be itchy, creepy, burning. And again, what’s happening is there’s a huge amount of inflammation causing that immune system to attack.

 

Eva Proudman [00:12:12]:

And we have treatments that we use to reduce that inflammatory attack, to stabilize the condition, to retain the hair that we’ve got. So we work in very different ways and all of those things can exist together. Sometimes I’ll see a patient and I think, blimey, that’s five things we’re dealing with. That’s a big ask, but we work through it and we deal with it. Other times I’ll see a patient and it’s easy peasy. They’ve got an itchy, flaky scalp. I look at it, it’s seborate dermatitis. Good treatment, shampoo, frequency of washing, you can manage it really well.

 

Eva Proudman [00:12:47]:

So all day. And what comes into clinic is different all the time, which is what makes it such a fab job, because you never know what you’re going to see and it keeps you on your toes. You’ve got to be a really good detective.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:59]:

Yeah, I bet. And thats my question, is, how hard is the diagnosis? You talk about so many different things that can cause hair loss. Can you look at someone or is.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:10]:

It, sometimes I hear stories of doctors.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:12]:

That try to diagnose an ailment in our bodies and theyre guessing and theyre trying to figure out what it is. So as a trichologist, is it often easy to diagnose whats causing the hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:22]:

Loss or do you have to try.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:23]:

A lot of different remedies a lot of times before you get it right and figure out what truly is causing it?

 

Eva Proudman [00:13:28]:

So there are some conditions that are easier than others. The diagnosis isn’t necessarily the difficult bit because we spend three years studying, we do two years of clinical mentorship so that we know what we’re doing. We do continuous professional development. So we’re always looking at research papers, we’re attending seminars, we’re looking at all of the current evidence that’s out there and we’re lucky we get an hour with a patient. So we listen very carefully to what they’re seeing and feeling. That starts to give us the clues to what it could be. And then we put our expertise into that examination and once we know what it is, it’s then about what’s causing that and how we treat it most effectively. And so there are some things that are in every condition, whether it be a psychological one or a medical one, you will find that practitioners will have a first line treatment.

 

Eva Proudman [00:14:27]:

Something they try is their go to that for 80% of people it works for. And then they’ll have a second and third line treatment that sometimes they have to add in because the patient’s a bit more complicated. So it’s about getting the balance right of your treatment. For that individual a common treatment is depleted stored vitamin and mineral levels. For general health we have one level and as long as we’re in those ranges our body functions we’re okay generally, but the hair needs a very very different range. It’s the second fastest dividing cell in our body, but it’s non essential. So we have to make sure those stored levels are right. And some people will absorb really well from their diet.

 

Eva Proudman [00:15:12]:

They’ll have great diets, they’ll hold them and life is great for them. Other people might have a restricted diet like a vegan diet for example. And vitamin B twelve is crucial to hair growth and hair health. But it’s only in animal based products so you’d need to be supplementing it. So we might put a b twelve supplement in. But again, plant based diets aren’t great at holding iron. So we might put an iron supplement in and some people might need them for four to six months and they’re good to go. Other people might have more of a leaky gut or an absorption issue and they need to take them longer term.

 

Eva Proudman [00:15:50]:

So again you’re working with everybody as an individual because our tolerances and our abilities are all different.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:01]:

There’s so much information and technology available to help trichologists diagnose and treat some of these conditions. I know firsthand that it can be a little bit daunting to try to navigate all that on your own. Whether your hair loss is caused by hormones, diet, immune function, or something completely different, figuring out the root cause is the first step in knowing what type of treatment to pursue. One thing we can all take control of right now to slow down hair loss, is our diet. So I asked Eva more about how nutrition and hair health are connected.

 

Eva Proudman [00:16:41]:

The first thing the hair looks for is protein. And every day it says to the body, can I have a quarter of whatever you’re having now? The problem is, if you don’t have enough protein, it manages every single essential cell, and our very clever bodies will take all of that for the essential cells. And your hair can end up with nothing from its nutrition. And not all proteins are equal. So let me give you some examples. So if you were having an egg for breakfast, you’d get about 8 grams of protein out of that egg. And it’s what we call a complete protein. It’s got everything in it that you could possibly want.

 

Eva Proudman [00:17:20]:

If you decided that you would have just toast. You won’t really get any protein because there isn’t anyone there, and it won’t give you the things that build protein, the amino acids, and it’s those amino acids we need. So the sort of best foods to eat are your offal, red meat, eggs, chicken, fish, turkey. All of those things are fantastic. Most of them are complete. And when I say complete, it’s about the amino acids. So our bodies use 23 every day, and we can make all of them except for eight. They’re called the eight essential, and you can only get them from complete proteins in your diet.

 

Eva Proudman [00:18:01]:

Again, the hair needs all eight. It would do. It’s complicated. So those sort of foods, I’ve just said, great, get those in your diet every day. Try to have protein at each meal. Try to have it in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening. The hair likes that consistency. Keep it well fed.

 

Eva Proudman [00:18:20]:

Dairy is good to include. And then you come down to your more sort of plant based. Your nuts, your beans, your legumes, they do have proteins in there, but it’s volume. So 100 grams of chicken, about 25 grams of protein, 100 grams of chickpeas, 8 grams of protein. So you can see when you’re advising somebody, you need to give them some ideas and some guidance on what to choose. Seeds shouldn’t be overlooked. Things like sesame seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, on average, a teaspoon of those added to a salad or into a yogurt or onto a cereal. 5 grams of protein.

 

Eva Proudman [00:19:00]:

So you can sort of really work to choose the foods you like, but to make sure you get enough of them in the right proportions, that’s the best thing I can suggest for your hair and then your plate. So make protein, your biggest portion. Then your brightly colored fruit, vegetables, little bit of carbs, little bit of good fats. That generally is a balanced diet, and the hair will be happy with that. So will your body.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:19:27]:

Would a trichologist sit down and give you a diet that is good for hair health?

 

Eva Proudman [00:19:32]:

We do. We advise on what to try and include, what the best foods are, what they’ve got in them. We do study nutrition as part of our qualifications, so we’re not nutritionists, as in, you come to us because your gut doesn’t work at all, but we know what foods are good for you, what they’ve got in them, how the gut works with it, how you absorb what they give. And so, yes, in my clinic, I have a reference sheet for proteins. There’s lots of things on there, and they’re all counted to make it easy for my patients to be able to go and say, I’m going to have an egg. I know an average egg’s about 8 grams of protein, so I know I’ve got another 42 to get in that day.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:16]:

What are we consuming that would be bad for our hair health, whether it be foods or other substances we choose to put in our body.

 

Eva Proudman [00:20:23]:

Yeah, so bad things are sort of processed foods. So when foods are processed and fast foods, we tend to use oils in there that are nothing potentially friendly. They can affect cholesterol and those sorts of things. We tend to put a lot more salt and sugar in, and if you have too much salt, it can build up around the follicle, it can cause the hair to shed, you can get a sodium build up. Too much sugar can imbalance what the body’s trying to do. So you want to try and be as much as you can. A cook from scratch, use fresh ingredients, type of person, the odd takeaway, the odd hamburger, the odd kebab, no big deal. But if that’s what your diet consists of, a, your body’s not going to be great, but your hair certainly isn’t, because those foods just don’t give you what you need to get all of those processes working most effectively.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:21:19]:

We’ve talked about the food you consume, but you had mentioned stresses and personal traumas that can affect hair health. Is it ever a good idea to incorporate some form of therapy to try to relieve some of the stresses? And maybe you have traumas that have happened in your life. Could that be impacting your heart health? And is that sometimes a recommendation from a trichologist?

 

Eva Proudman [00:21:42]:

Absolutely. Sometimes I will refer to a therapist. It could be a psychiatrist or it could be what we call psychodermatology. And they are a branch where they understand everything to do with the hair and skin, but they understand the psychology of it. So there’s a condition called trichotillomania, which is where you pull your hair out. You’re constantly pulling it out. Sometimes you don’t even realize you’re doing it. I’ve had patients sit in front of me and I will say, have you stopped pulling? And they’ll say, oh, yes.

 

Eva Proudman [00:22:13]:

And they’re twiddling and pulling and licking the hair in front of me. They don’t know they’re doing it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:22:17]:

Wow.

 

Eva Proudman [00:22:18]:

And they need help. I can give them distraction techniques, things like have a fidget toy, something that’s nice to touch and keep your hands busy, stop it touching the hair. But very often those kinds of conditions have started with something that’s much deeper psychologically. So they need help to break that cycle. And it’s no good saying, oh, well, just jump from the pulling bit and give you more hair, because if we give them more hair, they’re going to keep pulling it out. And the more you pull it out, you can get permanent hair loss. So we very much work on that. We help patients think about how to manage stress and anxiety.

 

Eva Proudman [00:22:56]:

The top of the list is always meditation and yoga, and they’re great, and they work for lots of people. But there are people like me that if I sit and meditate, I’m not meditating, I’m thinking, I need to do that. I’ve got this to do. I may as well be sticking a pin in my eye, because I just don’t relax with it. And so a tip I give to my patients is, do the thing where you empty your head and you lose time. So we’ve all got things we like to do where you think, I’ll spend 20 minutes doing that. You look at your watch and you go, my goodness, I’ve been there an hour and a half, didn’t realise I’ve been doing it for me. Put me out my greenhouse or the garden, I can lose all day.

 

Eva Proudman [00:23:34]:

And I’m not thinking, I haven’t got that noise in my head. For some people, it’s reading, it’s walking, it’s brushing the dog, it’s baking, it’s cleaning. Doesn’t matter what it is. The thing that gives you that downtime and you feel your shoulders relax, that’s what helps to relieve stress. And anything that works is the right thing for you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:23:54]:

I’m assuming, obviously, sleep is a big part of this as well, that you need to do the standard at least seven to 8 hours.

 

Eva Proudman [00:24:00]:

Yeah. With the hair being the second fastest dividing cell, it needs good quality sleep because it regenerates when you’re sleepy. So again, people with poor sleep patterns or very limited sleep, again, that can be an issue in affecting the overall health of the hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:24:17]:

Great. Eva, your own hair journey. How did you diagnose, what situation did you go through?

 

Eva Proudman [00:24:24]:

So I was a diabetic and my diabetes was out of control. And I was offered serious bariatric surgery to put my diabetes into remission. I was basically given a very stark choice at the age of 40 because of my genetic inheritance and the type of problem I had. My professor said to me, I give you six months before you have a fatal heart attack or a stroke unless we do something drastic. And at that point, I’d got a ten year old son, so I would do anything. And he said, I recommend this bariatric surgery. And we said, okay, that will do it. So referred to the bariatric surgeon.

 

Eva Proudman [00:25:08]:

You’re assessed psychologically to make sure you’re not some kind of feeder. That even if they do the surgery and you’re still going to eat sugary food and put your sugars out of control. I had the surgery and from the moment I came round, we did a blood test. I’ve not needed metformin or insulin since the surgery puts it into remission. But I always tell myself it’s only in remission whilst I manage it. And what the bariatric system does, it resets the endocrine system and you’re just able to manage it also makes you drop weight really, really quickly. In a space of four years, I put on ten stone in weight. Ten stone is what, less than I weigh now? So there was another whole me.

 

Eva Proudman [00:25:54]:

And so I lost that weight. And the trauma of the surgery, the weight loss, I lost 50% of my hair. It literally came out in handfuls.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:26:03]:

Wow.

 

Eva Proudman [00:26:04]:

And I’m really lucky. I’ve got very thick hair, a lot of it, but I know how it feels. And when you see that hair in your hands or your shower, your eyes and your brain say you’re losing your hair, it doesn’t matter how much I knew the science that it was an imbalance and that it would go back. And you feel terrible because you don’t feel like yourself. And when people say, but it looks fine, you feel even worse because you think, well, nobody believes me. And so I had that for about nine months before we got the growth cycle to normalize. I was eating normal meals again. I was holding a normal weight.

 

Eva Proudman [00:26:38]:

My body was recovery. But I still have to have supplements every day. I have b twelve injections. I have had an iron infusion in my time because my levels were very low. But I work really hard and my mantra is I eat my protein. I eat my good green ripe orange vegetables. I have a few carbs and I have a little bit of fat. And I do cheat.

 

Eva Proudman [00:27:01]:

I’ll have chocolates. I’ll have a cake. But I have it very much in moderation. Gotta live because that’s what I have to do.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:27:13]:

It’s nice to know that there are practical, tangible changes you can make in your daily life that could benefit your hair and scalp health. Of course, we all feel better when we eat healthier. And Eva is right. Balance is important. It is essential to feel good about ourselves and enjoy little pleasures in life, even when we are dieting or trying to change habits. Hair loss is hard enough to deal with on its own hair loss is hard enough to deal with on its own. It’s been an enlightening conversation with Eva Prabin. Her passion, honesty and expertise are admirable and I feel like I’ve gained some valuable insights into understanding and managing hair loss.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:27:52]:

One thing that really stood out to me is how important it is to see hair loss from all angles, whether they be physical or emotional. Finding support and seeing a hair specialist could make a huge change in your hair loss experience. As weve learned, theres just so many options no matter where you are in your hair loss journey. For more inspirational stories and words of wisdom from people who have been through hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:28:40]:

We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

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Behind the Innovation: The Invention of Trichoview

Behind the Innovation: The Invention of Trichoview

by | Jul 30, 2024 | Episode

Episode 23

Behind the Innovation: The Invention of Trichoview

The Invention of Trichoview

On this episode of HairPod, I speak with long-term client and founding father of HairClub, Steve Barth. We discuss his hair loss journey, his work with HairClub, and the development of TrichoView. Steve’s personal experience with hair loss has fueled his passion for finding effective solutions, leading to a profound impact on HairClub’s mission and services. We dive into the story of HairClub and how it has continually aimed to address hair loss from all angles.

Steve shares intimate details of his own battle with hair loss, starting from the early days when options were limited and often ineffective. His journey is one of perseverance and dedication, both personally and professionally. As we explore his transition from a client to a key figure within the company, it becomes evident how his firsthand struggles have shaped HairClub’s innovative approaches. Steve’s commitment to helping others navigate their hair loss challenges is reflected in every aspect of the company’s operations.

 

From Hair Loss to HairClub: Developing Trichoview

Steve’s hair loss led him to HairClub over thirty years ago. Originally a client, Steve eventually decided to pursue a career with the company. He loved working with HairClub and was an enthusiast from the start. There are almost as many reasons for hair loss as solutions; there are just as many types and stages. TrichoView was created as an analytical and diagnostic tool to help identify potential causes of hair loss and the current condition of the hair and scalp to form a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s situation.

 

HairClub’s Evolution: Trichologists, Hair Loss Therapy and Scalp Analysis

Steve shares how he worked with trichologists to develop multiple offerings, including TrichoView, a diagnostic software system for in-depth hair and scalp analysis. The system allows HairClub to identify specific properties of the hair and scalp in addition to tracking progress. TrichoView was also implemented to identify accessible solutions for those in the earlier stages of their hair loss journey. Through the development of this system, Steve progressively changed HairClub’s offerings from being primarily end solutions to addressing and monitoring all facets and stages of hair loss.

 

HairClub Systems and Technology: Hair Loss Treatments and Hair Restoration

Steve stresses the importance of seeking advice from a hair loss specialist, not just for the insight but for the emotional support. Having experienced hair loss himself, he knows how challenging the experience of hair loss can be, both emotionally and financially. He shares how he has always appreciated HairClub prioritizing anonymity and accessibility. He analogizes the pursuit of hair loss solutions to getting in shape or going to the gym, pointing out that hair loss can be frustrating because it feels out of control. It requires work and self-motivation to stay healthy and to find solutions, but it also takes guidance, education, and perseverance.

Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.23 Transcript

Steve Barth [00:00:04]:

Losing hair has a very powerful emotional effect on our personality because we can’t control it, right? But yet we’re left with this real discontent or this real feeling of not looking our best, which means that we’re not always feeling our best. And it’s so important in today’s world that’s so competitive to have that level of confidence.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:40]:

Welcome to HairPod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. In this episode, I spoke with returning guest Steve Barth, a longtime client and founding father of HairClub. We learned a lot about HairClub in our previous episode, where Steve shared his experience meeting the company’s founder, Sy Sperling. If you want to hear about how HairClub went from being his hair loss solution to becoming his career and life’s work, check out our show notes for a link to that episode. What inspires me so much about this story is how profoundly Steve’s hair loss impacted the course of his life. What began as a search for a hair loss solution became a lifetime of innovation in the ways HairClub supports clients at all stages of hair loss.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:40]:

In this episode, we’re going to pick up with Sy Sperling bringing Steve onto the HairClub team and talk about how Steve’s work with the company led to the development of the revolutionary Trichovu hair and scalp analysis system.

 

Steve Barth [00:01:58]:

As I spoke earlier, always envisioned me as working for him because he felt that I had the ability to share my experience that would hit a common chord with a lot of people. So once I became so enthralled with my experience with HairClub, I then decided to go ahead and approach it as a career. I did kind of see myself in sort of a romantic way, being a writer and being possibly a lyricist, but I didn’t think that I was going to be that one out of a million people that was necessarily going to make that. And I thought this was a great opportunity to sort of represent something I really truly believed in. So I became a consultant over at that one HairClub center, and I luckily had a great deal of success. And Sy was experiencing a lot of financial issues at the time because he was trying to put together the root system of a national organization, and that required a lot more money than he was making. And I used to be in the office with him when his accountant would tell him how much in the rears he is in his bills. So I finally made an offer to Sy because I believed so much in what HairClub was about and what it was attempting to be, that I then offered to waive any my commission compensation until we can get into a better situation.

 

Steve Barth [00:03:23]:

And I continued to consult, I continued to bring in new people, and we eventually became more stable financially, and we put ourselves in a better position to expand. And as his thank you to me, he said, ‘Steve, I want you to go ahead and have your own franchise, and I’m going to give you the pick of the litter wherever you want to go in the country.’ And I decided to go to Boston. After much deliberation, I decided to go to Boston because Sy then was advertising in the New York Times Sunday magazine section, and that was attracting a more educated consumer, more creditable consumer, but it also had a very significant circulation in the New England area, in the Boston area, as you would imagine. So I felt there was some brand awareness there, rather than starting out at ground zero. And I went in, took a whole floor of the building, which I had no right to do, and from there became sort of the prototype or the roadmap to success for HairClub center operating away from New York City. And I kept on expanding from there to become the largest franchisee. Not to mention I also became a partner to Sy and the parent company in important markets such as Chicago and other markets.

 

Steve Barth [00:04:44]:

And through this expansion and through my success, we were able to become more of a viable national advertiser, because when you advertise on TV, national cable, in those days, you had to have enough representation so you can make use of the people or the leads that were being generated. And by me being able to personally expand and populate more of that national roadmap, that was a very important step to become a national brand. So you’re right. It became literally the defining value in my life.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:19]:

What do you think was the difference where you finally said, hey, we are going to turn this company from the size that it was one small office in New York City, to now expanding? What do you think made that happen? And was there a defining moment where you said, this is going to be huge?

 

Steve Barth [00:05:36]:

Yeah, that’s a wonderful question, by the way, and really appropriate. You know, I try to look at things very analytically, and I came to realize that we were advertising and marketing HairClub’s name, and we were getting all types of people that were raising their hand that had interests, but at that time, we were still a single solution provider. That solution was really more appropriate for somebody that was getting at the further end of hair loss. That was just at a point where they were really unhappy, and they realized they weren’t growing their hair back, or they realized that transplants might not have been a really good option for them. But I felt that, as a marketing person, we need to expand those solutions so that we have appropriate solution for somebody that’s just beginning to lose hair. I went ahead and reflected back in our last segment to that time that I went in as a young guy learning more about hair therapy, and that resonated in my brain forever. Then finally, I had the opportunity to roll that out, HairClub version of it. I was the one that brought that hair and scalp therapy to and added it to the HairClub product line.

 

Steve Barth [00:06:55]:

And that was huge. That was huge because not only did it give us an opportunity to have a really good solution for people that were just beginning to lose hair, and we had really a lot of success with this because I collaborated with a different formulator, another formulator, a product out of New York. His name was David Kingsley, and he was one of the few people that had a PhD in trichology, which is a science of hair and scalp. We together came up with a product and also an in clinic protocol where people would not only use home product, but they would also come in once a month for a clinical session. This was really huge, because now we all of a sudden became a multiple solution provider and not a single solution provider. And even more important, our consultant, who was what we call an image consultant, when we were only working with one solution, which was an aesthetic improvement. But now, once we got into the science of hair and scalp therapy, they had to become a hair loss expert, and that’s a whole different gig. They had to become more scientific.

 

Steve Barth [00:08:05]:

And with all this, and it was my group of centers that, you know, rolled this out, my corporate partners were a little nervous of it because it was an expansion, and it was, to some degree, potentially a rebranding, and they were nervous of that. So they wanted the Barth group to sort of test it out. We had great success, but I think that the amazing thing is that now we were in the science of hair, and we weren’t just into just the aesthetic side or the non-surgical side, and we continued to build that product and those formulas. But I still remained unsettled and discontent about where we were, even though it was a good, bold step, and it was particularly, I wasn’t happy with the consultants who were now, who used to be image consultants, and now they’re becoming hair loss experts. How do I make them more creditable? So I decided then to develop, to conceive of, to develop a diagnostic system that we refer to now. You could see on the site TrichoView. And what TrichoView is, is it’s a diagnostic software system where we developed it from ground level up. It didn’t exist and it only existed HairClub.

 

Steve Barth [00:09:24]:

And we were able to put in there a bunch of intelligence so that it can actually look at some of the important features of your hair and scalp, where it’s healthy, where it’s weak, and convert those properties into actual measurements so that we have a better sense of the difference between the properties where the hair is healthy and the properties of where the hair is threatened to be lost. Now, that sounds really complicated. It’s really not. It’s difficult to put it in just a quick session like this, but it became absolutely a huge innovation that gave us the science, gave us the ability to track, particularly if you chose a solution that was about hair therapy. We were able now to track progress through the TrichoView system. Not only were we able to identify these characteristics and properties of the hair and scalp to begin with, but by being able to record this, and if you were getting involved with the hair and scalp therapy product, we were able to continue to apply TrichoView to track the progress. So we were taking that all out of the abstract and making it very tangible.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:10:42]:

It is fascinating to learn about the development of this technology. And here’s Steve’s passion for continuing to develop solutions and approaches for all stages of hair loss. Steve’s personal experience with hair loss and as a consultant with HairClub gave him an intimate understanding of how unique each person’s journey can be. His dedication to supporting each client through their specific circumstances led HairClub offering multiple services to meet a variety of customer needs.

 

Steve Barth [00:11:16]:

You know, HairClub, really, to me, one of the big distinctions is we try to take a very individualized, personalized and customized approach. So it’s possible that a non-surgical solution would be terrific for you or for me, but it may not be right for the next guy. And the purpose of TrichoView was for us to be able to again measure certain properties and characteristics of the hair and scalp and make a determination whether we were at a phase of hair loss that could benefit from hair and scalp therapy. Before you go ahead and take that step or decide to take the option of a non-surgical solution. We became, overnight, a multiple solution provider, and the only multiple solution provider at that time in the country. I think that it just. It’s changed us completely. And I don’t think a lot of people that think of Hairclub in the early days with Sy Sperling, they don’t really know what HairClub is about today and where it’s going and what the vision of the future is.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:23]:

Right. How many years are you in on HairClub before TrichoView comes into fruition?

 

Steve Barth [00:12:29]:

Me, personally?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:30]:

Yeah. How long did it take for you guys to get to that level of business?

 

Steve Barth [00:12:34]:

I’d say about 25 years.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:35]:

Okay.

 

Steve Barth [00:12:36]:

Yeah. And maybe even a little longer. I had conceived of this from another experience I had in business, where we were designing a personalized, individualized fitness program. It was way ahead of its time. It was ahead of AI, became an investor in this software development, which was meant to take in information about your fitness health, about your habits, about your fitness goals and objectives. And then it was able to sort of generate from that a completely personalized, individualized and customized fitness and nutritional program and wellness program.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:19]:

Right. So as you’re maybe seeing the physical and how that’s affected by your diet, your exercise, your sleep, are you starting to see correlations and patterns where it’s affecting hair loss and the levels of that as well?

 

Steve Barth [00:13:30]:

Well, I think what that sort of brought to light for me is that HairClub, again, could distinguish itself by not only looking at the physiology of hair loss and the physical effects of hair loss, but also paying equal attention to the psychodynamic and the psychology of hair loss. So that’s really. I got a lot of that thinking from an investment I made years ago into this, what we call fitness expert program, which was designed, actually, believe it or not, by my now CFO. I met him originally. He’s an MIT computer engineer, and he designed this. He was very entrepreneurial, and he designed this program, but it was way ahead of its time. This is before e-commerce. This is before a lot of things.

 

Steve Barth [00:14:21]:

I became an investor, and I was also really intrigued by that, because I was obviously very heavily involved with HairClub at the time. And I said to myself, wouldn’t this be cool if we could take this concept and use it as a way of gaining deeper insight into the needs of a HairClub buyer and being able to also pay as much attention to the psychology and philosophy of a buyer as is the physiology of the buyer. And that’s what TrichoView attempted to do. That’s what it was conceived to do.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:57]:

Putting it all together.

 

Steve Barth [00:14:58]:

Putting it all together so that we’d be able to generate a really highly personalized, individualized and customized treatment plan.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:15:03]:

So when a person goes into HairClub, they’re going to have a different experience than anybody because they’re going to have their own unique set of circumstances on every different category that you have.

 

Steve Barth [00:15:13]:

Yeah, I’d certainly like to think so. And TrichoView is that sort of gateway into that, because TrichoView gives that consultant the ability to gain a lot of information that he or she wouldn’t have if they didn’t have the use of that TrichoView diagnostic system. So we set up a record. Once that’s done in consultation, I mean, there’s no charge for that. It’s all part of the interview intake, so that we could better understand your needs. We then continue to keep these trike of you records. So we continue to expose people, particularly that are gravitating towards the whole hair and scalp therapy program to. We continue to load up those records with progress reports and profile photographs and things like that, record keeping that is able to show tangibly the progress that somebody can make.

 

Steve Barth [00:16:09]:

But this also had its application TrichoView to even our non surgical solution. Because by being able to gain deeper insight into the hair, we gain a deeper ability to be able to go out and get the hair that we need, so that we’re able to make the non surgical option so successful. So it has multiple ramifications.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:36]:

It is so cool to hear about the ever-evolving industry of hair loss solutions, research and technology. There are a lot of barriers to seeking help, something Steve and I both know from our own personal hair loss journeys. Its not surprising that the emotions of hair loss come up so often in this show. Hair loss can feel isolating, stressful and overwhelming. Many people simply dont know where to start, who to trust, or how to make their solution work financially. Steve shares how HairClub strives to make hair loss solutions more accessible and less training, so that seeking help could be a positive, personal and empowering experience.

 

Steve Barth [00:17:18]:

Now HairClub, by the way, also has ways in which we can get people in, you know, through a financing program that I think a lot of more distressed buyers find extremely helpful. So that’s certainly available too. But most important is this initial intake. There’s no charge for that. And to be able to work with a consultant in a very relaxed and comfortable environment, and a very, very anonymous maintaining your confidentiality and your anonymity. You’re in an office, one on one, and you’re basically working with a hair loss expert who can start to give you the guidelines that you need to help you in understanding what’s out there in the world, in addition to what we also provide as a company. So I think that it’s a great first step, and it’s an important first step. And some people take a little longer than others to take that first step.

 

Steve Barth [00:18:16]:

But I think once they come into a HairClub center, it’s certainly designed to make you feel extremely comfortable, very relaxed. There’s a camaraderie. People are there for a common purpose. Extremely. You’ll deal with a very sensitive staff. You’ll know them by first name. If you decide to get involved, they’ll know you by first name. We’ll be able to keep your customized needs always at the forefront of our treatment with you, regardless of what solution you take advantage of.

 

Steve Barth [00:18:45]:

We have a network throughout the country so that we can, you know, if you decide to relocate and people do decide to relocate, that doesn’t end your relationship with HairClub. And we could pass on that information to the center that you’re relocating to so that it’ll be able to always have your unique set of specifications. So, listen, we’re always improving, and, you know, we really make a big effort to continue to put the customer needs in front. It’s a tough job. Oh, yeah. Because it’s a very emotionally driven experience. And when there’s emotions involved like that, that means there’s expectations. Sure.

 

Steve Barth [00:19:24]:

And the expectations of a buyer, no matter how much we try to make sure that we keep these expectations realistic, they’re very high. And the good thing that I have found that even with those very high expectations, an overwhelming amount of time we meet them, even at times where people are somewhat unrealistic about what to expect from this experience. So I think we have a terrific track record given the amount of people that we deal with.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:19:50]:

You’ve driven the industry when it comes to innovation. So where is this all going? The end game eventually could be, do we cure male pattern baldness?

 

Steve Barth [00:20:00]:

Well, that’s been out there a long time.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:02]:

And if so, what is a timetable? On something like that?

 

Steve Barth [00:20:04]:

Yeah. Well, that, I’m not so bold to go ahead and quote for you, that’s a loaded question. But because I’ve been hearing about the ultimate cure for hair loss for many, many, many years, I mean, listen, there’s been, obviously, there’s a lot of motivation to try to come up with that.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:19]:

Yeah.

 

Steve Barth [00:20:19]:

And for those products that allegedly will grow hair back then, you got to go ahead and tease apart those. That, does it actually grow hair back? That’s going to contribute to a hairstyle and a look, or does it grow hair back, much like the hair on your arms? Okay. And so you really need to be a well-informed, intelligent, and honest consumer, because it’s very easy, when there’s emotions involved, to be very impressionable and to jump on anything that sounds like it’s too good to be true. But the old expression too good to be true means it’s probably not true.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:56]:

Well, I know that that’s the case in the weight loss industry, that there’s always something that comes along that promises to be revolutionary, and it’s completely different. It’s going to change the game. Do you see the same thing when it comes to hair loss? That people are going down paths that they shouldn’t, that they’re wasting a lot of money, a lot of time? And you talk about the emotions of it as well, that it becomes very frustrating, and people have a hard time dealing with that emotionally. 

 

Steve Barth [00:21:18]:

Yeah. Well, I could tell you that HairClub is deeply embedded in researching all the most progressive and almost unimaginable opportunities. We have relationships in Asia where there’s access to a lot of science and a lot of labs. There’s, of course, now AI that’s becoming such a formidable force in our lives, and I think that will give us some of the important toolbox to operate from. We are acutely aware of always being relevant. So I would venture to say that it will take the resources of a company like HairClub to be able to continue to successfully blaze, that you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:22:02]:

Will always be on the forefront of innovation.

 

Steve Barth [00:22:04]:

Well, it’s funny. I’m 70 years of age. No way I’m 70 years of age. And, you know, I’ve been with HairClub now since I’m 20, what, 22? So, obviously, that not only talks about the durability of HairClub and the value that I get from being a HairClub user and the empathy and the understanding I have to what everybody’s going through, because I went through it myself. I was asking the same questions. I was taking the same journey. I had the same anxieties, I had the same resistance. But so much of that has formed the sort of textbook of my career.

 

Steve Barth [00:22:43]:

And I’m absolutely committed to always having a lot of influence in HairClub and continuing to give hairclub every opportunity to be progressive and to be innovative. But there’s no miracles. At least not yet. And if somebody is at a point where they are unhappy about the way they look, then we feel we have some very intelligent, healthy, and effective ways of dealing with that. But a lot of that depends on you, too. I mean, it’s like going to a gym. You fantasize about having this body, but it doesn’t come by accident.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:23:24]:

No.

 

Steve Barth [00:23:25]:

Even though you can get a trainer with all types of knowledge, it’s going to take that individual to be committed, to be committed to those goals, whether it be for nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular activity and everything else. And I think that if you’re in this world and you’re losing hair, and unfortunately, that’s not like gaining weight where you could lose weight. Losing hair has a very powerful emotional effect on our personality because we can control it. But yet we’re left with this real discontent or this real feeling of not looking our best, which means that we’re not always feeling our best. And it’s so important in today’s world that’s so competitive to have that level of confidence.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:24:14]:

Those of us who have been through hair loss know how deeply it can affect our self-esteem. And if you’ve listened to this show before, you’ve heard stories of many people whose hair loss affected their personality and the way they carry themselves in the world. This makes it all the more important that this industry continues to grow and develop comprehensive and individualized solutions. It’s been so fascinating to learn about HairClub, its offering Steve’s journey and the development of TrichoView. We hope Steve’s insights will shed some light on your own experience with hair loss and encourage you to seek a solution that will allow you to navigate the world with confidence. If you’d like to hear more from Steve, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. We are definitely going to be having Steve back on as a guest as he has just got so much wisdom to share. Thanks for listening to another episode of HairPod.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:25:06]:

Check us out at HairClub on Instagram or search HairPod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, wed love it if youd share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. We’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:25:39]:

Until next time.


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Importance of Early Hair Loss Detection

Importance of Early Hair Loss Detection

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Episode

Episode 22

Importance of Early Hair Loss Detection

early-signs-hair-loss-Kevin-Rolston-022-blog

If you are starting to wonder if you should be concerned about your hair loss, this episode will give you some helpful insights into identifying hair loss early on and what you can do about it.  In this episode of HairPod, our host Kevin Rolston delves into the early indicators of hair loss. Highlighting personal experiences and expert insights, Kevin discusses how subtle changes in hairline, volume, and scalp visibility can signal the onset of hair loss. Emphasizing the importance of early detection, he encourages listeners to take action to preserve hair health by exploring effective treatment options and professional advice early on.

 

Indicators and Methods for Monitoring: Finding the Best Hair Treatment for Hair Loss

Hair loss can greatly impact our lives and feelings of self-confidence, knowing what to look for early on can help those dealing with hair loss to have a plan, enabling them to address hair loss head-on. Offering practical advice, Kevin discusses strategies for managing hair loss effectively. From comparing photographs to monitoring shedding, changes in texture, and scalp health, he guides listeners in identifying the earliest signs of hair loss. By discussing advancements in hair loss treatments and technologies, Kevin inspires hope and optimism for those seeking solutions tailored to their specific needs.

 

Seeking Hair Loss Treatments Early On: Is It Time to See a Trichologist?

Kevin shares personal reflections and insights on the emotional aspects of experiencing hair loss while also offering specific examples of what hair loss looks like in the earlier stages. Drawing from his journey and those of previous HairPod guests, he explores the insecurities and challenges individuals often face when they begin confronting hair loss. By normalizing these feelings and discussing ways to seek support, Kevin aims to empower listeners to address their concerns openly and seek professional guidance with confidence.

 

Know Your Options: Hair Restoration, Hair Transplants, Hair Loss Therapy

Being aware of the early indicators of hair loss allows those experiencing it to find a suitable solution or discover an underlying health issue, ideally allowing them to restore their hair and their confidence without years of painstaking self-questioning and solution seeking! Kevin emphasizes the importance of community and support for individuals navigating hair loss. He encourages listeners to engage with HairPod’s platform and social media channels to continue the conversation, share experiences, and access valuable resources. By fostering a supportive environment, Kevin aims to empower listeners to take proactive steps toward managing their hair loss journey.

 

Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.22 Transcript

Kevin Rolston [00:00:04]:

A lot of feelings naturally come up when we face hair loss, and many are resistant to openly acknowledging it from the beginning. One thing that seems consistent across the board for most people is how hair loss impacts them emotionally. And I know that as well as anyone. When I went through it myself, I didn’t want to be baldem. Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Ralston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. For this week’s episode, I want to do something a little bit different.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:01]:

We’ve talked about so many unique hair stories and heard about how our guests have dealt with that initial period of hair loss. Some went into denial, others panicked, and some retreated into their shell. Some people, like me, started trying every solution we could think of, trying to find the one that works best for our situations. Today, I want to talk to you about the early signs of hair loss, because as different as our stories are, I think one thing a lot of our guests have in common is that they wish they acted upon their hair loss a lot sooner. Many people spend so much time in that stage of hair loss where they think they’re just experiencing normal daily shedding and end up letting their hair loss get so aggressive that they lose more hair than they actually needed to. Today, I want to empower you to take action in the early stages of hair loss, because it’s not always a lost cause of. Sometimes people can slow it down dramatically, and some even experience regrowth. So let’s dive into some important indicators that might be able to tell you if you’re losing more hair than you’re regrowing.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:09]:

So let’s get right into it. The first thing you’re going to want to look for are changes in your hairline. These changes can happen slowly over time, so they can really sneak up on you. For men, the frontal hairline is usually the first to change. Women, on the other hand, might start to notice hair loss. Overall, the steady transition to an m or v shape along the hairline is quite common with aging and is a clear sign of hair loss. Your hairline might already have this shape, but if it starts to become more prominent, it is evidence that your hairline is receding. Believe it or not, I first noticed my hair loss in a picture somebody took of me, and it was quite a shock, let me tell you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:50]:

Even though I knew I was going to go bald eventually from seeing pictures of my dad and grandfather all throughout my childhood, I still wasn’t really monitoring whether I was losing my hair at the time. If I had been, I probably would have noticed sooner. For me, it was a bald spot right in the back middle part of my head, and there was no questioning the evidence. I was definitely balding. It was horrifying. Now, it’s not always obvious, but you might be starting to notice a loss of volume and thickness in photos, just like me. But don’t panic. Just because you’re experiencing hair loss now doesn’t mean you’ll continue to.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:26]:

Plus, if you do continue to lose hair, the options for treatment and the technologies available for those experiencing hair loss are only getting better as time goes on. Plus, if you do continue to lose hair, the options for treatment and the technologies available for those experiencing hair loss are only getting better as time goes on. Because hair loss can sometimes be very gradual, it can be hard to tell if you’re losing hair or just imagining it. Comparing new and older photos is a great way to actually figure out if you’re noticeably losing hair. If you want to be more scientific about it lighting, make sure your hair is dry. And remember, lighting is key because fluorescent lighting or wet hair can make your hair look thinner than it really is. If two photos taken several months to a year apart show significant differences in hair volume, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re experiencing hair loss. Another early sign to watch for is excessive shedding.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:25]:

Shedding is normal, and it’s estimated that we lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day on average. But if you’re noticing more hair than usual in your tub or shower, it might be time to take a little bit of a closer look. You can check your shower drain and hairbrush regularly to gauge the amount of hair you’re losing. Now, keep in mind that if you have long hair, it’s easier to see the shed strands, which can make it seem like you’re losing more hair than you actually are. However, if the amount of hair you find continues to increase, then you’re losing more hair than you’re regrowing, and it might be time to look to seek professional guidance from your doctor or a hair specialist. If you’re someone who styles your hair the same way on a regular basis, and you’re starting to notice that styling your hair is becoming increasingly difficult, this could be yet another early sign of hair loss. Now, just because you have one bad hair a day. It doesnt necessarily mean that your hair is thinning, but if your go to hairstyle isnt looking quite the same, or if its just taking more time and product to achieve the same look, it might be worth taking a look at your scalp health.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:29]:

You can compare your current styling efforts with past experiences to see if its your methods or your hair thats actually changing. If you have a long term hairstylist, you can actually ask them if theyve noticed any changes. Often they have a pretty keen eye for subtle differences in hair thickness and volume. Scalp visibility is probably the main indicator for most people. If you tilt your head down or you use a handheld mirror to check the top of your head, you might notice more scalp showing through your hair. Now this is true for men and women and is a common early indication of hair thinning or the beginnings of a bald spot. More scalp visibility can suggest a general thinning of the hair or specific areas where hair loss is more pronounced. If you’re getting sunburns on your scalp more frequently or noticing your part getting wider and wider, it is a clear sign that you are starting to lose some hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:28]:

It’s important to remember that signs of hair loss can vary greatly depending upon the type and the cause. Aging, hormonal change and autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata can cause hair loss. And in each instance, hair loss is going to look a little bit different. Again, dont panic. Just because youre experiencing hair loss now doesnt mean youll continue to. Plus, if you do continue to lose hair, the options for treatment and the technologies available for those experiencing hair loss are only getting better as time goes on. A lot of feelings naturally come up when we face hair loss, and many are resistant to openly acknowledging it from the beginning. One thing that seems consistent across the board for most people is how hair loss impacts them emotionally.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:17]:

And I know that as well as anyone. When I went through it myself, I didn’t want to be bald. It’s totally normal to feel insecure about bringing up your hair loss to anyone else, whether it’s a trusted friend or a professional in the industry. The great thing about recognizing signs early on is that you can look for solutions and connect with knowledgeable people to figure out what’s right for you. If you seek help from a trusted professional, you may discover that your hair loss can be slowed down or even reversed. And even if that’s not in the cards for you, there are probably more options out there than you’re even aware of. Spotting hair loss early allows you to seek advice from a doctor to rule out medical concerns and a hair specialist to come up with a plan. Maybe your hair loss is from aging, or maybe it’s an underlying condition or deficiency.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:06]:

Whatever the cause may be, the first step towards a solution is accepting that you are losing your hair. And once you’ve done that, you can get the help you need and get on track to getting your hair back. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them. If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:47]:

we’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.


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Conversations With a Hair Loss Stylist

Conversations With a Hair Loss Stylist

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Episode

Episode 21

Conversations With a Hair Loss Stylist

hair-system-stylist-Rachel-Rivera-021-blog

 In this episode of HairPod, we dive into the world of hair systems with hair loss stylist Rachel Rivera. We explore the intricate process of maintaining and styling hair systems, shedding light on the importance of having a skilled personal stylist. Rachel has been a hairstylist for over twenty years and has worked with HairClub for the last thirteen. Kevin and Rachel share encouraging stories of helping people get their hair back and Kevin’s personal experience with a hair system. They also discuss common misconceptions about hair systems that can, unfortunately, keep people from trying them. 

 

Getting Your Hair Back: Hair Restoration with Hair Systems

Getting a hair system can be transformative and powerful, but it can also be a vulnerable process. Hair loss stylist can guide their clients toward finding the right solution for their hair loss. Hair systems start as long, rock-staresque hair before being styled and cut for a sleek, personalized look. Rachel explains the significance of starting with longer hair, which allows the stylist to cut and shape it into the desired style. Rachel and Kevin reflect on the shock and awe clients (Kevin included) feel when they see themself with a full head of hair again!

 

Managing Hair Loss, Balding, and Thinning Hair

The conversation touches on the art of color matching to ensure the hair system blends seamlessly with the client’s natural hair. Rachel elaborates on her process of selecting and blending colors, paying attention to changes over time, such as the addition of more gray hair. She explains the concept of “graduals” for clients who prefer a subtle transition to a full hair system. They discuss the maintenance routines necessary for keeping the hair system looking its best, including the importance of regular conditioning and using the right styling products. Kevin appreciates Rachel’s personalized care, which addresses his specific needs, such as managing dry scalp and ensuring his hair system stays secure even with his active lifestyle.

 

Hair System Maintenance and Styling Demystified

Hair systems can radically change the way we look, and even if the results are perfect, it can still be a scary process – journeying into the unknown. Rachel shares her approach to building rapport with new clients, making them feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. The meticulous attention to detail provided by stylists like Rachel ensures that the hair system looks natural and flawless, a stark contrast to the obvious toupees of the past. It is an inspiring and enlightening conversation for anyone interested in hair systems

 

Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.21 Transcript

Rachel Rivera [00:00:04]:

Again, it’s so emotional. When you first get started and you’re getting your hair for the first time, we’re giving you something back that you haven’t had in years. So for some people, they’re seeing hair in the front of their hairline that they’ve never seen before, and it’s something amazing. And then when they see themselves in the mirror, it’s really such a life changing experience. I can’t explain it. When I see it for the first time, it’s amazing. For me, this is why I love what I do. And then at the same time, when they’re looking at themselves in the mirror, it is literally you’re taking off a minimum of ten years off of somebody’s life.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:00:39]:

They look so much better.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:55]:

Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Ralston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. I’m really excited for this episode because I get to speak with my own personal hair system stylist, Rachel Rivera about her experience styling hair systems. Rachel has worked with Hair Club for 13 years and has over 21 years of hair experience. She is truly a hair wizard and always leaves my hair looking natural and flawless. It takes a lot of skill to work with hair systems, and I imagine all of Rachels clients feel just as lucky as I do to work with somebody as caring and knowledgeable as her. Getting a hair system is a process.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:52]:

The initial steps can feel vulnerable for some people, but the best results are worth it, at least for me. Having hair system has been life changing, but I honestly don’t know if I would have had the same experience without such amazing stylists. They do so much more than just cutting hair. For many of the guests that we’ve talked to here on the show, myself included, stylists guide us with empathy as we navigate our own hair loss journeys. It can be daunting to think about going from thinning hair, bald patches, or even no hair at all to having a full head of hair again. But a great stylist will make sure that you look and feel great and that you’re not dealing with it alone.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:02:39]:

We always get our hair a little bit longer and it always. It’s good because if you ever came to me and you decided at one point you wanted it to wear just a little bit longer. We could absolutely do that. But it gives me the opportunity to work with and I be able to cut in the style that you like or even the style that anybody’s looking for that they would want to have.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:01]:

How hard is it to do that? If somebody comes in with a photo, how do you match that? Do you go on descriptions and how do you make sure that you’re cutting the style that the client wants?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:03:11]:

We always suggest pictures. That’s the biggest thing. So if somebody can’t find pictures, we always have them look at, hey, YouTube Pinterest, anything that they can look at and see, any model, any pictures for age relations, whatever they want to look at. And then I’m pretty good at copying whatever I see. I love visuals. I’m a very visual person, so I can always copy what they’re looking for.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:34]:

Now, how do you work with clients? Because there are a lot of people that they really don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to hairstyle and they don’t know what’s going to look good. Look, I’m one of those people. That’s why I trust you inherently to say, give me a hairstyle that looks good. Because as I was a kid and I saw what was the early beginnings of hair systems, there too often were guys who got hair systems that just didn’t match their age, their look. And there seems to me to be kind of an art form because you want something to look realistic. To me. What’s amazing with my hair system and what I have, you look at me and you dont think that that guy has any kind of help. It looks just exactly like my natural hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:20]:

So how do you work with somebody to do that? Because ultimately that would be the goal.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:24]:

And im sure a lot of times.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:25]:

You know better than somebody whos coming to you, even with a picture, they want to look like Brad Pitt in 1994 and theyre a 62 year old guy. And youre just like, thats just not going to be consistent. How do you work with that client, Brian?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:04:37]:

Absolutely. You know, we’re big on making suggestions. You know, I always like to go with, again, when these situations, it’s always different. So you always want to go, according to one, how much hair the actual client has their own natural growing hair as well as a style that’s going to accommodate their face and how it looks. So we’re really big on suggestions. If I see you and you want, you know, the 1990s, Billy Cyrus Mullet, and I’m not thinking that’s a good look for you. I’m going to suggest something different. Hey, I appreciate your style, but let’s take a look at something like this.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:05:11]:

What do you think along the lines? So I usually try to have my artillery of hairstyles also, so that they can kind of take a glance and we can come together to find that nice middle ground.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:23]:

The other thing that I find amazing, that I never would have known, is how you can match up the color so it looks natural. Because on the side of my head, I’ve got my real hair that is right there. And, you know, I’ve gotten different levels of gray since I’ve even been coming to you. But you seem to be able to look at what I have on the side, and then what is in my hair system, it seems to match up perfectly. How do you wind up doing it? How do you just eyeball that and you can get the color exactly right?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:05:49]:

Well, from the beginning process, I know when. When you first set in and we first did your measurements. What we do is we have a selection of colors that we use, ultimately, to help blend it with your color. So a combination of those colors, we come together and we create what’s going to be your hair now with time, of course, as you remember, we’ve just added a little bit more gray into your own hair. It’s just me paying attention to the things that are going on with your hair and paying attention and adding those little things that we need to customize it because we always want it to be flawless.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:22]:

Cause that was one of the things that I always noticed with hair systems from back in the day when I was a kid, is you would have an older guy, and he’d have gray hair on the side, and he’d have a jet black top.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:06:32]:

Oh, yeah.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:33]:

It looked like he was just putting on a hair cap. And it looks so fake. And that’s the difference, to me, of the old hair systems to what you have now. It’s completely seamless. It is cut to fit the sides, and it goes right up all the way through the top.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:06:46]:

Absolutely. We’ve broken the molds. When you think about those old heads of hair and, you know, rest in peace, I talk about Burt Reynolds. He started to look good a little bit later on, but his hair was very heavy and thick. And those are your old style toupee is that came along in the beginning of time, and we’ve broken all those barriers, and all we’ve done with time is just created something that’s going to be thinner to match and blend with. Your own hair flawlessly. It’s amazing.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:19]:

The way that Rachel colors and styles my hair. To look completely natural and to perfectly match the existing hair I have still blows my mind. This is the extra challenge of working with a hair system. Everyone’s hair loss is a little different. The amount of hair loss, the textures, the colors, and each client’s goals for a hair system are unique to each client. When you factor in just how emotional hair loss can be for people, you start to get a sense the special combination of skill and compassion these stylists need to have.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:07:57]:

You always want to build a good rapport, a good relationship, and make sure that your clients are very comfortable with what they’re doing. This is a very emotional process for everybody involved, so it’s always my job to make somebody feel as much at ease as possible. The entire time that we are doing this process, I always make sure that I explain everything that I’m doing so that I’m not leaving my client behind at all. And those usually are the steps before we start cutting their hair. I always make sure I explain what we’re doing today as we’re doing the hair, and we’re doing all of our process. I’m explaining everything to them as we’re going along.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:35]:

If you had a client that was a little bit more self conscious, and they don’t want the whole world to know that they have gone from not a lot of hair to a hair system, is there a way to gradually ease that person into society so that they don’t have the self consciousness that they might otherwise have?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:08:54]:

Absolutely. We’ve created these. It’s funny because at one point, we called them graduals, which is what they were, and realistically, what it is. It’s hair that we have added into their own growing hair, the exception of it being very finer and thinner and even a smaller area, so that as they start going on and on, we can start increasing as we go.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:09:16]:

Wow. And what would that go like? If somebody has, say, 60% to 70% hair loss, how do you walk them through? And then how long of a process would you recommend before they finally go with a full head of hair and a hair system?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:09:29]:

We always want to make sure that it’s at their comfort level realistically, but we’ll make a suggestion on kind of where to start, and usually that’s where I have that input with my client. Hey, tell me, where do you think you want to add that hair first? And as we go along the lines, hey, are you ready for a little bit more hair? Or even that client will come to me and be like, hey, you know what, Rachel? I think I’m ready to add just a little bit more hair. And can we do that for the next time? Absolutely.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:09:59]:

I love that there are so many more options available now and that I can feel confident knowing that if I start needing more hair, it’s going to be a smooth and easy process. To add that in, we talk a lot on the show about barriers to seeking a solution for hair loss. It seems that hair systems specifically are often a solution people shy away from because theyre worried that its going to look obvious or they might face some social scrutiny. Even if it does look natural. When you first journey into an unknown territory, trying anything new is always a little scary. People often really dont understand how hair systems work, and the only frame of reference that they have are those old toupees that we mentioned earlier. The reality is the science behind hair systems has advanced. The hair is better, the adhesives are better, and they are totally customizable, not only for people’s hair loss and hair types, but also for their lifestyle.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:10:59]:

Well, let’s talk about you now. So, Kevin, you have a smaller head of hair, which is nice. You have, for the most part, most of your own growing hair. So realistically, all we’re doing is we’re covering your areas that are thinner. When I do the liquid adhesives, liquid adhesives depend on activity level. And, you know, what anybody does on any given day, what we’ve chosen for you is something a little bit lighter. And depending on how we put it on, it can either be perimeter, which is only around the edges, or we can do all the way full and cover the whole head with adhesive.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:11:31]:

And what is the difference? Lets say, for instance, my activity level. Im somebody likes to go to the gym three to five days a week. What kind of adhesive level do I need to get?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:11:41]:

Well, when youre, if youre that heavy, you work out, youre a heavy sweater. Typically, we go with something just a little bit stronger, because ultimately, we want to make sure that your hair is holding on for as long as possible. So anywhere between that four week timeline is really what were looking for before we have to make any changes to the hair. So realistically, we would go with something a little bit stronger, depending on activity level. If your scalp has a tendency to be a little bit drier and you hold really well, then we’ll use something a little bit lighter.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:11]:

Evan, and tell me a little bit about maintenance. What would you recommend when somebody has a hair system, how does it compare to having real hair that they used to have and what the treatment cycles are like and how do you keep it looking as good as it possibly can?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:12:25]:

We always say our middle of the road maintenance is always right around your one month timeline, because, remember, most of the time when our clients are coming in, their own hair is growing as well. So what we want to do is we want to make sure that we’re achieving a really nice, consistent look as far as growth is concerned. So we always want to make sure that we get them in at a minimum, or, you know, just get them in and have their hair cut and make sure that their hair is always looking good. So minimally, you’re looking at about a month timeline.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:55]:

Okay? About a month in between visits. And when I come in for a visit to see you, tell me about what we’re going to be doing each time. Because when I come see you, it’s not every single time that I get a new hair system.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:13:06]:

Now, sometimes when you’re coming in, we call it reversing the process. So the hair that we’ve added on to you, we actually remove the hair. And then what we do is I’ll give you your haircut, I’ll cut and blend your style into however you want it, and then I will leave the room with your lovely head of hair, and I will walk around and I will clean it up for you and get it nice and ready. Any colors that we need to add, if I need to tone it. If maybe you were on the sun for a little bit or on the boat and your hair turned a little bit lighter, we tone it out, make sure the hair looks good when you come back in, and then I put it back on for you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:13:42]:

So tell me a little bit about care and maintenance. How often am I having to wash my hair? Do I use conditioner? What is it like with styling? Are there any differences in having real human hair? When I have a hair system?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:13:53]:

Absolutely. When you’re going the human hair route, I always like to explain to people that it is just like having your own natural growing hair. You have to wash it, you have to condition it. Conditioning is especially big with our hair because the hair that we’re adding for you does not have any natural moisture to it. So you are having to put in what it is lacking. So you want to wash it and style it like you normally would your hair. When you wake up in the morning, your hair is going to look crazy. It’s going to look messy, and it’s your job to wake up in the morning and use the proper products to style the hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:27]:

And what is that typically? Just a brush comb. Just like any old head of hair.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:14:31]:

Is what you’re using for most people, yeah. Like in your case, your hair is short, so you want to just put a little brush to it, put a little styling. If you want to blow dry it, absolutely. You can. If you don’t want to. That’s completely up to you. I have some of my clients, they love to blow dry their hair and then put a little product. Some people don’t need a little bit.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:14:49]:

Just a little bit and add a little taffy.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:51]:

Doctor Justin. Yeah. The one thing I’ve noticed that’s so amazing is when you do have a hair system, it is exactly just like having the old head of hair that you grew up with. There’s really no difference. You clean it the same way about the same time, you styled the same way, use the exact same products. It really is the exact same thing. But tell me about getting to know your clients. And for me, a client myself, getting to know your hairdresser, what seems to help for me and the reason why I love coming to you? One, you’re fantastic with my hair.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:15:20]:

I believe I’ve got the best hairstylist on the planet, but you know a lot of things about the person’s, their skin, for instance. One thing for me is you seem to identify pretty quickly, and you helped me figure out that my skin gets dry pretty quick. And I assume every client you have, it’s going to be different. And having a great hairstylist is somebody that’s going to help you understand. Because I was getting some red spots, there was some irritation that was going on, and I think it took a little bit of time before we found a sweet spot, at least for me, for maintenance on exactly how frequently to wash my hair and how to wash it. Do you notice that with every single client that everybody is kind of different and you have to design specific instructions for different people?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:16:05]:

Absolutely. It’s always my job to pay attention, especially to the skin. And I kind of look at it in a way. When you’re putting on adhesives on somebody’s hair or any kind of liquid polymers that we’re using, you want to make sure that you’re paying attention to the scalp. So I’m going to. I’m going to look for any little signs of maybe dryness or redness, any mild irritations. Because what that tells me right away is that there’s something that we need to change, paying attention to those things, make sure that our clients don’t have any issues going forward with their hair. So, yes, I pay attention to the scalp.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:16:39]:

I’m looking at it. I’m making sure that your scalp is always looking good. And if it’s not, maybe looking its best. There’s something that we can always change.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:47]:

So this is quite a revolutionary thing where I think a lot of people don’t even fully understand what it is like to get a hair system. We’ve talked about when the person sits down and when you first begin, but I if nobody’s ever seen the process, it truly is amazing. And I can tell you the perspective of being a client. The first time I ever sat down to get a hair system, it is a little unnerving because the first thing that happens is I lost the hair on top of my head. We decided to take it all off. Now, do you have the option to leave some of the hair that you have on top of your head? If you want? And what do you think is better to go all the way and remove all the natural hair that you have to put your system on, or is it good to have a little bit of both?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:17:28]:

I mean, in my opinion, if you’re asking me, I will always tell you to trim off what you have on top for the simple fact that it just makes it easier for the process to adhere, for it to go smoothly. Now, you absolutely have the option not to. I will always talk to you about those options before we get started, and then we’ll decide on the best solution. I will always give my recommendation and be like, hey, listen, it’s going to keep growing back. No one’s going to see it. Let’s just put the hair on. Let’s take it off. That’s the best way to go.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:00]:

So, to me, you talk about the first day that you go in to get a hair system. You are building a level of trust, because what hair you do have, it goes bye bye. And you take it off and you’re sitting there and you’ve got that toilet bowl seat looking hair that is kind of going around like the doctor Phil. And at that point, you’re like, oh, man, have I just made the biggest mistake of my life? I could not go out into public looking like this. And then all of a sudden, you come in with the hair system, you put the adhesive on, it goes on. And then now you’ve got this long, gangly hair, and then you’re like, okay, well, I have hair, but now it’s just so unruly and so crazy. And then what happens next is the wizardry. It is the masterful part of seeing just how you craft that hair that, like I had said, is down around my ears.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:45]:

And then the next thing you know, it is a short, stylish haircut where the front bangs are flat. I flipped up, and it is revolutionary what it does in just that hours time and sitting in the chair and transformative for anybody in there, I will tell you. To me, I feel like it takes ten to 15 years off of your look. And I know my first reaction was just disbelief. I was so thrilled. I was stunned. I couldn’t believe I was seeing what I saw in the mirror. Have you gotten emotional reactions from people for the first time? They ever got a hair system that sat there and you saw the fear in their eyes to the transformation you gave them?

 

Rachel Rivera [00:19:23]:

100%. It is always the most. Again, it’s so emotional. When you first get started and you’re getting your hair for the first time, I always relate it. We’re giving you something back that you haven’t had in years. So for some people, you know, they’re seeing hair in the front of their hairline that they’ve never seen before, and it’s something amazing. So you see them and they look in the mirror, and we’re going over this process, and it’s. It’s funny that you say that because I always explain to people, I’m like, we’re going to go through three different looks here.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:19:54]:

You’re going to go from how you look now. You’re going to go to the monk look, because after we’ve shaved your hair down, before we place it, it’s going to look different, and then you’re going to look like a rock star before we cut in your style. So they are very well aware of all of that going in. And then when they see themselves in the mirror, it’s really such a life changing experience. I can’t explain it when I see it for the first time. It’s amazing. For me, this is why I love what I do. And then at the same time, when they’re looking at themselves in the mirror, it is literally you’re taking off a minimum of ten years off of somebody’s life.

 

Rachel Rivera [00:20:31]:

Yeah, they look so much better.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:36]:

It was really fun to get to talk with Rachel about all this. I’m sure you’ve gathered I am a very big fan of hers. I’m a big fan of hair systems and the stylists who help people like me look good in them are heroes. Having a hair system has helped me to feel like myself again, and the guidance and care that I receive from stylists like Rachel were monumental. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, wed love it if youd share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, make sure to subscribe and consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:21:19]:

We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. we are here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time. It.


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Featured Guests

Heather Brooke
Nick Wilkins

New Episodes Weekly

Available Every Tuesday @ 9am

Want to Be a Guest?

Come on the Show!

Related Episodes

just launched

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Available now at:

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Hair Loss Solutions for Active Lifestyles

Hair Loss Solutions for Active Lifestyles

by | Jul 9, 2024 | Episode

Episode 20

Hair Loss Solutions for Active Lifestyles

Tyler-morehead-active lifestyle - episode 20 header

 

In this episode of HairPod, outdoor enthusiast and former model Tyler Morehead shares his experience with hair loss and non-surgical hair loss solutions. Tyler expresses his original aversion to hair systems. We discuss the stigma and misconceptions that can get in the way of finding a solution and the things that helped open him up to new hair loss options. Tyler and Kevin discuss how their hair systems have come to feel like a part of them. Tyler shares some of the things he has put his hair system through as an active person with a love for outdoor adventures. The conversation highlights how finding the right solution can help you get your lifestyle back.

 

The Stigma of Hair Loss, Hair Loss Solutions and Hair Systems

Tyler had an accident early on that left him with a large scar on his head, as he started losing hair in his twenties the scar became more exposed, adding to the feelings of frustration and insecurity that are so common with hair loss. Tyler like so many others was not ready to embrace a hair system, and in many ways wanted to avoid the reality of his hair loss for as long as possible. He related balding to being old, and hair systems to his grandfather. Tyler saw hair loss as a barrier that would keep him from living his life the way he wanted. We discuss how even though things like hair extensions and permanent makeup have become very acceptable, especially for women, there is still a lasting stigma around hair loss and hair loss solutions. These norms and stigmas can limit the options we see for ourselves.

 

Hair Balding Treatments For Active Lifestyles

Beyond just the stigma Tyler discusses other things that kept him from trying a hair system or seeking solutions. He recalls his grandfather’s hairpiece, and how it would come on or off for different activities or events. Tyler did not want to live like that. Of course, hair pieces fifty years ago are not what they are today.  When Tyler finally decided to try a hair system after some encouragement from his mother, he was relieved to discover how much the technology had changed. He looked and felt like himself again, he finally had his hair back. Tyler shares how it has felt to embrace his his active lifestyle with full confidence that his hair system can keep up with him rain or shine.

 

Regaining Confidence with Hair Restoration

Tyler was beyond satisfied with his hair system and wished he had tried it sooner. He encourages listeners to seek advice early on and most importantly, be open-minded. It is important to note that there are a lot of different options. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for hair loss. Everyone is on their own journey. Talking with someone who can help you find the right fit for you can be a game-changer, restoring your confidence and helping you live your life to the fullest.

 

 

Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.20 Transcript

Tyler Morehead [00:00:04]:

From the day I went in there, if anybody asked me, and I’ve had people ask me, at first I did not want to do it, and I was really against it. I just thought that was one of the most ridiculous things in the world to think about doing. But the minute I got it on, I realized what it did, too. And since then, it’s just become such a non issue for me. I mean, I wish I’d have known about it ten years earlier. It would have saved me so much time and hassle and money.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:41]:

Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. In this episode of Hairpod, I talk with outdoor enthusiast and former hair club model Tyler Moorhead about his experience with hair loss and non surgical hair loss solutions. Tyler expresses his original aversion to hair systems. We discussed the stigma and the misconceptions that can get in the way of finding a solution, as well as the things that helped open him up to new hair loss options. Tyler’s story begins with an accident when he was 13 years old that left a large scar on his head, something he didn’t worry about until he started losing his hair in his twenties.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:01:40]:

Well, the scar is pretty big. It goes from about my eyebrow on my left side all the way to the back of my head. But it was a farm accident we had during wheat harvest. It was right after the 4 July, and we were moving equipment from one, what we call strips, where we farm the wheat from one strip to the next. And I was on my way home with a buddy of mine who had gone up to help, you know, do it. And on the way home, we lost control, or I lost control of the truck. And, yeah, that was. That was how it all started.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:02:09]:

It wasn’t, I guess, not a good situation, according to my parents, but I, you know, by the grace of God, it all came together.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:16]:

Yeah. So survived. That’s a scar that people usually always ask me.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:02:20]:

They’re like, wait a minute, you were 13. How are you doing this? Well, out there, we were able to get. You could get what’s called a farm husbandry permit at the time. So you were allowed to drive farm equipment on the farm, and that’s what kind of made it okay. But, you know, it’s still a 13 year old kid out driving a farm truck because, you know, in most cases, today doesn’t sound too realistic. But, you know, back in the eighties, I guess that wasn’t as big a deal.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:44]:

Yeah, that’s one thing I discovered. I think farm people have their own rules, so it’s just, life’s a little different on the farm.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:02:50]:

It tends to be sometimes, yeah.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:53]:

So you have a scar on your head, but in your teens it’s not really a big deal because you had hair to cover it up. Right, right.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:03:00]:

Yeah. It wasn’t a problem until I got to about college and it even wasn’t even a problem then. But just as my hair started thinning out a little bit more and more, I could see it. And, you know, it’s kind of funny. I always make the joke, like, during the summer it’s red, and during the winter it’s purple. That’s just kind of how it looks, meaning the scar. So the more as time went on, you know, you could just see it all the time.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:21]:

Okay.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:03:22]:

Some kind of huge deal. But, you know, we all get self conscious about stuff like that, and that was just one of those things for me.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:28]:

Yeah. You said in your twenties about what age? And how did you first notice that you were losing your hair?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:03:35]:

I think I kind of started noticing somewhere around, it was early twenties, say maybe somewhere around 23, 24. I was living in New York at the time, in New York City, and I just started noticing hair on the bottom of the shower when I got done, you know, showering. At first I didn’t really think that much of it, but it seemed like it was just getting more and more. So it took a little while for me to physically notice that was happening. But, yeah, it just kind of crept in one night and that’s what it was.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:04]:

What age were you when you finally tried to do something about it? What were the first steps you took?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:04:09]:

Let’s see, what would I have been, about 30? I was in my mid thirties at that point. And, you know, I lived in, worked in La, I was. Filmmaking is really was what I wanted to do. And so I’d go on these sets and I had hair and makeup artists that would always say, oh, you should try this stuff. And there’s all kinds of little things you can put in your hair to make it look a little thicker. I was doing them all, you know, I was trying them all, but I think by the time I hit my mid thirties, I kind of started getting tired of doing that, and it just seemed to be getting a little bit harder and harder to do that, too. And, you know, I have to credit my mom on that one. One day she said, hey, you know, why don’t you check out no hair club or Bosley or one of those things and see what they can do? And that’s kind of what kick started it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:50]:

Okay.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:04:51]:

Was just her saying that.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:04:56]:

Hair loss is hard enough without dealing with the exposure of a scar or the pressures of the film industry. Denial is a common response in the early stages of hair loss, and sometimes a little extra push is helpful. Fortunately, Tyler was able to get some direction from his mother. But this was just the beginning. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to take action. Finding the right solution is a process. It is emotional, and, look, it’s hard to decide on a solution for a problem you never wanted in the first place. Tyler shares a bit about his initial experience seeking guidance.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:05:34]:

The first thing that they had recommended to me was a hair transplant. And just based on what they were telling me, I decided that I did not want to do that. It just didn’t seem to be something that I was that interested in, so. And I really wasn’t. Like, when I first went in, I really didn’t want to be there in the first place. Kind of that denial or something, you know, but I really didn’t want to be there, you know, I was kind of doing it not to appease my mom, but she had recommended. It was a great idea, so I wanted to not let her down in that way, I suppose, but, yeah. So when they told me the hair transplant, I just immediately decided that that was something I didn’t want to do.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:06:10]:

When I told them that then they had recommended the non surgical procedure that you can do and they explained what that was, and I didn’t want to do that either. So I left there. I just thought, yeah, no, this isn’t for me. It’s just what it is. I’m just going to have to live with. It was my initial, and I think a couple of days later, you know, I was talking to my mom on the phone. She asked how everything went. I told her I just wasn’t interested.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:06:34]:

And the idea being was, you know, well, why don’t you go try it? You don’t know until you try it. If you don’t like it, just go back to normal. But if you do, then great, you got a problem fixed.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:44]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:06:44]:

So that once again, you know, she kind of changed my mind on that one. But I did go back in and try it. Of course, I haven’t regretted it sense.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:53]:

Tell me a little bit about how.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:06:54]:

You felt when you first got it. Because I have a hair system myself, and my first look, it was life changing. It was pretty legitimate. So tell me about your reaction. The first thing you thought when you saw yourself now all of a sudden struggling to have any hair, and now you got a full head of hair. What was that like for you?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:07:15]:

You know, it sounds so cliche, but I I really remember that, that moment vividly, actually, because initially, you know, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I saved the picture. They took a picture of me before and one right after, but I’ll never forget. They didn’t let me look in the mirror until it was done. They said, don’t do it. Just let us do what we need to do. You look at it when you’re done, and if you want to keep it, you’re good. But when they wheeled me around in the chair and they swung it around and I saw myself in the mirror, I made the joke to myself, and this is a farm kid thing. Like, we don’t speak up too much about much, but I remember thinking to myself, oh, there’s that guy.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:07:53]:

I haven’t seen him in forever. And it was just a really great feeling. And when I left there, I’ll never forget, too. I had a big dog at the time. I had an Akita. She had been in the house all day long. So when I got done at hair club that day, I went home to walk her, to let her out and let her do her thing. And I remember walking her, you know, around the area where I lived, and it just felt great.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:08:16]:

I didn’t have to wear a hat. I didn’t have to worry about all the hair junk in my hair. I mean, it was just one of the most amazing things. I just. To this day, I still remember how it feels.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:25]:

You used to do some modeling, too, is that right?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:08:28]:

I did. That was back in my younger years, when I still had my good looks or whatever looks I did have.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:35]:

So when you see yourself, you’re in an industry where, you know, everything is your image and your appearance. Did you feel a little bit of that same kind of confidence you used to have as the younger model, Tyler?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:08:48]:

Honestly? Yeah, I had it all. I mean, I had all that confidence back. I mean, it was pretty wild, you know? And at the same time, there was always a little bit of trepidation, too, because I knew what I had done, and I always wondered how many other people knew. And, you know, I think going back to what you said earlier, fewer people, I think, have recognized it or seen it or even asked me about it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:09:10]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:09:10]:

Then I thought everybody would know that I did. And as it turns out, I guess, you know, people don’t look at your hair that closely or something. I don’t know, but they just never, I’ve been asked very few times.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:09:21]:

Yeah, I think it really does just blend in so well, first of all, and my other question for you is, you talk about other people noticing, but what about you noticing it? Is it often that you have that thought, how do you feel with it on? Is it something that’s always on your mind that, oh, I’ve got a hair system on, and this is someone else’s hair that I’ve got on my head, or is it something that kind of blends in and feels more a part of you?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:09:45]:

Definitely the second, I think when I first got it. Yeah, I would think that more often than I do now, obviously. But, yeah, after a few weeks of having it or a couple of months of having it even, I didn’t even think about that anymore. Those first couple of days. I knew it was there. And, you know, it’s new and you’re, it’s new to your body and you kind of can sense everything about it. But that went away after a couple of days for sure. And nowadays I don’t even think about it anymore and I don’t even really notice it anymore either.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:10:13]:

I just. It’s become such a natural part of life.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:10:21]:

Hyler decided to set aside his fears and take a leap. This is pretty inspirational, especially considering the positive impact it had on his life. Its interesting to hear peoples first impressions of themselves after getting a hair system. Its normal to be concerned about what other people might think. But as Tyler points out, most of this is in vain. People often take us as we come. It turns out we are our own biggest critics. It seems both Tyler and I share the same sentiment, that the longer we have our hair systems, the more they become a part of us and the more faith we have in them to withstand all of our adventures and activities.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:11:02]:

My wife and I are very active with just about everything. We live near the beach and we love cruises, we love the beach life, surfing. I mean, everything that I used to do, I still do. And, yeah, we’ve come back on nothing, and I don’t remember that. It’s the second part of your question, but it was the same thing. I’ve come back on nothing.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:11:20]:

Yeah, it’s just basically about the awareness, and that’s the one thing that a lot of people can’t believe. When I first got my hair system, I did a series of videos wherever I, I just put it, the test, and I was standing in it upright in a jeep that was kind of going down the road. And we hit, you know, pretty good pace, and the hair was fine and it was holding on. They even had a, here in south Florida, they had a hurricane simulator at the science museum. And I went in there and you could stand it and feel the winds. And I put it to the test and cranked that thing up to a cat three, and, you know, it held on. Look, I mean, if your hair can hold on in category three, you’re good. You know, the water skiing and swimming and biking and mountain climbing, whatever you want to do, there’s really no limitations to it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:01]:

And that’s how I, you know, answer that question to a lot of people. So it’s great to hear that you feel the same way.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:12:07]:

Yeah. You know, your second part of your question, I did think about it. We put it through a lot, just like you have, or I’ve put it through a lot. And when you said that about the cat three hurricane, that’s awesome. I love that story. But when my wife and I first met, I took her on a trip to Cabo, Mexico. My family was going down there. I remember we were out in the water that day and there was a storm or something, but I got rocked with, like, a five foot wave that crashed right on top of me.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:12:33]:

I did not see it coming. And I can remember my face and head and everything getting planted in the sand. I mean, it rolled me pretty good. And I remember coming up, you know, from, from the depths and thinking to myself, I better check to make sure the hair is still on there. Yeah, it was fun. I mean, I came up with my hand on my head, trying to make.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:51]:

Sure that it was there.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:12:52]:

Yeah, it was there. It was fine the whole time. Not one issue. Yeah, I think you can put them through quite a bit.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:59]:

Yeah. Oh, you definitely can. And, yeah, when you have a moment like that, then, you know, you build up trust with your hair and you realize how much of a part of you it becomes. Now, you mentioned that you’re married, so when you met your wife, is this with a hair system? When you met her, it was. It was okay. And how does that go now? Right away? Are you open and honest about her, or does it take time when you realize that she loves you for who you are before you say, hey, by the way, I wear a hair system.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:13:27]:

You know, it’s funny, that’s become kind of a big story, really, for both her and I, technically, but even more so with hair club, because this is not the first interview I’ve been asked that question, and I’ve answered it the same way. But when we first met, I think we were out on our. The first date was, you know, as a story in itself, but the second date, we were sitting down at dinner and I decided, I thought, well, I was new to having the hairdouse, but I wanted her to know. I thought, well, if this is going to be an issue, we might as well get this out of the way now. And I told her, I said, hey, something you should know, you know, I told her about the hair and she goes, oh, that’s cool. I’ve got extensions in. And that was the end of the story. It’s never been an issue since.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:14:03]:

We’re like, well, I guess that’s. She’s definitely a keeper.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:12]:

What a sweet story. You know, it raises a good point. People are always working on their appearance and should be free to do so. Whatever makes us feel more confident, right? We do view hair systems differently than hair extensions, lash extensions, or other forms of personal style and expression. It is unfortunate how societal norms and stigmas can limit the options we see for ourselves. Tyler talks about his journey from resistance to finally trying out a hair system.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:14:44]:

From the day I went in there, if anybody asked me, and I’ve had people ask me, at first, I did not want to do it, and I was really against it. I just thought that was one of the most ridiculous things in the world to think about doing. But the minute I got it on, I realized what it did, too. And since then, it’s just become such a non issue for me. I mean, I wish I’d have known about it ten years earlier. It would have saved me so much time and hassle and money. I mean, the thousands of dollars I spent on all this other stuff that didn’t work for me personally. And I just thought, man, if I had just done that ten years earlier, it would have been so much easier and so much less stressful.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:15:19]:

I tried a lot of things that weren’t right for me. It wasn’t the right solution, but it cost me a ton of money. And if I could have gone right to the solution that I needed, which was the hair system, it would have been better. Tell me about your journey a bit and some of those things so that if you were talking to that Tyler ten years prior, what are the things you learned, what are the shortcuts you could have taken? What are the things that you tried that did not work for you that would have saved you some money? What were some of those things specifically?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:15:50]:

Oh, my gosh. Well, I can honestly, I can just say I tried everything. There was nothing that I didn’t try. Whether it was the clinically stuff, the stuff that you go to the doctor get the prescriptions for, all the way to the hair, laser treatments to the shampoo. I mean, you name it, I tried it for sure.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:07]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:16:07]:

But I think just for me, you know, to kind of more on. Answer your question, I grew up in the eighties. That was kind of my childhood. My grandpa was. He had lost all of his hair. He had three brothers. He had five brothers, so half of them had full heads of hair. The other half did not.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:16:24]:

My grandpa was one that did not. But he had a toupee, and I can remember as a kid him wearing that when the family would go down at night for dinner, and then he would not wear it during the day. He’d wear out. On the farm, you just wear a cap all day, perhaps. So. I always equated everything with hair, whether it was transplant or the systems that you and I both have. I always equated it to what my grandpa used or wore, and that was, I think, my biggest deterrent to say, yeah, I don’t want to do that. Like, I’m not gonna.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:16:53]:

Not that I had anything against my grandpa, obviously. I love that guy.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:56]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:16:56]:

You know, I just didn’t want to, especially my thirties, be equipped to my grandpa. I was like, nope, not ready for that yet. Yeah, maybe one day, but not today. And that’s really. That was my biggest mental challenge with it all. And that’s just the thing. I’m like, we get these ideas in our head that limit us from so much more stuff that we probably could actually do. And this was one of those things for me.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:17:18]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:17:18]:

I think that through trying all that other stuff, it was just that denials of just saying, go try it. I mean, check it out, at least research and find out if it’s something that would work where I just didn’t want to do that. That wasn’t even a conversation for me. I’m like, nope, I don’t want to have it. My cousin, he knew that I was getting there, and. And he had considered it. I think he’s still considering doing it, but he has said that to me before, too. He’s like, dude, I just can’t believe you probably look ten years younger than you did before.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:17:44]:

Yeah.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:17:44]:

So to me, I mean, age has never been that big of a deal to me either way, but, yeah, to hear that kind of stuff, it’s pretty nice, actually, so I’ll take it. I’ll put that in the bank. Mandy, I hear you.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:17:57]:

Anymore, when you get a compliment, you got to take it. You got to run with it.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:18:00]:

Exactly. One day, I’ll really appreciate those compliments. Granted, I still get them.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:08]:

You living in south Florida, talk to me about the heat with your hair system. Does it feel hotter than having a natural head of hair?

 

Tyler Morehead [00:18:16]:

Honestly, I don’t think I could tell the difference one way or the other. No. I think some days, especially with the humidity, when it gets really hot, you know, you know, we get the nineties, and it’s 100% humidity out there. There are oftentimes I kind of feel like, oh, man, what’s this thing going to do? Or what’s this hair going to do? But, yeah, it’s pretty much always the same.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:34]:

Yeah, I tell people that because people will ask, yeah, no, it’s. To me, it’s. There’s no temperature difference. It’s amazing how much the hair system really breathes, that it feels exactly like a regular head of hair. And if I had to say, if there’s any annoyance that, you know, comes with having a hair system is the curse of having hair, is you have to fix your hair. But, oh, wow. You know? So that, to me, is the thing. It’s having real human hair on your head that, yeah, you gotta put a little bit more time in it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:59]:

It’s not as quick as being completely bald. So if there’s any kind of attraction to it whatsoever. But you know what? That is a curse I am thankful to have every single day. I’ve got to fix my hair. Oh, wow.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:19:11]:

I have to comb it. Yeah, that was another first thing out when I first got the head hair. I remember waking up the next morning. I didn’t even have a comb. I had a couple brushes, but I’m like, I didn’t really have anything to actually comb it, so I had to make it to the store. But back to your point. Yeah. That’s about the only downside to having hair.

 

Tyler Morehead [00:19:28]:

You actually have to comb it.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:19:34]:

It was really refreshing to have such an open conversation with Tyler about his journey with hair loss. Personally, I related so much to what he had to say. It was also nice as a reminder that sometimes the answer were looking for is the one we are most resistant to. Being open minded is key. Its essential to emphasize that while Taylor is delighted with his hair system, it may not be the ideal hair loss solution for everyone. There are numerous options available, and just because Tyler didnt have success with laser therapies or other treatments doesnt mean that those options dont work great for you. Thats why at hairpod, we strongly encourage our audience to seek professional guidance. Discovering the right solution can help you regain your confidence and live life to the fullest.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:20:22]:

I hope my conversation with Tyler has been encouraging. If youd like to hear more stories about hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search harepod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, wed love it if youd share with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com.

 Kevin Rolston [00:20:56]:

were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

 

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Growing Up with Trichotillomania

Growing Up with Trichotillomania

by | Jun 25, 2024 | Episode

Episode 18

Growing Up with Trichotillomania

trichotillomania-solution-Heather-Brooke-018-blog

This week, I’m bringing back the amazing story of Heather Brooke, a beauty pageant winner, licensed counselor, and author of the children’s book, “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children”. Heather grew up with trichotillomania and now she treats patients who are dealing with this disorder. In this episode from the vault, Heather talks about how she came down with this condition, how it impacted her throughout her life, and how she learned to cope with it. 

Understanding Trichotillomania: A Lesser-Known Cause of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common issue that many people face, but not all hair loss is the same. Trichotillomania is a lesser-known disorder that causes individuals to compulsively pull out their own hair, often as a coping mechanism to deal with trauma or extreme stress. Unlike other forms of hair loss that may be due to medical conditions, hormonal changes, or genetics, trichotillomania is sometimes rooted in psychological distress. Heather, a beauty pageant competitor and therapist, shares her personal journey with trichotillomania stemming from childhood trauma.

Finding a Solution: Heather’s Journey to Recovery

For those dealing with trichotillomania, finding an effective solution can be a long and complicated process. Heather describes her journey through different types of treatment and medication, none of which provided a complete solution for her. Her preferred approach covers her bald spots, which also helps keep her from pulling her hair out in those spots as well so they have the opportunity to heal. This option not only concealed the effects of her trichotillomania but also instilled a newfound sense of confidence in Heather. She shares that seeing a full head of hair again was a transformative experience for her.

Coping with Hair Loss: A Message of Hope

Heather’s story is a beacon of hope for others dealing with hair loss, whether due to trichotillomania or other reasons. She emphasizes that no one is alone in this struggle and encourages people to seek out solutions that work for them. As Heather has shown, solutions like hers can significantly improve one’s quality of life by restoring both hair and confidence. Her journey underscores the importance of seeking help and exploring all available options. For those feeling lost and overwhelmed, Heather’s message is clear: there is hope, and effective solutions are within reach.

Episode.18 Transcript

Heather Brooke [00:00:05]:

When I was a kid, I was probably about five years old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine or ten years old, I was sexually abused by an older cousin. And it wasn’t long after that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair. And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that was going through and experiencing.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:00:53]:

Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston. And each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week, we’re bringing back one of the first episodes we ever released. It’s a story of trauma, triumph and transformation. When we were getting ready to launch hairpod, I got to interview Heather Brooke about trichotillomania, the condition that caused her to pull out her own hair. She is a beauty pageant winner, a counselor, and the author of where is my hair? A childrens book about trichotillomania.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:01:39]:

Were going to cover all that and more today. But before we do, I just want to let you know that Heather does briefly mention abuse and trauma in this episode. Its not graphic, and we dont dwell on the subject, but if thats not something that you want to hear about right now, maybe save this episode for another day. Now let’s get into Heather’s story of hope after hair loss.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:06]:

Hello, Heather.

 

Heather Brooke [00:02:07]:

Hi. How are you?

 

Kevin Rolston [00:02:09]:

I am doing great. Tell me a little bit about your hair journey, because you’re started in a different place than what most people do. You were doing beauty pageants as a child and you started having hair loss issues. Why was that?

 

Heather Brooke [00:02:27]:

Yeah. So actually, when I was a kid, I was probably about five years old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine or ten years old, I experienced some trauma. I was sexually abused by an older cousin. And it wasn’t long after that that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So unlike a lot of people with hair issues, hair loss issues, theirs are usually natural or medical or something. Trichotillomania is actually a hair pulling disorder. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair.

 

Heather Brooke [00:03:07]:

And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that I was going through. And experiencing.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:03:15]:

What did that look like? How noticeable was it, and how did your parents deal with this situation?

 

Heather Brooke [00:03:21]:

Yeah, so my journey, it started out, it wasn’t super noticeable super quick. I could actually remember the first time that I pulled, and my trickatilla mania began with my eyelashes, not from my head. And I was in the hallway at our house, and I had an eyelash that kept poking me in the eye. And I went to a mirror in our hall and was just trying to straighten out the lash. And as I was pulling on it to try to straighten it out, it came out. And when it came out, there was, like, this release. I’m a therapist as well, and so the one thing that I can compare it to is for people who do self harming and cut, there’s that release that people do get when that happens. And that was kind of what that felt like for me when I pulled that lash on accident.

 

Heather Brooke [00:04:15]:

Like, that wasn’t even intentional, but that sudden, like, release that came, it was like, for a brief moment, all of the stress and anxiety that I had been holding inside was gone. But it almost creates, like, endorphins, like a high, and. But like any high, you have to continue the behavior to continue to get it. And so, for me, that started with my lashes, and it took probably months before anybody ever noticed that. When that became noticeable, I moved to my eyebrows, thinking, oh, if I pull from somewhere else, then maybe I’ll stop pulling from there. That didn’t work. So my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows, and it probably wasn’t until three or four years after I actually started pulling that I developed enough bald patches on my head, because at that point, I had started pulling from my head that I had developed enough bald patches that it was noticeable.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:13]:

About what age were you at this time?

 

Heather Brooke [00:05:16]:

13 or 14.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:05:18]:

And was it your parents that stepped in and said something? Did you hear anything from kids in your school? How was it that it really kind of first came to light to them?

 

Heather Brooke [00:05:27]:

Yeah. So my grandmother, I believe, was actually the first person who noticed. I always had really long eyelashes, and I had, like, Brooke shields eyebrows as a kid. And so when my grandmother was, like, looking at me one day and she was like, what happened to your eyelashes? And I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know why I was doing it and why I couldn’t stop. So I was just like, oh, I was trying to curl them with one of those eyelash things. So I, like, lied about what I was doing. And then when my parents, when I moved to my eyebrows, and my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows.

 

Heather Brooke [00:06:01]:

I just allowed that to continue because I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt so weird that I was doing this, and I couldn’t stop, and I didn’t know why. And so it was when I was 13 or 14, I was up really late one night watching a. It was like an infomercial or something that was on television, and it was about wigs. And as I was sitting there watching this infomercial, there was a woman on there who started talking about pulling her hair. And then she started talking about, like, these fake eyelashes and different things. But as she was talking, she said, trichotillomania. And a couple of days after that, my mom noticed a bald patch on my head in the pool.

 

Heather Brooke [00:06:55]:

We had been swimming, and I wore. At that point, I was wearing. I had always had super thick hair, and I think that’s one of the reasons that, other reasons that it took so long to notice that I’d always had super thick hair. And so I just got to the point where I was always wearing my hair in a ponytail. But this one specific day, she was coming out of the pool behind me, and my ponytail had moved enough that she could see the bald spot. And so when she said something to me about it, I was like, okay, I think I saw this commercial. I think this is what I have. And I told her, and she said, okay.

 

Heather Brooke [00:07:30]:

And so she scheduled an appointment with me to see the doctor that she worked for. And so I went in. He diagnosed me, and then he made a referral to a psychiatrist and put me on some medications, and that was kind of where the treatment for it started.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:07:50]:

Even though the trichotillomania was causing some ball patches on Heather’s scalp, she never let that stop her from competing in beauty pageants.

 

Heather Brooke [00:07:59]:

I competed off and on throughout high school, even with my trichotillomania. I competed some years with a wig, some years with glue in extensions or clip in extensions.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:08:14]:

In between pageants and trying to be a normal kid, Heather started to receive different treatments for trichotillomania. Trichotillomania isn’t one of those things you treat once and just move on from. It’s a chronic issue that Heather still deals with to this day.

 

Heather Brooke [00:08:28]:

Yeah, it was a lot. It’s still a lot because it’s still something that I struggle with because there’s so little research done on trichotillomania. So there’s still a lot to be learned about it. And I’ve actually been part of a couple of different studies that are looking at how genetics can be involved, how mental, other mental health issues can play into it, but there’s just so little known about it. So when I was diagnosed, I was put on an antidepressant. That didn’t help, just made me sick. Then there was points where when I was real under really high levels of stress, I would pull more. There would be times where I would pull subconsciously or unconsciously, like I would be pulling and not even be aware until after I had already been doing it, that I had done it.

 

Heather Brooke [00:09:13]:

Sometimes it was conscious, so there was a mixture of those, but I tried everything that I could to hide it. By the time I was a junior in high school, I was almost completely bald. I had to wear a wig. I’m wearing a wig in my senior pictures. But by the Christmas of my senior year, I was able to let my hair grow out enough that I had this short, cute pixie cut. And it’s been more manageable since that point. I still struggle with it. It’s still something I struggle with on a daily basis, but, and I’ve tried covering it up, like I said, with ponytails, doing ponytails, doing wigs, wearing extensions, all different kinds of things.

 

Heather Brooke [00:09:54]:

And when I got ready to compete for Miss woman Colorado, United States, I was looking for alternatives to help hide some of the spots that I had at the time. And I found hair club, and hair club was actually one of my sponsors. And so that’s kind of helped a lot with my journey.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:10:11]:

Oh, wow. That’s so cool. Tell me a little bit about that. Like, how did you exactly find them? Just the name popped up and you decided to go. And how did that all come about?

 

Heather Brooke [00:10:21]:

Yeah, I was just googling hair salons and that did extensions and looking for sponsors, and hair club popped up. At the time, I’d only heard of hair club for men, so I thought that it was just for men. But I did a little bit of research and found out that women used hair club as well. And so I just emailed them. The manager at the Denver location messaged me back, emailed me back, and we set up an appointment. I went in for a consultation, and then the next thing I knew, I was a hair club client, and they were one of my pageant sponsors. And it was awesome because once I won the pageant, right, I was going to compete for Miss woman Colorado. Whenever I got hair club as a sponsor.

 

Heather Brooke [00:11:12]:

And when I actually won the title for the state, I jokingly with my stylist, was like, I wish I could take you with me to nationals for you to do my hair at nationals. And so they were like, yeah, we’ll send her out there with you. So they actually sent her to Florida with me for nationals, and she did my hair for the competition.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:11:40]:

Now, tell me, with the x strands, how does that work with your trichotillomania that you still are trying to recover from? Do you pull out the x strands? Is there a desire to do that?

 

Heather Brooke [00:11:50]:

Yeah. No, actually, it’s really interesting because I have what I call trigger spots. So there’s specific areas that when I’m stressed or bored or not even paying attention that I pull from. And so what extras does is it covers the areas that are lacking hair, and then my own hair is still used in addition to that. So all of the edges I pull from the sides and the crown of my head, so all of the edges are my. Is my hair, and just the crown and the sides is a system that is glued to my scalp. And so I shave underneath the system so that the system, it fits snug on my scalp. That’s just a personal preference.

 

Heather Brooke [00:12:36]:

Some people don’t do that, but I choose to do that. But it covers those trigger spots for me, so I don’t typically have the desire to pull anymore.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:12:47]:

How about that? And tell me, how do you feel with your system on? When you look in the mirror and you see that you’ve got a full head of hair and you don’t have those, you know, bald spots that you had had before, what is that like for you?

 

Heather Brooke [00:13:01]:

Oh, it’s amazing. Like, I wanted to cry when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time when they did the reveal, because it had been so long since I had seen myself with a full head of hair. Right. So when I look at myself, like, I don’t see the clips from the extensions, and I don’t see, it’s really hard to tell where your hairline is at and where the extras is at. And so it just gives me so much confidence to know that I can do whatever I want to with it. If I want to curl it, I can curl it. If I want to straighten it, I can straighten it. If I want to cut it, dye it, like, whatever I want to do to it.

 

Heather Brooke [00:13:41]:

I have those options again. And I’m not just stuck with, like, one hairstyle or fixing it just a certain way because I have to worry about hiding the clips or the different things from the extensions. And so it’s just, it really gave me back a lot of my confidence.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:14:10]:

Listening to Heather today, its hard to imagine her lifelong battle with trichotillomania stemming from childhood trauma. Now, as a licensed professional counselor, Heather commits herself to assisting those grappling with mental health challenges. She’s even authored a children’s book on trichotillomania to help young clients facing the same struggle.

 

Heather Brooke [00:14:31]:

Yeah, so I wrote where’s my hair? A trichotillomania story for children in 2018. And I actually, I wrote it because where I was living at at the time, people got to know me as a therapist who worked with people with trichotillomania because of my own personal experience. And so I would get a lot of kids. And so I had this girl, young girl, come in. She was 13 or 14, and she was on the autism spectrum, and she was non verbal, and she started pulling her hair, and her stepmom brought her in to me, and she said, her occupational therapist says that she has trichotillomania. And she started giving me all of this information that the OT had given her about trichotillomania. And I looked at her, and I was like, the only thing that’s accurate about any of that is the name of the disorder. And so I use with kids a lot books to help them understand what they’re going through, what they’re experiencing, that they’re not alone.

 

Heather Brooke [00:15:36]:

And so I went online and started looking for a book that I could share with her in session, and I couldn’t find anything. There was stuff for professionals, there was stuff for adults, there was stuff for parents, but there was nothing specifically for children. So I sat down and wrote my book loosely based off of my own personal experience. And then I sent it to my mom and was like, I’m gonna write a book. I’m writing this children’s book. Here it is. And my mom likes to draw, and so I was like, will you illustrate it for me? So my mom got grabbed some pictures of my oldest daughter and some friends, and she sat down and she. She illustrated the stories for the story for me.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:16:22]:

Wow, that is so cool. What a great full circle story that you have to share with so many people. What an inspiration. And I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us if you had to talk to any other women out there, for whatever reason, because hair loss, you know, your story is unique. I don’t know how many other people are going to say that they have what you do, but hair loss is something that so many men, and believe it or not, so many women are going through, and it’s hard to probably hear from another woman that’s got hair loss and is open about it. What would you say to them if they just feel kind of lost and they’re listening to this conversation saying, okay, what are my next steps? What do I do? How should I feel about this?

 

Heather Brooke [00:17:02]:

Yeah, I would definitely say that you are not alone. First of all, we all experience hair loss in some form or fashion and are going to at some point, whether it’s from hormone issues, medical issues, mental health issues, medications, all of these different things that we experience and deal with in life can create hair loss at some point. Doesn’t mean that you won’t get it back, but you know that. But we all struggle with something. And so the first thing would be that you’re not alone. The second thing would be that there is options, you know, and whether that is, you know, a treatment that hair club has that will help your hair regrow or you’re doing something like I am with, like, xtrands. Plus, there are options out there, and you just have to seek them out.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:18:09]:

We want to thank Heather for appearing on the show. It was great to talk to her about her resilience, despite the struggles she faced and how she transformed a painful past into a commitment to helping kids who are going through their own difficult journeys with mental and emotional health. We find her so inspiring, and we hope you do, too. If you know somebody who is currently dealing with trichotillomania or has a child with this condition and you’d like to pick up a copy of Heather’s book, we have a link to where is my hair? A trichotillomania story for children in our show notes. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know somebody who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if youd share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

 

Kevin Rolston [00:19:01]:

We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

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