Today we sat down with Lucy, an incredible 17-year-old with Alopecia Totatalis who has been part of the Lusta journey from the very being. We love Lucy's positivity and perserverance. Find out her story.
Where are you from?
Adelaide, Australia
When did you start experiencing hair loss?
Flash back to 2020, I had lost all my hair in 4 days. It came as a total shock to me, as a 14 year old settling into what I thought would be my every day. My whole world had flipped, I had to relearn things I had only just learnt (makeup, hair, etc.) and practice new techniques to manage this new condition I would have to call home.
3 years later, I have been able to understand how Alopecia can shape you as an individual and how you can educate others in the same situation. The unpredictability can be shocking but the way you feel about it can have a huge impact on how you view yourself within the condition.
Who was the first person you told about your hair loss?
When I first started losing my hair, my grandmother was the first person I shared my hair loss with. Overall she was very accepting and only wanted to support me with what I was going through at the time. I found it very confronting to come to terms with the fact that I would have to share with my family that I had now lost my hair and I wouldn’t look the same as the last time they saw me. All they cared about was that I was ok, I know they were really searching for answers as to why this was happening although they made sure to support me to the best of their abilities.
How did you find out about Lusta?
I found lusta when I was searching for my first wig online with my mother. We had come across the lusta page and we instantly fell in love. I was thrilled to see that I wasn’t alone and I was able to connect with girls who knew exactly what I was going through. Since then I have always been invested within the lusta hair community and I always make sure to keep an eye out for new pieces!
What do you love about wearing hair?
I personally love that with wearing hair you’re able to express the way you feel through different hairstyles or even colours. Since being diagnosed with alopecia I always try to switch up my hair and get creative with it! Even before hair loss I loved the idea of having different coloured hair, I have always shown my creativity through expression of style and my styled pieces are a perfect way to showcase this!
How has Lusta been part of your hair journey?
Lusta have supported me beyond ways I can express in words. Instead of struggling through my condition the Lusta girls showed me how to grow with it. From where I was a few years ago to now is incredible. I have been able to go out to restaurants with/without hair and even take my hair off in public.
Instead of feeling ashamed or blue about Alopecia, I am able to have a positive, growth mindset on how I can manage Alopecia and other challenges faced. Alopecia to me is not an enemy but instead guidance of how you view your day to day life. I have become more grateful, grounded and mature through my time with having alopecia.
What would your advice be to other women with hair loss?
It is OK to feel upset about hair loss! It is a completely normal reaction of a huge physical change that is out of your control. Understanding why its happening and how you can find support is a huge step in your journey to acceptance. It can be rocky, upsetting and heartbreaking. But it can also be beautiful, personal and strong. It is an important part in your journey to realise you have the recourse’s to grow with it, not through it.
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