Hair loss- we're breaking the stigma!

When it comes to hair loss, we each have our own story to share. Through this series, get to know the stories of women from all over the world.
We sat down with Alison, who opened up about her hair journey and why she loves wearing hair ❤️

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Where are you from?

Adelaide, Australia - so grateful to be in the same city as the incredible Lusta team!

When did you start experiencing hair loss?

I started noticing that my hair was getting thinner around the age of 16, while going through some life changes. I thought it was temporary due to stress, but that was more than 20 years ago and the hair loss has only progressed since then.

Who was the first person you told about your hair?

The first person (other than family) I told about my new hair was actually my boss. She has a friend with alopecia and had told me about her journey with alt hair, which made me feel really comfortable in opening up to her. Plus, she gave me a much needed confidence boost when I first began to wear hair to work. Her support made all the difference, saying how lovely my hair looked and we would exchange knowing smiles when people would compliment me on my new hairstyle!

How do you describe your hair loss?

Over the past 20+ years, I have spent too much money, time and energy trying to find the miracle cure for my androgenic alopecia. Nothing worked and my confidence suffered. The more I stressed about my hair getting thinner, the worse it would become. No amount of styling helped and going to the hairdresser was quite the experience when you get told things like, “see, with this new haircut at least it looks like you have SOME hair!”. Or walking in to see a new doctor and their reaction being “Wow, you don’t have much hair, do you!?” For a woman in her early 20s, that’s not something you forget! Sitting on the bus facing the back of everyone’s heads also brought out the green-eyed monster in me, because I couldn’t stop thinking that these women really don’t know how lucky they are to have such beautiful hair. It is only now that I realise just how much thought I gave to it.

How did you find out about Lusta?

I had purchased my first topper at another store but unfortunately I felt so awkward wearing it, that I could no longer look people in the eye. I was worried I would catch them looking at my hair line. A trusted friend told me that her hairdresser also worked on toppers, so I reached out to her and she kindly brought me in for some tips on wearing hair. She asked if it was a Lusta piece (it wasn’t), and mentioned that Lusta was inviting people for an open day in the coming weeks. The moment I stepped foot into Lusta HQ was a hallelujah moment! The team helped me find something that fit perfectly and looked much more natural than my first topper.


What do you love about wearing hair?

For the first time in a very long time, I have confidence. I feel so much more me now, without all those annoying thoughts running around in my head all the time. When I get dressed up for work or a special event, I feel fantastic! My husband also loves seeing how much fun I have styling it, because I get to try new hairstyles like bangs, a blunt bob or a long ponytail that I couldn’t do before with my bio hair. Plus I save so much time and money on styling, because I rarely have to wash it. What’s not to love?!

How has Lusta been part of your hair journey?

Lusta has changed my life. I am eternally grateful to Kim and the Lusta team for continuously working hard to develop such high-quality products, and for contributing to such a supportive community. By connecting with the stories shared and receiving regular confidence tips has taken away the shame and embarrassment of hair loss, it’s just so normal to me now. So much so that whenever I get a compliment on my hair, I happily tell them that it’s a wig and that I freaking love it!

What would your advice be to other women with hair loss?

The more people you tell, the easier it is. Then you are no longer worried that they will “find out” you’re wearing alt hair because you’ve taken the power back. Save up for a good quality piece like Lusta - it makes ALL the difference. Have fun with trying new hairstyles! If you’re comfortable with sharing your hair loss story, you might just change someone’s life for the better - because they could be struggling with hair loss and not know what to do or where to go for support. Everyone has their thing that they’re self conscious about - just remember that hair loss doesn’t change the fact that you’re perfect just as you are. Reach out to social media for support, like the Hair Loss Queens Facebook page.

Would you like to share your own hair story? Send an email to hello@lustahair.com ❤️