I understand what it feels like to lose your hair - you wonder if there is anyone out there who could help.
I was balding and tried it all! From pomades, African balms, ointments, butters, apple cider vinegar and antiseptics, to basically anything that anyone recommended to help my hair grow back! I researched medical procedures, hair transplants, hair grafting, and the likes. I also wore almost anything I could find to conceal my bald area: sewn or bonded (glued) weaves, and beautiful extension braids; I made hair pieces, wiglets, falls, and ponytails, you name it and I tried it!
For a number of years I pulled it off, and no one ever knew that I was completely bald at the top of my head. (And I do mean “completely.” The bald spot was as big as the palm of my hand. The area was smooth and shiny without a strand of hair.) See Photos. I also had no sensation; I could feel neither heat nor cold. All I could feel was a little pressure if the section was touched or pressed.
Yes, it was a very interesting predicament and I did not know where to go for help.
I started losing my hair in 1993, at the age of 21. At that time, I was going to a salon weekly to have my hair serviced. I recall the day my stylist mentioned he saw “a spot” at the top right section of my head. I asked, “Where?” He proceeded to touch the spot with his index finger. I remember feeling his cold finger tip touching that particular area…but that was it. He proceeded to style my hair as usual and “the spot” was never brought up again.
I was never told what “the spot” meant; I was never shown “the spot.” Nor did I realize “the spot” meant “bald spot.” At the time I did not know how a “spot” could drastically alter my life - I was not aware this ‘spot” would grow wider and wider and eventually spread over the top of my scalp in just a few years.
Before I knew it, I found myself suffering from major hair loss and did not know what to do or who or where to go to for help.
During my struggle, I visited two dermatologists. Neither was able to help. One “determined” I had scar tissue and my hair would never grow back. The other assumed that I frequently “greased” my scalp causing my pores to clog. (He was unaware that I did not use grease to maintain my hair.) I politely thanked each for their time but sadly realized that even the medical profession was not sure what to do for me.
Becoming very tired of my “secret problem,” I began to research other options. Uncertain of what these options were, I browsed the internet to see what existed because my last resort would have been a full wig. Unfortunately, at that time, wigs were not as beautiful or looked as real as they do today.
Then, in 2003, I came across a few sites and professional names that had to do with “trichology.” Trichology was not as popular as it is today and you could barely find anything relating to it on the web. So, having never heard of the term before, I contacted a few of these “trichologists.” I wanted to know: What trichology actually was? Did it really work? Was it something I had to put on my scalp? Was it a surgical procedure? How long did it take? My questions went on and on…
One of these “trichologist” eventually contacted me. His name was Rodney Barnett. He explained as much as he could to me over the phone. When I informed him that not only was I suffering from hair loss, but that I was also a licensed cosmetologist in California, he then invited me to join him in Dallas, Texas to learn and find out more. To this day, he is my mentor and friend.
During my training process, I learned what factors contributed to my hair loss: what steps I needed to take to stop the thinning and balding, what procedures to begin my hair restoration process, which methods to help prevent hair loss from happening again. And best of all, I learned how to assist others who helplessly found themselves in the same predicament.
I understand the embarrassment and humiliation that can occur. I can also relate to the lack of confidence and intentional isolation because of hair loss. I remember the years of weeping and crying myself to sleep at night because I felt bound not being able to do with my natural hair as I desired. I know first hand, how hair loss affects your self-esteem, femininity and freedom.
After many years of suffering, I have finally discovered a REAL natural solution to my hair loss and have dedicated myself to working with those who contact our salon’s trichology clinic for help. If your story is like mine, or you know a woman with a story like mine, tell her there can be hope for her.
