Noticing your hair fall out as a young teenager is never easy. And when you get the diagnosis of alopecia areata, you also learn that it may never go away. That’s when it pays off to do what Christine did: make the mental switch and let go. “I shaved my head and life became easier.”
Better bald than a few strands
When Christine Vantomme (19) was fourteen, she started losing small patches of hair. “On top of the hair loss, I also developed an allergy. It took a while before we knew what was going on. My mom, who is a doctor, didn’t know right away either. After some time we found out I had the autoimmune disease alopecia areata.” Several times Christine’s hair suddenly fell out almost completely, only to grow back again.
But two years ago it got really bad, Christine remembers, and that’s when she made a radical decision. “I decided to shave my head. That was a huge step,” she admits. “You cling so hard to those few strands of hair you still have. Hair feels like part of who you are.” But hiding bald spots was exhausting, and the fear that people would notice became overwhelming.
Embracing Baldness with the Right Support
“Once all my hair was gone, I could finally focus on alternatives. We live in Antwerp, but after some research we ended up in Ghent, at Jasmine from Haardecor. I was welcomed so warmly in a homely environment. Jasmine was exactly who I needed at that moment: someone who listened and advised me with real expertise.”
That first wig was such a relief, Christine recalls. “I remember thinking: I feel beautiful again. The dermatologist also explained everything very clearly and honestly told me that there is no cure for my condition. That’s when I knew I had to let go. I stopped hoping my hair would ever grow back.” Today Christine says she has made peace with her condition. She’s a carefree chemistry student who enjoys life.
A hat as a fashion accessory
“Life is easier with a wig than before. When I still had hair, I constantly worried that people would see my bald patches. And losing handfuls of hair in the shower was no fun either.” The first wig Christine bought was very close to her real hair. “Now I also have a darker bob and even a longer blond style. I love playing around with them and fooling people a little” (laughs).
Hats have also become a permanent part of Christine’s wardrobe. “They’re just much more comfortable than a wig, and you can use them effortlessly as a fashion accessory.” At first Christine wore them mostly at home or when running errands. Now she has no problem wearing one to a university lecture.
By taking it easy herself, my friends don’t act strange about it either.
Being open about her alopecia areata
How do Christine’s friends deal with a condition like alopecia areata? “In high school only my best friends knew about it. I kept it hidden from everyone else. When I started university, I decided to be open from the start. Not that I announced it to everyone, but when it fit into the conversation I just dropped it: ‘By the way, I wear a wig.’ Because I was relaxed about it, my friends didn’t make a fuss.” Christine’s boyfriend also finds it completely normal. “He tells me he always finds me beautiful, and that means a lot.”
“It’s just hair”
Christine shows that life gets easier with a bit of perspective. “You know what? It’s just hair! I’m grateful that I’m healthy in every other way. There are so many worse autoimmune diseases. And I’m glad I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows.” Christine feels she is much stronger now than a few years ago. “I can honestly say I find myself pretty attractive. I often get compliments on my wigs too. Friends even say they dream of having such perfectly styled hair” (laughs).
What makes you valuable has nothing to do with how you look. Hair doesn’t define that at all.
Christine doesn’t feel the need to seek out ‘fellow sufferers.’ “My parents and friends have always given me the support I needed. That’s what I would recommend to others with alopecia: keep the people who love you close and just be yourself. Then you’ll be fine. What makes you worthwhile isn’t on the outside. Hair has nothing to do with it.”
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