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Princesslocks , 08 Jun 2016

Trichotillomania cover up

So this is quite a big step for me. I appreciate not everyone is interested or in a position to help, but thank you to anyone who takes the time to read.

Since I was 14, I've suffered with trichotillomania. This was brought on by the sudden death of my stepfather in a car crash, who had been the only father figure I had known.

It started with my eyelashes. I remember vividly being on a flight to Mallorca with my mum and my 2 little brothers the year after my stepfathers death. It began with playing with them, and one of my eyelashes coming out. By the time the flight had ended, I had pulled all of the eyelashes out of my left eye. By the end of my holiday, the right eye was gone too. Within 2 or 3 months my mum noticed my shed becoming 2 centimetres wide, and noticed bald patches. Soon after, she put 2 and 2 together and realised something was very wrong.

So as a consequence, since the age of 14, I've suffered with being bald. The loss of friends and bullying that followed made my teenage years pretty difficult, and my self confidence was non-existent. I didn't know what was wrong with me, what I was doing or why. I had no idea if I was just crazy or if I was just self harming. I didn't know what the condition was called until a few years later when I watched an episode of Scrubs.

Several years ago, I discovered a system that could be used over what little hair I had to help cover this baldness. As cliché as this sounds, it changed my life. I'm a completely different person. I take pride in how I look, I'm outgoing, I'm confident and I'm happy. The fabric system uses clips on what little hair I have to hold the mesh in place, and extensions are sewn on top of this.

Unfortunately, the system I do currently have is now becoming too worn to use and I'm unable to afford the cost required replace it. Due to an ongoing disability, I only work 16 hours a week and can earn limited money. As hard as it is to admit to the condition and to explain my situation, any help you can provide would be appreciated.

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Princesslocks

However, I am also wondering if anyone knows any cheaper alternatives? I have tried wigs and these were extremely uncomfortable and irritated my scalp unbearably.

3 Answers
Tasneem Abrahams
June 23, 2016

Hi Princesslocks, sorry you have had to endure so many challenges with bullying and losing friends as a result of your pulling. It is great that you have found a solution that works for you. I will happily share you story and links with our readers via our blog if that is okay with you. 


Princesslocks
June 23, 2016

In reply to by Tasneem Abrahams

Hi Princesslocks, sorry you have had to endure so many challenges with bullying and losing friends as a result of your pulling. It is great that you have found a solution that works for you. I will happily share you story and links with our readers via our blog if that is okay with you. 



Hi Tasneem,

I would really appreciate the support! That would be absolutely amazing. And thank you for the lovely words of encouragement, it's so nice to be able to talk to people about it finally!

Victoria x
Tasneem Abrahams
June 23, 2016

You are most welcome Victoria. Everyone who shares their story here is very brave! I will contact you via your crowdfunding page some time in July for your story to run toward the end of July. Best of luck with your campaign!


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