My Story- the short version!

    Welcome to Kayla's Corner! An extension of the support you will find from Hairloss.com. I figured that a great way to initiate this blog, would be to formally introduce myself and give you a better understanding of what you may find here.
    When I was eleven years old, I was attending middle school (junior high) just like everyone else. I grew up in a relatively small town in Delaware, which happened to be the same relatively small town my mother was raised.
    One morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth and got dressed just like every other day. But when I was getting dressed later that evening for ballet class, I found an unfamiliar spot on the top of my head. I decided to cover it up as best I could in my traditional bun.
    The following morning, I had forgotten all about that unwelcome spot... until I was brushing my hair before school. I decided to part my hair on the side, to cover up the empty spot at the center of my head. I didn't tell anyone about my discovery. Not even my parents.
    This pattern continued until finally, my part had widened so much that I couldn't hide my secret any longer. Thankfully, my parents are very open people and they sat me down to have a conversation about what was going on. We decided as a family that I would visit my primary physician, who later referred me to a dermatologist. It wasn't long before I heard these words.... "Kayla, you have Alopecia Areata." Aloe-whatta? I thought. It sounded very serious. Am I dying? Is it contagious? Will it get worse?" How can I be eleven and balding??? My grandfather isn't even bald yet!" All these thoughts were running through my head.
    Proactively, my dermatologist recommended a few treatments which included minoxidil and another steroid cream. My mother reminded me that first night to apply the cream before bed, and as we applied it, I instantly felt a burning sensation. But, alas, we applied the treatments for a few weeks to give them a try. After that, I didn't see the point. The minoxidil made my remaining hair look unwashed and greasy and I was afraid it would get on my pillow and make me grow facial hair! And the cream burned, and felt uncomfortable.
    From there we noticed no growth or change. The doctor asked my parents to take turns staying up at night and watch to see if I pulled my own hair out. When we ruled trichotillomania out, the doctor reconfirmed my initial diagnosis. But, he had no other appealing suggestions for treatment. At age eleven, I couldn't bare the thought of getting injections to my head!
    I kept attending school just as I was- au natural. The most inconvenient of times were cheerleading competitions where I was clearly missed the ringlet curls bouncing behind my head, and ballet performances where I lacked the traditional bun.
    My parents decided to take me to a local wig shop to see if I was interested in purchasing a hair piece. But, everything I tried on either looked unnatural or felt itchy! So, for years I went without wearing a wig. Until finally, after a series of life changes and some maturing, I was open to the idea of "wig shopping" again. When a friend and mentor, Laura Mattey, introduced me to Mario Rispoli, owner of Salon Rispoli (Gemtress retailer in Delaware), I had no idea what to expect! But, the minute I put these hair pieces on, I knew I would be a fan for life.
    I'll end my first post here, but will gladly answer any questions you may have on the Facebook group "Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hair Loss". I hope this blog and our Facebook group will provide you a place to turn when you need answers or support. If there is something you are going through, I have probably been through it, too!  So please relax, and know that you aren't alone!

Until next time, friends!