" The path to fighting your disease requires an understanding of your body. "

- Sheng-Li Wang -

Falling Hair

I was sixteen years old, going into my junior year in high school, when I began losing my hair. I was sitting in my room, having my aunt straighten my hair when she found a bald spot on the back of my head. I was mortified. I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with Alopecia Areata, which is an immune deficiency. My immune system was attacking my hair follicles causing my hair to fall out. The doctor told me that I would never be able to grow hair in that spot again. He proceeded to give me salicylic acid to put on the bald spots to “jump start” my immune system.

My hair continued to fall out until I lost about 75% of my hair. I had to wear a wig, which made me even more self-conscious. I was terrified that the person sitting behind me would notice and make a scene. My worst memory was during marching band practice in late fall when it was terribly windy. I had to tie my scarf around my head in order for my wig to stay in place. That lasted about 20 minutes until I left the field in tears.

My saving grace was Dr. Wang. I was extremely apprehensive at my first appointment; I had no hopes of it working. Much to my disbelief, within the first two weeks my hair stopped falling out. Within the first month my hair was growing back. That was 5 years ago. Recently, I donated 9 inches to Locks of Love. I cannot imagine what my life would be like had I not found Dr. Wang.