For Irish woman, Claire Fulham, losing her hair was an unexpected and life-altering event
The experience reshaped her life in ways she never imagined, compelling her to face not just the physical loss of her hair, but also the deep emotional and social impacts that came with it.
Fulham, a trichologist, has alopecia areata, a form of hair loss that she describes as “a patchy type of alopecia”.
Alopecia itself is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly targets healthy cells, in this case, hair follicles.
According to Fulham, the onset of alopecia is often unpredictable. “It’s something that will creep up on you,” she explains.
While hair loss can happen gradually for some, Fulham’s experience was swift and severe.
“I lost 90% of my hair in five weeks,” she revealed in an interview with Newstalk.
Although she now has a full head of hair again, she said that “I’ve got a big patch at the back of my head”.
Fulham understands that for many, hair loss is more than just a cosmetic issue.
Despite some medical professionals dismissing it as a “vanity” concern, she knows firsthand that it can be “terribly life-changing”.
Reflecting on her own journey and the experiences of others, she said: “I’ve seen all types of people suffer with hair loss.
“It is something that we should be conscious about and use preventative tools but also have some level of empathy towards them.”
The impact of hair loss, Fulham said, goes far beyond the surface.
“It has changed so many people’s lives; it led me to addiction. I know people who haven’t left their house for 10 years,” she shared.
“I know people whose marriages have broken down over their hair loss.”
Her own experience with alopecia was one of the most challenging of her life, yet it became the catalyst for a new mission.
Fulham now dedicates her time to helping others navigate the complexities of hair loss through her work at Trua, an online scalp consultancy service.
She feels passionately about her role, especially in an industry where too often people “just want a bit of money” from those suffering.
“I took a really personal experience – which was the most horrendous experience of my life, and I’ve had a few – into a positive story,” she said. “Now my job is to try and help people work this out.”
For those who suspect they may have alopecia areata, the Health Service Executive (HSE) advises reaching out to a GP for guidance and support.
In the meantime, Fulham continues to transform her experience into a force for good, helping others find their way through a difficult and often misunderstood condition.
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