— Alopecia

Alopecia is a hair loss condition thought to affect 1.7% of the population. It affects both men and women of all ages.

Alopecia simply means hair loss from the scalp or body. Little is known about why Alopecia happens to people but the condition occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles by mistake. An abnormal growth pattern results in the hair rapidly falling out causing partial or total hair loss. Hair growth can be sporadic or non-recurring. Whilst the condition is not physically damaging the result of hair loss can generate extreme stress over body image, self-esteem and affect interpersonal relationships.

Whilst men generally accept that hair loss will occur at some point throughout their lives, the pressure that society places upon the importance of hair for women can leave female Alopecia sufferers feeling alone, embarrassed and insecure about their image. Many women hide their condition by wearing wigs, false eyelashes and having their eyebrows tattooed on. Others find it easier to show the world their 'naked' selves.

I became involved with the charity Alopecia UK through this project with the hopes of raising awareness about Alopecia and generating striking images that could represent women affected by the condition. Each of these women has been affected in a different way and it has been a pleasure to meet, learn, and explore the importance that our society places upon hair, who has it, and how much we have of it.