Jasmine’s Alopecia Story
Kate-Leigh spoke to Jasmine on Instagram live to speak about Jasmine’s alopecia story, and why she founded the Heroic Alopecian Foundation.
Watch the Live here.
Jasmine is from Nigeria, and started developing bald patches when she was in her first year of college. She wasn’t worried at first when her hairdresser pointed it out to her. When the patches started to progress, she felt ridiculed in her local salon. She was put in the centre of attention, and called names. She decided to start styling her hair herself as she knew how to braid hair.
Patches of hair loss started to join together, and Jasmine was very worried. She decided to shave her remaining bio hair which unfortunately didn’t grow back. She told us that after visiting a dermatologist, they didn’t provide her with any help, or even a diagnosis.
She tried many regrowth creams and sprays with no success. She got depressed, and her mental health suffered. Her self esteem and confidence was something she struggled with, and she couldn’t accept her hair loss as she didn’t understand why it was happening. In her culture, many associated hair loss with a spiritual issue, and she was sent to many churches and healers to help her.
Jasmine had heard of the term Alopecia before, but didn’t understand what it meant. She had suffered with hair loss for 15 years before she received a correct diagnosis.
Jasmine had never met anyone with alopecia before, and truly believed she was the only person suffering with this disease. The power of social media completely changed the game for her. She connected with other people in the hair loss community around the world, and it entirely changed her perspective.
After she got in touch with a fellow Alopecian in Nigeria, she decided to set up the Heroic Alopecian Foundation. The HAF’s message is clear, Alopecia is a medical condition. Hair does not define a person. The HAF focuses on education and support for Alopecians in Africa. You can read more about this wonderful foundation by following them on Instagram here.
Jasmine is a wonderful advocate and inspiration for Alopecians everywhere. She continues to spread Alopecia Awareness and give support for those who need it. Her Instagram is linked here.
