Client Testimonials

A lot of people don’t really seem to understand Alopecia Areata or what causes it. Those that suffer with the disease, don’t really know where to go for help.

I had had alopecia for about 16 years. It started with small patches which would come and go, but over the last five years it has taken hold and now the patch covers about a third of my head.

I have spent $10,000 on pills, potions and applications. The bigger it gets, the more desperate you feel.
You keep thinking: Why is this happening to me? What’s going to happen next?
Will it eventually move right over my head?
How can I go to work with no hair?
Going to the hairdresser is a nightmare because you feel everyone is looking at the lady in the corner with the big bald patch.
Getting tangled up with the nor’ west winds that we have had lately, quickly reminds you that you need to hold down what you have left so you won’t be started at.

I really thought that I was coping with it, because I was able to cover it quite well, but looking back now, I know that it has been eating away at my confidence and I was becoming over-sensitive about it.

Two years ago I was referred to Dr David Nicholls, dermatologist. He has been very supportive and has been treating me with steroid injections and minodoxdil. To our frustration, my patch was actually getting bigger. I was getting some hair growth, but it was starting to extend across my head.

I had been experiencing a lot of stress at work and we felt that that could be contributing to the reason why I wasn’t responding to the treatment. It is a vicious cycle. When you have upset or traumas in your life, it triggers it and the more you see the patch getting bigger, you worry about that too. You actually feel quite helpless.

David referred me to Hair Therapy in December. I will always remember my first visit. I hadn’t been there long and Kevin put a black hair piece on my head. It didn’t match at all, but I could see instantly that there was a solution to my problem. The grant provided by the government was enough to provide one hair piece and there is some over to put towards a second one, which we are planning now.

I had hesitated enquiring about a wig before because I wasn’t ready to cover up what was left. I had no idea that a hair piece could be attached to the side of my head.

A few days later Bob came from Auckland to measure me up and eight weeks later it was ready to fit.

I am feeling much more confident now and people have been telling me that they can see the difference. The interesting thing is that since I have stopped worrying about it, there has been some hair growth.

The fact I am talking to you today is an indication that I am coping better and there is no way that I could have done this six months ago.

Thank you for listening to my story. I hope that I have helped you understand what people go through and maybe you will be able to help someone else to find a solution to their problem with alopecia or hair loss.

I would like to finish by thanking Kevin, Jenny and Hair Therapy for the support and understanding they have shown me and I would like to wish them success in their new premises – in their business of "making a difference to people’s lives."

Testimonial 2

If your self-image is being affected by hair loss, act now. Contact us to make an appointment to discuss your personal situation. We can show you realistic solutions for your individual needs and you will be treated with dignity and respect.