Hair Story: My 25 Year On and Off Journey With Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect women in all stages of life. It can often be difficult to pinpoint the causes of hair loss and sometimes even harder to find solutions. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month (or Hair Wellness month as we are calling it here at Vegamour), and we talked to Jen Gerborg, one of our Hair Wellness Community Moderators, about her journey with hair loss.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a 47-year-old wife and mom of two teenage boys and an 11-year-old girl. I am a freelance proofreader and writer, and I also help moderate the Vegamour Hair Wellness Community on Facebook.
Also: Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss — What's the Difference?
2. When did you start experiencing hair loss?
Hair loss is something I’ve dealt with on and off for over 25 years. I first noticed a huge change in my hair during college. Growing up, I’d always had thick, curly, coppery-red hair, but during college, the texture and color of my hair changed. It was thinner, darker, and had lost a lot of its curl. I think the stress of college, along with unhealthy eating habits, had a significant impact on my hair health. When I was pregnant with all three of my kids, my hair showed signs of its former self; it grew thicker and heathier, likely thanks to prenatal vitamins and pregnancy hormones. But after each of my three pregnancies, I noticed a ton of hair loss. I had my last child almost twelve years ago, and recently, there has been an even more noticeable decline in the health of my hair. I’m losing hair like crazy and it’s fine, brittle, and frizzy. I’ve also noticed thinning of my brows and eyelashes.
Find Out: How to Get Thicker Hair
3. How does it make you feel?
Hair loss can be frustrating and lonely. Even when I started noticing my hair falling out and getting thinner, I didn’t know what to do to address the problem. I was always hopeful that my hair loss was temporary, or at the very least, that it wouldn’t get worse. It took me a long time to realize how bad my problem was and to start doing something about it. It also sometimes feels like you are constantly surrounded by women with beautiful hair who can’t relate to what you are going through. It can make dealing with hair loss feel incredibly lonely.
4. Why do you think hair loss affects women so emotionally?
Our society’s definition of beauty is often tied to a woman’s skin, body, and hair. Wrinkle-free skin, toned bodies, and long, healthy hair have become the definition of beauty and health. Growing up, I was always complimented on my hair, but that changed when I started having issues with hair loss. It can sound vain to someone who hasn’t experienced it, but hair loss can really make you feel like you are losing part of your identity.
Also: Here's How Gut Health and Hair Loss Are Related
5. How do you feel about your hair now?
It’s a work in progress. I’ve gone through some testing with my doctor, but I haven’t been successful in determining a cause yet. Until I do, I’m trying to educate myself and learn the best ways to deal with my hair loss to keep it looking as healthy as possible. I am also feeling hopeful about my hair now, which I haven’t felt in a long time. I’ve been using GRO Lash Serum, GRO Brow Serum, and GRO Hair Serum for a couple of weeks, and I’m already noticing growth in my brows and lashes.
6. What are your biggest tips to help with hair loss?
I’m a big believer in all-around health—taking vitamins, eating healthy, and using healthy, natural beauty products. I also have found it’s important to have a stylist who understands hair loss. The right haircut can make a huge difference in how thick and healthy your hair looks. For me, a blunt, shoulder-length cut helps make my hair look and feel healthier and thicker.
Also: 8 Ways to Practice Hair Wellness Daily
7. What would you tell women experiencing hair loss today?
My first suggestion would be to get on top of your hair loss quickly.
The sooner you identify the cause of your hair loss or at least figure out ways to control it, the better off you will be.
But most importantly, I want women to know that they are not alone. There is no reason to suffer through hair loss alone. Consult your doctor, talk to friends who are experiencing hair loss, or find a group like VEGAMOUR's Hair Wellness Community, where you can talk about your hair loss and get advice from women who are going through the same journey as you.
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