Latest news with #alopecia
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gail Porter reveals how she rebuilt her life after losing 'everything' - and says she is 'finally happy and in love'
Gail Porter has opened up about her incredible transformation after years of heartbreak, homelessness, and health struggles, saying she's finally '100% happy.' The TV star, 54, lost her home, career, and confidence after a long battle with mental health issues, alopecia, and bankruptcy. Now, she says she's found peace – and even fallen in love again. The former Big Breakfast host became a household name in the 90s, but by 2011, her life had spiralled out of control. Gail, then 40, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and placed in a psychiatric unit, where she shared a ward with violent patients and others in extreme distress. Talking to The Mirror, she recalled: 'It was terrifying. I was drugged up to my eyeballs, sharing a ward with men convinced they were Jesus, and violent patients. It felt like One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.' Just three years later, she was sleeping rough on a bench in Hampstead Heath after sofa-surfing failed to offer stability. Despite applying for work in charity shops and libraries, she was repeatedly turned away and admitted: 'I just wanted someone to give me a chance'. At her lowest point, concerned loved ones contacted police, who took her to hospital for help. It marked the beginning of a slow but determined journey back from the brink. Her fall from fame had begun in 2005 when she lost her hair due to alopecia. She famously refused to wear wigs, saying she wanted to stay authentic – but job offers dried up, and she found herself invited to unpaid appearances purely to talk about her condition. Gail also battled anorexia and depression, and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2017. She said: 'I lost everything - my house, my career, my confidence.' Since then, she's rebuilt her life with the help of charity work, exercise, and a renewed sense of purpose. She even picked up a BAFTA for her 2020 documentary Being Gail Porter. Since then, she's rebuilt her life with the help of charity work, exercise, and a renewed sense of purpose and after nearly 20 years without one, has 'fallen in love' with a wig she helped create These days, she's focused on supporting others through organisations like the Samaritans and Prince William's Homewards campaign, which aims to tackle homelessness across the UK. While she's ruled out romance in the traditional sense, saying that she 'doesn't date', 'can't be bothered' and 'was married once which was enough', Gail has found a new kind of love in an unexpected place: a wig. After nearly 20 years without one, she worked with Amber Jean Rowan's ethical wig company to create 'The Gail' – a custom piece that resembles her original hair which she has 'fallen in love with'. She insisted: 'It's not about covering anything up - it's self‑expression. I now have the freedom to change my look whenever I fancy. I have the best of both worlds.' Singleton Gail says that she 'doesn't date' and 'can't be bothered' (pictured with ex husband Toploader's Dan Hipgrave who she shares a daughter, Honey, 22 with) Before that she dated the late Keith Flint from dance band Prodigy Gail, who is single and doesn't use dating apps, said she's happy spending time with friends, her cat, and her daughter Honey, now 22. And after years of turmoil, she says the future finally feels hopeful.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Bay Area duo create custom wigs for alopecia, cancer patients; form nonprofit to cover expense
Two East Bay women are bringing comfort and confidence to women who've lost hair due to cancer treatment and alopecia. Morgan Moore and her sister-in-law, Lee Hoff, put their heads together to make a difference in women's lives. Moore, a licensed cosmetologist and Hoff, an oncology nurse practitioner, started Morgan and Moore in 2022 to help women who have lost their hair regain their self-esteem. "It's important that we use the gifts we've been given by God to bless the people around us," said Moore. "I see it as a way to give them their power back and control back in a very challenging time," said Hoff. Their Vallejo-based company creates custom medical wigs and also fills a gap. While most wigs are synthetic and with straight hair, Morgan and Hoff offer a variety of human hair. "There were a huge number of women who weren't being helped, whether they had kinky, curly hair or extremely wavy hair, and with the Bay Area being so diverse, there were a lot of women not being served," said Moore. However, they also found that not everyone who needed a custom medical wig could afford it, and it's not always covered by medical insurance. So, the pair formed a nonprofit in 2024 called Inclusive Crowns, and raise money to give the wigs away. The first recipient was Kayla Betorina, a mother and special needs educator who has dealt with alopecia all her life. During her pregnancy last year, she lost all of her hair and cut herself off from the world. "I didn't leave my house last year," said Betorina. "She had canceled her wedding. She stopped taking her kids to school," said Hoff. "She was feeling embarrassed and a little bit of shame around that." A custom wig with human hair costs between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on texture and length. When Betorina's insurance would not pay, Moore and Hoff gave her a free wig. That brush of generosity changed Betorina's life. "They gave me a lot of my life back, just with that confidence," she said. "And having a lack of confidence, then having it rebuilt back really affects your life a lot." Betorina eventually rescheduled her wedding for July. So far, Inclusive Crowns has provided free medical wigs to several women in need. Hoff and Moore also find joy partnering with other nonprofits to teach women how to care for them. "To be able to offer these women the opportunity to get a piece of themselves back so they don't have to look sick, so they can feel and look better is huge," said Hoff. "It's important to us that people know that they matter on a deep level," Moore said. Inclusive Crowns takes donations of money and hair. The custom wigs are currently made in Florida, but Moore and Lee want to fund a program to train young women to start their own businesses making the wigs. So, for providing free customized wigs for women with medical hair loss, this week's CBS News Bay Area Icon Award goes to Lee Hoff and Morgan Moore.
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Stoke-on-Trent hair treatment returns alopecia swimmer to pool
A keen swimmer said getting treatment for her alopecia to restore her hair gave her the confidence to get back in the from Staffordshire, said she tried different methods over the years for her androgenetic alopecia but none worked and the hair loss badly affected her confidence."I didn't really go out, hardly at all. For years, I'd given up really," she finally found a treatment which worked, at a salon in Stoke-on-Trent, and said getting her hair fully back was "brilliant". "I swim in it, I go to bed in it, I've had to learn how to style it," she added."You just kick yourself that you didn't find it years ago." Ruth, who did not want to give her full name, said she had years of struggling with her type of alopecia which caused hair loss all over her head."I've got hardly any hair there is nothing you can do really," she said."For me, going to the hairdressers was like going to the dentist - but worse."It's so embarrassing, I can't tell you, it's nerve-wracking to even just to go to a normal hairdressers. I hated going, you feel like everybody is looking at you."The hairdressers themselves don't know what to do with your hair." The 62-year-old tried wearing wigs but said she found them old-fashioned, uncomfortable and impractical."The wigs are awful in the heat," she reflected. "They were itchy and really uncomfortable to wear."She was not able to have extensions fitted after she said she was told she was not suitable, as she did not have enough of her own March, she had a consultation with Stacey Clarke, from Specialist Hair Enhancement (SHE), in Hartshill, fitted Ruth with an integrated hair system, a process of attaching real donor hair to existing hair using mesh and tape."[Customers] think and feel that they're alone but it affects more women than you can imagine," Ms Clarke said."Most clients are extremely nervous, definitely lacking confidence, sometimes they don't even want to look in the mirror."I'm proud of what I do. It's just so rewarding. I love it."
Health Line
22-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Are The Early Signs of Balding?
Key takeaways Early signs of balding can vary, but often include thinning temples, a receding hairline (especially in men), or thinning on the top of the head. Hair loss can start at any age, though it's most commonly noticed in people's 30s and 40s, and it can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions. While there's no guaranteed cure, treatments like minoxidil, laser therapy, and hair transplants can help prevent further hair loss and potentially restore hair growth. In adulthood, hair loss, also called alopecia, can start at almost any age. You're more likely to see signs of balding when you're middle aged and older, but there's a lot of variation from person to person. Some people notice signs of hair loss as early as their late teens and early 20s. Other people will be well into their 60s and beyond with a full head of hair and almost no thinning. Some types of hair loss are temporary, while others are permanent. Let's get into the most noticeable signs of balding, how to tell the difference between natural balding and other causes of hair loss, and what you can do about it if you need treatment for a condition that causes hair loss. Language matters Hair loss can be an emotional topic that, while often seen as a men's issue, can affect people of any gender or sex. In this article, we use 'male and female' to refer to someone's sex as determined by their chromosomes, and 'men and women' when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language). Sex is determined by chromosomes, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. Early signs of balding The signs of balding can also vary between people. Some people might see hair loss that starts at their temples, while others might notice a change in their hairline. This means that not everyone with hair loss will experience every sign of balding. Common signs of balding include: 1. Thinning temples Hair starts thinning around your temples. You'll also notice thinner hair at the crown, or back, of your head. 2. Receding hairline The term ' receding hairline ' describes the process of the hair on the front and sides of your head beginning to thin and move away from your face. Often, people with this type of hair loss notice their hairline has started to make an 'M' shape because the hair on the side of their head is receding faster than the hair in the middle. This type of hair loss is very common in males. 3. Thinning on top of the head Sometimes the first sign of hair loss can be thinning of the hair on the top of your head. In this type of hair loss, you won't notice thinning or receding on the sides of your head at all. This type of hair loss tends to progress slowly. It can take years before thinning hair becomes a bald area on the top of your head. This hair loss pattern is very common in certain racial groups. For instance, Asian males are more likely to experience this pattern than a receding hairline, according to this 2012 study. 4. Widening part Another type of hair loss causes your part line, the line where your hair splits on the top of your head, to widen and pull apart. 6. Thinning across the whole head Some people experience hair loss equally over their entire head. The hair thins equally with no patterns or shapes. While hairline recession is a very common hair loss pattern for males, females are more likely to experience hair thinning across their entire heads. 7. Hair falls out in clumps Hair loss is normally a slow process. However, there are times you might notice dramatic changes to your hair. Your hair can sometimes fall out in large clumps instead of thinning and receding gradually. Hair falling out in clumps could indicate an underlying health condition. It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional and find out what's causing this type of hair loss. 8. Losing hair all over your body Hair loss doesn't always just happen on your head. In some cases, it can happen on the other parts of your body that normally grow hair. You might notice your body hair thinning or not growing back after shaving. Hair loss on your legs, arms, and other body parts can be due to aging. However, it can also be a symptom of some health conditions. Tell a doctor about this type of hair loss if you experience it. At what age do people typically start to lose their hair? Hair loss can start as early as your teenage years or might not occur until you're well past retirement. Generally, people begin noticing signs of hair loss in their 30s and 40s. More significant hair loss often happens when people reach their 60s and beyond. What NOT to look for It's common to be concerned about hair loss. Many people are on the lookout for thinning hair or changes to their hairline. However, while those are symptoms of hair loss, there are also some hair and scalp symptoms you don't need to worry about. Signs and traits that aren't symptoms of hair loss include: An itchy scalp: An itchy scalp might be a sign of an allergy to your shampoo or of a skin condition such as scalp eczema, but it's not a sign of hair loss. Dandruff: Dandruff or scalp flaking can indicate that you might need to change your haircare routine or see a dermatologist, but they're not signs of balding. Dry hair or split ends: Hair that's dry or unhealthy can be caused by medical conditions, nutrition, environmental factors, or haircare products, but it's not connected to hair loss. A widow's peak: A ' widow's peak ' is a natural hairline and isn't caused by hair loss. Common causes of hair loss Androgenic alopecia is a common cause of hair loss in all sexes and is sometimes called 'male pattern baldness.' It occurs when hormones disrupt the way your hair grows and cause your hair to fall out. Hair loss of this type generally follows a pattern, such as M-shaped hairline recession or thinning at the top of your head. However, it isn't the only cause of hair loss. In fact, there are many other reasons you might notice hair loss. Some of these causes of hair loss are temporary and easily reversible, while others will need medical treatment. Other causes include: Family history: Genetics are the most common cause for hair loss. If older members of your family tend to loose their hair as they age, there's a good chance that you will as well. Hormonal changes or imbalance: Hormones play important parts in the regulation of many of your body's systems, and hair growth is just one of them. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of hormonal imbalance in females and has been known to cause hair loss. A physical injury: If your follicles get damaged due to an injury or burn, there's a chance they may no longer be able to produce hair. Alopecia areata: This is a small, circular area of sudden hair loss that appears without any symptoms. A person's beard and eyebrows and other body hair can also be impacted. Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss is reversible and occurs as the result of a stressful event, such as a hospitalization. It might also occur as a result of a new medication. Tinea capitis: Tinea capitis, a fungal infection on your scalp, can cause small localized scaly spots on your scalp that may also have pustules. This can result in permanent scarring hair loss. Cicatricial alopecia: This is a general term referring to hair loss that creates permanent scarring. The hair follicles left behind are destroyed and scar tissue forms rather than grow more hair. This term refers to several conditions that permanently damage hair follicles. Nutritional deficiency: If you've experienced rapid weight loss, or your body is lacking a sufficient amount of protein or iron, among other vitamins, it can result in hair loss. However, a true vitamin deficiency is very rare. Thyroid conditions: A problem with your thyroid is a well-known cause of hair loss. Doctors often recommend checking this if you have hair loss that appears to have no underlying cause. Certain hairstyles/hair treatments: Some hair styles, like tight braids, may put strain on your hair follicles and damage them over time. Treatment options There are several ways to prevent further hair loss and slow down the thinning process. Newer treatment options are being developed and becoming available. These new treatments might be able to help regrow hair. Treatment approaches include: Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be rubbed onto the scalp regularly to help prevent more hair loss. Spironolactone (Aldactone): This medication for women may be prescribed for off-label use. It works by binding to receptors for androgen hormones in your body, keeping androgens such as testosterone in check to prevent hormone imbalances. Topical retinoids: Some dermatologists recommend specially compounded hair topicals that include a small amount of topical retinoid. Hair transplant: This procedure involves your hair that's harvested from one area and transplanted to the bald regions. Laser light therapy: Low power light therapy and lasers can increase the density of your scalp hair. Prescription medications: Certain medications can be used to treat androgenic alopecia-related hair loss. Finasteride (on-label for male pattern baldness) and dutasteride (off-label) are two examples. Platelet-rich plasma: This involves a process of using a person's own blood, which is processed into platelet-rich plasma and then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is a new treatment for hair loss that involves using a person's own stem cells to restore natural hair follicles. Follicular unit extraction: This type of hair transplant is done by taking hair follicles from one area of your body and transplanting them to an area where hair has thinned. When to see a doctor See a doctor if your hair loss or baldness pattern is accompanied by any other painful or uncomfortable symptoms, including: swelling around the areas of baldness excessive itchiness or scaling around balding areas burning, stinging, or pus discharge around balding areas sudden hair loss on other parts of your body excessive hair growth on other parts of your body sudden changes in weight, including weight loss or weight gain a recent high fever (over 101°F, or 38°C) adverse effects from a recent surgery
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
After Suffering Hair Loss From Alopecia, Anthony Carrigan Recalled Being Told To "Get Out" Of Hollywood Because He Was "Not Attractive Anymore"
This week, Anthony Carrigan was interviewed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he discussed his experience living with alopecia. Anthony has had alopecia areata, a disorder that causes hair loss, since he was 3. Related: "You've been very open about your experience with alopecia, which causes sort of the radical hair loss," Stephen began. "What was it like starting out in an industry that puts such a premium on standard normative looks?" Anthony, 42, admitted, "It was obviously quite a journey because when — I had it since I was a kid, and I would cover it up because it was just spots at the time. So it started as something that I would cover up. I had a lot of shame over. I didn't really like anyone knowing I had alopecia." Related: Becoming an actor and living under the constant glare of Hollywood only amplified his insecurities. Anthony said, "Getting into the industry — obviously I chose the right industry to get into — but eventually, I got to the place where after being told I was never gonna act again..." "Really?" Stephen interjected. "They said you should get out?" "Oh, fully get out," Anthony confessed. "Yeah, 'You're never gonna act again. You're not attractive anymore. You should stop.' And this was when my hair was really going." Related: "So I found something within myself, this kind of self-acceptance that I never had as a kid, and now, that's my superpower," Anthony said, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. His comments also prompted reactions online, with many sharing love and support for the actor. "Glad he ignored all that negativity and kept going cause he's a really incredible actor," one Reddit user said, while others chimed in to share their favorite TV and movie projects. One person declared, "Noho Hank is one of TV's greatest characters," while another fan wrote, "I don't swing that way but I always thought he was an attractive dude, he's got some aura. Loved him in Barry." They also praised his "top tier" performance as Victor Zsasz in Gotham and his portrayal as Metamorpho in the new Superman film. Related: "He played the hell out of Zsasz-y in Gotham," someone said. "I was terrified of him. Then [I] realized his range when he was such a sweetheart as metamorpho…" And of course, people were very angry and hurt to hear about all of the mean comments that Anthony had received for his hair loss. "Haters are funny," one comment read. "they always project their hate, but if you talk to them long enough, they only hate themselves." Another said, "Fuck you whoever told him he would never act again," as someone else said they "feel the need to hug him right now 🥺" You can see the interview here and catch Anthony in Superman now in theaters. Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity: Solve the daily Crossword
