I Tried Everything (and the Impossible)
Meet Nanna, who has alopecia universalis, and read her story.
It all started when I was about to begin kindergarten. I was only 6 years old. My parents discovered something was wrong when my hair was lying in clumps on my duvet, in the doorframe, and in the shower – they were both very shocked. Eventually, I had lots of bald patches scattered around my scalp, and the last of the hair on my head fell out during Christmas that same year.
My mom was desperate! I tried everything (and the impossible) that was supposed to work according to the internet. I went to the dermatologist and received many different creams... but nothing helped.
When I turned 12 years old, I was referred to the dermatology department at Bispebjerg Hospital, where I was granted my first wig. I had now lost all the hair on my entire body and was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis.
As a child and teenager, I was very sad that I wasn’t like the other girls at school. I couldn’t go swimming, put my hair up, or sleep over at friends’ houses because I felt insecure. Insecure about what others thought of me! I clearly remember what it felt like to feel left out. I was constantly reminded that I wasn’t like everyone else in my class… and that was incredibly hard.
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My First Wig
When I finally got my first wig (a synthetic wig), I was so happy!
It felt completely surreal to have hair and look like the other girls in my class – especially because for many years I had dreamed of getting my long hair back!
During my teenage years, I became more focused on my appearance. My mom and I spent a long time in front of the mirror before school, as I had to draw on my eyebrows and position my wig properly so no one could tell I was wearing one.
It meant so much to me that people didn’t know I had no hair and that I wore a wig. I did everything I could to hide it. Over time, a few people figured it out, and people would whisper in corners and stare at me at school. It made me incredibly sad when people talked about me behind my back. I didn’t want to be different or stand out!
When I Started Accepting It
When I graduated from lower secondary school and started 10th grade at a new school, I began speaking openly about my condition and no longer hid the fact that I had alopecia universalis.
Talking openly about it meant that I no longer felt ashamed or hid behind my wig. I finally began to accept the way I looked.
However, there was still one thing that troubled my mind.
I had still not shown myself without a wig!
The only people who had seen me without a wig were those closest to me (family and friends).
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It Was Incredibly Overwhelming
In April 2020, I found the courage to post a photo on Facebook and Instagram without hair! It was very overwhelming, and I held my phone in my hand for a long time before pressing “Share.”
I was deeply overwhelmed and relieved by all the kind and supportive comments and messages I received. It gave me the confidence to take the next step: going out in public without hair!
About a year later, I contacted DR3 Tværs and shared my hair loss story! Together with DR, I made a documentary about my journey toward letting go of my hair and stepping out among people—completely bald! The documentary was a huge success, and I received so much positive feedback. It gave me incredible confidence!
Today, I feel 100% more at peace with myself, and I am truly proud of who I am and how I look!
Watch the DR3 Tværs episode here!
