As Hair Loss Awareness Month continues, we dedicate this time to raising awareness about an issue that impacts millions globally. By sharing uplifting stories from our Education Ambassadors, we aim to normalize hair loss and the use of alternative hair, provide valuable insights into hair loss solutions, and offer support to those on this journey.
First, we met Katy, who’s deeply passionate about helping other women find their confidence through alternative hair. Then we met Kristyna, who reminds us that although the road can be bumpy, you’re a lot stronger than you might think. Now, let’s meet Ashley, who wears her wigs loud and proud (even though it felt scary at first)!
1. Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a 40-year-old Canadian mom and secondary school teacher. If I’m not playing with my kids, I’m nose-deep in a project. I have a seasonal porch decor business in the Fall and Christmas seasons, and we are screen-printers year-round. Of course, one of my favourite projects is Life Beyond Locks where I am able to combine my love of education and my passion for alternative hair.
2. How long have you been wearing wigs or hairpieces?
I’ve been wearing alternative hair full time since the lockdown in 2020, but I started playing around with clip-in extensions in my early 20s as I became aware of my hair thinning.
3. When you started your hair loss journey, what do you wish you knew?
I first started exploring wigs in 2017. At that time, I wish that I knew that it would all work out for me. The world of wigs – I hadn’t yet heard of toppers – seemed overwhelming and costly. When I tried on my first pieces, I was disheartened because the pieces were all wrong for me, so I threw in the towel for a few years and the situation felt hopeless.
I didn’t realize, at the time, that there were a lot of options out there that would help me to regain my confidence and that there is an online community that can provide real guidance.
4. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself throughout your hair loss journey?
5. What advice would you give to a new alternative hair wearer?
I would advise someone who is new to wearing alternative hair to take little steps everyday towards gaining confidence. Oftentimes we take a step forward, but then we feel stuck or fearful, and so we revert back to what is familiar – even if it makes us uncomfortable in a different way.
I think that the biggest growth comes from continuing to push forward. Of course, I also think that all of this is easier done when you have the support of those who have been through it already.
6. Which Jon Renau style is your favorite?
I’m sure that this list will be ever-changing, but Haute was among the first two JR styles that I purchased, and I felt instantly comfortable in it. I love the low-density monofilament cap, the great hairline, and the classic style. It was the first synthetic that I chose over my human hair for a date night out – our anniversary dinner last year.
Where can you purchase Haute for yourself? Locate a Jon Renau retailer in your area.
