| Dear Lucinda and all the girls, | | Thank you. A million times over won’t be enough to fully express just how much you have done for me. | | I developed alopecia areata after my dad passed away when I was 9. I struggled during school years with absolutely no confidence following a series of bullying. No one understood why I wasn’t “normal”. I guess that stayed with me – so I become covering up. My coping mechanism was denial. If no one else saw it, was it really there? Obviously it was so hiding it from everyone became part of my life. | | I have now spent 22 years in hiding - tying my hair up, changing my parting to cover patches, using cover up sprays, head bands, extensions etc. All this gave the illusion that I was “normal” but came at a price. It took me ages to get ready every morning just to look – average. I never felt good. I never learned to swim because wet hair was a no go. I didn’t go on any rides at theme parks. I avoided days out if it was windy. Staying at friends’ houses or holidays with groups of people were a no-go too and I avoided relationships through fear of rejection. It was half a life. |
| | In the last year things got even worse, I began having panic attacks every morning as I struggled to cover up for the day ahead. My career began to suffer as I would be late in or not come in at all. My relationships were struggling as I attended less and less events with friends. The final straw came when I had to tell my best friend I didn’t think I could face being her bridesmaid because of it – that broke my heart. I had changed from the outgoing sociable person I really am to a recluse. | | After confiding in my Mum we researched and found Lucinda. I was a ball of nerves during the consultation and my best friend held my hand the whole way though. Priya talked me through everything and I was so comforted to know all of my emotions were normal. That was a first for me. Priya could see how much I needed this and managed to get me an appointment the following week. | | I cried for about 2 hours the night before. I was terrified that if it didn’t work I had no other options left. The journey was nerve wracking and I was scared. As soon as I walked through the doors to meet my team for the day that all went away. |
| | The environment Lucinda has created is beyond perfect. I felt instantly safe and my confidence has been growing ever since. I walked out of the studio a different woman to the frightened girl that went in. I feel like my old self again. The girls did an amazing job, they listened to me and understood what was important to me. Nothing was too much trouble and I knew I wouldn’t leave there until I was happy. | | From the receptionist, to the consultants, to the technicians, to the stylists – everyone there made me feel a million dollars. I will never be able to thank you all enough for what you have done for me. I am now sitting here planning my bridesmaid hair for my best friend’s wedding. | | I look forward to my appointments and no longer wake up starting my day in fear. | | Thank you Lucinda and the angels. You have changed my life. | | Holy |
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