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How to Feel Beautiful
Lizi Jackson-Barrett is a member of our Alopecia UK Facebook group and is a newly-published author. We caught up with her to find out more...
Your book 'How to Feel Beautiful' has been published, tell us what motivated you to write the book
Since losing my hair two years ago my life has changed completely. I found myself regularly being told by other women that they found me an inspiration, and I knew I was able to help them find happiness and confidence where it had been lacking. I believe so strongly that feeling beautiful is intrinsically linked to confidence and self-esteem in all aspects of life. But I have also learned that feeling beautiful has nothing to do with how you look and everything to do with how you look at yourself. I knew that writing a book would mean I could share my message with more people and hopefully inspire other women to think "well if she's got no hair and can still feel beautiful, maybe I can too."
How did losing your hair impact you in the early days?
It felt like my world was ending. I couldn't imagine how my husband could still want to be with me, and I felt like I was an embarrassment to my children. I bought a wig that was as close as possible to my natural hair in the hope that no-one would find out. I was so ashamed that I couldn't even bring myself to say the word "wig"! I shut myself away, refusing to even put the bins out without putting on a hat. I couldn't stop crying and just couldn't imagine a future where I could ever look in the mirror and be happy with what I saw.
How do you feel about having alopecia now?
I've gone from thinking it was the worst thing to ever happen to me, to knowing it was the best thing. Losing my hair has enabled me to look at myself in a completely different way and I've given myself permission to stop trying to look like the "swishy haired" girls I always envied and just learn to love the way I am, flaws 'n' all. Having alopecia has enabled me to really understand what it means to feel comfortable in your own skin, and it's given me a precious opportunity to show my children that there's more than one way to look beautiful. It's also helped me to build an entire business! I'm a qualified coach and I specialise in helping other women to fall in love with the way they look – even if, like me, they're short, fat and bald!
What can readers expect from 'How to Feel Beautiful'?
As well as telling my own story of learning to love myself after losing my hair, I also share many stories of the women I've helped to find their own confidence in their beauty. The book is also filled with practical exercises to guide the reader through her own transformation as she works her way through the book. The exercises are adapted from the work I do with clients, and teach the reader how to look at herself with love and positivity.
How to Feel Beautiful is available to purchase now
Author: Amy Johnson
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Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)
A statement from Alopecia UK regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.
Podcast: Talk Hair Loss
Podcasts are a great way to listen to conversations and news on the go. Join us for monthly conversations, issues and subjects surrounding all things hair loss.
Join Naomi and guests for 'Talk Hair Loss'.
'Talk Hair Loss' is the brand-new podcast series from Alopecia UK.
Latest Charity Update re COVID-19
An update on the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on charitable activities
Reflections on an Eventful and Memorable 2020 and Looking Ahead to 2021
We look back on 2020 and look ahead to the New Year
'Talking about alopecia'
New animation film; 'Talking about alopecia' featuring the voices of young people with alopecia.
Charity Collaboration Beer - Make it a Hoppy Christmas!
Our Operations Manager Amy has helped to brew a beer with her local brewery, and it is raising awareness and funds for Alopecia UK!
Show some love to AUK this December
The season of giving is upon us. In this news item, we provide you with a number of ways you can support Alopecia UK this Christmas.
New Online Support Group Meetings
The Alopecia UK team are now offering online peer support group meetings for both people with alopecia and parents of children with alopecia.
AUK is recruiting two new Trustees!
Alopecia UK is looking for two new Trustees to join the Board
Calling all men with hair loss - research survey now open!
Researchers from the Centre for Appearance Research are seeking men affected by any type of hair loss to complete a short survey
A Guide to Wigs
Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
The ups and the downs
My story includes a brief summary of my alopecia journey. The main focus of my story is about self-acceptance and becoming your own best friend though-out hair loss.
Alopecia UK Support Groups
Find out exactly what a support group is, where your nearest AUK group is and how to start your own support group.
Links to our online support platforms (Facebook / Healthunlocked) where you can meet and talk to others in a similar situation
Advice for children and young people with alopecia
Including fact sheets for varying age groups and helpful links
Alopecia UK works to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia through aims of support, awareness, research and fundraising.
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NHS England Wig Report
Alopecia UK has published its report examining wig provision from organisations within NHS England.
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