Teen reveals hairloss nightmare that nearly ruined her life

Mar 1 2009 by James Marley, Sunday Sun

“She was starting to get upset about it and one day said ‘that’s it, I’m not going back to school for sixth form’. She had been OK with it until then, she amazed us because she took it in her stride and refused to let it spoil her life, but by then she’d had enough.”

Leanne began to research the condition and discovered Sunderland wig specialist Neville Ramsay, director at Ramsay & Johnson Hair and Beauty in Sunderland, who had already helped several youngsters with similar problems.

The family staged a fundraising night to help pay for a human hair wig, which was designed and fitted by Neville in the salon wig room.

“It was amazing, I was over the moon when I saw it, and my mam burst into tears,” said Gemma. “Because most of it had fallen out in the holidays, a lot of my friends didn’t know and they all thought I’d just had my hair done while I was off. And the people I hadn’t known before had no idea at all that it was a wig. For some of them, this will be the first they’ll know about it.

“It’s easy to manage, I just put it on and brush it. It’s styled so it always looks good. I’m just like a normal 16-year-old now and I don’t have to hide my head.”

Neville believes the transformation in Gemma has been more than just visual. “She was a quiet little thing with no confidence when she first came in, but now she loves showing off!” he said.

“There are more and more girls suffering with problems like alopecia, and wigs are becoming a popular choice. I get people coming from all over the country and have even had calls from celebrities wanting me to fit them. It gives people a chance to be normal again, and it makes them feel fantastic.”

Gemma has appeared in a calendar by the BeBold charity and is now set to attend seminars in a bid to help others. She said: “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I want to help other girls do the same. It’s given me back my life.”