My name is Rushali Chandel, a 28-years-old who believes in living life to the fullest. I want to share my Alopecia story, breaking the taboo society has placed on girls and their hair.

My alopecia journey began when I was just 4 or 5 years old. As a young child, I couldn’t comprehend what it meant or how society would perceive me with my big bald patches. I remember my parents’ concern, for they knew society could be judgmental. They tried various treatments – allopathic, homeopathic, and naturopathic – hoping to find a solution

I underwent 10–15 injections on my scalp and endured chemical burns, leaving lasting scars. Though my hair grew back during my youthful days when my immunity was strong, those chemical burn parts remained, and I was absolutely naïve about societal standards and beauty plans at the time.

As I graduated from high school in 2012, my alopecia returned, bringing back my nightmares. However, I am grateful it was a slow process, allowing me time to adapt and embrace my true self.

In a world of comments and judgments, I have found happiness in being myself. People close to me have made hurtful remarks, suggesting I’ll never find love due to my hair loss and weight. Some even assumed I had cancer because of my baldness. These moments take a toll, and I admit there have been days of depression where I avoided mirrors for 3 months.