An influencer and wig designer is inspiring women to talk about hair loss after her own alopecia started at the age of 16.
Stephanie Barber, 31, from Totnes, Devon, says she wants others to be 'empowered' after being 'embarrassed' as a younger woman.
Her hair problems started in her teens and in her early 20s, her hair fell out in clumps, fearing a terminal condition. Stephanie went to a doctor.
There she was diagnosed with scarless alopecia, before being told years later that it was actually alopecia areata – and since then she has made it her mission to remove the stigma.
Stephanie now designs wigs for all kinds of people, including fellow alopecia sufferers, gender transitioners and celebrities.
Stephanie Barber, 31, from Totnes, Devon, inspires women to talk about hair loss – after her own alopecia started aged 16
She also posts online – says the backlash can be powerful.
Stephanie said: 'I want to help women feel empowered – your hair doesn't define you. You are still beautiful.
“When I made the first post of me being without hair, I was so scared of people's reactions.
'But it was incredible and everyone was so supportive.
'Some women contacted me and said my messages helped them with their self-confidence and acceptance.
“And some were very difficult to read; they said seeing my messages had stopped them from committing suicide.
“I realized it was something much bigger than me that made me want to post more about hair loss awareness.”
Stephanie says she first noticed her hair thinning in 2008 after high school graduation, after her father sadly passed away from a terminal illness.
Stephanie now designs wigs for all kinds of people, including people with alopecia, gender transitioners and celebrities
Stephanie decided to start her own wig brand, Baldy Lox Boutique, in May 2022 – and it took off quickly thanks to her social media following
In December 2022, she quit her full-time job to pursue her wig brand full-time – which was so successful that it led to one of her campaigns being featured in Forbes.
Stephanie shows on Instagram how she styles her different wigs and they are a great success
She has even developed shorter wigs for people who prefer a pixie cut
Stephanie was introduced to the world of wigs at the age of 21 and she was so happy because there was a sense of hope
And in her early 20s, she said it started falling out in clumps – leaving her terrified that she was also sick, which was a terminal condition.
After working up the courage to go to the doctors, she was diagnosed with non-scarring alopecia and referred to a dermatologist, but she decided to try to treat the condition herself.
With alopecia without scars, there is a chance of hair regrowth after treatment.
She started posting regularly about the condition on Instagram and built a community of other women struggling with hair loss.
In her late 20s, Stephanie returned to the doctors for an updated diagnosis through a dermatologist and was eventually diagnosed with alopecia areata – an autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles.
Stephanie decided to start her own wig brand, Baldy Lox Boutique, in May 2022 — and it took off quickly thanks to her social media following.
After working up the courage to go to the doctors, she was diagnosed with non-scarring alopecia
She started posting regularly about the condition on Instagram and built a community of other women struggling with hair loss
Stephanie often wears her own wig creations in many different styles and colors
Stephanie makes wigs for people with hair loss, but also for musicians, models and people who want a fresh look for an event or photo shoot
And in December of that same year, she quit her full-time job to pursue her wig brand full-time – which was so successful that it led to one of her campaigns being featured in Forbes.
Now Stephanie makes wigs for people with hair loss, as well as for musicians, models and those wanting a fresh look for an event or photo shoot, and has collaborated with the likes of Becky Hill, Big Brother's AJ and more.
“When I really started seeing a huge difference in my hair was in my early 20s where my hair was coming out in clumps,” Stephanie said.
'It came out in clumps, I pulled it all out – I was so shocked, the floor looked like my hair had been cut off, it was full of hair.
'I was so scared and I just wanted the world to swallow me, I was ashamed – I didn't know what alopecia was, I thought I had cancer.
'I was introduced to the world of wigs at the age of 21 and I was so happy, there was a sense of hope and an alternative.
'Now I not only care for people with hair loss, but also people who have hair and want a protective style for a shoot, film or costume.
'I quit my full-time job and took the big step. It was scary as hell, but I did it and since then it's been the best thing I've ever done.
“It opened so many doors, it's hard to explain, it was just fantastic.”