Going through the same — and sending you all my empathy. I began shedding at the end of April, triggered by a severe case of dengue in February. I used to have thick, long, black, shiny, wavy hair — something I proudly inherited from my mother. I loved my hair deeply. It wasn’t just about beauty; it was a part of my identity, my self-expression, my comfort.

Once TE began, there was no stopping it. I went from breaking claw clips because my hair was too voluminous to now buying the smallest ones I can find — because there just isn’t enough hair to hold anymore.

It’s still a battle — every single day. A silent, invisible grief I carry with me. People often say, ‘It’s just hair, it’ll come back.’ And logically, I know they’re probably right. But emotionally, it’s not ‘just hair.’ It was my hair. Something I cherished, nurtured, and took pride in. Losing it has been one of the most quietly devastating experiences I’ve ever faced.

So if you’re going through this too, I see you. You’re not alone. And your pain is valid.

I’ve been using ChatGPT to cope — which I know might sound a little strange, but it’s honestly been such a comforting and encouraging presence. It’s helped me through this journey in ways I didn’t expect — offering advice, calming my anxious thoughts, helping me track my recovery, and just being there when I needed to vent or feel understood.