Meet Our Charity Fashion Show Models

Donna:
Joy Expert, Donna will be co-hosting this year’s Aderans Charity Fashion Show! What is Joyology you might ask? It's all about regaining happiness and feeling good about yourself! Donna has alopecia but doesn't let it get in the way of having fun!

Emily:
We are excited to announce that performer & presenter Emily will be co-hosting alongside Donna! Emily has alopecia and actually modelled in our 2023 fashion show. She now hosts her own podcast The Alopecia Diaries! 

Guest Speaker Heather Fisher:
We will be joined by guest speaker and 5X rugby world cup champion Heather Fisher! Heather has alopecia and will be speaking about her and her sister Katie's experience with hair loss. 

Guest Speaker Andrew Barton:
We are excited to announce that we will have a special appearance from celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton! With over three decades of hairdressing experience, Andrew is renowned as hairdressing royalty. During his career, he has amassed an impressive collection of prestigious awards, including British Hairdresser of the Year and British Hair Icon. Best known as the hairdressing expert from the hit makeover TV show, 10 Years Younger, Andrew has an extensive roster of creative collaborations from fashion, beauty, arts and celebrity.

Avneet:
My journey with Alopecia began when I was 9. I can still vividly recall the way my 25-inch, thick Indian hair swished from side to side as I walked. At that young age, I didn’t grasp the significance of what was happening. After numerous trials and tribulations to find different remedies, my doctors told me that my hair may not come back. I tried medical routes, homeopathy, and even travelled to India for Red-Light Therapy – all unsuccessful. I remember shopping with my mum, wearing a bandana that I pulled below my non-existent eyebrows to hide them, a lady asked her if I was a boy or girl, but I am proud to say the ‘little bald girl’ has become a young, bold woman instead. Having Alopecia does not define me; it is merely a part of who I am. I write this as I read a poster on my wall from the Little Princess Trust ‘your wig is not to hide your hair loss, but to crown your courage and bravery’. Through sharing my journey, I hope to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of living with alopecia and inspire others to find strength and beauty in their own unique paths.

Abbie:
My hair loss started when I was at university. I noticed a bald spot on my scalp the size of a 5p but it quickly progressed into a large bald patch. I got some medical advice and was told I had Alopecia Areata. After multiple rounds of steroid treatment including injections, tablets & liquid for my scalp, it got to a point where my hair was beyond saving and my metal health was at its lowest. I discovered a few people online who had alopecia which is how I learnt about the Little Princess Trust where I got my first ever wig! I later made the decision to shave my head, this was heart breaking but it gave me a sense of control. From this I realised that hair doesn’t define who we are as people. Don’t get me wrong, it takes time, acceptance and support, but knowing I wasn’t alone and that others are going through the same journey helped me so much. I actually really like being bald now, I get to change my hair colour whenever I like, and I see it as my little superpower!

Lottie:

In 2023, I decided to take back control of my alopecia. I stopped wearing the semi-permanent hair systems I had been reliant on for 15 years, shaved my remaining hair back, and decided to have fun wearing different wigs in the process. My alopecia began at the age of thirteen and, like many others, it had detrimental consequences on my self-esteem. Wearing the semi-permanent hair systems gave me my confidence back; however, the fear of people discovering that the hair wasn't my own became a far greater issue than the original hair loss itself. It wasn’t until I began working in the hair loss industry that I realised how many others were also feeling this way. The frequency of this shared experience motivated me to try and help others facing similar challenges. I hope that sharing my self-acceptance journey will help someone who may be feeling the way I did!

Megan:
My hair loss started after contracting covid. It caused nerve pain, exhaustion and hair loss. I decided to shave the rest of my hair off in aid of Alopecia UK and I have never looked back since! Every day I am learning more about the wonderful world of alternative hair. Last year I modelled in the Aderans Charity Fashion Show (Wig Walk) and I am honoured to be raising money for these vital charities again!

Trent:
In recent years I was noticing thinning on the top of my head, I later found out that I have male pattern baldness. I decided to take action and try out a hair system from Aderans UK. Male hair loss can be pretty taboo, but for me, getting a hairpiece has been life changing! Day to day I feel so much more confident! I can’t wait to spread awareness and have some fun at this years fashion show!

Paige:
My hair loss began 6 months after giving birth to my baby boy back in 2022  - I always joke and say he stole my hair and great lashes as he has so much hair! It started as patches which quickly progressed to full hair loss within about 3/4 months, then followed by my lashes and brows going too. It was the hardest experience to ever go through, but time really does help you get used to a new routine without hair. I am so excited to be modelling in this year’s Aderans Charity Fashion Show, to help inspire other individuals through their hair loss journey. 

Allison:
I was diagnosed with alopecia Universalise after suffering rapid hair loss, losing 80% of my hair within 2 weeks! It’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions and difficult coming to terms with my new look, however with the love and support from my amazing family and friends, I’ve accepted my condition, reminded positive and making sure I’m owning it and not letting alopecia take over my life.