Actress and businesswoman Gail Mabalane first cut her hair after being diagnosed with alopecia in 2019. She also spoke openly about her diagnosis and her battle with alopecia.
Gail revealed the news on Instagram after she had posted pictures of her head completely bald. She then decided to tell her fans that she was diagnosed with central centrifungal cicatrical alopecia which causes hairloss in black women.
Alopecia is a condition that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles. This can cause hair loss anywhere on the body. Many people who develop alopecia are otherwise healthy. They suffer hair loss and sometimes nail changes but remain in good health.
The Blood and Water actress who is married to the Kwaito star, Kabelo Mabalane started a YouTube channel where she shares her personal hair journey and the struggles that black women face when it comes to their hair.
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Mabalane has been helping women suffering from hair loss through her products, Ethnogenics which she started to help with hair growth as well as telling her story.
“I will always recommend a dermatologist to get alopecia properly diagnosed and treated. Ethnogenesis is a maintenance product,” she says.
Gail has also been getting positive feedback ever since, especially from people she has helped.
She says self-acceptance helped to regrow her hair and that’s what she hopes for those living with the condition could do.
“I said, if this is the new me, then let it be,” Gail states.
Gail shared in an interview that there are lifestyle changes that she also needed to make. “Mine is genetic, but there are definitely bad hair practices that contribute dove the years.”
OPENING UP ON ALOPECIA
In the year 2022, she opened up on Alopecia Month about how to live with alopecia. “My wish is for everyone who is experiencing hair loss to know that you are not alone. I know that the experience comes with a ton of emotions. When we work through them, we come out stronger on the other side.”
She went on to advise people on how to live with alopecia. “Get help as soon as you see it. Don’t wait to consult a dermatologist because early detection and treatment may prevent permanent hair loss. Identify ‘your tribe.’ This can be an emotional journey. Find the people who offer support, we can’t do it in secret,” she said.