S4E15 Culture, Traditions, and Coming of AgeThrough Multiple Generations of Alopecia

Welcome to Alopecia Life. Throughout generations, families are often presented with opportunities to change the way things were done before, by having a similar experience present itself. Many times, it's handled in the same exact way, and other times it's handled in a completely different way based on new information, and a sense that there could be a more positive outcome if we make new decisions. Today, I have an amazing family who not only share a common bond of living with alopecia through several generations, but also one that includes and shares culture, traditions, and coming of age experiences with all of us throughout this episode.

Please welcome Marciano Flores & Stephanie Munos-Flores, Briana Munos-Flores, Ed, Vanessa and Bella Vargas. To read more about each of today's guests, their abbreviated bios can be found here in the notes. Feel free to comment/ask questions over at our Alopecia Life FB community where complete bios can be found, or over on Instagram.

Briana: Briana was diagnosed with alopecia universalis at the age of 4. After a few tries with herbal remedies and topical creams, her and her family decided to let her bald head fly free. Briana’s parents knew someone that had alopecia, which helped them understand what Briana had and made it easier to choose how to raise her. Briana is bald and proud. She has never felt ashamed of her head or felt the need to hide it. The confidence she built after her diagnosis has helped her pursue a bachelor's degree from UCLA and a masters from USC. She has worked in multiple universities, and has found her passion in helping students find their path in college.

Bella: When I was about 7 years old, I started to get bald patches which was the first sign of my alopecia. They progressively worsened, and being the carefree 3rd grader I was- shaved my head and started 4th grade bald. I was not so concerned or conscious about my head until I grew older, and filterless children of course eventually said something. Going into middle school, I began experimenting with wigs and became very self-conscious until the start of high school and I decided to not wear wigs any more. With my decision to not wear wigs any more, I also decided to get micro-bladed eyebrows which were previously drawn on. Having to draw in my eyebrows was hard especially because I wouldn't be able to leave the house unless they were perfect. Throughout high school, however, I have become more confident in my alopecia and choose to not wear hats or a wig in certain places. The place I feel less confident though is school. I still go beanie-less every now and then, especially with my junior ROTC, but not every day.

Eduardo:  I am Isabella Margarita Vargas' Father. I had no idea what alopecia was until Bella the alopecia was here. When this all started we were bombarded with advice and ways to "fix" this. From home remedies to very prominent doctor recommendations...

Vanessa:  I was 1st introduced to alopecia as a kid, my cousin Marciano had a daughter, Briana. I do remember her with hair when she was little and a transformation over the years from hats and head coverings to nothing at all by the time she was in High School...