In a world where children face unimaginable challenges due to medical conditions, the loss of hair can often amplify their struggle. However, amidst these hardships, charitable initiatives like Little Heroes' Hair by Lordhair stand as a beacon of hope, offering support and empowerment to these young warriors. In this blog post, we delve into the heartwarming mission of Little Heroes' Hair and how it is making a profound impact on the lives of children facing medical hair loss.

Little Heroes' Hair is a charitable initiative by Lordhair, a company specializing in hair systems and hair loss solutions. Little Heroes' Hair focuses on providing support and empowerment to children facing medical hair loss due to conditions such as cancer, alopecia, or burns. The initiative involves creating natural-looking wigs for children in need. These wigs are provided free of charge to children undergoing medical treatments that result in hair loss, helping them regain confidence and feel more comfortable during difficult times. Through Little Heroes' Hair, Lordhair aims to make a positive difference in the lives of these children and their families by offering practical support and emotional encouragement.

 

What Does Little Heroes’ Hair Do?

Lordhair’s charitable initiative Little Heroes’ Hair (or LHH for short), works to provide every child under the age of 18 with a free wig to help each child be the little hero they are. From every ethnicity to every corner of the world, as long as the child is under 18, we’ll be able to provide a free wig!

In addition to providing free wigs, we work on doing research into children’s hair loss. Ideally, no child should have the need to wear a wig, because Lordhair hopes that hair loss in children could be eradicated. Unfortunately, it’s not possible, so we are doing our bit, day by day, to help ensure that children can continue to live a happy life, free from worries about their appearance, whilst they are growing up and trying to find their place in the world.

We not only conduct research into the best construction of a wig to help provide them the most comfortable wig possible, but we also research into the psychological state of children with hair loss to understand what they go through mentally.

Lastly, we talk to professionals to learn about hair loss in children. For example we speak to trichologists, dermatologists and pediatricians, all of whom have specialist medical knowledge of children’s hair loss and we help the children’s hair loss community by sharing our research online.

 

What Are Common Causes of Hair Loss in Children?

Alopecia Areata:

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by sudden and unpredictable hair loss. In children, this condition can manifest as round patches of hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Alopecia areata can have a significant impact on a child's self-esteem and social interactions, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for managing the condition and promoting emotional well-being.

Trichotillomania: 

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the recurrent pulling out of one's hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and bald patches. Although more common in adults, trichotillomania can also affect children, often as a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. Children may pull their hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body parts. Treatment typically involves therapy to address underlying emotional triggers and develop coping mechanisms to prevent hair pulling behavior.

Telogen Effluvium: 

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. This can be triggered by various factors, such as illness, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional stress. In children, telogen effluvium may occur following a severe illness, emotional trauma, or changes in diet or medication. While the hair loss is usually temporary and resolves on its own over time, identifying and addressing the underlying trigger is important for preventing further hair loss and promoting healthy hair regrowth.

Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: 

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a common side effect of certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy drugs. Children undergoing cancer treatment may experience significant hair loss as a result of chemotherapy damaging rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. The extent of hair loss can vary from thinning to complete baldness. While chemotherapy-induced alopecia is typically temporary, it can have a profound emotional impact on children undergoing cancer treatment. Scalp cooling devices may help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy, but supportive measures and resources to cope with changes in appearance are essential for helping children navigate this challenging experience.

 

What Challenges Do Children With Hair Loss Face?

Children can be significantly affected by hair loss both physically and emotionally. Physically, hair loss can lead to a noticeable change in outward appearance, which may affect a child's self-image and confidence. Additionally, the scalp becomes more sensitive, increasing the risk of sunburn and injury. As new hair grows in, there may be differences in texture compared to the original hair, further impacting the child's appearance and sense of normalcy.

Emotionally, hair loss can have a profound effect on a child's self-esteem. They may feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. The noticeable change in appearance may also result in social isolation as children may withdraw from social interactions to avoid scrutiny or teasing from peers. Bullying can exacerbate these feelings of isolation and contribute to low self-esteem, creating emotional distress and potentially impacting the child's mental well-being. Overall, the emotional toll of hair loss on children can be significant, affecting various aspects of their lives and requiring support and understanding from caregivers and peers alike.

 

What Has Lordhair Done So Far?

Besides providing free wigs, Lordhair has taken steps in gathering research on children’s hair loss, by speaking to different professionals in all fields.

Little Heroes’ Hair Launch

At the beginning of this year, we launched our new programme name - Little Heroes’ Hair. We launched our official page on our website, where you can easily submit information about a child in need so we can help them! Check out Little Heroes’ Hair today if you know a child in need.

Little Heroes’ Hair at IBS New York 2024

We attended the IBS New York this year and showed several of the children we have helped on our Little Heroes wall.

 

We also invited all attendees to the stall to snap a pic at our Angel Wall, share it to their social media, to help spread the word about Lordhair’s Little Heroes’ Hair and reach more children - so we can fulfill our endeavor to help every child by providing a free wig!

 

We gave a presentation on our findings on children’s hair loss at the exhibition, which you can watch below.

 

How You Can Get Involved

Scan the QR code above to let us know that you know a child in need of a wig.

You contact us to let us know that a child is in need of a wig. We then confirm a few details with you via email, such as the child’s age and his medical condition. We then create a WhatsApp group with the child’s parents, and the salon if they introduced them to Little Heroes’ Hair. We then continue to discuss the details of the hairpiece, to make sure it’s right. Next we get the hairpiece ready and send it to the parents, or directly to the salon for fitting. The child then goes to get it fitted and comes out with a happy, smiling, bubbly face. That is what we work tirelessly for - to put the smile back on a child’s face!

In conclusion, the journey of children facing hair loss is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Through initiatives like Lordhair’s Little Heroes' Hair, we stand together to uplift and support these young warriors in their time of need. By crafting high-quality wigs using carefully sourced materials, spreading awareness, and offering compassion, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives, restoring not just their outward appearance but also their inner strength and confidence. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of little heroes everywhere, ensuring that they feel empowered, valued, and loved every step of the way. With each act of kindness, we affirm our commitment to building a world where every child can shine brightly, regardless of the challenges they may face. Thank you for joining us on this journey of compassion and hope.