After Shaily Malik discovered a bald patch on her head three years ago, mornings grew tough as she would wake to discover chunks of hair on her pillow. The thought of washing her hair became dreadful, knowing she would only lose more. She grew reluctant to have her photograph taken, and when looking in the mirror struggled to identify with her reflection.
As a 32-year-old business analyst born in India and living in Brighton with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss, Malik understands the strength it requires to dress up, go out and be yourself. She has endured people staring at her on the street, and others accosting her asking her to wear hats or wigs at the park where she takes her three-year-old son.
