Louise Skold was 19 years old and working as a hairdresser when she experienced a sudden and alarming hair loss, losing more than half of her hair in a matter of days. Initially, she feared she had cancer, as hair loss was the only symptom she associated with the disease. The sudden and unexplained shedding caused panic and significant distress.
After consulting with doctors, Skold was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. While the diagnosis provided an explanation, it did not immediately alleviate her fear or the uncertainty about whether her hair would ever grow back. The condition impacted her self-confidence, particularly given her profession, where hair was central to her identity and work.
Her experience with alopecia has been linked to stress, with Skold observing that periods of high pressure often coincide with changes in her hair. This realization prompted a shift in her perspective on health, making her more attentive to her body's signals and the importance of self-care. Like many individuals with alopecia, she explored various methods to support hair growth, including blood tests, supplements, and a focus on overall well-being.
Skold developed a consistent routine that includes daily supplements such as vitamin B12 and magnesium, regular scalp massages, weekly detox shampoos, and moisturizing treatments. While acknowledging that the unpredictability of alopecia makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact effectiveness of each measure, this routine provides her with a sense of control and proactive self-care.
Approximately three to four months after her diagnosis, Skold began to notice signs of regrowth, which offered her a sense of hope. She found that hair extensions, along with scarves and different styling techniques, were instrumental in helping her feel like herself again during the recovery process. These solutions provided a much-needed confidence boost.
Over time, Skold's personal journey evolved into a broader mission. As she learned more about hair solutions, she connected with other women facing hair loss due to conditions like alopecia and cancer. Hearing their shared fears and frustrations inspired her to launch BHBD (Big Hair Big Dreams). The brand aims to provide natural-looking hair solutions that prioritize the health of the wearer's own hair while helping them regain confidence.
BHBD's extensions have gained recognition and are worn by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Leighton Meester. Despite the brand's success, Skold finds the most fulfillment in hearing from women who feel more confident as a result of BHBD's products.
While alopecia remains a part of her life, Skold no longer lives with the intense fear she experienced at 19. She has not had new hair loss in over two and a half years, attributing potential shifts to hormonal changes or a different approach to stress since becoming a mother. She is grateful for her current hair and is confident that even if she were to experience further hair loss, there are now more options available to help her feel like herself. Skold views her experience with alopecia not just as a health challenge, but as a catalyst for a deeper understanding of confidence, identity, and self-worth, which ultimately inspired her current career.
