For many women, hair is more than hair. It is identity, femininity, confidence, and a deeply personal symbol of beauty. So what happens when it begins to disappear?
In this episode of the Life is Beauty Full podcast, host Samantha Legge sits down with Tami Wong, founder of Hair Loss Pride, to explore what her decades-long journey with alopecia has taught her about self-worth, vulnerability, and redefining beauty on her own terms.
Tami’s story began at age 15 after taking medication for severe acne. Soon after, her hair began thinning slowly and persistently. Without language, resources, or representation, she internalized shame and withdrew from the world. For years, she hid — from mirrors, from conversations, and from herself.
By her own reflection, Tami lost nearly 17 years of her life to shame. She tried to control what others saw through hairstyles, powders, hats, and later wigs — believing that being fully seen would lead to rejection.
The turning point came when she began sharing her truth with people she trusted. Instead of rejection, she found compassion. Instead of judgment, curiosity. Vulnerability became the doorway to freedom.
Over time, wigs transformed from a coping mechanism into a creative expression. They allowed Tami to enjoy hair again — while also being transparent about her journey. This openness not only healed her relationship with herself but inspired others to share their own stories.
When Tami eventually shared her natural hair publicly on social media, the response was overwhelming. Women around the world reached out, grateful to finally feel less alone. This led to the creation of Hair Loss Pride — a community focused on emotional and mental support for women experiencing hair loss.
Hair loss is far more common than we realize. Female pattern hair loss affects millions of women globally, and nearly half of women experience noticeable hair thinning by midlife. Yet shame and silence remain widespread.
Through her work, Tami reframes beauty as something rooted in kindness, integrity, and how we treat others. Self-worth, she explains, is not something to be earned — it is inherent.
For women struggling with self-worth, Tami recommends journaling, finding community, seeking therapy, moving the body, and spending time with people who feel safe.
One of her most powerful healing moments came when she cut her remaining hair into a pixie — letting go of what no longer served her and choosing herself.
Today, Tami sees her journey as her purpose. By turning pain into service, she helps other women reclaim confidence, identity, and self-trust.
Beauty is not perfection. Courage is not fearlessness. Life is beautiful when we allow ourselves to be fully seen.
Listen or watch the full Life is Beauty Full podcast episode on Spotify, Amazon or YouTube.