Carolina Collins, a 33-year-old from Stockholm, has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, leading to significant hair loss. Known for her distinctive hair, Carolina has shared her journey on TikTok, where her videos have garnered over 300,000 views. Despite the emotional challenges, she has embraced her new reality, finding strength and support from her online community.
Carolina, 33, Faces Hair Loss Due to Rare Condition
Carolina, 33, Faces Hair Loss Due to Rare Condition
Carolina, 33, has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, resulting in hair loss—a feature closely tied to her identity.
Carolina Collins, from Stockholm, has long been recognized for her hair, receiving numerous compliments over the years. However, after being diagnosed with a condition, she began losing it. For months, she grappled with the thought of having to shave it all off.
In May, shortly after returning from a trip abroad, she noticed something unusual. After a shower, as she brushed her hair, large clumps began to fall out.
"I had catastrophic thoughts, thinking something was terribly wrong, that I would become very ill and die," Carolina says.
Patches on the Head
Initially, she had no idea what was causing the hair loss. She had been through a stressful period and felt unwell, so she booked an appointment at the health center for tests. But everything appeared normal.
A few weeks later, Carolina had a scheduled visit with her dermatologist for unrelated reasons. However, since the hair loss continued and she developed patches on her head, she brought it up with the doctor.
"The doctor looked at me for five seconds and said: 'You have alopecia areata.'"
Attempted a Calmer Lifestyle
Carolina had experienced similar issues 15 years ago, but her hair grew back on its own. She hoped it would be the same now—that a calmer lifestyle and better diet would solve the problem. But the hair loss escalated.
The condition has raised many questions and uncertainties. Carolina has been offered medication, including one that affects the immune system—something she hesitates to take, especially since she wants to be able to become pregnant again.
How much hair she will lose remains unclear. To process the situation, Carolina chose to speak openly about her condition on TikTok, where her clips have been viewed over 300,000 times.
"I think these clips are part of my preparation, a way to normalize and accept that this is my life now."
Received Many Kind Messages
Carolina is grateful that the diagnosis wasn't more severe but notes that even a "superficial" condition can be mentally taxing.
"Of course, I should mourn and be sad. I really feel no shame about it."
Carolina has received many kind messages from people saying she will become braver and that her self-esteem will be strengthened.
Is it worse for girls to lose their hair?
"Yes, I think so, because the norm in society is that girls should have long hair."
"Now It's Gone"
For a long time, Carolina described how difficult it was when she brushed her hair or when her daughter pulled on it and it fell out. After much thought and preparation, she finally decided to shave all her hair off and has consulted for a wig.
Just a few days ago, Carolina posted a clip on TikTok where her hair is shaved off. When she sees herself in the mirror, she begins to cry.
"My hair has been my most important attribute, and now it's gone. And strangely enough, it feels great. I feel brave, strong, and beautiful. Just like my daughter sees me," she writes in the description of the TikTok clip.