Niamh: My Hair Loss Journey

I was only 12 years old when I started losing my hair. Like any young teenager, I really struggled to accept it. At that age, beauty standards feel overwhelming — like they dictate every part of your life. I went through a stage of trying to avoid it completely, almost convincing myself it wasn’t really happening.

By the time I was 16, it became harder to ignore. Things like prom, the pressure of how I would look, and the photos that would last forever made everything feel more real. That was when I started to accept the journey I was on. My mum, my grandma and my best friend came with me to my first wig appointment, and having that support meant everything.

At the time, choosing to wear a wig felt like I was admitting something was wrong with me — like I was showing the world something I wasn’t ready to share. But over the years, that feeling slowly changed. As I got older, I began to discover the joy in wigs and the freedom they gave me to explore different looks and express myself in new ways.

When I was 19, I started modelling. It pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, but it also helped me learn to love myself and find confidence in my journey. Through that, I found an incredible online community of women who truly understood what it felt like to experience hair loss. Being able to talk openly and share experiences became one of the most powerful parts of my journey.

That’s how I came across Amber. I followed her for a while and was always in awe of her confidence. When she launched Amber Jean, I was on the website almost immediately — I even ordered my first Margot from the very first drop.

Now at 26, I’ve had four Amber Jean wigs, and they’ve completely transformed my experience with wigs. The quality is unlike anything I’d had before — each one lasting me around two years — but it’s more than just the hair itself. It’s the experience.

Every time I visit, I’m met with such warmth and care. The whole team makes you feel comfortable, like you’re surrounded by friends who truly understand what you’re going through. Buying a wig can feel daunting — it’s an investment, and it becomes such a big part of your identity — but with the support from Amber Jean, the whole process feels easy and reassuring.

I am so grateful for the experiences and the community that Amber Jean has given me. It’s not just about the wigs — it’s about feeling understood, supported and confident in who you are.