How to Prepare a Class for a Student with Hair Loss
Childhood Hair Loss & Alopecia
When young people experience hair loss the impact can be devastating from a psychological perspective. Whether the child or teenager has cancer or alopecia, hair loss needs to be handled correctly and sensitively. This includes preparing their class at school or college. By using supportive ways of helping the student and communicating with the class, issues such as teasing, and bullying can be avoided. Here’s how to prepare a class for a child with hair loss.
Talk to the Student & Their Parents
One of the most important places to start is with the student experiencing hair loss. Find out how they want to be involved in the preparations and how they want to explain the reason for their hair loss. Some students will want to play an active part in discussing their alopecia whilst others may be unsure of what to say or what the reaction will be.
Essentials for the Class
Explaining hair loss to a class of young people will provoke a reaction. It is vital to get across key points so that a classroom of teenagers obsessed with body image will take the issues on board and think about how they can be supportive to a friend. Explain what causes hair loss and why people get alopecia. Talk about why hair falls out in some cancer treatments if this is what the cause is and do ensure they know this is not contagious. Offer the opportunity for fellow students to ask questions as they will be curious.
Preparing the Class
The student with hair loss will need support in the classroom. Fellow students can help by recognizing they may get tired from time to time and need assistance with note taking or carrying books, for example. If the student has hair loss through cancer and a weakened immune system, students can help by avoiding coming into class with colds. Above all, the class needs to ensure it remains inclusive and does not avoid the affected student or leave them out of activities for fear of causing a problem.
Get into Team Building
When a fellow student is affected by hair loss – or any illness – the opportunity to strengthen the support around them should be maximized. Get the class working as a team by having a fundraiser for a charity in support of the illness causing the hair loss. Or, have a day when the entire class comes to school wearing a beanie or something similar in support of their friend. By handling hair loss in a positive and supportive way, the benefits of building a support network of students will have long-term impact on caring for others.
Hair loss is extremely difficult for anyone to deal with, but it can be especially difficult for impressionable young people. When it is the result of an illness it becomes a particularly sensitive issue. At Transitions hair replacement centers and clinics, we understand and are sensitive to all hair loss cases, and we offer all proven hair replacement and hair restoration solutions for men, women and children.
Talk to a Childhood Hair Loss Specialist
Whether you live in Baltimore, Maryland or Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere in between, if you are experiencing the devastating effects of hair loss and would like to learn more about medical wig options available to you, we invite you to consider scheduling a free private, confidential consultation with an experienced hair loss professional near you.