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Karina Louise

Female

Melbourne, VIC

Australia

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: In a Relationship
About Me:: I am a twenty-something Alopecian of 5 or so years. I have been through various periods of hair loss and regrowth, including losing almost every hair on my body in 2009. Now, I have complete regrowth on my head, body hair is reappearing and my eyebrows and lashes are partly back. I'm enjoying having hair again but have no idea what the future will hold and hope that I'll be able to be strong if it all decides to disappear again. I'm hoping against hope that it never falls out again, but we all know how unpredictable alopecia areata can be! I've got wigs ready to go if it does fall out again, and I wouldn't hesitate to shave it all off it gets patchy again.

Having alopecia has taught me a lot about myself and I wouldn't necessarily change it. I travelled and worked overseas for around 18 months while I had no hair and met numerous people who accepted me as I was. I did wear a wig most of the time but I was very open about the alopecia and didn't mind showing anyone my bare head. I'd like to think that I managed to educate some people along the way and that if they come across someone else with alopecia in their life, they might remember the girl they met in a hostel who had no hair and was living her life to the fullest!

As for a little about me, I love to travel and I love adventures. I love trying new things, meeting new people and exploring new places. I love bargain hunting at op shops, dancing, live music, outdoor festivals and spending time with my friends. I'm a hula hooper, a snowboarder, an avid reader, a runner and a self confessed coffee snob.
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia areata
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall:

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Dotty

Hi Karina,
Welcome to Alopecia World and thank you for the tattoo comment. I love my tattoos also. I love them mostly because they get the attention I need to be able to talk about Alopecia which is my favorite pasttime. Hope to chat with you sometime again soon.
Love and hugs,
Dotty

Apr 10, 2008
Dee Connelly

HI its me again, The eyeliner tatooing did hurt. My eyes were swelled together for about two weeks. It did not take like the eyebrows did. I had to go back at least 3 to 4 times. I also had my lips tatooed with a light pink color. That was so painful. I had to go to a dentist before the tatooing was to be done on my lips. I think he gave me about 10 shots. I looked like a clown when the tatooing was done. My lips were so swolled, I did not want to even eat. But it was all worth it in the end. I think the cosmetic tatooing hurt more that the tatoo I have on my lower back.

Apr 10, 2008
Orbit

Hi K! Yes I was a natural redhead "back in the day". Don't you find it hard t find a red that is complimentary to your skin tone? The colour you wear now beautiful and very flattering on you!!! If you are looking for a great spot up here in Canada to ski - be sure to check out "Red Mountain - Rossland British Columbia". I was fortunate to get the this January for snowboarding and it was amazing!!!! Its great to see you on here :-D

Apr 13, 2008
Karina

Hi, nice too "meet" you, Karina :)
I hope we can keep contact with eachother. Do you have a hotmail?
If you had one and if you want, you can add me : karinins_68@hotmail.com
See you, big hug from Sweden

Apr 13, 2008
Erica

Hi Karina,
I know what you mean about the whole red wig thing. I've just ordered a couple and neither are my colour. But I'm hoping they suit me. People don't seem to understand that red really is best though :-)

Your wig looks great though.

Apr 15, 2008
Emma

Hey K your wig looks amazing you do really suit it thanx for adding me, don't worry about the love-hate relationship with your wig i have 11 of the damn things and i go through stages of hating everysingle one of them but then again i do get 2 on the NHS every year. I do like the flexibility of them though they are all different in colour and styles what base is your wig?

May 21, 2008
Emma

Hi K
if you find the knot uncomfy at the bach of the head reverse the bandana so it is at the top i sleep on my side so don't really find the knot that uncomfy or if you want you can get a cotton hat to sleep in they work also.

May 22, 2008
Kristen Ridenhour

That's awesome! I'm really jealous. What camp is it? The camp I went to was for gymnastics... I don't compete any more, but I have recently started coaching. I know what you mean, I still freak out from time to time.

May 22, 2008
Kristen Ridenhour

That sounds like a lot of fun. I always loved going to camp and wish I had the time to work at one in the summer.

May 22, 2008
Danna

Karina, just be yourself. People will love you for who you are. I just want to say that we are all here to support you. Kids are often more accepting than adults so don't worry about them. Let me know about the freedom wig. I am interested in one also.
Danna

May 25, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

I love that you named your wig Ruby! And I understand about the hair color. You look wonderful in red. I like a reddish color in my hair, too. I can't get away with a darker red, though.
Have you received your suction wig yet? How do you like it?
LeslieAnn

May 26, 2008
Danna

Keep going gutsy. We are all rooting for you.

Jun 6, 2008
sgomez

Hi Karina,
Well.........I went through Peggy Knight for my vacuum, but I heard that she goes through Freedom Wigs. So I guess I did go through FW too. I ordered the 14". I told her I wanted the longest possible length. So how long is yours? I'm just so scarred that the 14" will end up being way too short for whart I'm used to. The shortest I've gone in a long time is 18" from the nape. I guess I just have to get over it, and accept that if I want a good quality wig then I will have to sacrifice the length.
As far as how to pack your wig for your trip, I suggest you put it in a plastic bag, or pillow case. I went on a family trip a few months ago, and put my wig in a plastic bag to save it for later. Well, I never got around to putting it on the whole trip. It got left in my van, neglected. When I brought it home I thought that it was going to be kind of messed up. It wasn't actually. It didn't even tangle or get staticy. So don't worry too much about it. I don't think that the cap will get distorted either. It should pretty much keep its shape no matter what. Have fun on your trip!

Jun 6, 2008
sgomez

Glad you're all set for the trip! I know, 18" is long, and it does tangle but I'm used to it. I've had long hair since forever! I really like to style my wigs in different ways. I like to put it up, or curl it. I just like the way longer hair looks. I am so excited to get my new wig. I know that I will probably love it! So how are you adjusting to yours so far? Where are you traveling to?(lucky)
Thanks for the friend request! Take care, Sarah

Jun 10, 2008
Mandy

Jul 10, 2008
Dominique

Hi Karina,

I'm looking at getting a Freedom wig soon - but still trying to make the decision. I've spent so much of my life just going without hair (since I was about 9 months old - so 5 is really what I remember from) - and just recently though - I want to change to my look. Anyway - I have a synthetic wig - which I really like hte look of, but I'm always so concerned about it coming off at the wrong moment. So - a Freedom wig seems just the right choice.
I'd really like to hear about your experiences... I've heard they quite hot (but you adjust) - are they comfortable? Is there anything you think people should know before they purchase?

If you can find the time to respond to me, that would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards!
-Dominique

PS. I love your hair colour - my synthetic is red and I love red heads :c)

Oct 16, 2008
Dominique

Hello :c)

Thanks heaps for your response to my questions :) If I think of any more - I'll let you know. But sounds like a pretty positive review. I've heard alot of good things about them I have to admit.

Cheers,

-Dom

Oct 19, 2008
JeffreySF

Hi Karina,

How is everything going in Canada?
I love your Golden Gate Bridge Pic. A beautiful day in San Francisco.

Jeff

Nov 24, 2008
Mandy

Hey girl. Thanks for the comment. :o) How are you?

Nov 27, 2008
Karina

Is comfortable wearing a wig all the time?

Dec 1, 2008
Christine

Thanks for the comment! Your freedom wig looks beautiful. I can't wait until I get mine. That's also cool you're living in Lake Louise... it's such a beautiful place. I was there last summer for the first time and I was amazed. Hope you're enjoying it there!

Jan 6, 2009
Christine

Hey.... well I have since shaved my head and have been playing soccer bald. I can honestly say I love having my head shaved! it was the most liberating experience. Right now I'm wearing synthetic wigs and they are really appealing to me. For starters, my showers are SUPER fast. I also don't have to spend lots of time on styling the hair and buying expensive products. I think as of right now, I'm going to wear synthetic wigs until I get tired of them. I love how low maintenance they are... almost a positive of having alopecia.

how are you doing?

Jan 27, 2009
Lee

love your hair! I have a Freedom Wig also!

Feb 1, 2009
Montoya Grant

Hi Karina...Thanks for your feedback. Luckily for me I have a high tolerance for pain..but i do know that even those with the highest tolerance to pain cant take some things...so i will definitely keep what you said in mind....

Feb 21, 2009
SportyAusGirl

Hi Karina,
thanks for saying hi!! I just read your info, and am happy for you that you have such an awesome attitude. It's not going to beat us, hey!

i'm in Hobart, and loving it. Did the UK thing last year, was so over it, i'm glad to be home.

I'd love to keep in touch, as i think the more of us out there, the better ;)

Take it easy over there!
xox

Mar 2, 2009
Catherine

Thanks for the compliment! This response is super late! I actually got this wig through locks of love six years ago but didnt have the courage to wear it until now. My sisters {who had the same color hair as me} cut their hair twice so that i could have my original color! Hope all is well!

Mar 8, 2009
Jude

Hi

I see you have a Freedom wig. I'm thinking of getting one. Are they easy to style? Is it just like having your real hair?

Apr 9, 2009
Jude

Thanks for the info on Freedom wigs. Now it's just a question of saving up!

I like your attitude:
'I am not going to let a lack of hair stop me from doing what I want to do!'

That's what I aspire to! Seems ridiculous really that not having hair could stop us doing anything.

Apr 15, 2009
Bel

Hi Karina, thanks for your message. How is it over there?
My patches I thought were gorwing back seem prickly one day and smooth the next, so I dont know what is going on there. I'm getting a little freaked out again as my hair loss seems to of accelerated and is now very thin.
My boyfriend is great, although i cant help but think he is a litte in denial as to how much hair i may actually loose.
I have only told a couple of people at work and not sure what to do there, deciding wether to tell more.
Your hair looks great. Where from Melbourne were you from? im out in the eastern suburbs.
Have a good day :)

Apr 18, 2009
Bel

Hi Karina, My regrowth has all gone and the largest patch feels really smooth. I hate not knowing what is going to happen, learning to accept it more and more (well some days....) How long will you be living overseas for, do you think you will end back in Aus?
I actually caught up and met Vesna this weekend, it was SO wonderful to actually meet someone else with alopecia, she really did inspire me :)
I want to shave my head and get a wig, but I think Im still hoping that I will be one of the lucky ones that their hair will grow back and that i will never have to worry about it again, I know that I just dont want to totally realise that it is MORE than likey.
Oh well, what do you do!
Take care
Bel x

May 17, 2009
Cherylnz

Hi Karina,
Happy Birthday

Have a wonderful day :)
Cheryl

May 18, 2009
Amber Lounder

Happy Birthday Girl!!

May 18, 2009
Tenille Gee

Hey there, I just read on a post that you are living in Lake Louise, I am jealous. I lived up there and worked at the ski hill for 2 years. How are you enjoying it? Where are you working?

May 18, 2009
Bel

Happy Birthday Karina!
Have a great day :)

May 18, 2009
Tenille Gee

It is a blast in the summer, all sorts of amazing hikes and such around, and it is one of the most beautiful places in the world (I would be tempted to say the most beautiful but I haven't been everywhere so I don't know for sure) winter or summer but summer is SPECTACULAR for view's absolutely amazing. Highly recommend taking the trip up the gondola at the ski hill in the summer to see the lake in all it's glory. Have a blast.

May 20, 2009
MiNAH

I'm from Sydney,living in the USA for the past 8 years.Please get yourself the greatest gift ever..especially while your lifestyle can benifit from wearing it.
A freedom wig..vacume wig..suction wig prosthesis.
I got mine in Sydney just recently on my return..as my daughter found freedomwigs.
We had no idea that this exsisted..and although I don't shave every day..due to razor burn,,,I do when I feel the need to look otherwise.
I had alopecia totalis and over the years spars hair growth returned..yet nothing to rave about.
Look at my profile and see my wig..aslo my bald head.
Nice to meet you and if it's any interest..you are extremly pretty.
Mina

Jun 15, 2009
Karina

Hi Karina...I´m from Argentina..I want to ask you If you tried other type of wig ..and if you told people about alopecia..I have telogen effluvium and I´m very depressed and scared to face the world and fell discriminated.

Jul 7, 2009
Moisuc Alexandru

Your pitures are great i always wanted to try skydiving but never got the chance,the places you've been to are very beautiful .

Jul 18, 2009
Inez

Hello Karina, I love the picture of the freefall. May we put it in our magazine? It's for Dutch alopecians. Have a very nice day and weekend and enjoy.
Inez.

Aug 14, 2009
cw

I'm live in Vancouver BC. Have you been to Whistler?

C

Aug 18, 2009
Mary

You're welcome! The picture is wonderful!

Oct 10, 2009
Joan Gibson

Hi-I'll tell you one day about the beautiful Aussie in my life. I didn't know you had a freedom wig. I think Karen,afreedom wig rep may come to Calgary formeasuring with the new laser tech,precise measurements. I just wondered if ,being close to Calgary, you might want this for future. maybe not.Grateful for your response.Ciao,Joan

Oct 21, 2009
josh

You look so cute in your pics...

Oct 24, 2009
Nikita

Hello,
Thank you for writing to me- the melbourne nurse/ dance teacher (sorry it has been ages since I have been on), that is so cool that yu have been able to live in canda, I saw the pictures and it lookes like an awesome place- it also looks freezing.
I read the lettter from your friends, having friends like that make life better, if only there were more out ther like that.

So when will you next be in melbourne- do you plan on moving back for good- either way we should keep in touch xox Nikita

Nov 6, 2009
josh

Nice pic at MachuPichu Peru or something like that....

Feb 2, 2010
Devin

Karina I love the pics. I parachuted once and snow skied, but never snow boarding. By the look of your pics Id say you dont allow alopecia to interfere with you enjoying life. Good for you. I hope you have a great day!

Mar 3, 2010
Jessie

thanks! It's good to know there are others in the same city dealing with the same issues. I'm going well, trying not to let the alopecia interfere with my life, but it's hard when i see other people with full heads of hair, i get really jealous! I'm sure it's a feeling everyone on here feels. I'm glad that I've finally taken a step to accepting it though, I like this place, I don't feel like I have anything to hide.
So where in Melbourne do you live??
And you snowboard, that's so cool, Im going to the snow this winter to learn with a few mates, any tips where I should go? I was thinking hotham, but buller is closer.

Mar 10, 2010
Jessie

i've also lived in a few different suburbs of Melb, but at the moment i'm in Coburg. Just moved here from Brunswick West, into my first 1 bedroom, so that is pretty exciting!
So do you go to uni or work?
Yeah I bet the snow over in new zealand is stacks better than here, but oh well, if i enjoy it i can always plan to go over there soon. I love travelling!! Any old excuse will do! haha.

Mar 14, 2010
Devin

Hey Karina thanks for the add! I love your pics. Did you ever go parachuting again or just the tandem jump? I jumped by myself, but only the one time and then had to go out of town on business and never ended up doing it again. I wish I had kept it up. I hope all is well with you.

Mar 18, 2010
irene

katrina louise you look fantasic your hair is gorgeous very natural looking x

Mar 29, 2010