Nicole

44, Female

Sterling, VA

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:
Engaged
About Me:
I am a devoted mother of three precious babies. They are my world and keep me going nonstop. I have had all three stages of alopecia (areata, totalis, and universalis) since the age of 19. Right now, I am in the in-between stage of totalis and universalis because my body cannot make up its mind on what it wants to do. That is the frustrating part of having alopecia. To keep myself busy, I am the CEO of Couture Lace Crowns by passion, an accountant by trade, and I am in the process of learning how to make my own lace wig. I enjoy sharing my story with other people and helping them as well as myself achieve inner & outer beauty. Being positive and spiritual has helped me accept alopecia, allow it to run its course, and move forward in living the best life I can live.
Do you have alopecia?
Alopecia totalis
Are you age 18 or older?
Yes - I am 18 or older
Your Website (Leave blank if you don't have one):
http://www.alopeciantressesandbeauty.blogspot.com

Comment Wall:

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  • Lenita

    I'm so glad i found this website. Its comforting to know i'm not the only one going through this.

    Jan 9, 2009

  • Lenita

    I definitely will

    Jan 9, 2009

  • Austin

    Thanks for the welcome, Nicole.

    Jan 18, 2009

  • Dionne

    Hello Nicole. How are you? I work in accounting too! I would like to know where you get your hair pieces? They look so nice on you!!

    Jan 18, 2009

  • Sabrina

    Hey Nicole,
    Just wanted to see how you were hope everyone is well.

    Jan 19, 2009

  • Vicsta

    I am wearing full lace at the moment and it's a right hassle to have to maintain it, clean up, reapply... so you wear yours for 2 weeks? I only started wearing mine recently and I think I shall be lucky if I manage to keep it on for a week. I find clean up to be the worst... are you using glue or adhesives or a combination? It takes me ages to apply also - but I was hoping it would get better as I got used to it. *sigh*

    Jan 19, 2009

  • Eddie N. Padilla

    Hi nicole, thank you very much for sharing those words. stress is a very horrible thing, and im very aware of many methods to help manage it and not let it manage you. I understand that with what you are going through with your son the stress is very intense. What kind of heart defect was your child born with if you dont mind me asking? It does seem serious if he is needed a secondary operation. I do hope that all treatments he undergos are successful, and I hope that you are able to deal with your very turbulent times. Depending on who your insurance provider is, do look into the details of access to a top specialist center in your area. Im not sure where your located but it seems that every state or major city should have a reputable treatment center.

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Vicsta

    Hey. Thanks for the tip about the ACV and lemon. I always have those in the house so I may just try that. I am using Supertape and Invisibond, so I get gunk also... I seem to get a lot of it left on me when I remove the wig, which I find annoying. I can probably try the ACV+lemon on myself also... as I used to wash my bio hair/scalp with baking soda followed by an ACV rinse.

    xx

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Vicsta

    I might buy some of the Davlyn and Blue Liner to try. I am already fed up with putting it on and taking off - only done it twice. Today my nape lifted (after 2 days!) and I tried to deal with just that area, but got frustrated and took the darn thing off entirely. I find Invisibond find to apply, but removal is like a nightmare - bits of the glue all over the place and so hard to get off even with alcohol. I might even just try supertape on its own and see if it works - at least if it doesn't the cleanup won't be so bad as when using glue. I am a bit disillusioned because although it looks lovely on, I cannot see how I can realistically wear this full time with so much maintenance. I will give it time though, as I guess it takes a lot of practice and trying different adhesives out.

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Vicsta

    sorry meant to say I find the Invisbond fine* to apply...

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Sabrina

    I wish I could have been in the DC area...this is a great day for us as a people and as a country. I am so excited to for the future.

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Eddie N. Padilla

    I will say a prayer for you and the little one. I have not heard of that defect sounds very rare, havent ran across it in my studies in nursing school. For your stress, the minimum standard set nationally is 30min a day for 5 days a week. With that in mind a simple jog will do the trick. Additionally watch your diet, keep it low in fats, high in protein and carbs, plenty of water, keep the alcohol down how ever i have been told tequila kills stress haha. Take your multivitamin, and take antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, A, selenium, or try Noni juice or acai juice. :) best of luck!

    Jan 20, 2009

  • Vicsta

    I have a custom made - it fits my head ok... could do with a tiny tweak here and there, but I have a weird hairline so unless I made a template it is never going to be perfect.

    Your stylist is right - I think it will take me a while to get this process down and feel totally confident. I also agree I need to get several months out of it to feel it was worth the money. I do think I am treating it a little roughly being a newbie!!

    Jan 21, 2009

  • Dionne

    Hey Nicole, sorry to say that all doctors think the cause of AA is stress, if so we have a lot of stressed out people. But I wish you good news!!! I had AA since I was nine, but not always. It grew back due to cortisone shots from my doctor. I still had some spots but I was able to hide them and thank God that I had really long hair to hide it. So going to school was a breeze to me. My hair didn't completely fall out until I was 25. I'm in my early thirties now so, I have just learned to deal with it.

    Feb 17, 2009

  • Cheryl, Co-founder

    Hi Nicole, I wanted to thank you for the well wishes on our wedding an dto add.... Boy you have a beautiful family!

    May 2, 2009

  • JeffreySF

    Happy Birthday Nichole.

    Jeffrey

    Jun 3, 2009

  • Stephanie

    Happy Birthday!

    Jun 4, 2009

  • JeffreySF

    Did you blow out all the candles and make a wish?
    I just made a wish for you.

    Happy Birthday!!!

    Jeffrey

    Jun 4, 2009

  • MiNAH

    At 1:58am on July 11, 2009, Mina said…yes mommy..you are too too too cute!
    your little ones too!
    I have three grown babies and three grandbabies.
    Two girls and one boy..and still more on the way when the time is right!
    Don't let it eat you up too deep..cause look at what you have..a beautiful family and healthy kiddies!
    The rest...will all fall into place.
    Stand tall...stand strong...and keep smiling.
    Cause it ain't gonna change any time soon..right.
    So let's just try to accept our self and throw that negative judgement opinions and perception off our shoulders.
    Our Human Right is to Feel whole and Free, to be who we are.
    Anna Mina

    Jul 11, 2009

  • spaganya

    Hey there - wondering what is your hair solution and where do you go up here in NoVA? im looking to get a good lace wig, but not spend more than $1000, being that ordering them online is only $500, but most salons will charge $1000 plus....?

    Jul 11, 2009

  • MiNAH

    any time..any time.
    I have those days and know that i'm supposed to be strong for myself.
    It's our journey and no other shall ever understand, except for our friends here on Alopecia World.
    I say, that I wish I would have understood my self when this all began.
    From the time I was 14 years Old...all the heartache and self loathing could have possibly been lesser.
    Yet..I am not going to destroy the rest of my wonderful life....so I am having to embrace my image and love myself.
    Meaning..if there is no other who understands..who recognizes your pain..then we ourselves have to take control of our own feelings.
    To look at what we are blessed with...and work hard on being strong.
    I just thought ...why have I wasted my whole youth
    worrying...devowering my own self worth and self esteem because others made it so difficult for me to deal with myself.
    I even allowed another human being destroy my only Love.
    Because I was so green..so supressed, I didn't listen to myself.Thought that my own opinions were worthless..I lost the only love I have ever known.Because I allowed someone else to perceive and judge my life..my relationship..and who I was.I should have had enough self awarness and to stand above all the negative ignorant judgements.This continues in my life from close family memebers..soooooooooo...I have to change my path and the way I feel about myself!"RIGHT"
    When a person is so busy judging..it is impossible for them to see the real you.
    So..you are Nicole..you were given that name and the right..the freedom to be whole...be happy in your life..and to be any other way would be robbing yourself from the gift of your HUMAN RIGHTS!

    Jul 11, 2009

  • Tracy and Amanda

    Hi Nicole,
    How are you ?
    Tracy

    Sep 8, 2009

  • Lenita

    Hi Nicole, its been a long time since I last heard from you. Hope all is well. I haven't been on the site for a while. I stay on Facebook more than anything. If you have a facebook , it be nice to have you as a friend on there. I'm Angela Glenn on Facebook.

    Jan 15, 2010

  • Nesha B.

    Thanks!!!! Thanks for adding me:) Your babies are beautiful. I have two kids. A four year old and a two year old. I might just post some pics of them 2. Hope you are having a great week!

    Nesha

    Aug 15, 2010

  • Linda Rollins

    Hi Nicole, thanks for the friend request. Have a blessed day.

    Sep 16, 2010

  • mmmm

    Hi Nicole. I just noticed that you left a comment for me. You have three beautiful kids. My kids are the one who keeps me going when I am felling down. I have recently separated myself from my husband, and now I think that my hair loss was a positive thing happend to me becuase I would still be in that awful marriage if I had not gotten alopecia. I do think that everything happenes for reason, and I think alopecia happned to me to finally open up my eyes to do something for me and kids.

    Dec 18, 2011

  • Marieca

    Hi Nicole sorry i'm responding so late to your comment. Thanks for checking out my blog I don't update it as much as I would like too :(. You have beautiful children by the way. I see you're engaged out of curiousity did you meet your hubby before or after you had alopecia? I ask bc thats a big concern for me.

    Jan 9, 2012

  • Essence

    thank youuu!! that's awesome. i've never tried a waver! & yes, i get bored with the straight look too which is why i got the curly hair. but i am too shy to wear it outside just yet. i just like to take pictures in it. haha.

    Feb 6, 2012

  • benechia

    Hello Nicole,
    Oh my goodness you have beautiful kids. Gorgeous! Thanks for friend requesting me, looks like we have quite a bit in common. Well, i've had alopecia for most of my life now since the age of 11. I'm now 30. Currently, i would say i think I'm going through the recovering stage universalis. I recently had my 3rd child 7mos ago and my hair came out the worse it has ever. It seems like each time I go through the process of pregancy and labor the hairloss effect is worse. So, now my eyelashes are starting to grow! Yay! It's funny, you don't know how pivotal simple things as eyelashes and eyebrows are until you dont have them. A few years ago, I visited a wigmaking class in S.C., I'm currently in the lacewigmaking process. Well, i look forward to speaking with you.

    Mar 1, 2012

  • T

    Hi Nicole. It's very nice to meet you and what a beautiful family you have! Gorgeous! We have two boys, 17 & 9. Thanks so much for the friend request. I look forward to getting to know you better. - T (for Tammy) :D

    May 2, 2012

  • Tay

    Hello, May name is Tay and I just read that you love the bonded glueless hair systems. I'm still trying to hide spots but I would like to try other options. Were do you get your hair systems from? This has been such a difficult journey for me. Thanks so much!

    May 9, 2012

  • Latina Sethman-Benthall

    Hello,Nicole thanks for compliant and you also is Beautiful and so are those adorable kids of yours,and your work for lace front company well I''ll be waiting to wear one of yours...I really didn't know about lace fronts until i was 35 lol a coworker was trying help me to look better..because i was wearing wigs since like forever...smh i just pray every night for my hair to come back it all came out when i was 12 i had terrible school going threw it to....well i don't want to bore you to death have a wonderful night...

    May 9, 2012

  • Latina Sethman-Benthall

    Happy Friday you to as ....Yes I love them I was glad someone introduce me to them I love them I thank God for them...especially the real human ones lol but can be costly to...hey what's the best glue to use Ultra seems to be the best for me girl....I bought so ghost bond glue online it didn't work for me...Happy Mother's day...kiss those beautiful babies for me ...remember Jesus loves u and so do I......

    May 11, 2012

  • Jessica

    I am not sure why I didn't see this comment... Thanks so much, you do as well. Love you lace wigs. Very natural looking
    jess

    May 11, 2012

  • Ana Júlia Bernardino Ferreira

    You are such an inspiration...-))

    I have recently give up on medication for alopecia...just tired of taking lots of pills and still have a bad hair...lol

    Anyway congrats on your blog...

    lOTS OF love..

    ANA

    May 12, 2012

  • Ana Júlia Bernardino Ferreira

    Thank you for your message..:-))

    Yes I know what you mean...wig is the way to go...:-)

    All the best...ANA

    May 13, 2012

  • Latina Sethman-Benthall

    no i haven't even gone back on that site...lol been wearing short wigs now ..it's been to hot i haven't seen a short full lace front ..do u know a website to go to my friend?

    May 28, 2012

  • Latina Sethman-Benthall

    hello nicole, really you can do that for me i would REALLY LOVE that...i would love a remy wet wavy...to straight lol...just let me know what i have to do.thank you.

    May 29, 2012

  • Latina Sethman-Benthall

    nicole your eyebrows is on the one ,do you have trouble with doing them everyday ,im thinking abotu getting them tattoed on lol,ppl love the way i do them but its still a headache doing them lol...and far as my eyelashes i use can wear the strips but for some reason i can't put them on..this is my number 757 254-9729 going bed now work n da am lol@6am but i would to text u if u don't mind...thanks

    May 30, 2012

  • Michelle

    Thanks for the friend request Nicole. I'm loving your wigs, good choices.

    May 31, 2012

  • moonflower

    Thanks so much for the kind words and the frien request Nicole!! You're story is quite touching. It's great to see you have created a niche with the lace wig company. Kudos to you for being a great mom and businesswoman!!

    Jun 14, 2012

  • chappie

    thank u very much

    Jun 21, 2012

  • Ana Júlia Bernardino Ferreira

    Hello Nicole,

    Thank you for your post..All the best for you XXX..ANA

    Jun 29, 2012

  • Tallgirl

    Virginia
    Support Group
    Northern VA
    Ginny Hallock
    703.843.5007

    Reston
    Vashti Wood
    703.409.1668

    Telephone Contact
    Vienna, VA
    Jan Wolf
    703.255.2442

    Jun 30, 2012

  • Allison

    Thank you for the add Nicole! : ) ~ Allison

    Jul 5, 2012

  • Deeann

    Nicole: I'd love to hear your story. I see you are in Virginia. Will you be at the conference next week? Either way, your story has already piqued my interest. I look forward to talking to you.

    Jul 13, 2012

  • Deeann

    We can communicate through alopecia world if you'd like, or I can give you a call. I'm hoping to set up skype here at home, but living in the country has some downsides with the slow internet. You can e-mail it to me through my personal e-mail alopeciaoutlook@gmail.com.

    How far are you from the conference this year? If you're close, you don't have to sign up for the conference to come and meet people. Have you been to one before?

    I have a couple friends who use acrylic nails to cover them up, or depending on how bad they are - polish them. I know others have the same issue, and hope you get a response soon.

    Jul 13, 2012

  • Deeann

    Nicole: You should definitely come by. It is an amazing experience, and such a great opportunity to meet others should you feel that's something you'd like to do.

    When you e-mail me, I'll give you my cell # and you can call/text me if you choose to come in. I have a great bunch of friends I've met over the years, and we'd love to have you visit with us.

    Jul 13, 2012

  • ANVan

    Hi Nicole,

    Thank you for adding me :) I was taking a look at your pictures and your blog and your hair looks wonderful. Wondering where you get your lace fronts from? Do you make them? I have recently purchased my first human lace front and still struggling a bit with making the hair line look natural. It's a lot of work styling real hair! I think Im going to blow dry and straight iron the front and make a part. Any tips you can pass along would be great. Hope you're having a good day!

    Jul 23, 2012

  • ANVan

    Hi, Thanks for the tips. I ordered a standard wig last time so I dont think I had the option of a different density. Ill keep that in mind for next time though. It probably takes some trial an error to find one that really works for you and then playing with the styling. I've only worn synthetic so this is new for me, but wanted to find a more natural look. But as I can see from your pics it is achievable :)

    Jul 24, 2012