On The Subject Of Loss
Jun 4, 2010 at 4:00PM
Hair is a defining feature, particularly for women. Our intelligence is assumed because of our hair color, our personalities are judged on the length, our social status can be dependent on it (just think about high school... and how we never really leave high school even if we're adults). It affects our self-esteem and can truly make or break our days. It's funny that we can discuss intimate details like hair removal, but when it comes to women actually losing their hair, things suddenly get taboo.
This is something I've been ruminating on for a while. Fashionista ran an incredibly in-depth piece about female hair loss a few weeks ago in which they talked to a medical journalist who is an expert on the subject. While there are many, many reasons why women lose their hair, genetics - just like in men - can be the main culprit. Thinking about my baby fine hair (which grows like a weed) and other female family members who quietly struggle with hair loss, I'm assuming this is my destiny. I've witnessed girlfriends and roommates try everything from exotic oils and potions to weaves, even hair pieces because of their thin or thinning hair. And while for most, the results are temporary (extensions) or their hair looks extra shiny, very few have ever admitted that this may be an ongoing problem.
Since 1 in 4 women suffer from hair loss before the age of 50 (seriously, read the Fashionista post, it's chock full of facts) and more people are comfortable talking about their Brazilian wax (hello, TMI!) than hair loss, I thought it's important to bring this topic up. When I heard that Hair Club (yes, Hair Club, and no, it's not just for men anymore, but women and children, too) is offering New Englanders a chance to win a complimentary hair restoration treatment by submitting a 500 word essay on how hair loss has affected them by September 1st, I knew that I had to help spread the word. Hair Club offers personalized treatment plans and multiple solutions depending on personal preference and stage of hair loss, which is important because like many physical ailments, one treatment is not right for everyone. Hopefully, somewhere out there, at least one reader here will be moved enough to speak up and share their story.
Further details about Hair Club's essay contest after the jump.
From Hair Club:
To have the chance to win a complimentary treatment that is right for you, send in a (minimum) 500 word essay about how hair loss has impacted your life by September 1, 2010. Hair Club of New England will choose two winners (one man, one woman), at the end of September 2010, based on their essay and photos that we believe is the most deserving of a complimentary hair treatment. In addition to the essay, please send at least two photographs showing us your hair loss (top of head and face-forward) to 30entry@hairclubnewengland.com.
Official Contest Rules
1. General. By submitting an entry to this contest, sponsored by Hair Club of New England ("Sponsor"), the entrant acknowledges and agrees to all of these Official Rules. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Contest begins on May 1, 2010 at 12:00 AM and ends on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM. All times in this contest refer to Eastern Time. By entering the contest, entrants agree to waive any right to claim any ambiguity or error in these Official Rules, or the contest itself, and agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by all decisions of the Sponsor, whose decisions are binding and final. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification from this contest.
2. Eligibility. The contest is open only to legal U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older as of 5/1/10 and is void wherever prohibited or restricted by applicable federal or state laws and regulations. Employees of the Sponsor, officers, directors, agents, employees, advertising and promotion agencies and members of their immediate families (spouses, parents, children, and siblings and their spouses) are not eligible.
3. Entry. Entries that are incomplete, illegible or corrupted are void and will not be accepted. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Hair Club will not use any photos or essay of the winners for any advertising or promotional materials without the consent of the entrant. All online entries must be received before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 1, 2010 to be eligible for receive the contest prize. Entrants agree that the Sponsor may contact the entrant via email to request additional information.
4. Selection of Winner. One male and one female winner will be selected by employees of the Sponsor. The winners will be notified by email at the email address provided by the entrant.
5. Prize. The ultimate Grand Prize will be based on the winner's stage of hair loss and the cost of the appropriate solution to meet their needs, and can be valued at most approximately upwards of $3000. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Transfer of the prizes is prohibited. All applicable sales tax and all other expenses, costs or fees associated with the acceptance and/or use of the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner must complete an affidavit of eligibility and liability release.
6. Email Marketing. Entrants agree that the Sponsor may add entrant to company's mailing list for future correspondence.
7. Disclaimer. Winner assumes all liability for any injury or damages caused or claimed to be caused by his or her participation in the contest and/or the acceptance and/or use of any prize, and releases the Sponsor and their respective parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, agents, and employees, from any such liability.
Entry does not constitute permission to use winner's name, city, state, essay or photos for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity without permission from winner.
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