With the number of women in the millions experiencing hair thinning, chances are you or someone you know is going through the hair loss battle. We rely on friends and family for support and to help us cope with our condition, but we sometimes wish they could do more. The woman battling hair loss is working hard to survive but also wants very much to retain her dignity during this difficult time. She is looking for a safe place to share her feelings and her experience.

Kindness and compassion can do wonders when we’re in pain – sometimes all it takes to ease our burdens, if only a little, are a few choice words or a sympathetic gesture, actions that cost nothing but are priceless for those in need. We all know the joy helping others brings, and there’s a right way to be a resource in helping a woman feel better about herself during her hair loss battle.

Do:
…let her know you are there to support her. We may not be able to take away the suffering our loved one is experiencing, but we can be a shoulder to lean on. Simply listening can do wonders.

…tell her she is beautiful. Often. A woman experiencing hair loss is fighting to hang onto her self-esteem. Keep in mind she is losing what many of us consider a huge part of our femininity. Letting her know she is still loved and cared for can go a long way in helping her retain her personal power.

…be kind. We’ve all witnessed the woman with a visible bald spot, receding hairline or poorly-made wig. It’s what we say or do right at that moment that makes all the difference. A simple smile, handshake, or hug to let her know she is important can change her outlook completely.

…offer help in private. Sometimes we can’t always offer solutions to a specific problem, but we can show we care. If you feel compelled to provide information on her health or appearance, do her the simple favor of ensuring she’s in a private, safe place.

Don’t:
…touch her hair without permission. Particularly for women who are experiencing hair loss, even the slightest touch to the hair or scalp can be very uncomfortable, even painful. Hair loss is typically accompanied by some other condition, and touching her hair puts her in a position to have to answer questions with which she may not be comfortable.

…encourage any kind of bullying around hair loss, including staring, pointing fingers, snickering or any other kind of audible commentary. This is a simple practice of remembering the Golden Rule.

…approach to offer help—even if it’s just a small gesture or kind word—in the presence of others. Most of us have the best intentions, but outing someone’s illness without their consent is painful. Wait until she is in a safe place, and then let her know she means the world to you!

…ask inappropriate questions. “Is that a wig?” or “Are those extensions?” True, people today are more open about wearing hair extensions or hair pieces to change up their look or have some fun with styling, but the woman who is losing her hair is wearing some form of a prosthesis to help manage a devastating disorder. We can be much kinder by simply telling her she looks terrific.