Each one promised miracles. Each one failed.
I felt like I was throwing money into a black hole of disappointment.
And the worst part? The judgment I felt—both from others and from myself.
“Maybe you’re not trying hard enough,” I thought. “Maybe this is just what happens as you get older.”
The shame was crushing.
I started avoiding mirrors, photos, even social gatherings. I told myself I was “too busy” to go out, but the truth was, I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.
My turning point came during a meeting at work.
It was a casual brainstorming session, and as I leaned forward to speak, the overhead light hit my head in just the wrong way.
My colleague’s eyes flicked upward—just for a second—but it was enough.
The pity in that glance was like a dagger to my heart.
I left the meeting early, ran to the bathroom, and stared at my reflection.
My thinning scalp stared back at me.
Something had to change.