Across the United States, women affected by alopecia areata are finding hope, understanding, and practical help through a national nonprofit founded by Thea Chassin, a West Hartford native. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that leads to unpredictable hair loss, often impacting confidence and daily life. For many women, connecting with others who understand their experience can be life-changing, providing comfort and reducing feelings of isolation.
Thea Chassin’s own journey with alopecia began after she noticed bald patches appearing over a decade. Before her diagnosis, she struggled to find support groups that addressed her needs as a woman. Most available groups combined men, women, and children, but Chassin felt that women were not fully represented. In response, she started organizing informal lunches to bring women together, which led to the founding of Bald Girls Do Lunch in 2007. Her approach encouraged women who might otherwise avoid traditional support groups to join relaxed, supportive gatherings.
Today, Bald Girls Do Lunch has connected thousands of women from across the U.S. and Canada, both online and in person. The organization focuses on meeting the emotional and practical needs of women living with alopecia, offering events, resources, and style advice. According to Chassin, the main message is, “You’re not alone and you have choices.” She also stresses that alopecia is not connected to overall illness, countering a common misconception. Through her nonprofit, she aims to help women understand their options and take control of their experience, just as men have done with hair loss.
The group’s impact is reflected in the stories of its members. Carrie Safford, an attorney from Maryland, first experienced hair loss while pregnant and later lost all her body hair. She shares that the support from Bald Girls Do Lunch helped her feel less isolated and brought a sense of normalcy to her journey. Shannon Smith, a business owner from Florida, first noticed hair loss during college and later received a diagnosis of alopecia totalis. She valued meeting others who shared similar experiences at group events. Heather Mattison from Arizona describes the emotional support and practical guidance she found through the organization, such as tips on wigs and cosmetic solutions, as invaluable for boosting self-esteem and well-being.
Alopecia can be a deeply emotional experience, often connected with feelings of loss, shame, or fear. Many women mention that losing hair can feel like losing part of themselves. Chassin, Mattison, and other members emphasize the importance of support, whether in-person or online, to help women move past shame and redefine their sense of beauty. Bald Girls Do Lunch continues to organize meetups based on member interest, aiming to spread acceptance, understanding, and empowerment throughout the community.
