Alopecia Awareness Month: Raising Awareness Through Dorset Wedding Creativity

Understanding Alopecia: Facts and Myths

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. It can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and it presents itself in different ways. The most common types are:

• Alopecia areata – patchy hair loss, often on the scalp but sometimes elsewhere, such as brows or beard.

• Androgenetic alopecia – also known as male or female pattern hair loss.

• Alopecia totalis – complete loss of scalp hair.

• Alopecia universalis – total hair loss across the body.

There are many myths surrounding alopecia. It isn’t caused by poor diet or bad hair care, and it’s definitely not contagious. Genetics, hormones, stress, and illness can all play a part, making it a complex condition that deserves understanding, not judgments.

Sadly, stigma and misinformation are still common, and they can leave people feeling isolated. By sharing the facts, we can help break down those barriers and create more inclusive spaces.

The Creative Journey: A Styled Shoot with Purpose

This summer, we brought together a team of talented creatives for a styled shoot that was about more than wedding inspiration. The aim was simple: raise awareness for @alopeciauk and shine a light on confidence, individuality, and representation in the wedding industry.

The shoot was inspired by model Jade, who wanted to use her own experience of living with alopecia to raise awareness. Her story was later featured by the BBC, which you can read here.

From the florals to the film and photography, every detail was created with care and intention. The result wasn’t just beautiful; it was meaningful. A celebration of diversity, resilience, and the power of community when people come together for a cause that matters.

You can watch the video by Jon @sotw.weddings here

Empowering Confidence: Beauty in All Its Forms

For many people living with alopecia, society’s narrow beauty standards can make things harder. Hair loss can impact confidence, especially when wedding imagery often portrays just one polished ideal.

But photoshoots like this help shift the narrative. By showcasing real people and diverse stories, we broaden what “beautiful” looks like and remind everyone that confidence comes from authenticity, not conformity.

Beauty isn’t defined by hair. It’s about individuality, spirit, and strength. Representation matters.

Getting Involved: Supporting Alopecia Awareness Month

There are simple, powerful ways to get involved this September:

💙 Share resources and stories from @alopeciauk

💙 Join or support fundraising events

💙 Start conversations, challenge myths, share facts

Together, we can create a culture where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is standard, and everyone feels confident to stand as they are.

Supplier Credits

This project was only possible thanks to the incredible creatives who gave their time and talent. Full credits can be found on our Instagram post here.

Want to Get Involved?

The Wedding Index Dorset was built to be more than a directory, it’s a community where creativity has purpose.

💌 If you’re a wedding supplier who wants to collaborate on shoots, features, and projects with heart, get in touch via email or go to our website.

📖 If you’re an engaged couple, follow us on Instagram @theweddingindex_dorset for real stories, trusted local suppliers, and the very first Dorset magazine arriving January 2026.