Trichster Sisters Updates: Kara

My very first “original” Trichster Sister, Kara, had the idea of doing an updated interview for my blog. I first met Kara at the TLC Foundation's BFRB conference in 2018, when she was just 8 years old. We've been great friends since then and she is like a little sister to me. She is now 14 and about to start high school! A lot has happened since I last interviewed her in 2020. In 2022, I even flew to California on the 4th of July to surprise her with a visit (we hadn't seen each other since 2019). Read on to see what she's been up to!

Gessie: So why don't you tell us a bit about yourself for those who don't know you?
Kara: Some of the things I like to do are learn about geology and I still collect Beanie Boos. I still like singing. And I like reading a lot now.

G: How has your trichotillomania been since I last interviewed you 4 years ago?
K: I've had more control and awareness when I'm pulling, but it is hard to stop, like that will always be like that. More or less it's been good and bad, it's a mix in between.

G: What are some strategies you use to try to manage your pulling?
K: I usually have a fidget, it doesn't even have to be a fidget, it could just be like a rubber band and I hold it in my hand and stretch it. Just something that keeps my hands busy to distract me. And something I do now is wear a hat which also helps, but I don't really have hats so I just use a bandana. Or when I wear my wig, that really helps too.

Kara wearing her wig

Would you mind telling me a bit more about your experience with Hair Club for Kids and getting your wig?
K: Yes, so Hair Club is a very nice community. They're very accepting and make sure I'm comfortable. The workers are always nice.

G: So right now you don't have your hairpiece on.
K: No I do not. For summer I like to keep it off because it's easier to keep it clean and I only get three free wigs a year.

G: So you just graduated from middle school and are starting high school soon. How do you feel about that and how does trich affect you in school?
K: Well I know most of the people that go to my high school. I'm not scared, but I am nervous because it's a big campus. I'll adjust so I'm not very worried about it. As far as trich, I usually want to cover my head. I don't want to be asked a bunch of questions.

G: When I was in school I was just constantly worrying and anxious about if people were going to notice me. Do you feel that way too?
K: Kind of, but a lot of people know me already since I'm from a small town.

G: How do you feel your attitude and relationship with trich has changed from when you were younger versus now as a teenager?
K: I am more confident now. I just have to be aware of when I'm picking, and if I could cover it up I don't really care and I'm not too worried about it. But sometimes I think it would be really nice to have a full set of hair and I wonder what it would feel like in the wind or in a pool.

G: What are some other goals that you have for yourself that don't have anything to do with trich?
K: To be successful in high school and get the best grades that I can.

G: What would you say to other kids and teens who have trich and might be struggling?
K: I would say try to have as much self confidence as you can, because if you don't then it's just going to drag you down.

G: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
K: Probably that I'm nice and respectful, and very energetic. I'm always trying to help others. And my confidence.

G: What makes you a “Triumphant Trichster”? How are you brave when it comes to trich?
K: Overall I've learned to accept that I am who I am, and trich does not take over me, I can take over trich. Because I am me and trich is a part of me, but it's not who I am.

G: Absolutely, I love that! One last question: If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?
K: Find the confidence to feel bad for other people that make fun of you for their own personal reasons.