MOST teenage girls are very precious about their hair, which is why 16-year-old Imogen King was heartbroken when she was diagnosed with Alopecia.

In just over 18 months the Cowley pupil has lost her long locks, her eyelashes and eyebrows.

It has been a difficult thing to come to terms with, but with the support of her family and friends she hopes to raise awareness for others with the condition.

Imogen, from Dentons Green, said: "In December 2017, I noticed a small bald patch on the back of my head but I didn’t know what it was, so I didn’t worry about it and just left it.

"But after a while, one of my friends noticed that the patch had grown and I went to see the doctor who told me it was Alopecia areata, but told me not to worry because it would grow back in a few months.

"But it didn't and by the time came to doing my GCSEs I had 14 big patches on my head and my hair started coming out in clumps in the shower and on my pillow.

"I waited until after prom then took the decision to cut it short, I was devastated because I had really thick long hair before.

"But after a few weeks I shaved my head and realised hair was falling out elsewhere on my body. It was at this point that I was diagnosed with Alopecia universalis".

Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition where the sufferer loses all of their hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of Alopecia areata, which causes round patches of hair loss.

Imogen recieved support for her condition from Alopecia UK and, alongside her supportive friends, decided to do something to give back.

The arts student, who wears a wig, false eyelashes and makeup in public, added: "My friends have been really supportive from the beginning and I know I am really lucky to have them, but I was shocked when six of my friends that are boys decided to shave their heads completely to raise money for Alopecia UK and that five of my girl friends are cutting their hair short.

"To have their support means everything and has made me so confident for my future with this and moving forward.

"School have been really supportive too and said we can do it in assembly on Friday, March 8.

"I just want to raise enough to help people going through what I am experiencing.

"If you can please help, this condition can be very difficult and I just want to help others."

To donate visit bit.ly/imogensalopeciaheadshave