Trauma, Triumph & Transformation: Heather Brooke’s Hair Journey
As International Women’s Day approaches, we’re reminded that strength wears many faces. Some stories are about breaking glass ceilings. Others are about rebuilding confidence, strand by strand.
Meet Heather Brooke, the reigning Ms. Woman Tennessee U.S. 2025. Heather’s journey with hair loss began at about the age of 9 or 10, when after experiencing trauma, she began to pull out her hair. She started with her beautiful, long lashes, then her “Brooke Shields” eyebrows, and lastly, her thick locks of hair. In the morning, there would be piles of strands on the floor by her bed. And in the mirror, noticeable bald patches.
Finally, a Diagnosis
After years of hiding the patches, and self-coping, she was finally diagnosed at age 13 with #trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, causing noticeable hair loss. She began treatment of therapy and medication, but trichotillomania isn’t a ‘one and done’ type of thing; it’s a chronic issue that Heather still deals with to this day. With so little research being done, experts are still trying to figure out why this happens. Is it genetic? A mental health disorder? A combo? More research is needed.
In her senior photos, Heather wore a wig. But even with a patchy scalp, Heather competed in pageants wearing glued-in or clip-on extensions.
The HairClub Solution
Then in 2017, she found HairClub through an online search.
Heather came to HairClub for her free consultation, and the next thing you know, we became her sponsor in the Ms. Woman Colorado United States 2017 pageant. She not only found a sponsor; she discovered a solution for covering her patches, our exclusive, highly advanced hair replacement system, Xtrands® — and rediscovered her confidence.
But the story gets better – she won the pageant and was crowned Ms. Woman Colorado United States 2017. She even asked her HairClub Stylist to accompany her to the national competition, where her platform was mental health awareness.
Somehow between raising two daughters, competing in pageants, and doing appearances, Heather earned her BS in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also wrote a book for kids, “Where’s My Hair?: A Trichotillomania Story for Children,” which is available online wherever books are sold. It’s a great tool for kids suffering from this disorder and comfort for parents too, offering help and support.
We are proud to have Heather as a HairClub Ambassador – for nine years and counting. Her involvement in her communities over the years speaks to her character and confidence. She advocates for Mental Health Awareness, Trichotillomania Awareness, Dating & Domestic Violence Awareness, and Sexual Assault Awareness.
Heather’s hair journey led to her restored confidence, self‑expression, and purpose. Today, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and in 2024, founded “My Pain His Purpose,” a ministry that offers hope and affordable mental health services to those in need.
This International Women’s Day, Heather’s story reminds us that empowerment isn’t about perfection – it’s about perseverance. It’s about facing what tries to break you and choosing, again and again, to rise.
Because sometimes the most powerful crowns are the ones you earn through courage.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At HairClub, we’ve spent decades supporting people at every stage of their hair journey, serving more than 500,000 individuals since 1976. From hair regrowth options to fully customized solutions like Xtrands®, and even hair transplant services**, our approach is always personal – because no two stories are the same.
If and when you’re ready, consider starting with a complimentary consultation, just as Heather did. It’s simply a conversation – a chance to explore your options, ask questions, and discover what feels right for you. Whatever path you choose, you deserve to feel confident, supported, and empowered to shine in your own way.
