29-year-old Bodie Kuljian is a rising star on NBC’s The Voice. He enjoyed a rare four-chair turn during the blind auditions and is reportedly Blake Shelton’s favorite team member. Bodie might be a top performer throughout this series and even has a strong chance of winning, but life hasn’t always been easy for the young father of three. Bodie has suffered intermittently from alopecia, a type of hair loss that isn’t yet fully understood.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system isn’t working correctly and causes the body to harm itself in some way. In this case, a person’s hair follicles come under attack, and hair loss ensues. Causes vary, including genetic predisposition, chronic illness, and certain medications. Although scientists understand some of the potential causes of alopecia, it’s not yet a treatable condition, although in many cases, the hair will simply grow back.
Alopecia’s Impact on School Kids
Bodie’s alopecia began when he was just 15 years old and was accompanied by a period of illness, depression, and anxiety. This led to many difficulties at school, and he began using music as an outlet to overcome his challenges.
Bodie is not alone. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation states that many children with alopecia may become “become socially isolated and overprotected.” It also cites fear, anger, frustration, anxiety, and withdrawing from friends and family as possible outcomes of dealing with alopecia at such a young age. Children may be afraid that their hair will never grow back and may find it hard to deal with teasing from their peers — especially in the teen years when appearance and fashion, including hairstyles, become more important.
Bodie’s Alopecia Today
Doctors didn’t think Bodie’s hair would grow back, but it did — several times, in fact. Today, Bodie’s hair is still patchy and almost completely white. Bodie certainly hasn’t let this hold him back, though. As well as being a busy husband and dad, he runs his own media company, is active in his church, and, of course, continues to wow audiences with his music and voice.
Alopecia affects all age groups, genders, and racial and ethnic groups. Hair loss is never easy to live with, so if you’re struggling with alopecia, contact Genesis II today. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
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