Johannesburg – Mantsoe Pout, a well-known radio presenter and reality TV star, has bravely shared her personal struggle with hair loss, offering a candid look into the emotional and physical challenges faced by many women.
Her story, one of unexpected thinning and the search for answers, highlights the profound impact hair loss can have on self-esteem and identity.
“Throughout my youth, I’d always had long, thick hair,” Mantsoe recounted. “I wore braids and there was no indication that hair loss would become a problem later. I got used to doing whatever I wanted with my hair. But last year, in my mid-30s, I noticed my hair thinning.”
This unexpected change prompted concern, especially given her mother's diagnosis of alopecia.
“I stopped braiding and wearing my hair in tight ponytails, tried every oil and off-the-shelf haircare products or home remedies I could find. I even changed the type of pillowcases I used, only for the issue to get worse,” she explained.
The experience, Mantsoe shared, was deeply unsettling.
“Hair is such a sensitive topic for women. We must protect it while we have it. It feels like people are always staring, and often as if they’re questioning why you’re not doing anything about it. Actually, some mention it. I think it’s because they don’t know that it comes off as pretty insensitive,” she said.
The constant scrutiny and unsolicited comments added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.
Seeking answers, Mantsoe seized an opportunity to interview Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director of the Alvi Armani hair restoration Clinic in Sandton, during her show on 947. This interview proved pivotal in her journey. The diagnosis: scarring alopecia, a condition resulting in dead follicles and intradermal scarring invisible to the naked eye. This damage to the scalp, she learned, renders surgical intervention impossible.
The diagnosis brought with it a wave of difficult emotions. “No woman wants to go bald,” Mantsoe admitted.
“Your hair is part of your personality, and when it looks good, you feel really good about yourself. Losing your hair really does hit your confidence, especially when it happens so late after having good hair for so long.”
Her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional toll hair loss can take, particularly when it affects a woman’s sense of self.
Despite the challenges, Mantsoe’s journey has been marked by resilience and a desire to help others. She offers advice to those facing similar struggles: “For those who can, I recommend a visit to Alvi Armani to undergo a hair transplant procedure. For younger women still damaging their hair every day, look into what you’re doing wrong, and what you can do to keep your scalp healthy,” she concluded.
Her openness and honesty provide comfort and hope to those navigating the complexities of hair loss, encouraging them to seek professional help and support.
