In this episode, Mel speaks with Martine Richards, founder Freedom Wigs Australia and a leading alopecia wig specialist. Martine’s journey began when she started losing her hair as a young child. Misdiagnosed at the time, she faced years of confusion and isolation before learning she had alopecia, a turning point that shaped her resilience and her mission to help others.

Today, Martine channels that lived experience into her work at Freedom Wigs Australia, where she provides medical-grade silicone wigs designed to restore confidence and dignity. As she shares in her story, the wigs are more than just hair - they’re about identity, empowerment, and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.

In this conversation, Martine opens up about:

• The emotional impact of losing her hair as a child.
• The challenges of being misdiagnosed and misunderstood.
• How her personal journey inspired the creation of Freedom Wigs Australia.
• The transformative role wigs play in helping people reconnect with themselves.

Her story is a reminder that resilience can spark innovation, and that lived experience can become a powerful force for change.

Freedom Wigs Australia

(1) Instagram - Freedom Wigs

(5) Facebook - Freedom Wigs

Fundraise and Donate Your Hair To a Children's Charity | Variety Australia

Ponytails - Materials | Sustainable Salons

Home - Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation Supporting Australians with Alopecia Areata

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

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CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Martine Richards

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

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