Talk about using your platform for good

The public figure has been working with Little Lady Locks, a charity dedicated to providing tailored solutions to hair loss free of charge to under-18's across the UK.

Kaz has been collaborating with the charity to spread awareness about alopecia areata and raise funds to ensure young girls with hair loss can access wigs free of charge.

The reality TV star's support of the charity was taken to new heights when she showed her solidarity by shaving her hair off as a mark of support for young girls who require wigs.

"Over the last few months I have been working closely with @littleladylocks charity. In this time I have met some incredibly brave and inspiring girls and have seen first hand the lengths @ashley_marie_hair goes to for them, helping regain their confidence after hair loss," Kaz shared on Instagram.

"I have seen how much these wigs have made a positive impact on their lives, and have since made it my mission to help as many girls as I can.

"So yesterday I decided to cut all my hair off to create a wig for a little girl who needs it. I’m determined to spread awareness of this beautiful charity and hope you all see my dedication to this cause."

However, the work doesn't stop after the hair is cut as Kaz explains that it costs the charity almost €600 to have experts turn the hair into a wig.

"That’s why this charity desperately needs our help. It broke my heart when @ashley_marie_hair told me she was close to shutting down because they just don’t have the money or support.

"Let’s get the funds to get all the referrals seen to this month so the girls don’t have to wait any longer to feel like themselves again. Please help me spread the word."

The influencer's brave move was drawn from and in support of the inspiring resilience that she's seen from the young girls who live with hair loss.

Knowing how this can deeply impact the sufferer, Kaz wanted to spotlight the charity and the condition on her social media, which boasts over one million follows, to help raise funds for wigs so these young girls can reclaim their confidence.

The Love Island alum not only promotes this one charity by doing so but also brings awareness to alopecia itself, which impacts about 160 million people worldwide - including Kaz.

The TV personality recently opened up about the devastating impacts that alopecia arteta can have on a person's mental health.

Kaz admitted that stress linked to 'traumatic events' led to her hair loss, which ultimately inspired her goals of helping the Little Lady Locks charity.

"Just over a year ago now, I went through some things in my life where it left me in a really bad place mentally. My mental health was at an all-time low," she confessed in a post.

"This caused my hair to fall out because I was so stressed. The condition is called 'alopecia arteta' and it's when your immune system attacks your hair follicles because your body is so confused."

In learning more about her hair loss, Kaz was connected to 'amazing' people at the charity, a charity that aims to 'make each child feel seen, accepted, and beautiful just as they are. Restoring their confidence, easing worries, and letting kids be kids.'

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is a disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss. According to Mayo Clinic, it can affect just the scalp or the entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. 

The disease can be caused by several factors, such as heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of ageing.

As well as the physical symptoms of alopecia, it comes with many psychological impacts for the sufferer.

According to the National Institutes of Health, some of the mild to severe symptoms of associated psychological problems with hair loss are anxiety, anger, depression, embarrassment, decreased confidence, reduction in work and sexual performance, social withdrawal, and suicidal tendencies.

A Canadian study of people with alopecia areata and their caregivers found that 95 per cent 'felt uncomfortable or self-conscious' about how they looked.

More than half (57 per cent) of pediatric patients and 65 per cent of adult patients said that they avoided social gatherings and constantly worry about whether they’ll lose more hair or regrow hair.

Nobody should ever have to feel this way, which is why Kaz and Little Lady Locks are working together to ensure young girls don't.

The charity is still raising funds following the star's head shaving, which can be donated here.

What a brave and beautiful way to turn your setback into your comeback, as well as making people living with hair loss feel less alone.

Well done, Kaz, you are gorgeous inside and out!

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