Kelli King

My hair has always been a part of my personality. To short haircuts, braids, extensions, and finally locs (dreadlocs), my hair was a statement for who Kelli is and was. Never thought I would have that taken away. I was officially diagnosis with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia or CCCA on Sept. 30, 2025, but I had been having symptoms a year or more before.

I first noticed something was wrong, when I wash my hair in between hair appointments and notice more shedding and looking in the mirror at how my hair looked a little thinner. Before family vacation, at the end of July 2025 I decided to change my hair. As I begin to cut and comb my locs out, the hair just begins to fall out a lot in the front. There she was…..she was staring at me…..a small, but very present bald spot. I finished my hair and went on vacation. I came back and made an appointment with my hair styles. On Aug. 6, 2025, she looked at me and said, “I see the bald spot, and I don’t know if the hair is going to grow back as it was smooth and shiny.”

The good thing is I can cover it up and she cut my hair and I loved it. As time went on, my hair continued to come out when I combed and brushed it. I noticed it was getting thinner on the top. On Sept. 17, 2025, I had an appointment with my dermatologist as I knew it was time. I must be honest, I had been putting it off thinking life’s stress was the cause, and it would be better.

She recommended a biopsy, and this is when the journey began. I had cut my locs out and began to see the bald spots and thinning. I just knew I would be able to start treatment and my hair would begin to grow back. NO…Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia is a scarring alopecia, and the hair follicles die. So, what did Kelli do? Research! You see, Kelli is not new to diagnoses as I also have Sjogren’s Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondylitis. I needed an outlet, the support groups are great, but it wasn’t what I needed. I realize I am supposed to share my journey. On my social media platform, I post my journey and everyday experiences to help myself and hopefully someone else. It was important for me to not feel alone and let someone else know they are not alone.

My most important title/role is wife to an amazing husband, mom to two awesome sons, and the best dog mom to my fur baby. My family and I reside in Glen Allen, Virginia and I currently work with early intervention services and have previously worked with public schools, mental health services, and social services. I enjoy singing, dancing, and listening to music.

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