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title: Courtney H - Meet Our Members
---

# Courtney H-CCCA

![Courtney-Harris-3](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/Courtney-Harris-3.jpg "Courtney-Harris-3")

## *A Greater Purpose*

Suddenly in 2017 my scalp became extremely sensitive, even to the touch. At times it felt like a migraine in the center of the scalp. Often it felt like my scalp was bruised. Other times I would feel a hot tingly pain that would shoot in the middle of my scalp. Throughout my career as a hairstylist, I have encountered alopecia clients and believed myself to be well versed on hair loss and other scalp maladies. I used my professional knowledge to self-diagnose the symptoms because of life stressors.

I was in denial that anything more significant could be the cause of my hair woes. Unfortunately, styling my hair became so painful! I began to wear scarves daily to avoid touching it, and painfully styling my hair for events where a headwrap would be deemed inappropriate. Then in 2018 a family member’s hair began to fall out. She came to me for professional advice. During her consultation, I discovered that we both had similar symptoms. We shared about the painful problem of hair loss that suddenly appeared for us both. I began doing intense research and came across some information on scarring alopecia.

After two failed appointments, I found a dermatologist who confirmed with a blood test and biopsy that both my family member and I had CCCA. I became slightly depressed at the news because the idea of having scarring alopecia was a total bummer!!! One, it is physically painful, always leaving me on edge about how, when and what will cause my pain.

Secondly, it is emotionally painful knowing that I will be bald and could genetically pass this to my children. However, the silver lining was that I finally had answers! This hot, painful, sore scalp had a name. In the words of SunTzu, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” My hair journey started with self-love, progressed to a creative career, then to advocacy, which led me to SAF! I am ecstatic to have a network of fellow patients and medical professionals that understand my condition. Joining SAF this year further affirms that CCCA has a greater purpose in my life and that WE are not alone!

### MORE STORIES

[![275](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/275.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/mary-b?hsLang=en)

[![c1](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/c1.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/chris-j?hsLang=en)

[![sis11](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/sis11.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/sista-d?hsLang=en)

[![sal](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/sal.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/sally-w?hsLang=en)

[![t1](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/t1.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/teresa-a?hsLang=en)

[![ang](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/ang.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/angela-p?hsLang=en)

[![b1](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/b1.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/betty-t?hsLang=en)

[![kri](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/kri.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/kris-w?hsLang=en)

[![jensmall](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/jensmall.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/jen-r?hsLang=en)

[![aloma](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/aloma.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/aloma-l?hsLang=en)

[![adr](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/adr.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/adrienne-b?hsLang=en)

[![sanmain](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/sanmain.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/sandra-p?hsLang=en)

[![tein275](https://scarringalopecia.org/hubfs/tein275.jpg) ](https://scarringalopecia.org/meet-our-members/tina-c?hsLang=en)