It's Okay to Be Different | Abby Jensen - 006

HAIRPOD™

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare condition that affects 1 in 1,200 to 15,000 kids. Abby Jensen grew up with this condition, and in this episode, our host Kevin interviews her to ask her what it was like for her as a kid and how having a hair system was able to help her confidence. At 24 years old, Abby is sharing her story to help kids and their families who are going through challenges similar to what she faced.

What is Amniotic Band Syndrome?

• Amniotic band syndrome happens to a baby in utero when the amniotic sac rips and the mother’s body tries to repair it. It can lead to scarring on the baby’s skin.

• What makes Abby’s case so unique is that her head was affected by the amniotic band as opposed to her limbs or extremities.

• Because of the scarring on her scalp, Abby has never had hair on the top of her head. She has some natural hair around the back and sides of her head.

What Was it Like for Abby?

• Because Abby’s scalp looked different, she got lots of stares as a little kid. Before using her hair system, Abby wore hats and a wig to protect her from onlookers (and the sun!)

• Her parents were very committed to ensuring that she had hair by the time she went to school, so they started working with HairClub when Abby was just four years old.

• Abby’s new hair stayed in place throughout all of her activities—she could swim, dance, and play like any other kid.

Abby’s Hair Solution

• Abby has worked with the same stylist for all 20 years that she’s been with HairClub. They have a great routine - the stylist knows exactly what Abby likes.

• Abby and her stylist have customized the routine and care to meet Abby’s needs. Recently, they stopped using glue to help hold the system on and are just using tape. This way, Abby can remove the system as needed.

• There is no real difference in time or maintenance when it comes to daily styling or care for her hair system. Abby likes to spend a lot of time styling her hair, and with her system, she can do pretty much anything any young woman with natural hair can do.

Sharing Her Story and Strength

• When she was young, she hid the fact that she had a system. Although having hair helped her confidence, she wasn’t ready to talk about her journey.

• By sharing her story now, Abby wants to help kids with amniotic band syndrome and their parents see that things will be okay.

• Abby wants kids to know that it’s okay to be different from other kids, and she wants parents to be strong for their kids and know that their kids will grow up to be strong, too.

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.