Don’t have an older sis? That’s ok, Tinx (she/her) will be yours. Dubbed “TikTok’s Big Sister,” the LA-based content creator (and cat mom to Miso and Ceviche) loves to get real about relationships and mental health, but also lives to share her pop-culture opinions, daily vlogs, and recs. “At the start of the pandemic, I picked up TikTok as a new hobby, and started making videos,” she says. “Very quickly I realized that this was my life’s calling and that I wanted to make a career out of it.” Flash forward three years, and she’s now the host of podcast It’s Me, Tinx and a radio show of the same name, as well as the author of The Shift: Change Your Perspective, Not Yourself, a memoir of hilarious and brutally honest wisdom on how to shift your approach to life, step into confidence, and just enjoy the journey.

Speaking of journeys, Tinx has documented hers with hair loss so that others wouldn’t feel so alone. ❤️

If you don’t mind sharing, when did you begin to lose your hair?
I started losing my hair in high school (which was obviously traumatic as it’s already a very sensitive time) because of a mixture of stress and genetics. A lot of people don’t realize that women lose their hair just as much as men.

Why do you think hair loss is so stigmatized then, especially for women? 
Hair is such an emotional thing for women. It’s deeply connected to how we feel about ourselves and there can be shame and anxiety around not having enough or even good hair. When you lose it, it can feel like you’re all alone.

What has helped you the most on your hair loss journey?
It took some trial and error, but I found that using Hers has completely transformed my haircare routine. Through their digital platform, healthcare providers were able to customize a treatment plan that works best for me. Also, sharing my journey and talking to other women about hair loss has helped me (and hopefully others!) feel empowered. I’m proud to have turned this once taboo issue in my life into a bonding moment with other women.

How can we help destigmatize hair loss?
When I was first experiencing hair loss, I never heard any of my friends or any women at all talk about it. While it can be a very personal and sensitive topic to discuss, I’ve found that talking about hair loss can be a great way to connect with others and help normalize the conversation.

Do you have advice for those who are experiencing hair loss, but don’t know what to do?
While it may be challenging to take that first step, don’t feel embarrassed to ask for professional help, like how I did with Hers.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
With so many hair loss products out there for men, talking about hair loss isn’t something we should feel ashamed of as women—it’s time to encourage one another to get care that makes us feel great.