The woman who played big-haired Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, Sue Holderman, has told of how she lost a substantial amount of hair after pregnancy and later on, possibly as a result of anxiety.
“During my pregnancy, my hair was gorgeous. Then I had Harriet and it all fell out after three months. It did frighten me, but I thought I was just tired and run down as new mothers are.
“After I had Freddie in 1987, my hair fell out again, but not as badly. It was two years later that my hair fell out in earnest and I wondered if I might have to face the future bald.”
Holderman suffered panic attacks and stage fright for several years and thinks this had an impact on her hair loss. She was prescribed beta blockers which she believes helped to a degree. With any instance of hair loss, it is vital that you see your doctor to get properly diagnosed as there are many possible causes and treatment varies accordingly.
BBC make-up artists were aware of Holderman’s condition and worked to disguise it. However, they could do nothing about the distress she felt.
Holderman is currently suffering no hair loss, thanks to different treatments and a change in diet.
“For one of the very first times in my life, my hair is not an issue – and I cannot tell you what a relief that is.”