Simon Pockley, Australia

I hated my hair because it was like wire and used to stick straight up in the air. I was always accused of being untidy and it made me look worse than I felt as I was not pleasant to look at.

It was a great relief to me when at 40 it started to fall out. For the first time since early childhood I stopped feeling self-conscious about my appearance.

What I did not count on with this liberating loss was how protective hair was. Without hair I started banging my head on sharp objects - like low cupboard doors. There was no early warning. Skull skin is delicate and now I am covered in scars and dents.

Fortunately at 40 I also started to lose my sight, so when I look in mirror I am oblivious. So I am happy now and love wearing hats.