BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Mona Zargar, also known as the "Wig Fairy," is showing Shelby Fike how to style her hair. Fike got a new job at a restaurant and wants help finding ways to keep her hair in place. 

“I remember my mom washing my hair to put a ponytail in. Her starting to cry, that kind of stuff, not understanding. And then going to the doctor and them telling you, 'Yes, you have alopecia.' What is it?”

Fike was only seven. 

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, it is a common autoimmune skin disease, causing hair loss on the scalp, face and other areas of the body.

And it can be absolutely devastating for self-image and emotional well-being. 

“Eighth grade, I was put into my first wig and went to many different wig shops from there and from the age of 19 to 20, I ended up with Mona."

But finding the perfect wig is a stress in itself. In Fike’s case, she has both synthetic and human hair wigs. Cost is a major factor. She also has to think about what kind of wig she’s wearing when she’s doing certain tasks.

“I’ve had to pull the wig off before I open the oven on Thanksgiving. But with human hair, you don’t have to do that. You can do whatever you want. Go to the beach, you can go to different places and amusement parks and not have to worry about it because most of the time they will stay on.”

Often societal norms can make a woman feel like she must suffer in silence. And that is why Zargar wants to make the life of someone going through hair loss a little easier.

“Our salon is more of a safe place for them and I love the fact that they can come here and be like ‘Oh, Mona is there,' you know? 'She’s just going to joke about it', you know? They always say the hairstylist is the therapist and I’m beyond that.”

And to Fike, Zargar has become a true friend. 

“You find those people, Mona’s shop is one of those places where you find people like her to make you feel like you’re not alone. It’s OK, you’re not different, you’re perfect just the way you are. You’re unique for a reason you know.”

Fike can always feel “normal” thanks to Mona who's helped her to regain her confidence and lead a fuller life.