So. I'm not a creator...unless you count one very small blog...and I'm certainly not an influencer. However, I did, once, have alopecia. I was lucky, and it never progressed beyond the initial spot; it's grown back in now, and even while it was there my hair is thick enough to cover it. It wasn't a fun time, though.

It's a feeling that Byrony, who has suffered alopecia on and off for years, captures beautifully in this new book. There are increasing numbers of reads out there about the dangers of social media and influencer culture (though Bryony beautifully shows us the upside as well in the character of Zal) but few have looked at it from quite this angle, and it makes for an amazing read.

I'm still not sure how I feel about Sorcha, which is probably the sign of a good character. I did think that Jen and Barb made up a little bit easily. But all is forgiven with that triumphant ending scene, which I just want to keep and reread on a bad day. It's amazing.

This is a great read and a really clever way to update a fairy tale. Highly recommended.

This was such a good YA debut! I really loved how the reality of social media fame is shown as it’s not often spoken about. Barb’s personal growth during her journey with alopecia was well written and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell. I also liked how her relationship with her aunt was explored. The modern twist on Rapunzel was really cool to see as most fairytale retellings are in a fantasy setting rather than a contemporary; it was executed really well and felt organic! I loved how this book had a positive approach on alopecia and raised awareness for it too.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the DRC!

I loved this Rapunzel retelling, especially with the focus on social media influencing which is of course so prominent now; funny and self-aware, if a little far fetched, this is a well-written book about growing up in the public eye and how lonely that can really be.

✧ L E T M E S U M M A R I S E ✧

Barbara doesn’t have a life outside her online @hairbybarb account. With an ex best friend who hates her, and a pushy, career orientated aunt, Barb feels completely isolated and alone. But when her hair, the only thing she does have, starts to fall out due to alopecia, Barbara has to discover who she is and what the truth about her past really is as well.

✧ W H A T W O R K E D W E L L ✧

Let Down Your Hair was such a delightful story of learning who you are, overcoming negativity and accepting yourself no matter the consequences. It’s such a positive message for Young Adult teens who are increasingly spending more time on social media than ever. In a society where everyone wants to be instagram-famous, the story has such a true, relevant plot.

It was so good to also see a YA book shining a light on alopecia – a condition which affects so many young girls but who live in fear of discussing or even sharing their condition for fear of failing to conform to the perfect lives portrayed by social media. I haven’t come across very many YA books which highlight this kind of condition, but it was handled so very well and carefully.

Barb is subjected to a lot of trolling and criticism throughout the book, and whilst this effects her quite badly, her character arc is largely developed as a result. She is a wonderful character with a lot of progression throughout Let Down Your Hair. She starts out mousy, shy and just sinking into the background – letting herself be pushing around by people and allowing their criticism to cut into her heart. You really feel for Barb who is a kind of modern-day Harry Potter, holed up in her bedroom making content as laid out by her aunt.

The plot had a few twists which I quite enjoyed as they added something a little extra to the story. We get to see the reason behind Barb and Jess’ friendship break down, and even get a look into the truth behind Barb’s mother who died during childbirth.

✧ W H A T N E E D E D W O R K ✧

Nothing. This was super enjoyable.

✧ W H A T T H R E E W O R D S ✧

Inspiring, honest and moving.

✧ T O C O N C L U D E ✧

Barb was a wonderful character in Let Down Your Hair and her story was one that I won’t forget for a while. I loved the fact that the book focusses around a YA with alopecia. The book had me hooked because I wanted Barb to have a happy ending. She deserved it after all she endured in the story. There was such positive construed in the story, and there were a few little plot twists to keep me on my toes.