Church Reaction

Some heard through the vine why I was loosing my hair and others observed something was happening to my hair. I remember the cute snow white wool cap that I wore that day to Church. There were several hundred people in attendance and as I found a seat, friends gave me warm smiles and commented on my cap. Worship was great and gave me so much encouragement on the blessings that God would provide through my baldness.

After the service, many came towards me. Prayer warriors, cancer survivors, and friendly faces all made sure everything was alright. I have such a deep respect for this family of believers. I tried so hard to hide my balding and although many probably wondered what was going on they respected my privacy until it was time to share. When I did share, their support was indescribably beautiful.

To Wig or Not To Wig

During this Alopecia journey, deciding not to wear a wig was probably the best decision I made. I am the first to admit that I am not a wig expert. I do not like the way wigs look or feel. I know they are invaluable pieces for some, but having spent most of my life hiding bald spots I have chosen to “show off” my bald head. I usually wear some type of cap in public and sometimes just go out bald. I have not bought any special makeup for eyebrows or artificial eyelashes. I basically let God’s light and my smile carry my beauty.

Work Reaction

Not having a wig and tired of hiding my balding, I went to work with a baseball cap over my freshly shaven head. The first person to see me had once lost her hair from cancer. The sincere caring response kept me brave. The rest of the day was spent answering questions. Someone asked a neat question, “Who did you shave your head for?” I would like to think that I would shave my head in support of a friend. That one question really put everything in perspective for me. My change in appearance was nothing compared to those battling with terminal illnesses.

As the months went on, some still did not understand the concept of Alopecia Areata. Questions like “When are you going to grow your hair back?” were sometimes asked. My response was usually a smile and a simple, “When I can.” Others would ask me to take my cap off and say, “That is so cool.” Since I’ve chosen not to wear a wig, I sometimes wonder if new employees assume I’m battling cancer or if they ask others to find out my true condition. A neat part about my company is that although I do work with the public no one in management has ever hinted for or asked me to wear a wig or cover my baldness.

The Big Shave

The time had come for the big shave. My family, in town for Christmas, was surprised at how little hair remained. I had been contemplating shaving the remaining hair on my head, and with my mom’s comforting touch now was the time.

First scissors, then the razor, slowly watching my hair, the few stronghold pieces fall to the ground. My mom’s patience and love kept me strong. That moment in my journey with Alopecia areata universalis left me so liberated from the burden of loss. I no longer had to watch the hair disappear from my head. I was free to embrace the baldness.