Alopecia World
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Coming Out!
I am 54 and feel that if only I were 20 years younger, I wouldn't bother with covering up my baldness. I would love to have the guts to go out bald, but at my age, can't bring myself to do it. I'm thinking about going bald when I go to Jamaica in February next year (lots of sunscreen of course and a sunhat!) because it would be so nice to enjoy the warm breeze on my head. I get annoyed with myself because I still can't quite bring myself to go bald even in front of very close family and friends. The only person who actually sees me like that is my husband, and even with him I have a tendency to keep a turban, scarf or ball cap on!
I've had AU for over ten years now and I'm really getting sick of covering up all the time. I'm having hot flashes too, which makes things even worse. Any thoughts/comments/tips???????
I've had AU for over ten years now and I'm really getting sick of covering up all the time. I'm having hot flashes too, which makes things even worse. Any thoughts/comments/tips???????
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sue Helaine on
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Lois, Fab 50 group...now that's refreshing. Once in a while I like to think about something other than my head! ;)
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Permalink Reply by Kathy on
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Hi, all. I am new here. I just turned 60 - still have some hair but I have a high visibility job and bought a wig for the first time. I am thinking of cutting my hair real short, growing out the dye, and wearing the wig while the color goes away. Then I'll see.
Good to talk with others with alopecia, in my case FPB.
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Permalink Reply by Tuesday on
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I have had AU for 9 years. I'd like to be able to go bald in public too although I can't say I dream about doing it. I am just thrilled that over the last few years I've managed to transition into wearing scarves (or switching into wigs) without worrying about people noticing. So baby steps ...
I'm in Hamilton Ontario and cold here too. Not sure how bald women fare in the winter - I guess you'd wear hats and then remove it in the warmer room.
My fear is that I'm out in public bald and suddenly panic and want to cover up. When I first developed AU, I actually did go out bald and quite frankly I grew tired of the stares. IThat's my issue - I just hate when an entire room of people stare. I'm not sure how one gets used to that staring. ? Any ideas?
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Permalink Reply by Lynn on
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Julia,
You are so beautiful and you do not look like you are in your 50's at all! I vote that you go bald in Jamaica :) And when people look at your bald head, it will be because you are striking and very brave.
Best of luck to you!!
-Lynn
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Permalink Reply by Julia McDowell on
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Awwww, thank you Lynn. You're sweet! I love your profile pic.
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Permalink Reply by Angela Robinson on
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Hi there
I am the same age as you. I have been AU for nearly 6 years and it was on holiday that I was brave enough to go natural ... it was liberating ... I thought I will never see these people again so what does it matter.... Do you know it was just excepted ... I knew they wouldn't ask me any questions because they didn't know me. I had a wonderful holiday, not hot, not uncomfortable just wonderful. Since then I must admit I do not go into my town natural but when I am on holidays I don't even take a wig anymore. Good Luck in Jamaica , go on try it , it will be hard the first time but then ........Enjoy the freedom
Love
Angie
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Hi Angie,
Thank you for the encouragement! I am definately planning to go bald in Jamaica in Feb. You are an inspiration!
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Permalink Reply by Mary on
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Hi everyone! I just saw this discussion, somewhat late, and I LOVE it! I'm 56, and lost all my hair at age 54 1/2. I go everywhere bald, and for me, it's the only way to be. I tried wearing wigs for the first 8 months or so, and hated the heat and itching. Yes - hot flashes ARE a factor! I only cover up with a scarf or turban when I'm chilly, and if I get warm, off they come!
Julia - Jamaica is a perfect opportunity to rock the bald look! Check out my photos from the Caribbean and Hawaii - bald and cool and comfortable. Check out my "Bald Lady Drumming" gallery. I know it's not easy at first; it wasn't for me. I took small steps and worked up to it.
As Lisa said, we project how we feel and other people really seem to react accordingly. When I'm "out" and relaxed and feeling nice-looking and confident, the fact that I'm bald seems much less of an issue for people. Wearing my "Yes, I'm bald....get over it." or "No hair. No Problem" T-shirts seems to help get the message across that I'm FINE with it and they should be, too.
Let us know how you're doing.
Mary
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Hi Mary,
I will take your advice! Thank you. Actually until very recently I would never have dreamed of putting a bald photo anywhere on the web - my husband was quite surprised that I had! I've always covered up obsessively, even going so far as to cry when my scarf slipped off on the beach 4 years ago........ ha ha! What a baby! I've come a long way since then!
If people don't like it, too bad for them. Did you get your t-shirts printed specially?
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Julia, as recently as August 2008, I broke down in tears when I had to rip my wig off when the heat became unbearable at a big social event. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed by my appearance. Now, somehow, I've reached a point of acceptance and pride...I still wish I had hair, and miss it. But, this is me now.
Yes, I created the shirts on Cafe Press...it's very easy. There's no charge to set up a personal account and start creating. You just type in what you want, or use some of their designs to work from. It saves any shirt you create in case you want more later. I also set up a separate "store" for the 2010 National Bald Out shirts (there's a post about this on the NBO Group).
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