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Going natural?
I am going on holiday next week to Bermuda and as its hot,I am planning to go without my vacuum wig for the first time ever.
Nobody has ever seen me without my wig except my mum and her 2 friends.
We are staying with her friends in they're Bermuda house and I can't wear my vacuum wig every time I need to go to the bathroom or anything so this is a huge step for me,especially going bald on a beach in a bikini in front of people..
I am so nervous!
Have you ever gone without a wig on holiday?
&what were your reactions?
wish me luck!:)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on
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Hi
This is what it is all about. You have a choice and you should work with that. When you want to wear your hair...wear it. When you don't ...no probs, don't. I know that sounds very simplified. But when I see a beautiful young woman like yourself I think that you should feel empowered to make whatever choice you want to.
The one thing I would advise is to be prepared for the curiosity that may come your way. Most will be people concerned about your health and if you feel confident enough to be without your hair, you also have a fabulous opportunity to educate people on alopecia.
I think you are going to have a brilliant holiday. Have fun!
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Mary on
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I was diagnosed last week & haven't been able to relax, sleep, or concentrate since then. I am soooo upset, I don't even know what emotions I am feeling. My GP kept adjusting my thyroid for the last year...to no avail. Finally had a dermatology consult last week. I keep obsessing about what to do when I can no longer hide the hair loss. Husband is being very supportive & says get a wig...but I've always sweated like crazy froy head and nowhere else. Plus I workout & shower at the gym so how could I do that?!!! I also love the beach & sailing...hopping in & out of the ocean. I told husband I'm just tempted to get tattoos & more ear piercing and wear totally outlandish, in your face clothes to create a tough persona. He is appalled at this idea. Has anyone else thought of doing this? I hate pity more than rudeness from people. HELP!!!!
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Hi Mary
I know this feels terribly overwhelming at the moment but believe me when I say you will find your way.
There are hair replacement alternatives that can and will work for you. Whatever you decide to do with wigs, hats, scarves, won't ever make alopecia go away but those alternatives can give you an option on how you may like to present yourself to the world. Take a breath and really think about what sort of option is going to work for you.
Your personal needs are what is important.
When my daughter first lost her hair 10 years ago I felt very similar to you...unsure and worried! We did find our way and my daughter has found a wig alternative that works for her lifestlye. She likes to swim, roller coaster, put her hair up etc. you know live life. When we were looking for a wig, I listed the wishlist of what I wanted a wig to do for her ...then I matched that to the wig option with the most ticks beside my wants. After that I started talking to the people who knew and got the help we needed.
It is early days for you as yet...you really don't know what is going to happen and in reality for most their hair does regrow. So, take it one day at a time and do a little investigating on the options available.
Hope this helps.
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Alliegator on
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I hope it went well!! Yes, I went on a holiday without a wig. Actually, I did bring a wig, but I didn't wear it the entire time. I went to Costa Rica. I wrote a blog post about it. Costa Ricans are known for the laid back style, so it was a good place to take a bald holiday. I hope you enjoyed it, and was able to relax! I will do it again for sure. Tell us all about Bermuda! I haven't ever been there.
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Permalink Reply by Weaselspit on
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Ha! I should have seen this before I posted my long long sad post. Glad you had a great experience though! :D
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The last holiday I went on was five years ago, to Gran Canaria, with my family. I was 17 and my alopecia was in full swing. My confidence was already low after a rough year at school. To cheer myself up, I shaved what was left of my hair into a mohawk and dyed it bright blue before we flew out there, but I'd already decided I didn't want to go on this holiday. It was going to be really hot, which meant my monofilment wigs being extra uncomfortable, and that they were also at a higher risk of being damaged in the heat. I begged my parents (my mom and her wife) to leave me at my Dad's house, and even came up with a bunch of reasons like the fact they'd save money etc. They ignored me completely, and took me along with my younger brother.
I braved the first couple of days by the pool. I had new bikinis, books, a sketchbook and paints, and optimism. By the end of the two week holiday, the rest of my hair had fallen out, and I became extremely withdrawn. I resented my parents for dragging me along on a holiday I never wanted, and I still sort of do. They constantly moaned at me for "being f*king miserable" and told me to stop moping so much. On the first day, people just stared. I didn't really care at this point. On the second and third days, as families realised they'd be seeing me all week, they began to get brave and started with taunts. I tried explaining to them that it was an illness but they couldn't care less. Within four days, I'd locked myself in the apartment and didn't come out until it was time to fly home. Honestly it was hell. It made a huge dent in my confidence, but then my family have never been supportive.
Sorry for hijacking your post with such a long winded rant. I'm sure you'll be fine love. Speak to your parents (if they're supportive) beforehand and express any concerns. I feel as though you've got that cool kind of family that helps each other out and looks after each other. Good luck, and enjoy yourself x x
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I love this story! So happy you went on your holiday au natural! Good for you. My girl has alopecia universalis. She's 7. When it would fall out and be patchy in the past, she would wear headscarves. Now, she has no hair whatsoever and she doesn't want to wear a scarf. She just goes everywhere will her beautiful bald head and most days puts on a headband. Some of my friends ask me if I should get her a wig (I have her a really nice--expensive--wig), but I don't push it on her. She doesn't want to wear it and that's fine with me. Last August I asked if she wanted to try to wear it for a wedding we were going to. She said, "Why? Everyone knows me. I don't need it". hahaha So much confidence.
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Permalink Reply by michelle on
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I love it!!!!
The wisdom of a child. We should all live by her lesson.
I have AU....started to lose hair 3 years ago at the age of 49 and not a single hair on my body for over a year. I've gone natural since last summer. I don't like wigs and wear hats in the cold weather. I do get looks and sometimes comments but It really doesn't bother me. It is understandable as its rare to see a bald woman.
On another note, I went to renew my driver's licence today. They needed a new picture. I took off my hat and the woman behind the counter shouted OMG! You have a beautiful head!
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The very best to you on your holiday. Go for it! I've just started going public at selected places only at the moment but each time I'm nervous but found it to be so worthwhile - the freedom! Today, took off my wig in my tai chi class and then explained to those that had no idea I wore a wig. As a result a couple of other ladies , one struggling with patches of hair falling out, and the other who's just heard her daughter will soon undergoe chemo, both felt they could then share their stories and were so grateful for me fronting up. It is quite amazing what others may be inspired to do if each of us take this step. Good luck.
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