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Permalink Reply by Carol on February 1, 2009 at 11:00am

I would think around a bunch of motorcyclists being bald wouldn't be that big an issue. I have a few friends that ride and there was no way I would ever wear a wig under the helmet because it probably would come off when you took the helmet off - those lids are tight! I would go with the bandana look and not worry about what they think. They might ask about it but that's a great opportunity for you to spread awareness about alopecia and fill them in. I've only ever run into one guy that couldn't come to terms with my explanation but he was really old and really drunk. LOL Just create a new style to match the bandana and make it work for you, you'll fit in better than you realise!

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Permalink Reply by Kim Jez on February 1, 2009 at 11:38am

Hi Jan,
I have a bike and if I need to I just wear a bandanna in true motorcycle fashion! I also have a few knit/crocheted beanies made with cotton material (not wool..lol) which I wear on the really hot days. The beanies are much cooler under the helmet, as they are loose knit and still protect your head. It is a very simple pattern (looks like a doily ;P) if you knit or know someone who does. This maybe another option for you. It is unique and I have had lots of nice comments as well.
Enjoy riding, Kim J

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Permalink Reply by Karina Louise on February 1, 2009 at 8:13pm

Your wig shouldn't come off when you take the helmet off, but it's probably not that good for it to be squished under a helmet. I wear a freedom wig and personally, wouldn't wear it under a helmet because it is worth so much money - I want to take good care of it. I wear a buff or a beanie (depending on the weather) under my snowboarding helmet and would probably do the same with a bike helmet, but I haven't riden a bike in years.

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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on February 2, 2009 at 8:44am

This is a perfect opportunity to think about the idea that it's ok to be more open than ever about having alopecia. The more you clue in more people, the easier it gets and the more your life becomes very easy without focusing on the externals of what others will think. For the truth is that when a person with AA feels fully that he or she has AA, will do what he or she wants and that everyone else can just go with the flow, then the person with AA is another step closer to full self-acceptance.

When we are unduly influenced by what the "others" will think, it indicates that we've not yet come to terms with how we feel looking in our own mirror in the privacy of our own homes.

Start with self and you soon find that the rest of the world just doesn't matter very much any more.

On a practical level, I would use a thin scarf to absorb perspiration....something that you can rinse out fast that will dry in no time or one you can tuck away and replace with a fresh one. The more you make the scarf pretty and less like a chemo bandana, the better so think larger fabric rather than smaller.

On the road, think versatile: The 30 " x 30" square piece of fabric is my favorite: shawl, picnic blanket, headwrap, farmer's market satchel, sarong/pareo, belt.....you can use it all day in all sorts of ways by folding and tying it in myriad different shapes.

Enjoy the ride!

Thea

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