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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 30, 2008 at 2:15am

Hey Kristin, I'm jen I have had alopecia since i was 1I'm now 28. I went from Universalis to Tolalis. I wore a wig till i was 13. i wouldn't even leave my bedroom with out my wig. From my experience people will be curious about our alopecia. When i did wear wigs I noticed that when i did talk about it and tell friends, they didnt talk about me behind my back. I never just came out i always did it usually with one or two people i trusted. and if i was comfortable they would talk to others about it. that way i only had to go through it once. Most people will shock the heck out of you by how supportive they are. You never know just by talking abot it you may meet someone else with it. I didnt know anyone with alopeica till i stopped wearing my wigs and starting talking about it. My neighbours moms friend had alopecia and introduced me to NAAF and the rest is history. For us with Alopecia we think everyone is looking at us and won't like us if we are diffrent. And there are those that will only like us for being diffrent. But most people wont notice or even pay attention that you are wearing a wig. Weather you tell friends or not. Or weather you wear a wig or not. You have to learn what is best for you. Whatever you feel is the best thing is. We all deal with our alopeica in diffrent ways. I personally dont wear a wig and tell people every chance i get. Yet then again one of my best friends with alopeica won't leave her house without her wig and only tells close friends. But yet we are both accept the way we are and our alopeia. it is only one little part of who we are and we cant let it consume our entire lives.

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Permalink Reply by Mari on December 1, 2008 at 9:59am

Kristin I totally have to agree with Jack! Everyone does have their own way with dealing. I went straight to AU when I was 17 and would even sleep in my wig. I told no one and only my closest family ever saw me bald. When it finally started growing back after a few years I was terrified to go without my wig- but I eventually did, even though I looked interesting LOL. But my experience- for years I would dream of that damn wig and in my dreams I couldn't get rid of it. I could burn the darn thing and it would come back and be on my head even with my actual hair. So when I started loosing my hair when I was almost 34 I said screw it! I shaved it off pretty much right away and would wear hats. I refused to buy a wig! For a couple years I was that way, but then I got a wig for a "special occasion" and realized how girlie it made me look. Now it is a combination really. I wear a wig to work and on a night out, other than that it is a hat or just bald. For myself I had to find the balance to where it didn't define ME, but I defined IT. And that is different for everyone. You just need to find where you, yourself, are comfortable with Alopecia and then what other people see or think won't matter as much I promise!

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Permalink Reply by Zoey on December 1, 2008 at 5:35pm

Hi Kristin,

I totally understand where your coming from. Yes, it is weird to start talking about it. But, once you just do it- it gets sooo much easier! Trust me... I was nervous to change wigs- in fear co-workers would ask me what was going on. So, one day I just decided to do it.. I did have people (mostly the gals) ask me about my hair. I explained to them.. And guess what! They were all so kind and wanted to know if there was anything they could do to help me.. I said, nope- Its all good..
Ever since that, Its been soo much more stress off of me. I dont worry about anything anymore.

Yes, there are still days I get kinda down about the whole situation. But, overall. I am a healthy women and love life..
I try to live it to the fullest every day.. and have so many plans before I kick the bucket..lol

You will have so much positive support here.. Im glad you found the site.. Welcome :o)

Muah Zoey

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Permalink Reply by Kristin on December 5, 2008 at 2:01am

Thank you for your replies! I feel so much better just talking to people who UNDERSTAND exactly what I am going through! I think I will try to start talking to friends about it.. Then I will hopefully be able to talk to co-workers. I am in the process of getting my 2nd wig. My best friend has been there with me fortunately since this happened and has helped me out as much as possible. I am also going to look into NAAF. I would really like to find a support group here locally. But so far, I haven't found anything. I am so happy I found this site with such nice people! Thank you again!

- Kristin

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