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To shave or not to shave, that is the question
Hello AW,
Here is my dilemma. I have had AA for 20 years (since I was 7), my last bout started 19 months ago. I have lost more than 50% of my hair, but lucky for me I have super thick red hair and have been able to cover the spots up until now. I have discussed shaving my head with my husband and he is completely supportive but I have other family members who aren't there yet. Plus I'm a little nervous about it. I do have two scarves on order and was thinking about doing it after they arrive. How did y'all get the nervous up to finally shave the rest of your hair? I just need some advise and more support I guess.
Here is my dilemma. I have had AA for 20 years (since I was 7), my last bout started 19 months ago. I have lost more than 50% of my hair, but lucky for me I have super thick red hair and have been able to cover the spots up until now. I have discussed shaving my head with my husband and he is completely supportive but I have other family members who aren't there yet. Plus I'm a little nervous about it. I do have two scarves on order and was thinking about doing it after they arrive. How did y'all get the nervous up to finally shave the rest of your hair? I just need some advise and more support I guess.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Andrea L. on
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Hi Julia,
Shaving helps in terms of less hair to clean off the floor, couch, sink, etc.
I am currently applying a topical solution and without hair it's just easier to put everywhere.
Also, it always feels like a fresh start and new hope that maybe after I shave and it comes back, it will stay this time.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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Permalink Reply by Kristy on
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Hi Julia, I'm facing the same dilemma right now. I have only had AA for over a year, but my hair is starting to fall out all over. Previously I was able to cover up all my loss as I had a lot of thick hair as well, but now it's falling out right in the front, oh joy, and it's just a matter of time before it becomes obvious to the rest of the world. I ordered a wig and am waiting for it to arrive before I can take the plunge and shave it. I am truly sick of finding my hair everywhere, and like one of the other commenters below, it would be a lot easier to apply the topical treatments recommended if it just shaved off what is left. I will likely hold out a little longer but I'm right there with you as far as being nervous about doing it. I'm scared, too.
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Permalink Reply by Annelies Bessels on
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I would say shave!
It is a difficult choise, but now al the time you think about your hair.
Can anybody see that I am bald, Can anybody see my spots, what if there is rain or wind?
If you are shaving your hole head that is over.
You can be who you realy are. And belive me, it is dificult the first time.
But real friends like your inside, not the outside!!
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Permalink Reply by Julia S on
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Thank you all so much for the support. Yesterday was my down day, I lost a ton of hair over the weekend and I was really upset about it. I have set a date to shave, Labor Day Weekend. Since I have a date in my head I will stick to it, that is the kind of person I am, not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. LOL. I will update my picture after I shave. My 4 year old son and my hubby will be helping me, they are my largest in person support team. I'm just nervous now about going out in public with a bald beautiful head. Oh well that will subside with time. Have a great week AW.
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Hi again, there are lots of cute hats and scarves you can wear. I've been wearing hats in public for the last 2 1/2 years and I got totally used to them. Also hats are kinda in right now. Newsboy caps, slouchie beanies, fedoras, berets, baseball caps, etc. Just play around with a few different ones and see what fits you best. I own a lot of black ones because they go with most outfits. I also have a wig but haven't worn it yet because I am really comfortable wearing my caps. Find some ideas here: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-hats?cm_ven=google&cm_cat=ac...
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Hi Julia, I shaved my head (or actually my husband shaved my head for me) on Wednesday this week. He thought that all of my crop circles looked funny so he razored it after buzzing it with clippers. I have such a huge burden lifted off of my shoulders. I still feel a little weary about heading out bald, but I've been sporting my bald head around my house all week...my babysitter, UPS man, and family have all been supportive. My parents are a little sad, but then again I'm their baby and so they just worry about me. But I have not shed a tear yet. I feel free from obsessing over my hair. I hope that you are doing well! Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Aaron on
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Think of it like jumping into a cold pool for the first time. In your head you think that jumping in is going to be this absolute horrible experience. You could easily just walk away or you could just ignore those thoughts and dive in. At first your body is uncomfortable but you adjust and have an enjoyable day swimming.
I was nervous when I went to shave my head. Probably in the top 3 as far as nerves go. Asking my fiancée to marry me and the birth of my first child are the top 2. I looked at myself in the mirror and told myself that this had to be done. If I didn't do it now I would have to deal with the ever enlarging bald spot until it encompassed my whole head. After which I would be bald anyway. If I choose to just wait I would have to deal with hiding and denying what was going on. I turned on the electric razor, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, counted to 3, and on the count of 3 I just shaved a random spot on my head. From there, there was no turning back and I have been happier since then. The feeling is wonderful. The sight of it takes a bit to get used to, but that quickly passes. Your head may be sensitive the first time, but that also quickly passes.
And once it's done, not only will you be happier but you will also have the support of your friends and family.
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