Alopecia World
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What do I need to know about shaving my head?
I saw my head in a 3 way mirror yesterday at the department store. I walked into the dressing room to try on clothes and I stood there for a few seconds trying to decide if I really wanted to look. I've never looked all thru my head. I can feel my spots and I play with the front to check it for more loss, which everyday is more and more. So I decided to check. What the heck, right? Shock..that's all. What is left of my hair is long, mousy, dead and dry. There's nothing left that's of any use at all. I'm more bald than not. So after I pulled myself together I decided to think about shaving it off. But I'm afraid of what to expect, physically and emotionally. So I have some questions for those of you that did shave.
Is it a good idea to plan to take some time off work. I can't imagine going into work right after I shave my head. Wig or no wig.
Should I plan to shave it the night before I get fitted for my nice wig?
Should I do it myself or go somewhere and have it done. Does it matter?
Should I plan to tan? My head hasn't seen the light of day in 40 years. It's paper white. haha
Can you wax your head. I love that glass, shiny bald head.
Am I overreacting? Is it really not that big a deal?
I hate my straggly hair now. But why is it so hard to decide to shave it off.
What would you have done differently?
Thank you!
Is it a good idea to plan to take some time off work. I can't imagine going into work right after I shave my head. Wig or no wig.
Should I plan to shave it the night before I get fitted for my nice wig?
Should I do it myself or go somewhere and have it done. Does it matter?
Should I plan to tan? My head hasn't seen the light of day in 40 years. It's paper white. haha
Can you wax your head. I love that glass, shiny bald head.
Am I overreacting? Is it really not that big a deal?
I hate my straggly hair now. But why is it so hard to decide to shave it off.
What would you have done differently?
Thank you!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary on
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Karen, I know what you're going through. Take a look at my photos of the night before I shaved it all off. I had about 50% hair, 50% bald areas. I was SO relieved when I shaved. You might also take a look at the AW Group: Sisterhood of Women Who Shaved Their Heads.
I went to my hairdresser and he shaved it all off down to a fine stubble. Then when we got home, my husband used a razor to shave off the stubble. There's a photo of me right after the first shave. I quickly got very good at shaving my own head in the shower, using shaving gel, and just running my free hand over my head until I couldn't feel any more stubble. I went AU after only a few months, so didn't have to keep shaving.
I had already purchased a wig, but at this point, I don't wear it and I just go bald or wear a scarf or hat.
My head was really white (55 years without sun), and I did work on getting it tan by sitting in the backyard for short periods wearing a sunvisorthat protected my face and exposed my dome. Eventually the color evened up,especially when I started going out bald more.
What would I have done differently? I would've shaved it sooner.
Good luck, and just remember that you're still you, with or without hair!
Mary
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Permalink Reply by MiNAH on
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FIRST OF ALL......YOU WILL LOOK STUNNING.
SO ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE GONNA LOOK HOT!
HAVEN'T YOU HEARD THAT SAYING..."BALD IS BEAUTIFUL"
WELL...YOU HAVE...& YOU KNOW IT IS BEAUTIFUL.
THE ONLY THING YOU NEED TO ACCOMPANY THAT LOOK WITH...IS YOUR ATTITUDE.
SO YOU ALSO KNOW THE SAYING..."YOU GO GIRL"
THAT MEANS YOU GOTTA STRUT THAT STUFF!
TAKE IT FROM ALL OF US, THAT DARE TO WORK IT.
If it makes you comfortable....do mention it to the people at work.
I also like to be open, yet...I do not owe anyone an explination..nor excuse myself.
However..it makes me feel less awquard to be informative.
So....I open up & give em all I got.
Either way....I am going to do it whether they like it or not...as it's about me!
I have to take care of my insecurities & feelings.
I just don't want to see that sick, twisted, weird look on their face, when they don't expect it.
Cause they do it either way...although less, when they expect it.
NO TO TAKING OFF WORK...YOU NEED TO TAKE THE BULL BY IT'S HORNS ..SO TO SPEAK.
Yet...if you need some time to work into it before you go to work..then yes....give yourself that time to adjust.
I had Alopecia Totalis.
Then it grew back after many years...coarse, pigmented white, patchy, thin & fluffy.
I walked without head covering through the 80s into the 90s.
Only recently shaved off the fluff to be fitted for my prosthesis silicone freedomwig.
The next best thing to skin...yet it's too hot right now to wear in this heat.
"THE BEST THING I EVER DID WAS TO SHAVE, & MY SON LOVES IT"
However....go bald..& be your beautiful self....by just being you.
Waxing sounds great...but don't think any hair will ever have a chance to come back, if you hope for that.
I think..that I might consider waxing my head...hmmm that sounds good for me...cause I hate the patches.
After all....I don't think I will ever get a full head of hair back again...so thanks for that idea.
Do it now..before you get any older...so you can still experience your youthfullness...totally bald.
However Karen...when you tell them...be strong....don't get into their opinion...if they have one.
REMEMBER....WHO'S GOT THE POWER...YOU!
If they tell you...that they couldn't do it....don't entertain their crap.
GOOD LUCK FOR THEM....WHAT DO THEY KNOW....NADA!
If they have the Audacity to say..."oh I couldn't do that...shave my head...walk bald, or go without head covering"
I would say" Lucky you...you don't have to...you aren't walking in my shoes"
ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES!
LEAVE IT AT THAT...& WALK AWAY..............................!
NO....DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE TANNING...JUST WALK IN THE SUN WITH SPF30...& IT WILL EVEN UP BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.
OH...NO...YOU ARE NOT OVER REACTING.
REMEMBER WHERE YOU ARE?
ALOPECIA WORLD WHERE THE LOVE SHINES UPON YOU & YOUR BALD HEAD!
Check out my blogs...one I commented to Crown Regal.
Good luck..& let us all know how you went...please..never conform to judgment, opinon, or their perception of you.
PROMISE YOURSELF THAT..& YOU'LL BE RIGHT!
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Rolon on
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Hi Karen I can relate your feelings. I too shave about 2 months ago.
I bought some clippers and one afternoon I went to the bathroom and just repeated the Demi Moore scene in GI Jane!!
I was shocked at first when I saw myself but relieved and eventually acceping. My husband knew I was going to do it anytime. He had seen me and the pain of seeing my cry over the hair I was loosing daily. He was supportive and is!!!
I had purchase a wig and some scarves prior because I wanted to be prepared. I do were a wig or scarve to go out.
My head also was really white but Im very fair skin all over so it just blended :)
I did hide myself for a while until I realize this was not a reason to be ashamed and this was something my body was doing and I was not going to stop living because I was worried of what other people thought.
I told the people I know not because I felt obligated but because it was liberating for me. And gave me peace!!
Waxing Im not sure never done it!
Best wishes and may you find peace with whatever decision you make!!
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You said it, Kimberly! We have nothing to be ashamed of, and can't stop living just because non-alopecians aren't used to seeing a bald female head!
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Permalink Reply by Karen on
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You guys are so awesome! Thank you so much for the encouragement. I haven't decided yet. I'm sure that's normal too. But I'm getting tired of dwelling on it too. I have to admit that since I saw myself in that mirror, it's been more depressing for me. But that will pass and I will do whatever I have to do to put those feelings away. I guess too that I'm realizing how strong I really am! haha I've learned so much about myself and everyone around me.
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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on
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It's a big deal the day you shave your head. It's emotional and it's a huge relief.
Where is up to you. Some people prefer to be emotional in private and others don't want to be alone. So it depends on your personality and preferences. Some bring along a few friends and make a party. Lots of ways and all are normal.
It's a big change and will just feel different for a while; but being at the point you are where you don't feel pretty with the straggles...well, that's more than enough self motivation to know the answer is shave it off and get going with a nice new look.
It's normal to wonder about the feelings . We're humans and feelings are part of us, so any and all reactions you have are normal. And be prepared that they might vacillate. You're ready to make the change when you're ready and we all have a different timetable. Don't think I would do anything differently myself.
For maintenance, once I found the headblade.com product I was able to shave the stubbles much faster and much closer than with any conventional razor blade where you have a long handle to hold onto. It makes quite a difference in the result for me. I have never nicked myself with it whereas I have with a traditional handled blade.
Good luck and no matter when or where you decide, it will most likely be freeing.
Thea
baldgirlsdolunch.org
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I have shaved my own head for about 5-6 years now...in private. I WISH I had the courage to go out "bald", but I know I would be "crucified"........and I still have to earn a living/support myself.
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Hi Everyone,
I just want to update you all. I shaved my head not too long after my initial post. Not completely to the skin though. I had a friend buzz it to the length of the longest growing point. Which is actually a wiffle. I didn't take long, that's for sure. Emotionally, I felt a lot of things. I felt like I had taken control of it. I stopped checking the shower drain and inspecting my head. But when I bundled up all my favorite shampoos and products, and put my brushes, blow dryer and pony tails into a box, I got really sad.
I look better with this wiffle than before, my wigs fit and feel better. But I'm bummed. I will always miss my pony tail, pulling my fingers through my hair, having my daughter's play hair dresser...bla bla bla.
I wouldn't have done anything differently. I was with my best friend, who took before, during and after pictures. We had a nice day after the buzzing.
The injections have shown some positive results too since then. No incredible regrowth, but a little and that is my hope.
That's it! Thanks for all your replies. It always makes me feel better about myself when I log in and read your stories and your replies to everyone's posts. You are my link. It's nice.
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Permalink Reply by Ann Laurie on
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I was doing the injections and they made me stop because they had adverse affects on me. I'm not saying that will happen to you, but i wanted to just plant the seed that you should watch your blood pressure and if you start getting constant headaches you should go to your doctor and let them know!! It can also affect your menstral cycle! I don't mean to be a downer but all those things happened to me when I got he shots, and I was working one day and my BP was 180/98 which is way to high. Resulting I passed out at work and my doctors found out I was really sick from the steroids. I had to stop and I am thankful that they stopped the treaments because I would rather have no hair than really high blood pressure!
Again I am not saying this will happen to you or you should give up hope on the new growth Just watch your health and if you start feeling funny or anything check it out because steroids can cause a lot of long term illnessess. Not just high BP, diabetes as well!
I hope none of this pertains to you and I hope you can play hair dresser with your kids again! Good LUCK!!!
Ann
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