Kristen

43, Female

Austin, TX

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:

In a Relationship

About Me:

ME, MYSELF and I

I love all things outdoors but rock climbing has a special place in my heart. Love it! I grew up playing soccer, basketball, track, etc. and am definitely just one of the guys. I live in Austin (motto: the live music capital of the world) so I'm really into going out to see shows (and grabbing a cold one while I'm at it). On the flip side, I love kiddos and am around them as much as possible. I have my degree in elementary education and, although I'm not currently teaching, I still keep in contact with many of my former students.

MY HISTORY WITH ALOPECIA

I was in middle school trying to fit in with everyone else when noticed I had nickel sized spots on the back of my head where I couldn't grow hair. Not the best conversation starter when you are striving so much to blend in with the crowd!

After many misdiagnoses (ringworm, fungi, etc.) I was finally diagnosed with AA. All of my hair didn't fall out at once but has progressed slowly throughout the last 15 years giving me time to cope. I was very vain about my thick, waist length hair when I was younger and received many compliments growing up. I was even nominated for Best Hair in our senior class in high school. I credit my alopecia with helping me understand to put more weight in the character of a person and less on their appearance.

Now I have less than 50% of my hair and am rockin it! :-) The pattern that my hair has fallen out looks like I shave my head intentionally. It's mostly fallen out underneath and the sides. The front is starting to go now though too.

I live in a great, open-minded city where I get lots of compliments on my "hairstyle". Depending on the day, I take the opportunity to tell people about alopecia. Although there are some days when I just take the compliment and leave it at that. I feel that if you're confident - anything you wear/have will look good!

I'm excited to meet other like-minded alopecians as I have not met many with a positive outlook on alopecia. Also, I am getting close to shaving my head and am interested in how others rock their looks! Within the last six months I've started playing around with wigs and am going to start trying out scarves soon. Once I do shave my head I don't want to be a slave to my wig(s) and plan on having bald days as well as wig days. Baldies unite! :-)

Do you have alopecia?

Alopecia areata

Are you age 18 or older?

Yes

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