Tawny

Female

Ontario

Canada

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:
Married
About Me:
It started in highschool. My long thick black hair began falling out in hand-fulls. At the time I was experiencing many other symptoms that were troubling - some doctors thought I might have Lupus, but they could not make a definite diagnosis. After I lost much of my hair and cropped it shorter and shorter, I saw a dermatologist about it for the first time in my early 20's. She diagnosed Androgenic Alopecia and told me it was genetic (yes, my maternal Grandma, Mom and Aunts have thinning too) and that there was basically nothing I could do. I think she gave me some pills and lotion (can't remember what they were), but I quit them both because they didn't seem to be making a difference.
The rate of hair loss slowed during my 20's and I tried my best to live with my thin, fine hair. I hated it so much and it has always been the main source of my insecurities and very low self-esteem. I had days when I accepted my thin hair and days not too long ago, when I was doubled up crying on the bathroom floor. My scalp would get sunburned so easily and the hair dryer burned it too as I attempted to style it. Eventually I gave up trying to style it and I hated it even more.

I am really glad to have found this site. I wish I had found you all a long time ago.

A couple of weeks ago, I took the plunge and shaved my head. I wish I had done it a long time ago! I threatened to do it so often and for so long. But now I feel like a new woman!! I don't think I will ever grow my bio-hair out again. Not only do I look a lot better, but I feel better and the "velcro head" actually helps to hold my wigs on better ;) LOL

My family says my eyes are sparkling now... I don't think they've done that since I was in highschool.
Do you have alopecia?
Female pattern baldness
Are you age 18 or older?
Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall:

  • Melissa

    Hi Tawny. I can relate to how you feel. It sucks, but what can you do. I am about 11 months into this and hoping to come to acceptance. I hope that things are well and am glad to find others going through the same thing as I am

    May 5, 2009

  • Emily Hall

    I just found this site today and yours was the first post I read. I know exactly how you feel. I have always had fine thin hair and in the past year it has gotten worse. I have always been able to manage it with the hairstyle (Big hair, which was fine for the 80's but I have longed to be able to wear it a different way), not swimming in front of anyone I knew the last few years and of course running straight to the restroom if I had been in the wind. Oh yeah and a fortune on hair spray. I started thinking about a wig a couple years ago. I finally decided about a month ago to go to a salon and try some on just to see. GF, let me tell you I love them! I had so much fun trying them on, I was there for about 2 hours. I ended up getting 5! Different colors and lengths. I'll be honest they aren't the best feeling thing you could wear but the way they look out weighs that to me. I finally have "up to date" hair. You should go to a salon and try some on. If you decide you like a certain ones there are lots of places online that sells them. email me if you wanna ask anything else.
    Oh yeah forgot to add that I woke up a week ago with a bald spot on the top of my head about the size of a quarter. That's how I found this site. I'm really freaking about this but I keep telling myself, well you already got the wigs.

    May 5, 2009

  • Jess

    I was excited to find this site. As much as I've talked about it, no one else has copped to having it themselves. I felt really alone in this. I know other women have alopecia, but how do you approach someone and say "I know what you're going through, how are you doing?" or "How did you cope?"
    I was really upset the days working up to the shave, but I had been upset the 3 years prior too. Once the hair started to hit the floor though, I knew it was going to be okay. I do get looks. Some are hurtful but more often than not people don't seem to notice. Yesterday I had a bad day with the staring, so this morning when we were getting ready to run out I grabbed a head wrap and my son asked me why. He reminded me that the people that matter the most, love me regardless.
    You'll make the right choice for you. I'm glad I get to be someone who can support you whatever choice you make.
    Thanks for adding me as a friend. :)

    May 9, 2009

  • Susan

    Can i just ask a few questions?? Is your wig human hair or synthetic?? and how does it stay on?? elastic or tape?? is it very hot to wear?

    May 28, 2009

  • Melissa

    Sorry for such a late reply. The wedding was amazing and I do feel I looked really beautiful. My ahir is still in tact, but getting thinner every month. I am very happy. I love my husband and my job and my family, but feel sad some times because my hair seems to be this looming cloud over my head. I could live with the way it is now, because no one can tell. I fear what it will be in a year or two years. No signs of improvement and I guess I better face the music. Any advice?

    Jul 29, 2009

  • JOANNE SMITH

    sorry for delay in replying.
    Yes I have sheved all the rubbish bald bits of my hair off and have applied this bespoke hair system over these areas - 9x9. It is taken right to the edge of my own hair and becomes part of my head.
    I wear my hair up all the time - gym no problems and certailny not swimming.
    It is attached with glues or tapes.
    The beauty is noone will ever guess due to the use of your own hair at the sides and back - so natural looking.
    I'll post some photos if I'm brave enough xxx

    Nov 8, 2009