Comment by Carol on May 6, 2008 at 12:58pm

You are in "hair limbo" - we all are! For the last 15 years I've had no hair at all now I'm suddenly having to shave here and there. From my perspective, I'm happy that something is actually happening yet at the same time I either want it all to come back or not at all. I've just decided to keep shaving until my follicles call off their strike. Your head may not make up it's mind but it's your choice how you handle it all. Keep your chin up!!

Comment by Stacie Duda on May 6, 2008 at 6:00pm

That was not a fun stage! first the hair. then the eye brows. then the lashes. alopecia is just something we've got to deal with! love it or leave it, its there and it will try to mess with your mind unless if you mess with it first! keep shaving those patches and show it who's in charge! haha

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on May 6, 2008 at 7:35pm

I know what you are talking about. The last year or so I have been growing more and more hair and I probably have about 75% now. But like Stacie mentions, I just keep shave it off and keep stepping. I got use to my look and rather like it now, go figures...

To be honest I would rather be totalis than areata. It is time consuming having to shave every few days.

Comment by kastababy on May 6, 2008 at 8:19pm

I couldn't agree more! The only drawback to having to shave what's left every day is if you have sensitive skin and the razor irritates you -- I like the super smooth look so I'm experimenting with Nair to see if that helps.

Comment by Bob Hershberger on May 6, 2008 at 10:15pm

What your saying is all to familiar...I used to take a bath,and have a bathtub full of hair..It got to the point where i was scared to take a shower..One thing I have learned in 35+years of AA,is that it has a mind of its own..For me,after I finally said no-more hiding (about 3 years) and it wasnt on my own acccord..Somebody took my hat for a beer collection,it was at that point that I had been the butt end of so much ridicule,that I juswt didnt care anymore,so I said,hey,this is me,just the way God made me,so love me or hate me,but either way,Im not hiding myself anymore,like I was some hideous looking "thing",and I finally came to grips with AA,and actually accepted myself exactly as I was..I thought for sure,I was cursed,and would never date ever again,and whatever else goes along with that dilema..Well,it was about a month after that,that little white hairs started growing in,and the next thing I knew,I had my hair back..Not so quick..Of course it fell out again,and again,over the years,and now that Im 53,when it grows back,it grows back solid white,so I look like a skunk..You know,I see a lot of comments about women who wonder if a guy would date them if he hadnt had AA..Well,I wonder if a woman would of ever had anything to do with me with bald patches..I didnt have any women even look at me,unless it was to make fun of me.I think women are more critical to the AA men,because they associate hair with femininit,so,not to be rude,but I think,maybe women are actually more harsh than men,but maybe not..I dont want to start a hassel..That was just my experience..Actually,i think boyh sexes are pretty darn shallow,tied to anybody who's not quote "normal"..For me "now",I saw define normal..All's I know is its not easy to have AA,but it definitly has made me abetter person..More sensitive and caring,and not so quick to judge,as I dont hudge anybody anymore..Its not right..Anyway,I wish everybody at this site the strength to feel comfort in there own skin..Its hard,and takes time,but may God Bless us all..I pray for everyone here,every night..Love you all,,Bob

Comment by Lee on May 7, 2008 at 1:32am

I agree with Bob! AA has made me a better person also. Maybe it happened for a reason. I really try not to judge people anymore because the most important thing that I have learned from this is that EVRYONE has their issues. Wheather it be health, wealth, mental, family, ect. I honestly haven't had any problems dating with this...ONE guy rejected me, but I'm not sure if it was because of this...and he was BALD. Go figure!! Otherwise..guys are pretty cool about it. It's not my hair they're after! lol

Comment by heathen on May 7, 2008 at 10:08am

Thank you for all the comments everyone! You guys are the best and have lifted my spirits!

Comment by Amy on May 7, 2008 at 12:33pm

I'm in that stage now as well. Just lost it few months ago.. but having to shave parts. My husband has takign on the role of my weekly groomer as to keep it from feeling like velcro... has anyone tried that head-blade? Is it easier than a regular razor? Just wondering.

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