5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Alopecia

According to an article on Everydayhealth.com:  

"Commenting on someone’s appearance is rarely a good idea. And saying these things to someone experiencing hair loss can be unhelpful at best — and hurtful at worst."

1. ‘Do You Have Cancer?’

2. ‘At Least You’re Not Dying’

3. ‘Is It Just So Much Easier to Get Ready Now?’

4. ‘You Should Wear a Wig!’

5. ‘My Friend Did Such-and-Such to Grow Their Hair Back!’

You can read the full article here

Some of these do not really offend me, but others make me wonder how your mama raised you ;)  

What's the craziest you have heard?

Views: 1102

Comment by Beth on November 29, 2022 at 8:02pm

I used to work at the Post Office.  One day a customer was staring at me, so I asked why.  She said she's never seen anyone with such thin hair.  :(

Comment by BalledNTattooed on November 29, 2022 at 8:09pm

I would love if all my hair fell out , I wouldn't have to buy shampoo, conditioner, haircuts, hair dye, you must save so much money.

Comment by ksmon48 on November 29, 2022 at 8:33pm

A casual acquaintance approached me at a very public event, placed their hand gently on my arm and said "I've been praying for you." I said "Oh. Thank you but.... I'm not sick." I'm not sure which one of us was more embarrassed.

Comment by outforawalk on November 29, 2022 at 9:08pm

In times past, when telling people about my disease, they've said "I would like to see you naked."

This gives me a weird feeling like I'm trying to keep the peace with someone who sees me as an object and it's really kind of creepy.

In addition to this, when I go to the store, I'm there to pick up some items and get through the shopping line as fast as I can.   

I have had cashiers stop in mid-process and start prattling about someone who had cancer or who said, "I'm praying for you."   

I don't know why anyone thought they should hold up the shopping line to have a pity party or to ask me a lot of questions.   I'm a private person and I resent being treated like an oddity and a curiosity.      

It's condescending and presumptuous to pray for someone that you don't know anything about.  Instead, why not pray for all handicapped people.   

Comment by Nerida on November 29, 2022 at 9:41pm

Lining up at the cashier in the local grocery store the lady behind me said "that looks like a fresh shave" .  I was tempted to ask if she had freshly shaven any parts of her body but didn't.  Just gave her a WTF look with a fake smile and said 'yes'.   I know like to listen to music when doing my shopping so I can't hear any comments made to me.   

Comment by SabineTawni on November 29, 2022 at 9:48pm

Hearing the remark over and over again, "It's only hair."  This remark always comes from people with a full, thick head of hair.  I also have a sneaking suspicion that they are trying to make THEMSELVES feel better, not make ME feel better.  I wish some people would realize that I don't need them "to hold my hand" over this.

Comment by Patricia Gerbaud on November 30, 2022 at 7:34am

I was once a neighbors' party in the summer so nothing on my head. A lady came to me saying that when she had cancer she discovered there were reeeaaallllly nice wigs, you could not guess they were wigs etc. I tried to explain I had tried wearing one (expensive beautiful etc !) but preferred to be bald when hot and with a turban when cold. Of course she would not listen, later on, as it got cooler I put a turban on and she came back to say : I much prefer that !!!!!!!!! 

It was hard for my son when I lost my hair (altho' he was already an adult then) but I explained I was the first concerned and would not wear a wig to please him, or in that case, his wife. 

Comment by Nk on July 26, 2023 at 1:23pm

My hairdresser 2 months ago when I still had half of my hair on my head (now its almost all go e) told me “ its so difficult to feel bad about your hair loss with a body like that”. 
“short hair really suits you, its your vibe”
” you should learn to control your stress”

Im just fed up..

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