Comment by Tallgirl on February 19, 2011 at 11:41pm

Well, I do the opposite. I buy a really nice wig, and do a double-take at windows and mirrors, thinking, "Is this really ME?" ...because the new hair looks so much better than the unevenness of alopecia. I like balance...one way or the other! To me, my new hair makes me fit in, look professional, and it eliminates or minimizes nosy questions from my students. I can "blend in" and get on with life. Everyone eventually finds her own way to accept herself. How long that takes depends on your avoidance of or your ability to deal with your new issue in life...whatever that way may be. Sometimes it takes a sentence from another human, or some statement from a dermatologist. Go see my blog about that "AHA!" moment. Others gave their opinions, too.

Comment by Mary on February 20, 2011 at 12:38am

Annette, you're still in the first year, and as I've written on AW until people are probably tired of it, you just have to take baby steps toward becoming comfortable with this new you.

The answer is YES, you will get over this. It took me over a year, and I'm still working on it after 3 years. I'm much better now, and this REALLY is the new me. I don't have "hair dreams" anymore, at least not for a long while. I'm happy with who I am. Sure, I wish I had my hair, but I'm so much better emotionally than I was at first.

Please take a look at my blogs, videos and photos...there's more there than I can retype here, but I think you may find something to help you.

All the best,
Mary

Comment by Tamera on February 20, 2011 at 2:39pm

You are AWESOME!!!! I wish I had the confidance that you have, I have the same attitude, it is hair, it isn't who I am. I have wore wigs off and on for 15 years and they are NOT me, that is the fake me that is trying to make the people around me more comfortable, well I put my wigs away last Sunday. At home I am free, out and about I wear a bandana and get the raised eyebrows, and pity looks. I wish that women could sport the Mr Clean look without getting all the "your crazy or sick" looks! Stare back at those people, you are you, and you are intitled to look and feel however you want.
Stay true to yourself.

Comment by Marisa on February 20, 2011 at 9:21pm

You are unique...therefore you get stared at..... =-) Keep up the great work and continue to "rock it" you are an inspiration to us all...

Comment by Nicky on February 23, 2011 at 2:12pm

Wow!! I did the same thing.. and I still do!! Don't have any advice though.. But, kinda seems like me and I know TONS of ppl on Aw has told me to let it go and that we are beautiful no matter what!! And we are!! But it's just that sometimes I don't feel like that.. To tell you the truth I do, I do look in the mirror everysingle day and I wonder Is this going to be me for my life?? Is it really?? Then when I am wearing my beautiful brown soft straight hair, and look at myself in the mirror I go this is not me and actually one day I just took it off in my room in front of the mirror and stared at myself and cried.. I am just saying.. Well I know this wasn't positive but, oh well!! and srry!! :)

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