Comment

Comment by Pamela on August 11, 2016 at 11:01am

I totally disagree Susan.  It is nobody business. I would be embarrassed out of my mind if somebody saw me bald.  Nobody but my husband has that privilege.

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 10:51am

Yes i agree with Gina and Lovely Butterfly,that you should tell the interviewer.And when you do,you must keep smiling and be confident as you speak. 

You can start by saying that you have a condition called alopecia,where one looses their hair.You can say that you had once worn wigs,but they can be very uncomfortable.

At the end of the day,you're not asking the interviewer for acceptance or permission.You're just clarifying things upfront. Transparency....

It is important to be confident and smile,because it shows strength, and your strength and resilience will now be an add on to not only your assets, but also something awesome that you are bringing to this company.

Trust me. 

Comment by Pam on August 11, 2016 at 10:50am

I would bring it up in a casual, confident manner. Most of all, let them know that it is not life threatening. They may think you have cancer otherwise and make assumptions about your ability to work.

Comment by Fuzzless on August 11, 2016 at 9:55am

If the interviewer thinks you are ill, he/she may think that you will not be able to perform the job or will be taking a lot of time off.  I think Lovely butterfly's approach was perfect. 

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 9:53am

We must remove the shame. Alopecia is not a disability and does not necessarily have to be kept to one's self.

No one is going to make a way for us in this world.We show the world a way.

Susan

Comment by andrea t on August 11, 2016 at 9:49am

Jeannie, I aspire to your boldness--admire it & have wished to move beyond alopecia all my life! I see totally bald women on the street w/their heads held high & I think, good for you, you go girl! I may get there before I die, but probably not, & can only envy your guts and others like you who go au natural! Very heartening!

Comment by Lovely butterfly on August 11, 2016 at 9:48am

Hey Jeannie, I did just recently interview AND get the job! I don't wear a wig, but I had my head wrapped with a scarf. I just mentioned in the interview that I'll be wearing scarves because of my alopecia and hope this doesn't pose a problem? I nonchalantly mentioned it in an effort to decrease any misconceptions I thought THEY would have? There were a few other interviews I had gone on and felt like they thought I had cancer...which people assume A LOT...so to alleviate the curiosity, I straight up told them it's alopecia! I would still rock my job while rocking whatever is on my head!!
Girl, boldly and proudly interview anyway you want...just OWN it!!
Good luck!!

Comment by Storm-Arashi on August 11, 2016 at 9:46am

The interviewer isn't going to ask about your hair. It's very unlikely of that happening as if you got offended and called HR it could get them in trouble. Focus on presenting yourself and owning it. Don't say it unless it's relevant or you feel it will effect your work ethic.

Just own it. Can it get frustrating? Yes. But it's not your only trait unless you decide to let Alopecia define you as a victim rather then a person WITH Alopecia. It's okay to vent, it's okay to get frustrated when you hear the "Is it cancer?" question for the millionth time... But remember it's not your core personality.

Comment by Sara on August 11, 2016 at 9:43am

I agree with the others about being confident, but, if you choose to go to an interview without a wig, then I'd be upfront about alopecia. I don't think you have to go into a great deal of detail, but some people who don't know about alopecia assume that you have cancer and are undergoing treatment for it. I was a teacher before retirement, and although I did wear a wig, kids and teens are much more observant than adults. I had a wonderful teen write me a very nice letter of support because she thought I was fighting cancer. I took her aside and explained why I wore a wig (and told her it was ok to share that information).

Ever since, I've been more forthright about having alopecia.  

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 9:36am

Hi Jeannie

Some great answers here,with the exception of Pamela's.

You must remember that you are so much more than your alopecia.We live in such a different time now.

Who knows what the interviewer is dealing with in their personal lives.You may show up at that interview and inadvertently,inspire them.

Be strong and remember that honesty,transparency,confidence,self acceptance and self love are keys to your success,along with your work skills,experience,knowledge and educational accomplishments.

Wouldn't it be interesting if the interviewer tells you that their sister is struggling with alopecia,and that they wished that their sister could see you.

I have been wig free for 1 year now.It changed my life... And yes,i was out shopping one day and the salesman said "i wished that my sister could see you and talk to you. She has alopecia and she is very miserable over it.No matter how much our family loves and supports her, and tells her that she's beautiful and that it's ok" 

I have come to realize that there is Power in boldness.Or Baldness...

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