Here's something interesting... before I shaved my head, I had thought that the moment that I finally did it, I would come scurrying over to Alopecia World and post pictures and try to get support from everyone. But something strange happened... I found I didn't need the support.

With the advice of my mom, I did the head shave in steps. First, I got my mom to cut off my pony tail (I saved it so I could match my wig to it) and lived with that short hair for a week or so. I went to soccer practise, without anything on my head, without the "wig for strenuous exercise" that I was so anxious to have. My teammates know about my alopecia and they were super supportive. At that point I decided I would get rid of my silly 30 second hair cut and go bald.

And it was the BEST thing I've ever done.

I LOVE being bald. I wish I would have done it sooner! My mom shaved my head in early January and I ran to the mirror and cried a bit, but then it was over. I had control. It was no longer alopecia vs. Christine. It was me accepting it. I know so many people write this exact same thing... about gaining control over alopecia and control over your life. But is it ever true. I just put on a wig and go now. No more hairs falling out in the shower. My life can go on as it was before alopecia started. That's why I haven't even been on alopecia world much since then... I'm back to living my life and I've stopped pitying myself.

Being bald also has many great benefits: VERY fast showers. This has to be my ultimate favorite. In close second is that it's very speedy to get ready. Currently I have two wigs, one Troika wig and one Beverly Johnson. Both are not the best quality, but I went to the wig boutique in Edmonton and ordered a Noriko Shiloh wig. I CANNOT wait. I also discovered I look really good in short hair! I will soon be buying a short wig.

I have stopped crying about my alopecia after shaving my head. I'm really embracing being bald. I play soccer bald. As I'm driving home from work I throw off my wig and drive bald. At home and at my boyfriend's house I go bald. Everybody has been so supportive and now when I talk about my alopecia, I don't cry, but I can joke about it doesn't have a hold on me anymore.

Sorry for the long post. It feels nice to write all this out. And for everybody who is waiting for the right moment to shave your head... do it sooner, rather than later. I wish I would have shaved my head about 2 months earlier than I did. It would have saved me a lot of stress.

here are the pics...

what's left of my hair. i'm sitting cross-legged here wearing pajama shorts... i know it looks bad. :P

my wig stand... i made her look as cool as i am... hahaha! unfortunately i don't have any pics with the wig on. i don't really like it that much. the color is too dark for my skin tone.