Comment by Mary on January 15, 2011 at 1:01pm

Here's the basic question I think all bald women need to ask themselves: Would a guy in my situation have to wear a wig (or hat or head wrap), or even consider it? In your case: Would a male EMT who had lost his hair or shaved it due to pattern baldness worry about wearing a wig? I think not.

Also, I would think that in the busy and hectic activities of being an EMT, a wig might be likely to come off or distract you, not to mention, be hot. Vacuum wigs apparently stay on, but for me, there'd be the heat issue. My cousin is an EMT, and I've seen video of her in action and it's sometimes very strenuous and active.

Good luck and congratulations on your new career path!
Mary

Comment by Spenser on January 16, 2011 at 12:37am

We live in a culture that expects a female voice to come from a feminine appearance. What's wrong with wanting to blend in when professionalism or comfort and reassurance to the patient are the most important thing?

Bald has its place and it does not belong everywhere for everyone. Many times, what's most important IS how someone like a patient being seen by an EMT might respond. No one needs the added distraction of a female voice coming from a bald head at that time.

To presume that a wig is going to come off or distract the wearer is your projection of a personal hang up onto someone's else's very different lifestyle choices. Anyone who lives an active life and wears wigs knows how to keep them on. That goes for men and women.

Comment by Mary on January 16, 2011 at 2:55am

To paraphrase you, Spenser: "To presume that a bald female head is going to distract the patient is your projection of a personal hang up onto someone's else's very different lifestyle choices."

I can only assume from your post, Spenser, that you wear a full wig and are perfectly comfortable in it. I'm happy that this works out for you. Just don't tell me or any other bald woman that I have to wear a wig if I can't stand them.

To paraphrase you again: "Anyone who lives an active life has the right to be bald. That goes for men and women."

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