March 2012
I am now head shaved and getting permanent make-up. I have also noticed I now lack arm and leg hair - so there are a few perks to alopecia universalis i guess

I decided that if I was going to get brave and try to go wigless and scarfless then vacation in the Caribbean was a good place to try it out. I still wore my wig to dinner every night though ...


After 4 months with this longer wig and it's itchy lace front I decided I was over my long hair and in April 2012 I bought my short wig. I was very, very happy with it. No itchy lace front. Bangs to cover the hairline. It was sometime later that spring that I had to start wearing false eyelashes.

In March 2012 I managed a severe cooking burn on my forearm and rushed out to the Urgent Care clinic near my home. I realized when I got there that I forgot my wig. The clinic staff's lack of response made me decide to go wig free at the baby shower I threw that night. My co-workers were so positive that I decided I could do this! This summer was very hot and I was outside a lot so aside from work I usually went wigless and scarfless.
July 2012

Aug 2012 with my step-dad

Now I alternate between my scalp and short wig. I am planning to cut the lace front out of my long wig and cut long bangs into it so I have another option since it is no longer a "secret" I was wearing a wig. Sometimes I go to work without my wig. Now with winter coming I will probably have to wear it so I don't freeze. I still get a few hairs on my big toes (Thanks God) but no other shaving is required. I am usually fairly positive and am able to appear confident. Sometimes I lose my composure. Sometimes I get sad. Sometimes I worry that my son will be embarrassed of me someday. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I pray with all I have that it will grow back. Sometimes I hope it doesn't (I actually don't enjoy fixing my hair!). I would like to get my eyelashes back. I don't care if I never have to shave my legs again. I think it sucks, but then I am happy I am not really sick. It has made me less judgmental of others flaws and style choices. It has made me kinder and more thoughtful of others. Sometimes I think God just wanted me to step outside my shallow box and see beyond the skin. I was not a bad person before. I was outwardly kind but sometimes mean thoughts came across my mind about someone's physical appearance. I realize now this is so unimportant that I don't even notice anymore and I am quick to stick up for someone when a snide comment is made based on appearance only. I went to Alopecia websites and saw women who were drop dead gorgeous and completely bald and I knew I could live with this. There is one picture on this website and it says "I am not sick. I am only stronger". I hope she is OK that I put that here. All I know is that her picture spoke to me. It gave me courage. I hope this story can help someone else like other women's stories and pictures have helped me.