Comment by Tallgirl on July 13, 2014 at 3:10am

Well, it is late back there, and much later than here in California. However, I am a teacher, mom and grandma, and have had alopecia show up (it is already in our genes) at age 10, 13, 15-20, 35-now, so I get it about the teen years. I will tell you some secrets: Watch YouTube tutorials on make-up, wigs, and fashion for good ideas. Watch those make-over show segments like What Not to Wear or Ambush Makeover. Consider having more styles for the money by buying synthetic wigs (cheapest on sale at e-wigs.com or Paula Young). Try on funky hats with big earrings and sunglasses when you go shopping with relatives willing to buy you gifts. Watch how Mary Kay or Macy's cosmetologist apply your make-up (seems by your picture that you already do this well on your own). Meet friends at places where thoughts, creativity and brain-power matter more than surface judgments (faith groups, horse-back riding, drama and music classes, alopecia support groups through www.naaf.org, discussion groups, sports, art classes). Do "friend requests" with safe people your age on this site, without revealing your real name, phone, details, town, personal e-mail or address in case of whackos. Follow good advice on this site, on blogs and forums. Check out what others do for wig changes (some gals even go bald or wear Turkish scarves!). I will "friend" you so you can read my old blogs, forums and responses, and see my wig variety in synthetics. Stick with the positive folk who build you up, teach you, give wise thoughts...not the ones who are so shallow that only critical things come out of their mouths and pores!

Comment by Lyndsey Pitchford on July 14, 2014 at 7:02am

It's nearly 7 years for me too and I know sometimes it can feel like it doesn't get any easier. I've not had hairloss for the whole of those 7 years, mine comes and goes, but still it is sometimes tiring trying to cope with alopecia in your life. 

What felt empowering for me was letting people know and then making my alopecia part of me rather than something that was happening to me. Once people knew I could swap my different style wigs around whenever I wanted and it kept things fresh, if that makes sense. I know that's a big step to make but it might be worth considering it if you feel able to. Unfortunately we cannot control the alopecia itself but we can not let it control us. 

I think we're probably around the same age so if you want to add me on facebook or something and we can chat if you ever want to :)

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