Most of you know that I am from Canada and rj is American. So when we married we started a whirlwind of immigration processes. I had to file yet another form and get another set of biometric done. One of the steps was another photo session at the immigration office.

I filled out the form and clicked “bald” as my hair color. For a second I wondered if I should have clicked black, since it was an official government form and being AA my black hair does show if I don't shave daily. I thought again and came to the conclusion, most of the time I keep my head shaved and I consider my hairstyle as bald.

I went in to get my photo taken and the woman who was doing the procedure asked why I chose to wear my hair like I do. I explained to her that I have alopecia areata and chose to go with it. She said that it suited me and went on to say that she has a few spots and lately her spots have been getting worse. She was just thinking that morning that she did not think that she could handle wearing a wig if it continued to fall and was not sure how she was going to handle it, and then I walked in.

I know we always think we are alone, but walking this world as a bald woman, I am constantly reminded of just how many of us are out there. I also find that I seldom have to explain what alopecia is, most people have at least heard of the term. In fact, that same day a lady at a thrift store, said that she liked my cut and thought about doing it herself this summer. I smiled and said, “There is always next summer”. She laughed in agreement and went on to say that it must make it easier to wear wigs. I explained that I had alopecia and wore wigs for ten years and actually this was my personal preference.

I don’t think it has to be an awkward conversation. Determine in your mind why you have made your decision and the rest will follow. Whether you chose to go bald, wear a wig or a head covering -- how you chose to live with your alopecia is not an excuse that needs to be made; it’s a deliberate decision to exercise your freedom.