Comment by wendizzle on June 18, 2012 at 2:49pm

Oh my gosh! I was just thinking the same thing recently. I, too, am having trouble thinking of things to blog about. ;)

It's still hard to see myself in the mirror at home though if my husband is around. He's been great--it's about how I see myself. I didn't think I was "pretty enough" for him before I lost my hair. But that's another discussion for another day. :)

Comment by Norm on June 19, 2012 at 5:59am

As someone who doesn't have what's usually thought of as alopecia, but who's spent time with some peeps who have, I've deliberately observed the reactions of The World At Large and noticed that generally, these days... there isn't one. Most people don't notice or don't care, and any looks are more of curiosity than outright shock. I think a tipping point was reached a while ago, with more famous women going bald for film roles, and the popularity of head-shaving charity events, so it's something that's within people's experience. Coupled with the number of bald guys around these days, seeing a bald head, even on a woman, just isn't a big deal any more. It's not quite "mainstream" just yet - women aren't going out in droves and shaving their heads as a fashion choice - but it's close (sorry, bad pun!).... there are a lot of side-shaves already.

There seems to be a lot more space in the world for people to be different, and to express themselves, than ever before. Even though, at the moment, some people will assume it's cancer, for a woman to be able to go out and about bald without worrying what others will think or say can only be a good thing.

Comment by Cindie on June 19, 2012 at 9:35am

I've said this before...I can't wait to retire and say goodbye to the wigs and all the work it takes to keep them up! In the arena I work in, I have to wear them.........looking "outside of the mainstream" won't work....and I am not about to blow a retirement in year 23 of employment to "prove a point." People can chatter on all they want about how "it is about your attitude toward alopecia.." Well, I've accepted it...a long time ago, but that doesn't mean that the "powers that be" who control my livelihood have accepted it.

Comment by Tallgirl on June 19, 2012 at 10:58am

In the small, rural, redneck town I landed it, I tend to wear wigs or hats in public. However, I am slowly shocking/desensitizing/forcing my "closeness" of trim with ladies in some of my private groups (church, diet, poetry) or with grandson, when it is dripping hot in temps and I cannot stand to have anything on my head. Also, on long summer rides in the car, I just lay the wig on the car seat when out of town. I think it depends on the type of people in a town one has to encounter, and the type of job and clientele. Bigger cities, with more avant garde clothing and attitudes in general, would be safer places to go bald.

I appreciate the men who have had relatives with alopecia or early hair loss themselves, because they can understand me more. I also realize that not everyone, even such men, can be totally clear on what hair loss means to their own lives, outlooks, and communication with/support of others. Hurtful words can still spill out. It is ALL a growth (or not. Ha ha.) process!

Comment by Tallgirl on June 19, 2012 at 1:02pm

P.S. I am in the process of creating a travel itinerary to the coast for the end of summer. This gives me an idea to also plan for what to do with my head! ;) In my satchel and agenda should be choices, tools, hats and adornments for all the milestone photos with unique scenery and new people I will encounter!

Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on June 22, 2012 at 11:08am

I agree with you Cheryl. More and more often I dont think of my alopecia and baldness. And I find that society is growing more accustomed to seeing bald people. Or more likely its me that tend to not notice the questioning stares and/or comments. I still work extremely hard on raising awareness for I still believe that this disease should have more public attention and awareness.

Comment by Jaclyn on June 22, 2012 at 7:45pm

In a lot of ways, I'e been feeling like I "don't belong" here on AW, because I honestly feel like I have complete freedom right now. My hair is about half an inch long, but the bald patches are still highly visible, as the regrowth that has started is entirely unpigmented. I tell people who comment that it's "leopard print" hair. :) I just don't care, and honestly don't think much about the way my head looks anymore. When my hair was falling out, it was tragic. Shaving the rest off just liberated me.

Comment by Tallgirl on June 24, 2012 at 10:40am

Terri: How is this for coming out and promoting public awareness?
.
The Official Barry Corbin Site | La Remuda | Barry and Alopecia Areata

Barry has graciously extended his assistance to NAAF to help raise public
awareness of alopecia areata as well as funds for research. Please join us at the ...
http://www.barrycorbin.com/remuda/alopecia.htm

Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on June 24, 2012 at 12:36pm

Tallgirl...this is amazing. This what I have been striving to do. To make alopecia areata more well known to the public. Yes we can be embracing and accepting to our own battles and support others with it as they go thru this journey of alopecia. But to let everyone know what this disease is, is also very important. To have this disease called alopecia spoken of as is cancer, as in MS, diabetes, as in all the other diseases, and conditions of the world. It was very long ago that depression was still considered something you just got over. After reading Carrie Fishers' "Wishful Drinking" and hearing her battles and finally getting the right diagnosis, do we as society finally understand how important awareness is (for me anyways, I would not presume to think for others)

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on June 25, 2012 at 12:42pm

I think that alopecia is on that doorstep. I very seldom have to explain what alopecia is anymore, most people know. I think that Norm is right and seeing a bald woman is not so "shocking" anymore.

I think that is why I was SO excited when I saw that Alopecia World was going to be so visual. Then when everyone started uploaded photos (many for the first time), I knew this was a great thing for alopecia. Now I see it not only on the pages of Alopecia World but other public forums like facebook. I love to see people using their freedom. The photos have been amazing. Whether it is parent and child, or professional wedding photo's. All these things add up. For example, this wedding photo on Kelci's Page. I don't know how many people where at that wedding. But if they did not know about alopecia, I do know they all left with an impression.

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