'Why do you shave your head?'

I started to post this as a response to the question “Why do you shave your head?,” which Pam Fitros asked this Alopecia World group. I posted this blog instead because I wanted to share my answer with the entire community.

Back in 2010 I saw an advertisement for “It’s All Good Hair,” a “natural hair” workshop and celebration sponsored by the Shrine of the Black Madonna at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

I felt that I fit into that category and attended the event with my husband, rj. During one of the workshops, rj snapped a photo of me, and when I later looked at it, I recalled not feeling out of place at all. In fact, I felt that I belonged there.

I saw some beautiful natural hairstyles at the event, but never once did I feel a pang in my heart wishing I had what they have. Never once did I long for my hair.  Somewhere along my alopecia journey, my desire for hair dissipated and I gained a genuine and deep satisfaction with what I now see in the mirror and project to the world.

Unlike years ago, when I use to shave my head simply because it is easier and more comfortable than wearing a wig, I now do so because I truly love the way I look as a “naturally” bald woman.

Or, to paraphrase Sheila Jacobs, author of The Big Fall, I happily shave my head bald because I have transformed the stigma of alopecia into “my” distinction.

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Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on September 21, 2010 at 2:36am
Hi Terri, I see that you are in the beginning of your head-shaving journey, just a few weeks. I can tell you that as time goes by, you will probably find that hair will be less and less a thought to you. Expect some struggles from time to time. I know a couple of times I have been taken off guard and hit with a situation that hurt a bit. But I re-focused on the reason why I made this decision and kept my course. Thanks for sharing Terri!
Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on September 21, 2010 at 2:14am
Thank you babe. Thanks for living it with me ;)
Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on September 21, 2010 at 1:46am
why do I shave???.....I know now or at least for this part of my journey, its because I couldnt keep hurting myself by cleaning up my hair off the floors and throwing myself into the garbage. Have I embraced the bald me??? Good question. I know I feel tons better. Whether I wear a wig, scarf, hat or nothing at all. I look in the mirror and see a happier person. I still worry about acceptance but I know my true friends will be there always.
Comment by rj, Co-founder on September 21, 2010 at 12:11am
Babe, it's always an honor to accompany you. However, I also recall something you pointed out after the event: It's all about loving and accepting yourself. That was the most important message of the event, and it's a message that you live well, indeed. :-)

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