I'm so glad that I found this website! It's so nice to know that there are others that understand what I'm going through. Alopecia areata is pretty new to me--I've had it for a year or so. I used to have thick hair, really thick hair....so to have such rapidly thinning hair and numerous bald spots is surprising or maybe ironic is a better word. And since it started out thick, I've been able to hide that I have AA. My family knows and a close friend (who is also my beautician). But, I've told very few people. I've been able to hide my spots (I think) by where I part my hair, a discreet bobby pin or two...but I think those days are coming to an end really soon. I do have regrowth (for which I am thankful), but the regrowth cannot keep up with the new hair loss. So, I'm thinking about getting a shorter hair-do (not shaving it--yet). Anyway...it feels good to not be alone on this crazy, unpredictable journey with alopecia.