Hair

September 7th will be a special day for me.  It's my birthday but more importantly it will represent the one year anniversary of me showing the world my bald head. 

Every year for my birthday I set a goal to accomplish before my next birthday.  Last year my goal was to stop being ashamed of being bald and let the world in on my secret.  It took my several years to get to this point and now I want to share my story.


In 2006 I finally got the answer to my "hair" problem.  I lost my hair for the first time  in the early 90's.  It was gradual and not really a big deal.  In six months I went from shoulder length hair to very short hair that I couldn't even curl.  I like most people assumed the hair products my beautician used caused me to lose my hair.  So for the next six months no chemicals.  To my surprise it worked.  My hair grew back in a matter of months and life was good.  About three or four years later another episode of me losing my hair.  It was even worse this time.  I had gone through several different hair routines in the past years (natural, perms, braids etc)  so again was sure it was me damaging my hair and not taking care of myself.  So back to my ritual of no chemicals.  After a few months my hair had grown enough to add extensions (braids) . Every eight weeks for a year I spent hours getting my braids.  By the end of the year my hair was healthy and strong and back to shoulder length.  That was around 1997.

Around the year 2000 I noticed that my hair was thinning again so I decided to take control and get a very cute short textured hair cut.  I loved it!!! And no one could tell that my hair had thinned.  And then the worst happened.  I could no longer cover the patchy bald spots.  You could clearly see that I was losing my hair.  At this point I realize that something is seriously wrong so I schedule an appointment to see a dermatologist.  This was 2006. 

I remember that day like it was yesterday.   It was very hard for me to comprehend what the doctor told me,  "Roslyn, the hair you have lost will never grow back".  I remember looking at her thinking what the heck are you saying?  She went on to explain that I have an autoimmune disorder called Alopecia Areata.  Your body essentially attacks your hair follicles and causes hair loss. There is no cure and treatments are very expensive with no guarantee they will work.  I went home and cried for hours. 

Since my diagnosis I had worn wigs everyday outside of my home.  I would never let anyone see me without a wig except my husband and my daughter.  They were comfortable with my bald head.  I was worried if I went out without a wig or scarf people would feel sorry for me and assume I have cancer.  Although I have received the concerned cancer  question a few times  most people just compliment me by saying I look great. 
I am so proud of myself for accomplishing my goal.  I am no longer ashamed that I have no hair.  In fact most days I look in the mirror and think  maybe I am "pretty".  Whether you are male or female, young or old,  losing your hair is not an easy thing to deal with.   I have grown a lot in the last twelve months.  I find myself more outgoing and actually use my "baldness" as a conversation starter with new people.  Don't get me wrong, there are still days when I say it's not fair or why am I the only bald woman in the room . I think it's ok to be sad about my loss sometimes  but I try very hard not linger in that place. 

September is Alopecia Awareness Month.  Feel free to share my story with others that may be dealing with hair loss. 

On a side note, this is my first blog  ever!!!!!!