Welcome! As for the hair, just shave it off.You may feel self conscious for a day or two but as soon as you get used to it, you'll feel much better than hiding under a hat all day, worrying what people will think when you take it off! Plus you never know you may well look better shaved than you did even with a full head of hair!
Appreciate all the responses. I'm currently on day 5 of being SLY. So far it hasn't been bad though I haven't seen anyone other than my girlfriend. I return from vacation tomorrow so it should be interesting to see the responses. The majority of the friends in my life ha no idea I was having problems due to alopecia areata so they will absolutely be in shock at first. I've always been known as the metro guy in my crowd who was always checking myself in the mirror. It's getting easier though. I due occasionally rub my head forgetting that it's gone. It's almost like when I check my phone because I feel the phantom vibration..
wow, I never even heard of alopecia areata untill today. I was a kinda "vain" type of guy and hair style was a good part of it. Had more hair products then my wife. So I know it's not an easy transition, fast or slow. Gone through all the stages.... rug, buzzes, hats, shaved.... learned to like the look I guess. Now I can't see myself spending $$ on a hair cut every week and buying tons of products. Spending hours on getting it just right... Weird what we think is important.... I have two young boys that all they want to do is shave their heads to look like me.... they see it as cool.... who would think....
Before it happened to me I had no idea what it was either. To go from a full head of hair then to lose 40% of it in less than 2 months was absolutely shocking. Oh well what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. I'm already starting to get more comfortable with the sly look. Not reaching for a hat every time I walk outside etc. I can only assume itll get easier.
Thank god I'm gorgeous!! At least that's what I keep telling my gf.