Alopecia Issues

[microbionerd]

Hi everyone.. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata when I was 19 going on 20, and was initially optimistic about it. My doctor told me that the hair would most likely grow back. However, I'm 22 now, and it's gotten worse. The bald patches are noticeable, but I'm able to hide most of them by styling my hair in a certain way. Obviously, this doesn't work when it rains or on a windy day. It's pretty much destroyed my confidence, and I absolutely hate any public speaking situation now because of it. Honestly, I really hate this so much, since my hair was my only redeeming feature... Also, every guy in my family has hair except me, which is a bit demoralizing to be honest.

I've frequented the forum for a while, and everyone says that shaving your head it the solution to hair loss problems but I'm not sure if it would work for me. I'm thin and my head shape seems unfit for the bald look. Also, not all of my hair is gone, so the patches might look weird. Any advice on this? Should I just shave it and see what happens? Also, random suggestion but would a wig be a good idea for me if it looks realistic?

[Marshal S.]

I think you have to actually shave to know what you'll really look like.  If you keep it shaved regularly the patches won't show up.  Someone I knew who has alopecia used a product called Epil Stop to slow down the growth of the hair that did grow.
There are very well made wigs that might look all right, but they are very expensive. ($1000's)
Of course, your hair can grow again, but you won't know when, nor will you know when it will disappear again.  
So, see a dermatologist for sure.  In your case, you should not shave unless you want to commit to it because of the patchiness of your hair.  You can look into wigs too if you have the resources.

I doubt your hair is all that is good about you.  Just know that we understand how difficult this is for you.  We support you no matter what.

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome to the Forum!

One of my good friends has a 16 year old son that has had the same condition since he was a young boy. About two years ago he shaved his head and you cannot see the spots where he has lost his hair. He has very dark hair so your concern about this is probably more than it should be.

Your concern over your build and whether you will loook good or not shaved is one that many of us has had. The very large majority that have had this concern find that once they have shaved their concern was really unfounded . Not true for all, but most.

It's a large step for most to do that first shave and there is no doubt that it can be daunting. You will only know for sure if you try shaving. The change will most likely be drastic so don't judge after the first day or even the first week. We always recommend a 30 day trial period. Most never go back to having hair.

Feel free to ask anthing that you have concerns about!

[Razor X]

If you go the wig route, it will come to dominate your life.  I think shaving is your best option -- and you really do need to shave to the skin instead of buzzing it to hide the patchiness.  You wil probably still be conscious of where the bare patches are but in all likelihood no one else will notice.

Hair is overrated and being rid of it can be quite liberating.  I hope you'll give it a try once you've had a chance to think it over.  Keep visitng the board and we will do what we can to support you.

[wpruitt]

Welcome. Ditch the idea of a rug. 

[50plus]

Hi mate. I'm with 'razor x' and 'wpruitt', do not go the wig/hair piece/ hair program rout.

I wore one for over 8 years and it WILL rule your life.

I have patchy hair loss identical in appearance to Alopecia areata and shaving as low as possible (you will get better at it) does produce more of a uniform look. Take it easy at first and you will be fine.

As far as what IS visible you will forget about it while you're getting on with life.

No rug!!!  All the best and share your thoughts as often as you like here and you'll get through this. Cheers

[Sir Harry]

Welcome! It may seem a little weird in the beginning, but there is no harm in trying a headshave. Good luck to you and keep us posted!

[USA man]

Hi everyone.. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata when I was 19 going on 20, and was initially optimistic about it. My doctor told me that the hair would most likely grow back. However, I'm 22 now, and it's gotten worse. The bald patches are noticeable, but I'm able to hide most of them by styling my hair in a certain way. Obviously, this doesn't work when it rains or on a windy day. It's pretty much destroyed my confidence, and I absolutely hate any public speaking situation now because of it. Honestly, I really hate this so much, since my hair was my only redeeming feature... Also, every guy in my family has hair except me, which is a bit demoralizing to be honest.

I've frequented the forum for a while, and everyone says that shaving your head it the solution to hair loss problems but I'm not sure if it would work for me. I'm thin and my head shape seems unfit for the bald look. Also, not all of my hair is gone, so the patches might look weird. Any advice on this? Should I just shave it and see what happens? Also, random suggestion but would a wig be a good idea for me if it looks realistic?

I have trouble practicing what I preach, as I still ask for help on here. But anyway, do whatever you think would give you the most confidence. If it means shaving you're head and taking up an active lifestyle with running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, etc. etc. do that. Actually, just do that. Or as the Nike trademark goes, "Just Do It."