My 5th anniversary of the woman I am now - thanks to being bald!

January 30 will be 5 years since the day I took control of my fast-departing hair, and shaved my head. Universalis followed shortly. I'd like to share what I've learned, and how being bald has affected me. Here's a photo taken on January 30, 2008, shortly after I shaved my head.

I began going out in public bald only a few months after shaving. I took "baby steps" to more and more places. I went from feeling like everyone was staring at me, to feeling like I don't give a damn if they are. After 8 or so months trying to wear a variety of wigs, I gave up on them completely because they're too hot for me. I wore and still wear scarves and knit caps and sunhats as needed for warmth or protection.

HERE'S THE MOST AMAZING THING, which I just recently realized: Today I am MORE self-confident, and LESS self-conscious than I was for the 50 or so years before I became bald! I had always been one of those women who worried excessively what other people thought about me, particularly about my appearance. Today, not so much.

My theory to explain the change is that when I made myself go out in public bald, I HAD to become less concerned about what people thought about me. Simple as that! These days I still try to look nice, and still have my moments of insecurity, but overall, I'm just MUCH more confident in myself as a person and as a woman.

THANK YOU ALOPECIA AREATA!

Views: 592

Comment by zeida on January 15, 2013 at 4:40pm
I wish I had your courage. I tried it and I didn't like feeling different. Good for you.
Comment by Mary on January 15, 2013 at 5:44pm

Zeida, it took me about a year, but it's worth it.

Comment by Mary on January 15, 2013 at 5:46pm

Check out my new page on Facebook: The Bald Mannequin Project!

Comment by Mary on January 15, 2013 at 6:03pm

Join my new group on Alopecia World and Facebook - The Bald Mannequin Project!

Comment by MiNAH on January 15, 2013 at 7:23pm
Raw Beauty!
Comment by Mary on January 15, 2013 at 7:39pm

Thanks...wish I still had those eyebrows and lashes, though. ( ;-)

Comment by pauline vargas on January 16, 2013 at 12:12am
Im proud of you
Comment by JeffreySF on January 16, 2013 at 11:01am

Happy Anniversary Mary!
I've always been very proud of you!

Jeff

Comment by Mary on January 16, 2013 at 7:31pm

Thanks, everyone. I have been inspired by so many women and men on Alopecia World.

Comment by Tamera on January 20, 2013 at 9:48pm

Just shaved my head again today, actually my husband shaved it for me....I am done with the regrowth battle, my goal is to be like you! I don't want another wig, I just want to go out in public and be ME! I am on my way....Thanks, and Happy Hair-Freedom Anniversary!!

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