"Some of us have perfect heads, and the rest of us just have to cover them with hair." -- Random Nice Lady in the Hallway
Let me begin by explaining alopecia. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes someone to lose their hair. Sometimes that means ALL of their hair, but that is a rare form of it. For me, it means that the hair on my head gets really patchy, eventually blending into one another, just creating one big piece of missing hair. It usually starts at the top of my head. I can always tell when I am losing hair in a certain spot or have lost it because the skin in these areas will get very blotchy and raised--almost like I have broken out in hives.
If you have alopecia or know someone with it, then you will know the everyday struggle of this disease.
So here are six things that someone with alopecia wants you to know:
1. Please do not stare at our bald head (or patches).
We know our head is shiny, and it is unusual for a girl to not have hair. Staring is rude, no matter the circumstance. A lot of us are already self-conscious about not having hair. Please don't make it worse.
2. Don't be scared to ask questions.
It's not rude, however, to simply (and nicely) ask about our situation. If you are curious and would like to know more, just simply say: "Can I ask what happened to your hair?" (polite)
Don't ask, "Why did you shave your head like that?" and point to the obvious bald spots. (rude)
3. Some of us wear wigs, but not everyone does.
Even those of us that wear wigs want freedom from them every once in a while. They get itchy and hot. Some of us just decide to not deal with that headache, or can't afford it.
4. Yes, our hair can grow back.
There are rare cases when alopecia is scarring, and the hair will not grow back. In most cases, though, the hair will grow back... just to fall out again.
5. Yes, there are medicines to help with this.
They do make medications that are supposed to help with the hair loss. However, these medications are usually in the form of shots. Lots of shots. All in your scalp. In one sitting. It's not very fun, and can really scar the skin.
So, if you see someone with a bald head, let them know if you think they rock the look! Even if you don't think that, let the person know that it's okay that they don't have hair, and they don't have to have hair to be beautiful (or handsome, for you guys that don't want to be called beautiful). Spread a little positivity, and help make someone's day brighter.
