10 Reasons why Alopecia is the Mane Event

1. You encounter free goods

People see the bald and want to gift the bald. Perhaps it’s all out of sympathy but it also reminds you that people want to show kindness by gifting you something. I’ve been gifted front row to a concert, food at restaurants, green happy leaves, a rosary, all the things. However awkward it may feel to accept or decline these offers, It is important to remember that these are teachable moments. These moments allow for you to teach someone that there is more than one way you can become bald. Be the person that will be the reason someone says “I learned something new today!”

2. People open up to you and may interpret you as a freelance therapist

Being bald as a female, it is obvious that you have a story. Through my journey, many people have asked “do you have cancer.” A gentle reply of “no, it’s alopecia,” seems to shock people and make them feel like an ass for assuming. 99% of these forward and inquisitive people have shared their stories of their journey with cancer. This is a way that people find a connection with strangers in this ever growing lonely world. Let us learn not to take these assumptions as a personal attack but a way for people to want to connect with someone. See yourself as a person that looks easy to talk to and open your heart to others emotional journeys. We can all learn how to support each other.

3. It’s not difficult to find your individuality...it’s on your head

Alopecia comes with individuality sans hair. You don’t need to worry about how you’re going to style your hair for whichever day. Think of it this way-you can go full blast bald or jazz it up with some beautiful scarves. You stick out of a crowd wherever you go. Society learns to accept you with hair, now make them learn to accept you without it.

4. High Speed Low Drag

You’ve always wanted to be a speed skater, but your hair always got in the way. Well, now you have Alopecia and are as aerodynamic as possible.

5. Automatic camaraderie with monks or other baldies

I never thought I would have much in common with a monk. One day while walking through a Buddhist monastery, a monk and I made eye contact. He points at me, rubs his head, and gives me a thumbs up. You can interpret that in any which way, but I felt oneness with another bald human. We are a brother/sisterhood all around the world!

6. “Can you be ready in 20?”

Need to be ready in a jiffy? No problem! With that lack of hair, it won’t refrain you from getting anywhere in a timely manner.

7. Sweat without the "weat"

We all remember that sopping wet dog look that we faced after a serious work out, right? Now, let us appreciate being able to be done with our fitness and have a quick cool down session. Simple as wiping your head and feeling that cool breeze chill your once scorching skin.

8. Make society recognize beauty in raw form

Why is it that we are so ridden with anxiety to make our bald public? We've been taught, since we were wee ones, how a lady presents herself. Hair, skin, teeth, posture, bras, etc etc. We see this as surface tension that is difficult to penetrate because of the ripples it will create. Create those ripples! Make waves! Baldness is your ticket into searching somewhere deeper within yourself (and others). See your Alopecia as a gift that is a constant reminder of what we don't need more of: standards. See this as another step into your freelance therapy gig.

9. Honesty: The Bald Policy

Losing your hair forces you to be honest with yourself and others around you. No more covering up what your body is doing to you. If you are honest with how you look and how you feel, your self expression will be natural. When you open up to yourself, there is a silent affect you have on others. Showing your skin encourages others to want to do the same. Being bald is like the color run. Everyone starts off in uniform white layers. By the end of the run, everyone is doused in colors, but not in the same pattern. We all have colors to share, how will you make yours stand out?

10. Simplicity

Alopecia is a constant reminder that we can lose something, go through grief, and come back with a new found strength. We gain an appreciation for ourselves and those who we surround ourselves with. Experiences like these are a reminder of what we truly need in our lives. We let everything go and let joy in. Use your bald head as a reminder of that feeling. Thick skin, soft heart my friends.