I developed alopecia areata in 2015. AA is an autoimmune disease which causes patchy baldness. It’s not clear what triggers the condition in some people but once it’s triggered, it’s virtually impossible to un-trigger. There’s no safe effective treatment.

When I first developed AA, I started wearing a wig to hide it. People affected by AA and other forms of alopecia can go through a rollercoaster of emotions such as denial, sadness, anger, acceptance and (at least for me) even gratitude. Gratitude that it only affects my hair and that I can still do all the things I enjoy like working, riding my bike, hiking a trail and climbing a mountain.

Even after I accepted my condition, in an effort to feel “normal”, I continued to wear a wig to work. I treated it like an accessory… like a pretty scarf, jewelry or make-up.  I had nice wigs and I think most people didn’t realize I was wearing a prosthetic but I still had mixed emotions. The choice to wear a wig is complicated by our society that puts a great emphasis on physical appearances. 

During a recent multi-day wilderness hike in Maine, I came to the realization that hiding my condition is just not important to me anymore! I feel comfortable with my shaved head and it’s the right decision for me now. 

September is Alopecia Awareness Month