Alopecian life

Hi! I’m so late in answering this, I’m sorry! I haven’t been around much lately and tumblr hasn’t been notifying me when I get messages.So, first of all, I’m sorry your mum is pushing you to wear make up, I really hope she’s not stressing you about it too much, because I’m sure you look lovely even without eyelashes. Secondly, what I’ve found is that using non black eyeliner and using a pencil instead of ink, makes the whole make up look a lot fresher and more natural than just going in with a thick line of black gel. Try using a soft but very well sharpened eyepencil in brown, plum or grey to trace a thin line on your upper and lower lid, just on the edge of the waterline. That should add some definition to your eyes without looking “too much”.Alternatively, if you like them/find them confortable, you could look into buying a pair of false eyelashes and wear them with no other make up. I know most look really intimidating, but with some practice you’ll find that sticking them on takes about as long as drawing on straight and even eyeliner. There are some lovely, natural falsies out there even in brown which look cute without being too dressy and remember you can always trim and thin them if you don’t like how they look on you.My final, and most important, suggestion is to ask your mum to take you to a make up counter in any department store and ask one of the lovely make up artists there to help you find a look that works for you. Most make up counters offer complimentary make overs if you buy some products and I can assure you that the make up artists are usually more than happy to help you learn how to do your make up in a way that makes you feel pretty but comfortable in your own skin.I had alopecia areata for most of my teenage years and it only turned into universalis when I was 19, had just moved to a new town and had no friends. Let me tell you, I was freaking out. One day I marched myself into a Sephora, I explained the situation to the loveliest, nicest shop assistant ever and half an hour later I had a new look that made me feel confident but natural, a basket full of waterproof pencils and the biggest smile on my face. Make up isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you feel like it’s something you might like, the best advice I can give you is to talk to a professional working at a make up counter.Best of luck and let me know how you’re doing!

Hi! I'm so happy to hear that your wig is working for you and that you are rocking your style! As for your question, wigs that don't have a "suction cup" style (so a rubber or silicone cap below the hair) usually allow your scalp to breathe during the day, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you feel that your wig is getting uncomfortable or is giving you any skin problems (as a result of the adhesive you're using for example), I would recommend talking to your wig shop owner to figure out the cap style more comfortable for you and maybe checking with a dermatologist just to make sure you're not having any adverse reaction to the materials and the products you're using! Thank you very much for your well wishes! Best of luck and happy new year!

Hi! No, I haven't. I would love to one day be able to go to a national or international Alopecia con, and though! I don't live in the US so I don't think I'll ever be able to make it to the one you're referring to. Have you been? Is it fun?

I know that there options like single strands of eyelashes that look very natural, but I’ve never tried them tbh. Any of you lovely followers has any suggestions for Nonnie?

Hi! So sorry for taking so long to answer! I had to research what a bonded wig is as I had never heard of it tbh so take my advice with a grain of salt. I don’t know what type of alopecia you have or how far along your hair loss is, but I don’t think wearing a bonded wig is such a good idea. It needs to be secured to your existing hair, so depending on how thin and/or short your hair is, it might not be as stable and secure as you’d expect. Moreover, your remaining hair is already under a lot of stress so I’m not sure whether putting it under the strain of sustaining the weight of a whole wig won’t do it any harm.From what I know there are many great suction caps that can keep a wig in place even when showering or swimming, or you could try with wig tape, or a lace front wig with tape that is both natural looking and secure. My suggestion is to find a specialist in hair loss or wig making (they are much more common than you’d think), making sure you can make an appointment without having to make a purchase and to go in for a fitting. They will help you find the best type of wig for your needs and then you can decide where to buy it.Hope this helps!

Hello! It varies wildly from person to person but in many cases it could be quite sudden. I am not a doctor, so my advice would be for you to see either your GP or a specialist and see what they tell you, but it’s possible your bald patch is due to alopecia areata. Please keep in mind that even if it is alopecia, you’re more likely to only have bald patches rather than losing all your hair and that (especially in the case of alopecia areata) your hair might grow back on its own. Please always see a doctor to have an official diagnosis and to discuss treatment (if you’re interested in treatment)! Strange bald women lying in ponds distributing advice is no basis for a medical diagnosis!

I hope this was of some help and please don’t hesitate to write me if you ever need to chat and if you want to come off anon know that I answer to all questions privately unless explicitely allowed to publish. I’m also on Skype so just drop me a line if you need to.

In any case, I know it can be confusing and scary at first, but you have no reason to be afraid. It is not dangerous, it doesn't affect who you are as a person and it doesn't have to be life changing if you don't let allow it to be.If you need to talk I am always here and I'll be happy to give you my personal contact, if you'd rather have a more private conversation.Stay strong and good luck!

Hello, nonny!First of all, let me tell you your friend is very lucky to have someone like you, who goes the extra mile to help her. Trust me, just having someone you can be open about it, who doesn't minimise your feelings makes all the difference in the world.I don't know how old you both are, body confidence is something most women struggle with at different points during their lives, especially when you're quite young, as it seems from your message. All I can tell you is that when something in your body changes suddenly especially in a moment of stress and vulnerability, it takes some time to accept it and feel comfortable with yourself again.The great problem with alopecia is that it has a lot of psychological ripercussions both because your body changes and because you feel like it's betraying you and the constant cycle of getting better and relapsing only makes it worse. I'm afraid it will take time for her to feel beautiful again, and what you can do in the meantime is continuing to be there for her when she needs support, and maybe incourage her to do stuff to take care of herself and her appearance, like going to makeup counters to have her make up done, buying pretty headscarves or even a cute wig, things like that...I know it can be frustrating but all you can do is wait and remind her how beautiful she is until she starts believing it again.In the meantime if either of you needs to talk just come off anon and I'll be happy to give you my email or Skype contact, or if you'd rather stay anonymous and talk to someone more qualified try using the 7 cups of tea counseling service; I'm assured they're all very nice and competent and the service is via chat, completely anonymous and free.I hope I could be of some help. Please let me know if you or your friend need anything!

What photo do you mean? Everything I've posted here is either original or reblogged from the proper source, but if I've missed anything you can tell me and I'll take it down and apologise to the original poster. I'm usually very careful with sourcing and permission and I'm really sorry if I messed up in any way! Please let me know how I can work it out! Have a nice day and merry winter holidays!

Thank you very much for your suggestions!

Thanks!

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your story! Alopecians visibilty seems to be increasing, I am confident that in some years it will be recognised.

Hello! :) Welcome!