IamA 24F with absolutely no hair on my body, AMA!

Definitely eye issues more so than anything. Sweat in the eyes is painful as hell

Fuck....

At first I was like that sounds sweet, no shaving anywhere, less body hair means less body odor, ect

Then it hit me eyelashes are hair

Is body hair really related to body odor? I thought that was just a myth?

Can confirm, not related. I still smell .

Hey! Welcome to the club! Lost all my hair in the ninth grade (I’m a guy), I’m 33 now and never looked back.

Did you try any (are they still trying any/these) treatments? My folks had me try cortisone shots into my scalp, cream that intentionally made my scalp really itchy and something where I would stand it what seemed like an upright tanning booth (this sort of worked for me).

me: https://imgur.com/a/xlhJH

Edit: added photo

Yes I’ve tried all of the approved treatments with no luck

My first thought when I saw your photo was “hey he looks like me!”

That's what I thought when I saw your post! This is me, my eyebrows and eyelashes are slowly losing the battle and I need to learn how to draw them back on, I'm not very good so far, any advice? I think you look beautiful.

This season on America's Next Top Model there is a contestant with alopecia who went bald for her makeover (and is crazy gorgeous). Have you seen this? What do you think about it?

This is me

I think her being on the show is great. Any awareness like that is so helpful.

I went down to sephora when thsi was happening and I was like TEACH ME HOW TO DRAW EYEBROWS & I was very clear that I wanted fake eyebrows with imperfections not these fake eyebrows that look like caterpillars.

I'll have to brave the mall then. Do you always rock your smooth head? I love the way it feels but I get a little self conscious about my spots. I had a coworker with alopecia who always worried about passing in her wig but I sort of think it would be fun to change my hair with my outfit. Have you done that at all?

I have. I like being a red head during the summer and a brunette during the winter.

Is there anything unexpectedly positive you can find about your condition? Like maybe another level of appreciation for satin or silk bedding?

YES! I treated myself to these very nice sheets from wayfair and every night feels like that “freshly shaven legs in freshly washed sheets” and it’s amaaaazing 😍

Hi do you still have hair inside the nostrils?

Nope!

What do you do with all the time you save not having to shave or do your hair?

I workout!!!

How often do you have to deal with people pointing out that you have no hair?

Every. Single. Day

[deleted]

So I’ve done this.

I’m an EMT and I had a patient for some reason say “you had hair before we left for the hospital!!!!” ( he was a psych)

So my reply was like “oh yah I rolled the window down and it all fell out “

mind blown 🤯

Ah, EMT... a nice stress-free job (I used to be a paramedic). You definitely need to mess with any new EMTs that come through by making up a ridiculous story about how you lost your hair on the job (preferably doing something routine)!

lmao, I didn't say "SCENE SAFETY, BSI" before a call and this psych came up and shaved all my hair off...so make sure you say that...regardless of your partner...every.time. :D

you'd be a stunning redhead.

ah yes, psych patients. You should've told him barack obama stole it because the aliens told him to.

Next time someone dies on the rig, just shave their head. Instant win.

I have a read head wig. I love it. If I could figure out how to post a picture I would.

How fast are you? (Low wind resistance)

Lol..

I've always aimed to live a life based on making the best from a bad situation.

So with that in mind, here's my question.

Have you ever wanted to grease yourself up, lay a tarpaulin down and slide around the place like an oily sausage? Because if not I think you're not treating your god damn super power with the respect it deserves.

I'm hairy as shit, but not manly enough to pull it off, so I'm a hairy, lanky chap. I can tell you now, not having to shave everything would save me so much money.

I know it must feel shit. I can see why it'd make you feel low so I hope you can see the funny side of this comment.

Fucking wear it with pride. You got dealt this hand. It's YOUR hand. And if you ever do get low again, get one of those knitted dwarf hat beard thingies. That way you can still feel as manly and rugged as you want to.

GLHF!

Oh I love this. I’m going to have to do that this summer!

Hello! What are some of the main challenges brought about by your condition and how do you deal with them?

The psychological challenges of Alopecia are worse than the physical challenges. Like I mentioned, this was an adult diagnosis for me so I know what life with hair was like.

I can't walk into a room and feel comfortable. Ever.

I can't let subtle comments "go" I always have to defend myself instead of walking away.

I can't happily look in the mirror ( I know it's dramatic but it's reality)

My diagnosis has been attributed to stress, so I'mc constantly trying to reduce stress which is impossible.

The eyelashes that I buy that are the most natural looking ones are $18/pair and only last for 2 uses. I can certainly get cheaper options but they're a bit too "i'm about to go FSU at the club-like."

Well I think you look great and you're doing a wicked job of staying positive in what are definitely horrible circumstances. I have nothing but admiration for you (my wife suffers the opposite due to pcos). You are a very brave lady to carry on:

walking into rooms

defending yourself

looking in the mirror

You got this. Keep positive. Kindest wishes from London, UK.

You’re so kind. Thank you and good luck to your wife

Those are good eyebrows! You know outside of eyebrows and a wig, that is the only hair that has any value. I know several African American women who wear wigs daily, and they have regular hair they just don't like it. If done well, I can't tell the difference.

Also, you don't need a wig. Shanaid O'Connor. Bald women with large earings is hot.

I went as Sinead OConnor for Halloween last year :p

Did you bring a picture of the pope?

Yes and wore a black turtleneck

What is FSU at the club-like?

lol, i'm tired. i'm about to fuck shit up at the club! Those cheap eyelashes are poppin!

Have you tried Asian brand false eyelashes. They’re extremely common in Japan and Korea and girls wear them to normal events and everyday life. So they’re not cheap looking but priced alright

I would have never thought of that!!! Let me check em out!

I'm not a girl so I don't know this but how do eyelashes have limited uses?

Yah unfortunately. I try and take he glue off for each reuse and sometimes with the pulling lashes will come out.

This is an awesome AMA! My question for you is about body hair that serves function. Do you notice yourself being colder than average? Any nasal issues? What about eye problems with the lack of brows and lashes?

You really are a beautiful woman, hair or not. Don't let it get you down!

Yes, i'm always cold. I'm really sensitive to cold drafts so i'm a big summer weather fan lol. My only nasal issues is that it just comes out...like I can't control it. So working as an EMT and bending over a PT can sometimes get tricky because it's just fallen out of my nose on several occasions. Absolutely mortifying but what can ya do.

Weird question. I'm assuming all of the hair in your nose fell out too. Do you notice a difference? Like coughing more since the hairs aren't there to help block dust and other particles from entering?

YES !! My ear hair fell out too. I was in Ireland for awhile and the wind bothered my ears.

Do these things still feel good? https://m.imgur.com/gallery/rlyrG

OH MY GOD I GOT ONE FOR CHRISTMAS! still sooooo goooood 🤤

HOW? HOW CAN IT BE GOOD? I am a bald guy that shaves every other day (hate stubble) and those things make me want to pull my head into my rib cage like a turtle. The feeling is way over the top too intense for me lol.

oh i get those like full body goosebumps that make my toes curl :p

Have you found any bright sides to having this condition? no more waxing, more streamlined in the pool etc. I also wanted to add that you are incredibly cute, i bet that smile lights up lives wherever you go. Don't let this get to you, you are beautiful!

Oh thank you 😊 yes I have a new appreciation for good friends. I had a lot of friends flee when shit hit the fan.

Wow who the fuck is that shallow?

Buncha bitches evidentially

That's something I find really, really shitty. You had friends drop because you lost hair? Fuck those people. You pull off hairless very well!

All of my high school friends were no where to be found when my mom died and I lost my hair.

One of them texted me the day of my mother’s wake saying something along the lines of I have tickets to the Red Sox and can’t make it to the wake today I’m so sorry

😒

Oh yah I basically told them to fuck off and now I live my happy independent life and rely on my family.

Coke

What questions do you get that irritate you the most?

“Will it grow back?”

Like fuck off Susan your guess is as good as mine

My brother has a friend who was recently diagnosed with alopecia and she is having a hard time with it. What advice would you give someone who is recently diagnosed? He says she is constantly trying to reduce stress and eating a very strict healthy diet.

It’s going to take it’s inevitable course and no one is going to understand what it’s like. You’re literally transforming into a new person.

My advice is to do the things you enjoy.

Have you ever met someone who expressed a sexual attraction toward your lack of hair? If so, did that make you feel better/worse about your condition?

Nope no one.

Well there’s this one guy at a place I frequent who touches my head every time. He’s seems normal. He jokes about it. Great now all I’m thinking is that he’s fantasizing about My head.

What is your ideal breakfast?

Bacon and eggs

What is your drag coefficient?

Sayyywhaaaa

does sweat drip into your eyes because you don't have eyebrows?

Yah and it’s SO PAINFUL LIKE OH MY GOD

could you smear some vaseline or something on to provide a channel to route sweat away from your eyes?

Yeah I suppose I could

You look so happy in your picture, and you have a beautiful smile. Thanks for doing the AMA!

You have had such a life changing experience, especially emotionally I guess. How has your outlook on the world changed from before you knew about your mum's diagnosis and now (not least as most people struggle enough with the transition between youth and adulthood at the best of times!)?

I was so naive and took everything for granted. It taught my that everything can and will change in a second and you have no control. I try and use that mindset and incorporate it into my daily life but unfortunately I’m drowning in student loan debt and I can’t afford the activities I’d like.

I've had alopecia since I was 11. How many different doctors and specialists did you go to before giving up? I think I saw about 20 before I said fuck it.

Yeah I saw probably 8 and then the bills started rolling in and I couldn’t afford it and just gave up

Also... a huge fear of mine is passing this on as a genetic disorder. I have a 1.5yr old girl. Do you have the same stresses?

Yes huge fear

Have you considered getting silly or colorful wigs just for fun? Make them an accessory! Also you must have so many options for1 brows. Any color or shape you want, change it up every day! Glad to see your so positive about this!

Yes I have a purple one

When was the last time you touched your shower drain?

I all seriousness, you look happy and beautiful in the photo above. Would you like a wig? Maybe reddit can support a GoFundMe or something?

Well thank you so much, I am happy. But I have my days.

I know it doesn't help anything until you believe it too but you really are a beautiful woman.

My question is, do you find yourself dwelling on old photos of yourself from when you had hair?

I know it's not the same thing but I'm a balding man and I miss my hair so much. I had shoulder length, beautiful, thick hair when I was younger and it was glorious. I look at old photos all the time and try to relive those days haha.

I hope you find peace with your situation soon and recognize your natural beauty. You also seem like a very funny/fun person from your responses. Beautiful and funny is a lethal combo.

Yes I look at old photos and it destroys my mood. I miss my hair :(

Is it fake eyelashes?

yeap, all fake

Have you considered tattooed eyebrows?

No! I’m too nervous

What Halloween costumes have you tried? I recommend Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Sinead O'Connor

How smooth are your legs?

as smooth as a babies bottom 😍

Have you ever thought about getting your arms sleeved up and rocking the biker chick look?

Yes I have. I have several non visible tatttoos

Do you think stress of being a caregiver for your mom is what triggered the illness? I'm in the same role now, and for me symptoms of PTSD are evident

Yeah that’s definitely what triggered. The week after she went into a nursing home I found my first spot.

Is complete hair loss the only thing this condition causes?

Physically yes. Emotionally no

What was your hair color before the diagnosis?

Brown.

Are you aware that the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the NFL in alopecia with 2 players? Or that they had a haircut competition?

I was not! Thank you so much for sharing

on the bright side is it convenient to not have to shave your lady parts? must be aesthetically pleasing down there(no razor bumps)

Fuck yah! It’s awesome. Best perk of alopecia and being female!!!

Have you been able to link up with others with this condition? It would seem like a good idea if you haven’t. Being around folks that have shared your experience is often a wonderful therapy. Also they might give some pointers and tips on how to get insurance to pay for wigs or eyelashes maybe?

I have and it’s just like meeting another person. I’ve never felt any relief from meeting others with this condition.

How much in a year do you save on shampoo? Looking on the bright side.

I don’t know exactly

I know it's incredibly different with me being a guy, but I would love this. I shave my head daily and have thought many times if I could lose all of my hair and never need to shave again it'd be worth it. Though I have bushy eyebrows and would look like Uncle Fester without them.

That said, being bald for me is a choice and still it's annoying when I get bald comments and jokes. We've heard them all and none are clever. This has lead to me making jokes, probably to an annoying amount to my wife, proactively such as when someone compliments her hair I say thank you while rubbing my head, get's an eyeroll every time. Have you come up with any good bald retorts?

Bald appears to suit you! Some people don't have the right head shape for it and can look lumpy. I wish you the best and remember sunscreen!

Oh I’ve had so many clever responses I can’t even remember them

Have you considered locks of love? They donate to people with alopecia instead of cancer because it’s a more permanent condition. Also, is there anything that surprises you about losing the hair? Are you cold more?

I haven’t because I always consider those who aren’t comfortable enough with the condition to go bald everyday. They need it more than me.

Not a question. Bald women are beautiful and you are top of the group. Who cares about hairs?

I know it’s hard to adjust to tho

Bidet for you! Bidet for you! Bidder for youuuuu!

Judging by your post / responses you don't wear a wig?

No I can’t afford one that looks decent but it’s ok

Hi,

If there was someone to donate their hair, could you accept it? I have really long brown hair and was going to donate it. It would be super cool if I could choose who to donate to. I know it's not a cure but anything helps, right?

I’m comfortable bald. I’d want someone who isn’t comfortable to have it

Your eyebrows looks great! Whats the secret?

Thank you! Anastasia eyebrow powder in “taupe”

Do you have an Amazon wishlist we can order things from for you?

If not, you should make one.

Oh god no, I don’t want anything but awareness to be raised. However I sincerely appreciate it :)

First. You are still crazy beautiful.

Second. Thank you for doing this. I never knew this affected humans. ( I had only heard of animals having it. )

Third. I saw someone else talk about the Amazon wishlist and the price of those eye lashes. And you said you aren't asking for anything except to raise awareness. I am more aware now. This will be something I talk about now and I would like to trade the cost of one trip out to eat to help make your life at least slightly better.

Now for the question.

You are to be the first person sent to mars. You can only take one CD. One tv series ( whole series ) and one movie. What do you take ?

Bonus question what meal would you like to be sent with you ?

One CD: Blink 182 take off your pants and jacket TV: Veronica mars Movie: American beauty Meal: errrrrrr shepherds pie 🤤

With no nose hair, does that present any additional challenges with filtering the air you breathe? For example, do you suffer from allergies any worse than before? Are you more susceptible to airborne illnesses?

Related question: if you go without false eyelashes, so you notice any difference with the practical role of having eyelashes? Other than cosmetic, how important are they?

No changes from no nose hair.

No eyelashes is no different. I just like looking less like an egg and more like a human

Have you considered wearing a wig?

Yes, but as I mentioned insurance won’t cover one because I don’t have cancer. I’ve tried cheaper wigs and they look cheap, they fall apart quickly and I’m more comfortable bald at that point.

Have you seen the episode in Nip/Tuck? Would you do something similar?

Haven’t seen it

What's your relationship like with your family? Did it change a lot after your mom passed away?

Never been an issue. We’re all very close.

It is so easy for me to sit here and think ‘OH so cool!!’ because obviously I am not going through this. I see perks for days but understand this must be a drastic and difficult change!

What are the downsides that most people do not realise. Apart from the obvious ones like loss of identity, financial ramifications and mental health issues?

Do you have issues regulating body temp or increased likelihood of getting sun burn now? Do you have any vellus hair? Lastly, do you have any issues with oil production?

Genuinely hope you can find comfort in yourself somehow.

Yes, I got my first scalp sunburn this summer and it was very painful. It caused me to actually grow some vellus hair that subsequently fell out after the burn healed.

I have some issues with facial oil production. It’s more prominent now.

That’s how I feel most of the time. No choice so might as well rock it

Yeah like nothing

Hi, there. You mentioned not using wigs due to their expense, but do you wear any other head covering like hats or scarves?

By the way, I think you look beautiful.

Just a hat in the winter cause Massachusetts is cold as shit!

Have you looked into medical marijuana? It can be pretty effective against auto-immune disorders but I'm not a doctor and YMMV.

I’m drug tested for my job

I once met an Asian man working at a PF Chang's with your same condition and I found it fascinating... My question is, have you considered getting into competitive diving/swimming?

I’m a lil’ bit to curvy for that but I do crossfit!

Gunna gonwith a no

You mentioned no "safe/effective" treatment options...are there unsafe/non-effective options and if so is it because are they still in a trial phase? Are there any promising cures in the works that you're aware of?

Yes. Immunosuppressants. I could be on daily prednisone and likely have a full head of hair one day. But I eventually want kids....and a healthy liver...and to not get tuberculosis (I’m an EMT)

Would you consider starting a company that sells realistic hair replacements ?

I saw in your previous post that you wear $18/ pair 2 use lashes. I think you’d be able to make something similar/ better for significantly lower cost.

If you have realistic hair needs there’s someone else likely to have the same needs.

I’ve thought about it but I have no idea how to even begin something like that

Hopping on here with a sort of derivative train of thought: You say your eyelashes cost 18 bucks a pair and last two uses.

It will be worth the effort of finding out if you can buy them in bulk and get wholesale price for them. It might be a bit of a search though but you should be able to get them way under a tenner a pair.

I’ve thought about contacting Sephora to do that but I thought I was being too high maintenance .

I read some stories of people who claimed to have found effective treatment in the Paleo AIP diet/ lifestyle. What is your take on that?

Funny you mention that. I have tried too many times than I can count to try and go AIP but I’ve failed. It’s a lot harder than you think and requires an excessive amount of preparation for something that may not work.

I fully believe In the mindset behind it. Too often in our culture do we hide symptoms with medication and not find the root cause.

there was this kid in my high school with the same condition, his hair fell in huge chunks, and soon after he was bald everywhere.

i can somewhat relate how extremely unhappy you are, and there is no doubt and needless to say that it feels terrible, but it also shows the psychological strength a person has during difficult times.

my question is: do you actually tell yourself that youre beautiful? if so why?

i simply want to know, not bashing. i hear a lot of people tell themselves they are pretty etc, or beautiful even if fat or whatever. is that like a sort of psychological defense mechanism, where the brain is trying to prevent clinical depression.. or simply ignorance.. i always wondered. i tell myself im fugly all the time.

edit: also dont take me wrong, not being mean but im not the sort of person who would tell youre beautiful simply because i "should", or who would somehow try to desensitize your condition with humor in order to feel better for myself and for you.

Not offended whatsoever. I don’t tell myself that ever. Ever. Ever. Ever. And that’s a problem!!! It’s easy for people to say “well you rock it so you should feel beautiful...” that’s all well and good until this is your reality. Until you have to throw away all of your hair products, hair straightener, curled, $40 hairspray that you once loved. It’s hard as hell.

Four answers in two hours... What were your hoping this would be?

Sorry, working