Three weeks ago I shaved my head. I didn’t do it to make a style statement or to make any other statement. I have Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia which causes progressive hair loss of the frontotemporal hairline. In simple terms, I’m losing the front section of my hair. FAA affects postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 80 years old (I’m 53). The condition is irreversible but may stabilize after a few years.
I first noticed my thinning hair last year during a vacation in Italy. My hairline looked different to me one morning. It was slightly sparse in sections, and I could see my scalp. I threw a headband on, enjoyed the rest of my trip and made a doctor’s appointment for when I returned home. Over the next six months, I saw various doctors and took a multitude of tests. Finally, a scalp biopsy revealed that I had FAA.
Shaving my head wasn’t a rash decision; I thought about it for some months. As I began to embrace the idea, I googled information about women with alopecia, women shaving their hair, and close-cropped hairstyles. In my search, I read inspiring stories, found great hairstyles, and discovered strange links for women with shaved heads. I bombarded my dear friend and stylist Royce Mitchell with photographs, and we came up with a plan.
On the morning of my hair appointment, I couldn’t get to the Marco Pelusi Salon in West Hollywood fast enough. I was ready to let go of my hair and get on with life. A few days before, I told a group of friends about my plan. The reaction was mixed ranging from excitement to being completely perplexed and emotional. Their responses only confirmed my decision to move forward. At this point in my life, I honestly don’t care what other people think. Shaving my hair was about feeling comfortable and happy with myself.
==Update==
Three weeks later, I’m still thrilled with my choice. I love that it takes very little time to get ready in the morning or to go out at night. I have a renewed love for earrings (maybe I’ll design a new collection, it’s been a while). Best of all, my daughter Nina loves it. She encouraged me to do it six months ago.
To read the entire story, please check out the blog: www.marietodd.com/blog/why-i-s...
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Special Thanks to my dearest friend and long time stylist Royce Mitchell; Marco Pelusi, and Marco's fantastic salon in West Hollywood - Marco Pelusi Hair Studio www.marcopelusi.com
Music by: Brock Berrigan / brockberrigan
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