My story is much like Lori's. I received Alopecia Universalis for my 45th birthday. Mine started after a blood transfusion. I have been diagnosed with 5 immune diseases. I'm so grateful for what I do have, but I really miss my curly hair. It suited my personality. I feel that the way we wear our hair shows a bit of who we are.

Losing my hair was awful. I too had well meaning people tell me, "It's only hair." I wanted to say, "Yeah, it is. Now you go home and shave your head and eyebrows off everyday for the rest of your life." I think losing my hair helped me gain compassion for whatever someone else is going through. I believe some times the kindest thing we can say is "I'm sorry this has happened to you."

I appreciate each person's story. It helps to hear others' experience with hair loss. I agree that only women who have hair loss really understand. Thank you for sharing.

I have found that I'm not a wig person. I love wearing colorful patterned cotton scarves and matching them to my outfits. I'm just starting to wear a few turbans and head wraps. I think the Christine Headwear line is just beautiful. It's changed my mind completely about that style of head wear.

It's been nearly 15 years since I lost my hair. When I first lost my hair, I noticed people avoiding looking at me or looking at me with pity. That no longer happens. I think it's because of my changed attitude. I try to look attractive as possible and have fun with my head wear. When I go out into the world, I don't even think about being bald. (I do hate that word... bald.)