Alopecia update

So here is a little update on how to grow hair.. I still don’t know. 

However mine has definitely grown. I had decided after realizing I had an event to be dressed up for that I was going leave my hair to grow out and see how far it would get. I don’t have high hopes really, but its impressed me so far. 

My mind is mince. 

After I voiced my worry I received so many kind gestures of help and encouragement, nothing like what I expected or imagined to be honest but the kindness of people is incredible when you put yourself  out there. 

I had a friend who has offered to be like my own personal Gok wan and is spamming me with outfit ideas and things to make me feel comfortable in dressing up, an area in which I have no expertise. In fact I used to enjoy choosing outfits and ridiculous attire to go out with when I was younger, but really that notion never really lasted for me. It was common to find me in my joggers or leggins in the pub, as most nights out were arranged last minute after work and I really didn’t mind what I looked like. My mum used to take the mick out of me for wearing my “granny jumpers” and would actively encourage me to get them off and head to the pub with her. 

I never really bothered much until I lost my hair and then it became apparent how much hair can mean to a woman. It so often becomes the staple of what makes us feel feminine, well of course it is, why else would we spend endless amounts of money styling and dying it just to feel good. The feeling of a freshly cut hairstyle is a refreshing and really gives you a boost so it is totally understandable why we spend so much time ensuring we have appointments booked on a regular basis. 

I say regular basis, but mine were often a year apart and most likely booked because of gift vouchers I would receive from my mother-in law. Kind and subtle hints to remember to look after myself. It would end up becoming the only time I would spend away from my kids for a while. 

It really doesn’t matter how much time and effort you spend on your hair as long as the end result is what makes you feel confident and comfortable. After all its often the first thing that someone notices when they meet you, not even for the first time. Men possibly don’t notice this first but I believe other women take time to admire each others hair and style as it tends to say a lot about your character. When there is nothing there to look at people often notice other things about you that they would never have take the time to before. I have never had so many people mention my teeth (which are rather straight, much to my sisters annoyance) or my eyes. 

I don’t know if its because people don’t know what to say about my hair, and they feel awkward or that my featureless hair encourages people to look a little deeper. Not that it matters either way. Kindness is definitely more apparent, or at least I am definitely more aware of it. 

Anyway numerous conversations have taken place of people kindly offer ideas on what to use to cover my hair or how to dress it for the occasion, most of which I would have never came up with on my own. My Gran and Papa gave me suggestions and as I tried them on, to my delight they were hilariously honest and as per usual disagreeing in opinions. 

A work friend offered a huge fascinator that she had previously worn to a wedding and look amazing in. I had forgotten up until this point that I am a grown ass adult or woman should I say and should possibly dress like one. The Kindness was so encouraging and inspiring and it didn’t end there.

The exact same day another friend messaged to say she had something to for me, she had read my post and had a solution. She had also been in the same predicament as me and had bought a hairpiece. Now this was something I didn’t think I could fathom and hadn’t looked into getting on in any great detail. Im terrible for having anything extra on me including jewelry so I just didn’t believe I wouldn’t strip it off in the middle of the dance floor, especially if I had had a drink. (probably screaming “drinks in, wigs aff!”)

Now, my friend knew how I would probably feel about the idea as she herself had done the same, however came to me with the explanation that it was an option. Just having the choice of things to make you feel confident strangely makes a ridiculous difference. She said to try it on and even if I don’t wear it, its an option and its a decent thing to make you laugh. She was right of course and made me laugh so much.

I hadn’t seen myself with hair in 7 months and it brought a ridiculous sense of happiness. 

These kind gestures from so many people that go above and beyond are so fulfilling and uplifting. I probably wouldn’t have seen any of which if I hadn’t asked for such help (not even on purpose). 

putting yourself out there and sharing your fears with people is healing and a true reminder of the love that exists in places you forget are even there. 

I hope that in your hour of need that you ask for help, possibly not even on purpose and that your world responds.