This is the scariest blog I have ever written, but there are a few reasons for sitting here feeling sick while I try to work out how to start… Maybe I should just plough straight in.
This is me how I usually look:
(I know, I just broke my own rule of no faces on here, but it would be hard to do this with out mine!)
And with my hair down (this never happens in public for reasons that are about to become clear):
For about 23 years I’ve had a ‘thingy’ called trichotillomania. It basically means that (even though I hate it) I pull out my hair. It’s worse when I am stressed but a lot is habit, in my view. I have tried EVERYTHING to stop, from doctors, diets, right up to elastoplasting my finger tips so that I couldn’t grip my hair. The longest I’ve ever managed to stop for is a few months. People close to me know, as do those who have known me a long time (- when you wear a hat for two years solid it does somewhat give the game away!) I try to hide it from everyone else.
In the last few months it has got really, really bad, to the point that I need a multiway comb over to leave the house…and that takes a lot of time. It also means that wind and rain terrify me in case the usual ½ can of hair spray doesn’t hold out. Doctors and people view it as something that’s not serious as it doesn’t actually harm you and all that was left as an option is to take tablets (I’ve tried this too…it works, but means that I can’t function much myself, which isn’t a great long term solution). I’ve not been too keen on leaving the house for a while as a result.
This is what ‘really, really bad’ looks like for me:
So a few months ago I hatched a plan. I ran it past my family and, knowing how hard I have tried for so long to stop, they said they didn’t actually think it was that daft.
This was my plan:
I’ve shaved my hair in the past but I’d let it grow back straight away, only giving myself a few weeks to break the habit. Maybe if I shaved it and kept it shaved long enough (4-5 months) I could break the habit? Only last time I did this I was in my early 20s at uni….it was ok then. Not so ok when you work in a professional office (and already struggle to fit in with the ‘professional’ part.) So I’d buy a wig.
And that’s essentially what I have done. Yesterday mum and I went to a special wig shop, met the most amazing ladies in there and we walked out with Bradley (Bradley Wiggins, get it?) This morning Sister 2 came over and we bunched up what was left of my hair, cut it off and I’m posting it to ‘Little Princess Trust’ – a place you can donate your hair to be turned into real hair wigs for children who have lost their hair.
We then got the clippers out and, um…did this:
So the reasons I’m writing this? Firstly, I’d like to introduce you to Bradley:
I have a feeling he may feature in the blog occasionally going forward.
Secondly, because I am fed up with keeping this a secret other than talking in hushed voices to the chosen few. This is part of me, not a great part, but I know I am not the only one out there and maybe this will help others who also have a multiway comb over…
And finally because by telling everyone, it might help me…I can’t hide it now and the fact that people are aware might help me stop.
So my new years resolution is to stop pulling out my hair (hopefully you’d worked that one out by now!) Thank you – you’ve already helped me by reading this. Happy new year to all of you. I hope your 2013 is full of lovely stuff, but especially, lots of smiles :o)
You are amazing and I know you can do it – feel a bit jealous of your Bradley – he’s gorgeous!
ah thank you, Bradley is certainly feeling the love at the moment! :o)
Very well done and A Very Happy New Year to you……and Bradley :-)
thank you sue. and happy new year from us both :o)
Go girl! I love the wig but think you pull off the shaved look pretty well too. Happy new year and good luck! X
thank you Jo…and happy 2013 to you. xx
You new wiggo is gorgeous! Love the new look and lots of luck with your New Years Resolution. Ems x x
thank you so much Ems :o) x
Happy New Year… look forward to catching up over a coffee next week. You and Bradley look fantastic!
xx
That would be lovely Ben – and Happy New Year to you too :o) x
Love the new look :) X
Thank you Dilpreet :o) x
This is a wonderful and brave thing to do. It’s a great choice of hairstyle but I have to say that you look fabulous with the shaved look too!
Thank you Mrs B. I could be Mr B’s twin with the shaved look… sort of!
Ha ha ha. You wear it so much better!
Wow! I had no idea! (That either means you are very good at the hat/comb stuff or I am very dumb indeed. Probably a bit of both.)
Massive respect for your openness and bravery with this and lots of good luck wishes to you and Bradley! xx
:o) Thank you very much! And if you are who I think you are (it’s hard to tell with the name you used!), you are certainly not dumb! x
If you thought I was me, then that’s very kind. :) xx
Sent from my iPhone
I did! :o)
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This is a very brave blog and interesting to read. Hope you’ve had some success with your head shaving therapy
Thank you, and yes….a complete success! (Although I will admit, sometimes a bit of will power is required :o) )
Not sure my comment got posted. Just wanted to say what a brave blog post you’ve written. Very impressive!
Thank you very much! Your comment did get posted….I just have to approve them before they appear ;o)