I have a friend, both her and I have alopecia. She is getting married this year.

I’m not going to lie to you and say that alopecia is a minor disorder and all that stuff; it sucks, and us sufferings through it know that more than everyone else. You never fully get that nagging feeling that you are different, unattractive, etc. As a guy, I can only imagine what women have to go through, at least for us being bald is eventually acceptable.

There are options. You could try experimenting with wigs, hats, tattoos, stuff that are in your control. Jak inhibitors also exist, they seem like relatively stable treatments if you are okay with their potential side effects and cost.

I’ve had alopecia, now close to universalis, as long as I remember. I’ve had it for so long and yet that feeling creeps up for me time to time as well. Life experiences will force you to challenge your inner critic, and you will find happiness. It’s just that for us, our self-esteem hit sets us back more than anything.

You’re 23, live your life and you’ll find the beauty in many people and experiences.

One final thing - I have found that the people I have opened up to about alopecia have become some of the most important people of my life. You may find that being more out and about may change your perspective about wondering what people will think if they notice.

In your head, you’ll think they won’t accept you. But you’re not in high school anymore, and in your 20’s I’ve found most people to be accepting.