If you don't already know, I have an auto-immune condition called alopecia areata. This isn't a life threatening disease- it just causes my hair to fall out. Beginning in January 2005, I developed several bald patches and thin hair on top of my head. My facial hair is almost completely gone now (I had to shave off my beard a couple months ago because my facial hair was so patchy.) I am on the verge of shaving my entire head now. Stay tuned...

As you can see, I've already shaved my head. I must say that it feels much better. I no longer have to worry about covering up my random bald patches. After shaving my head I was suprised at how widespread the bald patches were. My long hair actually covered up most of the patches. Now I just have an odd shaped outline of stubble around the perimeter of my hairline. I'm guessing that it will probably fall out before long.

Update: Well, the rest of the stubble on my scalp has fallen out. My eylashes are quickly vanishing, and I'm losing some eyebrows. I think I've noticed some bald spots on my arms too, but that may be my imagination. I'll keep you posted.

Another Update: Well, the rest of my eyelashes and eybrows have fallen out. I also have very noticeable patches on my arms and legs. I do have a lot of white fuzz that is growing on my scalp and face now.

In case you were wondering, Alopecia Areata (patchy baldness) can turn into Alopecia Totalis (complete baldness on the scalp) or Alopecia Universalis (not a hair on your body). Some people regrow hair within a year. Some people never regrow hair. Sometimes it will grow back only to fall out again. The only thing predictable about it, is that it is unpredictable. For now, I'm enjoying not having to pull a pile of hair off the shower drain each morning.

If you like my pictures, check out some of my t-shirts and graphic designs here. I have several bald and alopecia designs available.