She is hairless, she was born with Alopecia. She yelled from her classmate and friends. Her life became hell because of some other person around her. This strong woman fights with negative comments of people and got back her self confidence. she said, ‘yes I am bald, bold, and beautiful.’
Indian women namely Neehar finally spell out her story to ‘Humans of Bombay’ a Facebook page.
Neehar writes, ‘I was 6 months old when I began losing my hair–I had Alopecia. My parents gave me ayurvedic treatment for Alopecia, to grow my hair back, but it didn’t. At 6, I lost part of my eyebrow, so mom would draw one on me; she told me I’d look prettier. That’s when I grew self-conscious.’
once a boy in my class took off my hat and said, ‘I thought a rabbit was hiding under there
The last time I had a full head of hair was when I was nine; I wore a hat to school. I was questioned by my classmates; once a boy in my class took off my hat and said, ‘I thought a rabbit was hiding under there.’ Around that time, my parents bought me a wig; I was excited because I thought I’d finally look ‘normal’.
But then, the meanest girl in the class yelled at me, ‘Oh my God, is that a wig?’ I felt as if she’d stripped away my identity. I drowned in shame as she laughed. Then my best friend made a YouTube video about me titled: ‘10 things I hate about Neehar.’ Her 10th reason was: Neehar wears a wig. I felt betrayed–I’d confided in her about my condition.
Middle school was a living hell; I feared the swimming class the most– I’d sit it out. ‘How are you always on your period?’, the other girls would ask. Being teased gave me anxiety; I lashed out my frustrations with my parents. They felt helpless.
So in high school, I decided to focus on my studies and extracurriculars. That’s when I made a solid group of friends and even a boyfriend! I didn’t tell him about my hair immediately. But when I did, he just said, ‘I have enough hair for the both of us.’ Over time, my hair began growing back and I got rid of the wig I was wearing for 6 years!
my Dadi (grandma) asked me, ‘Now who will marry you?’ I angrily retorted, ‘Someone who sees that I have a good head over my shoulders!’ That was the moment I decided to shave it all off
But then, I began losing my hair again. My family suggested I get steroid shots on my head. The treatment had a reverse effect and I almost became bald! When my Dadi (grandma) asked me, ‘Now who will marry you?’ I angrily retorted, ‘Someone who sees that I have a good head over my shoulders!’ That was the moment I decided to shave it all off.
My friends threw me a party called, ‘Neehar’s Bald Bash.’ I requested dad to shave me and asked mom to watch. It wasn’t only about me; this was also for my parents. I didn’t want them to answer society’s questions. Mom was nervous as dad cut my hair hesitantly. When he finished, I looked in the mirror at the real me and said, ‘Wow, I don’t look bad at all!’
I owned my look and went to school. The response was overwhelmingly positive. They knew it didn’t bother me anymore. My bullies wanted to be friends; some even apologized– one of them said, ‘You look amazing. I’m sorry for being mean; I hope you can forgive me.’
Today, I can go on a roller coaster without fearing if my wig will fall off. I can take part in dance contests without worrying about how to tie my hair. I’ve even started blogging about my experiences. My love mantra is simple, really: I’m bold, bald, and absolutely beautiful. ”
Note: ‘Alopecia areata’ is a condition that causes hair to fall out in tiny patches, which can be unnoticeable. These patches may connect, however, and then become noticeable. The condition develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Sudden hair loss may occur on the scalp and in some cases the eyebrows, eyelashes, and face, as well as other parts of the body. It can also develop slowly and recur after years between instances.
The condition can result in total hair loss, called ‘alopecia Universalis’, and it can prevent hair from growing back. When hair does grow back, the hair can fall out again. The extent of hair loss and regrowth varies from person to person.
There is currently no cure for ‘alopecia areata’. However, some treatments may help hair grow back more quickly and that can prevent future hair loss, as well as unique ways to cover up the hair loss. Resources are also available to help people cope with stress related to hair loss.
