Journal Entries

Alopecia Gabriel Carter Alopecia Gabriel Carter

Joy After Alopecia is Reflecting On Locs To Loss

Getting locs was a commitment and losing them was devastating. I realized this loss was going to be permanent and that I had to take back control. I had to cut the remaining locs. Joy After Alopecia details my journey to finding happiness and goodness in all things despite the fact that I have Alopecia.

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Deciding when to shave: Reclaiming My Identity

We all know what comes next. The daily terror of finding more patches. Being anxious about patches growing larger. Fear over patches showing when the wind blows your hair just the right way. Loss of control as you can no longer keep the hairstyle you love. I had finally accepted Alopecia as a part of my life. Not in a way that defined me, not in surrender. But in self-preservation.

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Reflection Gabriel Carter Reflection Gabriel Carter

While You’re Listening…

How do I continue mundane daily tasks while injustice and pain are boiling over into riots and protests? I can't ignore my own anger and grief. But how do I wage war against such widespread and deeply ingrained systems of injustice? I may not be able to control what's happening out in the world but I can control my thoughts and perspective. I can contribute by using my voice to promote a more inclusive and empathetic environment. Black lives matter.

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Personal Stories, Alopecia Rory Personal Stories, Alopecia Rory

Deciding when to shave: Accepting the Journey

We all know what comes next. The daily terror of finding more patches. Being anxious about patches growing larger. Fear over patches showing when the wind blows your hair just the right way. Loss of control as you can no longer keep the hairstyle you love. I had finally accepted Alopecia as a part of my life. Not in a way that defined me, not in surrender. But in self-preservation.

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Overcoming Anger

Along with feelings of embarrassment, I struggled with conflicted feelings of anger. I didn’t ask for alopecia. I didn't ask to be jeered at or ridiculed. It infuriated me that people couldn't be empathetic about something I have no control over. I was angry at myself, angry at my hair, and angry that I couldn't control my situation…

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Personal Stories, Alopecia Gabriel Carter Personal Stories, Alopecia Gabriel Carter

The Remarkable Beauty of Alopecia

Too many times I've stared in the mirror and thought negatively of myself compared to "hairy" people. Too many times I was ignorant thinking I was less than others because of my appearance. Too many times I lacked the courage to grow because I wasn't confident in my sense of self. For many of us, the conference was a celebration promoting the freedom to be authentic.

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