Alopecia, can I shave my head?

[heythere]

I have alopecia. Have since I was 13 years old But, that’s the way God has made me, so I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to shave my head (because there really isn’t anything up front or down the middle) if I kept my head veiled? And if so, what kind of veil should I try? I don’t agree with islam, but the “hijab” style scarf looks like it would at least stay on my head, you know. Don’t want to be mistaken for a muslim, though, so…any thoughts? I know it’s a vanity question, really, but I don’t want to disrespect God’s design of me. Thank you and God Bless.

note: Thank you all so much for your responses. I know it may seem like a strange subject, but I do believe in modesty. Dressing modestly, covering my head during prayer (which is many times a day for me), no makeup, etc… God Bless you all

 

[heythere]

I have, for years. I’m 33, now, and there is a point in hair loss where it just won’t grow back. I am at that point. But thank you for your concern. And for the record, wigs are so, so uncomfortable for me. God Bless.

 

[Rhubarb]

I mean, I am not an expert of what is sinful or not. But people get haircuts. People style their hair all the time for a lot of reasons. I can’t imagine it’s wrong to shave your head and wear a cover or a wig or anything if you think it looks better. Anymore than it would be wrong to get a certain hair-do that a person might like.

 

[Kts1816]

Strange topic.
Good luck

 

[Rhubarb]

Also if Mary can wear a head covering, I don’t think you need to worry about it being “too Muslim”

 

[Tis_Bearself]

If you wish to shave your head, you may. There is no Church prohibition on shaving your head.

You do not need to veil it or cover it unless that makes you more comfortable, as it well might because your head could get cold. It is likely that if your dress is not unusual in other ways, people will just assume you have a medical issue that caused you to shave your head.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to shave my head (because there really isn’t anything up front or down the middle)

You may shave your head if you wish; doing so isn’t contrary to Church teaching.

if I kept my head veiled?

You don’t have to wear a veil or other covering.

Some women shave part of their heads as part of a style. I know alopecia is different for everyone and realize this might not work for you but you could try and a variation on an undercut and/or having designs shaved in.

 

[Psychae]

Hi there, I’m a 39yr old female and I have a buzz cut. Basically a super short pixie… And I don’t cover or veil in church even tho we attend the FSSP where 95% of women do cover their heads.

Nowadays having a shaved head or buzz cut and being female is acceptable (and its not like God cares what you do with your hair) so shave it off if you want and dont feel obliged to use a veil or anything I bet you’ll look awesome

 

[Augustinian]

Sure, why not?

A lot of gals wear wigs, and some of them look pretty good.

Did you know that singer Tina Turner wears a wig?

 

[Bruised_Reed]

OP said she doesn’t like wigs .

 

[TheLittleLady]

There is no reason you cannot sport the bald look, a super short look, at work or at Mass or anywhere. Do what makes you feel beautiful!

 

[exnihilo]

I don’t think there is anything sinful with a woman shaving her head. Go for it. If you don’t like it it will grow back eventually.

I am a man and am pretty bald at this point. Once I knew the battle was lost I started giving myself a real short buzz cut. I don’t shave my head because I hate shaving my beard so why would I add to my shaving? A bonus is it saves me money. I think at a certain point shaving or buzzing your hair looks better on a man or woman.

 

[MaryEstelle2]

Also, there are very fashionable caps/hats made for cancer patients who have lost their hair. They don’t look like anything 'medical, but are very attractive. You can Google for them. Peace.

 

[PetraG]

Yes, even St Paul would let you shave your head. It is not shameful, rebellious, prideful or anything like that. It is a reasonable solution to a difficult problem. In our time, particularly, this is a fashion that is not scandalous.

For instance, even Miss Manners and Emily Post say the prohibition against wearing hats in certain places does not apply to people like cancer patients who suffer from severe hair loss. When you are facing unusual circumstances like that, it is OK to take more latitude.

It is also the existence of special circumstances that are none of our business that leads us to refrain from judging, since our judgment is usually rash at the worst possible time. Better safe than sorry. We can enforce the rules on those we have the authority to discipline. We can leave the rest to their superiors.

In other words, there is not a concern that you will lead someone into a near occasion of sin. There is nothing sinful about it nor any reason you may not keep your reasons private if you want. You don’t have to worry about people getting the wrong idea or imitating you. That is not an issue.