Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, but no one one knows why. The most important thing to know about people who are diagnosed with Alopecia is that they are not sick. Usually when you see someone who has a ‘disease’ you probably feel bad, but no need for that! People with Alopecia simply don’t have much or any hair, like Ari.
Ari is a drop dead gorgeous young woman who has always been a force to be reckoned with and in honor of Alopecia Awarness Month, we just had to feature her!
Full name: Ariana Denise Brazier
Major: English
Classification: Junior
Extracurricular Activities:
Bonner Community Service Scholar; National Council of Negro Women; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; UNCF Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow; Spelman College Student Ambassadors; Associate of the Spelman College Social Justice Fellows Program
At what age were you diagnosed with Alopecia, and what was your initial reaction?
I was diagnosed with Alopecia around 11 and 12 years old. I was in the fifth grade when I began losing my hair and I remember that because I had just gotten braces too. For more than a year, I remember incessant visits to doctors, pediatricians, clinics and hospitals with little known results. Although my parents were unnerved by the rapid pace at which I lost my hair, I can remember allotting my energy towards reading and basketball. I do not recall worrying too much, but I am sure I was initially concerned.
My understanding of beauty and love was completely flipped when I lost of my hair completely. I rarely went outside without a hat or scarf until almost college. I did not necessarily believe myself to be ugly, but I no longer saw myself fitting the beautiful category.
What was the conversation like with your parent(s)? How were they supportive?
My parents were incredibly supportive and stressed constantly over my physical and emotional health. I know they were worried about how I would be perceived at school and how I would cope with possible teasing. Honestly, I had such a strong support system (including brothers and extended family) that was constantly reiterating just how strong and beautiful I was and would continue to be, with or without hair.
Were you teased, how did you deal with teasing?
I went to a small, private Catholic school that allowed me to wear hats and bandannas once I lost my hair completely. In school, incidents of teasing were rare. There was one incident in school, the first incident ever, where I cried my eyes out. Outside of school, where people were less informed, I was a constant source of laughter and teasing especially by younger children. Initially, I did not deal well with teasing and my little brother dealt with the laughter even worse. I often walked away rather than respond rudely. Now, however, I realize that people just don’t know the situation and you can’t blame them for their ignorance. This realization did not come until later in my high school years, though.
What were ways you attempted to hide your hair?
Well, I actually did not attempt to hide my hair loss. I wore my natural and bare look until the last few strands of hair fell out almost a year, maybe a little less after I started losing my hair. Then, I began wearing bright and loud hats with bandannas underneath. I had/have over 60 bandannas and 50 hats in different styles and designs. I had a bandanna for every holiday and occasion – it was my signature fashion piece but I never lied about why I wore my hats.
People always ask why I was never interested in wigs. There are a hundred answers to that question but the main reason is because I am not sick, I am not ashamed, nor am I apologetic about my baldness.
Did your family seek out ways to combat hair loss?
Yes, I took a variety of medications, tried a number of topical medications, ate every vegetable and natural health remedy they could find. We even attempted Holy Water and Oil.
When dating what was it like talking to a potential suitors? Do you have a story you can share with us?
Hm, I recall wondering if I would ever find a guy friend that would not be bothered by my baldness. In high school, I finally found one and he became my best friend and boyfriend of basically four years. He played a pivotal role in my decision to go without the hats and embrace complete, public baldness.
Being at Spelman, an all women’s college, which hair seems to be very important to many of the women here, what was that like dealing with the first semester?
I LOVED IT. All of my Spelman sisters were so accepting of my “hair style.” My bonner sisters were everything to me – constantly kissing and rubbing my head. Moreover, my bonner sisters never shied away from asking questions and now I encourage others to do the same.
Being next to Morehouse College, an all male’s college where many of the women consider a dating pool, did you have any insecurities dating?
Nope. None out of the ordinary, at least.
Are you dating now?
Yes, but not because I am bald or in spite of my baldness, but because I am happy with myself first and I seek to share that happiness with others. I think people are attracted to my uniqueness of appearance and personality (lol).
How did you learn to value yourself and not your hair?
Wow, that was a long process. My hair was a prized possession within my family (my hair, combed out, stopped beneath my belt). I’ll tell you what I wrote for the Maroon Tiger in order to appropriately answer question: “My understanding of beauty, in particular, has developed as a result of personal experiences. I believe that a person emanates beauty when he or she walks with an air of confidence and purpose. A beautiful person is the proud owner of a precious and infectious smile. Honestly, when I think of all of the beautiful people I know, I think of how they’ve made me feel. I think of their optimistic view of the world and the manner in which they evoke excitement from others. They are naturally supportive and uplifting because of the genuineness of their character. These beautiful people have insecurities, but they are always themselves and always laughing. The beauty is in the way they inspire other people by simply living their lives.”
Also, through certain role models of mine and personal relationships I have learned that beauty is in everyone and it grows with love. The more you love someone, the more beautiful they are to you and the self is not outside of that. They actually never said this truth; I learned that just from watching them. I had to learn from others what beauty really “looks” like and I had to learn to believe people when they told me I was beautiful. When I started believing, I started seeing and now I know.
What is one word you use to describe yourself?
Vibrant.
What is one fun fact about yourself you would like to share?
My favorite foods are grilled cheese sandwiches and jiffy cornbread.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I was recently asked what I would tell a young girl with Alopecia and I am pretty proud of my answer. I am actually waiting for the opportunity to share it with someone, but until then, I will share it with you. I would tell her:
I would explain to her that I love myself and others for their differences more so than anything else, and I love loving that way! Alopecia will set you apart. Because you are not conventional, you will have singular opportunities to uniquely express yourself. On top of that, your perception of others will be more acute because you understand the struggle that comes with defying “the norm.” But, you will destroy the norm and recreate definitions of beauty for other girls and boys in the future. You’ve officially joined a legacy (LOL), that not everyone is so lucky to partake in.
Honestly, hair is merely cosmetic material. Having alopecia never prevented me from doing anything that I set my heart on.