The Reality of Dating as a Bald Girl

Whether you’re just now dealing with hair loss or if it’s something that you’ve been living with for a long time, dating may be a common thought on your mind. Dating can be hard enough as it is, but throw in being bald and it’s so easy to become riddled with anxious thoughts and self-doubt. Today, I want to talk a little about what my experience has been with dating and some tips that I think might be useful for others going through the same.

To be as clear and honest as possible, all the issues that I have encountered in the past with being bald and dating have come from my own inner perceptions and fears. I have not had an experience with anyone judging me or rejecting me solely because I’m bald, but that’s not to say that situation doesn’t or can’t happen.

As a bald girl, it’s easy to assume the worst in people and to get caught up in the belief that others won’t accept us and that we’re not lovable or worthy of love. Of course we may know on a logical level that these things aren’t true, but that doesn’t change the fact that these thoughts and feelings can be very real. Until we start accepting ourselves fully and putting ourselves out there, it can be difficult to shake those automatic beliefs. So, sometimes you just have to do the thing!

Here are some of the things that I’ve learned about being bald and dating:

1. Just be honest. It’s okay to tell people that you’re dating about your hair loss. In fact, I’ve found that being upfront about my alopecia instantly took pressure off of me. It’s not worth it to hold in a “secret.” If you’re creating a dating profile, consider sharing photos where you’re not wearing a wig or mention hair loss in your bio.
2. Prioritize your comfort. Dating should be a fun experience, don’t wear a wig swimming or in the hot sun for a date just because you’re trying to uphold certain appearances. Be yourself and be comfortable when dating!
3. Find what makes you feel confident. Whether it’s wearing your favorite outfit or pumping yourself up with music, try to embody a confident mindset when you’re going into a date. Confidence is attractive and you have all the reasons to be!
4. Be okay with answering questions. Some people might be curious about what it’s like to be bald, so get comfortable with talking about your experience. It’s also okay with setting some boundaries too if questions get a little too personal.
5. Remember that most people won’t care. The way we build things up in our own minds is much more dramatic than reality (most of the time). And if someone has a poor reaction to your hair loss, consider if that’s a person that you’d want to spend time with anyway.

Dating can be stressful no matter what, but try to remember that the point is to have fun! Enjoy your experience and learn to cultivate a mindset that increases self-esteem and confidence. You’re worthy of love and relationships, no matter what your brain might try to tell you.

Good luck out there baldies!