Be Bald and Free Day: Bye-bye bed head and bad hair days

When it comes to holidays, one is “a-head” of all the rest! Not only is it national lowercase day, National Dessert Day and the delicious National Chocolate-Covered Insect Day, Oct. 14 is also Be Bald and Be Free Day.

This annual event, sometimes referred to as Bald & Free Day, was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy in an effort to celebrate and embrace being bald.

Alopecia, the loss of hair, affects both men and women of all races. For men, male pattern hair loss is the loss of hair at the top of the head and hairline. 2 out of 3 American men, about 40 million of them, have significant hair loss. For women, female diffuse hair loss is a gradual thinning of hair, especially at the top of the head.

Alopecia areata results in hair loss on the head and hair-bearing skin areas on the body. More than 4 million people in the United States have this common autoimmune skin condition that affects men, women and children. Whether hair loss is due to heredity, health issues, medications, aging or other factors, hair loss can be devastating, especially for women and children. Earlier this year, the Mattel Company created its Beautiful and Bald Barbie doll to help children better cope with cancer.

Some people living with hair loss feel isolated and alone. Many feel embarrassment, shame, depression and anger. The psychological impact of hair loss can be profound. While various treatments and procedures may help, they can have side effects and/or be expensive.

On the positive side, going bald can save you a fortune on expensive hair sprays and gels, hair gadgets and hair appointments. Plus, you’ll save loads of time not having to do your hair. And just think - no more bed head or bad hair days either!

Whether you have a receding hairline, thinning hair or no hair at all, today is the day to ditch the wig, cap, scarf and/or rug, and show off that beautiful bald head! Happy Be Bald and Be Free Day! And speaking of bald, don't forget about all the hairless cats and dogs waiting to find the "purrfect furever" homes.