The Big Bald

Posted on by December 28, 2019

Fffrrrrriiippppppp!!!!!!!!!!!  

Say it out loud. That’s the sound of Velcro being pulled apart.

It’s also the sound of me ripping the remaining stubble (and some skin) out of my head with Duct tape.

Fuuuuccckkkkk!!  (No explanation necessary)

Did you know that chemo makes your hair hurt? Until I got cancer,  I didn’t, either. But the drugs that are killing off the bad cancer cells are also killing off good cells, including hair follicles. And while, most likely, your hair will fall out on its own, the dying hair follicles can cause intense scalp pain. So as soon as my hair began falling out when I brushed it or put on my jolly Santa Clause cap, the discomfort was enough to grab the clippers and tell Jeff to have at it. 

The original clipper cut

On Christmas day, 2019, I went bald, of my own volition.  And it was liberating. And traumatic. And empowering. And depressing.

The next day, under closer scrutiny, I observed that my naturally blond hair was quite a bit darker at the scalp. I guess that part doesn’t get the benefit of the sunshine. And the clippers, which Jeff had used on setting #1, left just enough stubble to still be a bit painful. So I researched my myriad of references on breast cancer and chemotherapy.  It seems that lint rollers can get some of the  stragglers.

Nope.

Next option suggested duct tape.  That sounded like it might actually work, so I searched around the tool cabinet and found a roll of heavy-duty, extra-wide, super-duper industrial duct tape and got to work.

The big mistake

 

Do you remember the movie “The 40 Year Old Virgin” when Steve Carrel had his chest waxed? Yeah. That.

After ripping it out by the roots

Ripped the hair, roots and all, straight outta my head. Well, there was no fucking way I was gonna do that over my entire noggin, so out came the razor blade and shaving cream. Again, Jeff got to have his way with my head.

Done and done

And now my cranium is smooth as a baby’s ass and I feel sooo much better.  But I will never, ever, be able to stand the sound of Velcro.

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The Big Bald — 45 Comments

  3. Your baldness makes you pretty eyes look bigger 👀. Your smile is truly lovely in the last photo. Could that be because no more duct tape in your future hair styling ?

  5. Only you, Jules, could make a funny story from your pain. I’m laughing as I’m squeezing you tight all the way from Minnesota. 🤕XO

  7. OMG, ouch, I let the little stragglers fall out on their won and it was within a day or two. I hope you did not pull out actual hair follicles as they will not grow back if so. You look beautiful bald, Rock it, sister. Way to go!!

  8. Love this! Have Jeff work on his duct tape wax job, people pay good money to have that done. Im right behind you with the buzz, sheading like a summer dawg. Thanks for the cheer and strength. Peace

  9. OMG – you are freaking gorgeous. I never knew chemo made your hair hurt. I always just thought people shaved their head because it was falling out anyway. I hope your head feels better.

    Of course you had duct tape – a fix for anything on a boat but what masochist thought ripping out you hair with duct tape is a good idea?

  10. Jules you are beautiful bald! Like a rock star! And love your strength and attitude too!

  15. Dear Jules– from our cancer-household to yours: don’t sweat the small stuff (like hair loss), who cares if you have hair (wear a hat?) We are thinking of you and sympathize with what you’re going through. You, with Jeff’s help, will pull it off, of that I’m sure! You are lucky to have a big, strong fan base.
    Take care of yourself. We’re thinking of you.
    ~A&D

  16. WTH…who knew you’d look so fabulous w/out hair! You are bad ass and i am rooting for all along the way.
    You go!!!

  19. You have a gorgeous head! I bought a “full cranial prosthesis” (that’s what you have to call a wig to get insurance to pay for it) which I wore MAYBE four times. Austin summers are too damn hot to wear synthetic hair, so I figured if anyone objected to my bald head, that was THEIR problem. Rock on, Julie! XOXOXO

  20. You look absolutely beautiful!
    That would be your parents doing. Bald or beautifully blonde your parents gave you the right genes.
    When you friended me long ago against a lot of people’s non approval I was shocked and in disbelief at first, But you stuck by me and told them we were going to be friends for life.
    Since then I’ve never had or even met a better friend than you. in the beginning I wanted you to be my girlfriend, But as it turned out we became brother and sister and for that I’m eternally grateful!
    You, Julie Emerich Frederick are the bravest, strongest willed human I’ve ever known! I love you with all my heart and soul!
    I’m so happy that you have a great husband in Jeff and he’s taking care of you! Be safe in your travels and always remember that you are my lit’l sis and I love you!
    Now go kick this cancers ass. Thanks to Jeff and chance for being in your corner! 💘

  22. Julie, you so rock! I’m so impressed with and love your spirit. You are truly beautiful – not many look so gorgeous bald! Hugs to you!

  23. I had no idea hair follicles could be painful! You look gorgeous and are always hilarious now kick that fucker cancer to the curb!

  26. Good morning friend…
    You….do look …..like your Mother. Bottom line….beautiful !
    Stay strong…..
    Happy 2020
    Luv,Barb

  27. You are totally rockin the look with boldness.
    Seriously though keeping you in my prayers!