Do I have to be bald to attend?
No. Every woman over 16 with any type or duration of alopecia areata (AA) is warmly welcomed. You could have patchy hair loss, re-growth or no hair anywhere. We also welcome women with scarring alopecias. It doesn’t matter.
Then why is the group called Bald Girls Do Lunch?
The first BGDL event was in New York in 2005. It was organized for women with AA who previously had shied away from “formal” groups, and for those who wanted to get support with an emphasis on the unique needs of women. Some wanted to test out the bald look for the first time. The idea caught on and since incorporating as a nonprofit 2007 we’ve held lunches in 66 cities in 27 states and the District of Columbia.
Is your goal to encourage women with alopecia to go out bald in public?
No, but we do promote and encourage your freedom of choice. We want to help you feel comfortable with a variety of ways to live both at home and in public. So if you are in new situations or just new to the bald look, be assured we have a lot of experience and tips to share with you.
Do I have to take off my wig?
No. It’s very important that you always be comfortable. Come with any kind of head covering that you like - a hat, wig or scarf - or no head covering at all. It’s your choice. One of the things you’ll learn at a BGDL lunch is you have many more choices than you may have realized. We're about using all the options available - not about being bald.
Do you have to become a member to come to a lunch?
At this time, BGDL doesn’t have “members” — we have friends! Please join our email list so you’re updated about our lunches and events. Our community and programs are growing very fast so please check back often for new opportunities.
Is this a support group?
Support groups have members and meet at set times. BGDL is different. While we are drawn together by common experiences and the desire to share and learn, the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and empowering. You will not have to sit in a circle or be put on the spot. It’s “lunch.” And it’s fun!
Do I have to talk about private things?
Come to talk or come to listen – there’s never pressure to disclose private things. Many women find our informality and discussions to be just what they need to learn about research efforts for alopecia, get wig and beauty tips, hear personal stories from other women and get new insights on talking to others about their alopecia. You may find exactly the same thing.
Do you have events in addition to lunches?
BGDL holds special events from time to time in addition to our typical lunches, such as Spring in the City, the Bobbi Brown Beauty Event, Origins Store Awareness Day and upcoming Real Women with Alopecia video shoot. These events are another way that women with alopecia can get together, learn, share and have fun. Please check back frequently for upcoming events and workshops.
How much does a lunch cost?
Usually $30-45. This covers the meal itself (including your beverage and tip) plus a $20 tax-deductible contribution that helps us bring our program to your community. Keep in mind that a BGDL event is much more than a meal: it’s an organized, lively discussion about important issues that matter. That’s why we choose venues that are conducive to small group discussion.
Will I be pitched to purchase products during the lunch?
No! Businesses frequently contact us about sponsorship opportunities so that they can have a captive audience — but this will not happen during our meal and talk time with Thea. While accepting sponsors would lower the cost for attendees, it would also distract from our mission if sponsors participated from beginning to end. Most often we encourage our sponsors to introduce new products by loaning demo units and supplying brochures (with discount coupons). We also have our own line of brow products. You will have the benefit of helpful demonstrations, including how to use wigs, make-up (such as brow products) and fashion accessories, like as hats and scarves. Thea sources unique hat designers and may ask for your feedback on prototypes. The all-time favorite scarf to date? A medium-weight cotton square that measures about 42 x 42 inches.
Does it matter how long I have had alopecia areata?
Not at all. It’s often a mixed group – those with AA since childhood getting to meet those with newer onset. We also welcome women with scarring alopecias and other forms of severe medical hair loss.
I don’t see a lunch scheduled for my city — when will BGDL come here?
To make sure you’re alerted about events in your area, please join our email list. Next, send an email or call us at 800.578.5332. There may be an event in the works that hasn’t made it on our Events Calendar yet because a date and/or restaurant has yet to be confirmed.
How can I sign up for a lunch?
Join our list to get invitations or email us at rsvp@baldgirlsdolunch.org. We look forward to meeting you!
Bald Girls Do Lunch is the only nonprofit created specifically to help women with alopecia areata cope, gain confidence and feel a sense of community.
