Quick Answers to Common Questions about Bald Girls Do Lunch
How do I get more involved with Bald Girls Do Lunch?
Find out more information here.
Do I have to be bald to attend?
Not at all. Women’s alopecia areata may arise in many forms, including episodes of regrowth. Â 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 and fungal alopecias into our caring community.
Then why is the group called Bald Girls Do Lunch?
The very first BGDL event was in New York in 2005. It was organized for women with AA who previously avoided traditional support groups and wanted to connect and talk about the newest resources for women.  Some wanted to test out the bald look for the first time and didn’t want to do it alone. Others wanted to get away from meetings with men and children. When Thea said “Let’s Do Lunch!” the idea caught on. BGDL was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2007. We’ve held lunches and workshops across the United States ever since.
How is Bald Girls Do Lunch funded?
As a 501(c)3 public charity, BGDL is funded by the generosity of individual donors, private foundations and by corporate sponsorships.
Is your goal to encourage women with alopecia to go out bald in public?
No, but we do promote and encourage options and freedom of choice.  We want to help you feel comfortable with a variety of ways to dress yourself and your head 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. You will be comfortable with any kind of head covering that you like – a hat, wig or scarf – or no head covering at all. It’s always your choice. You are never judged. 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 celebrating all the options available to you – 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 and tell us the region or state closest to you. When a community holds a fundraiser, we are able to hold a program for them quickly.
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 updates for alopecia areata, 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 in addition to our intimate lunches, such as Spring in the City, the Bobbi Brown Beauty Event, Origins Store Awareness Day and Real Women with Alopecia video shoots. These events are another way that women with alopecia can get together, learn, share and have fun.
How much does an intimate lunch cost?
Are we having coffee, lunch or dinner? Our event fees cover the meal itself including your beverage and tip. With the generosity of local fundraisers we can keep the cost even lower or free. Keep in mind that a BGDL event is much more than a meal: it’s an organized, lively discussion about important issues that matter to you with a trained facilitator. That’s why we choose venues that are conducive to small group discussion.
Does it matter how long I have had alopecia areata?
Not at all. We often meet as “mixed” groups – 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. We encourage you to come during regrowth, too!
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.
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!
