Wigs be brave

[Sandyd1035]

Hi just wanted to post to anyone who has suffered hair loss like myself been suffering from frontal fibrosing alpecia For any years tried so many things to disguise this but nothing really works.
So after many many months of trawling the internet I’ve got my first wig and I can’t believe the difference it made tomy face I feel it’s taken 10years off me lol . I was so nervous about going to work in it but every one thinks I’ve just changed my style It’s that good .
So really what I want to say anyone who’s thinking about getting a wig and is not sure please try I’ve wasted so many years staying in the back ground because of how I looked .

[ilovecherries]

Yes, long time wig wearer here. I lost most of my hair over 40 years ago. Wigs have come a long way since then! . I’m glad you took the plunge - although I chose to go bald quite often, it’s great to have the option, and I have (ahem) a rather substantial wig wardrobe these days.

[Giggorata]

I have just been diagnosed with this ☹️ Early stages.
So many questions...
Are you using a topper or a full wig?
How do they fit/stick on?
Where do you buy your wigs from?
Are they washable?

I know that they give info on some sites, but I'd like to hear from someone who isn't trying to sell something.

[Sandyd1035]

Hi cherries thank u for replying I wish I’d do this years instead of struggling everyday with what’s happened to me . I know people have things a lot worse then I have but when it happens to you. It took my whole being . But I am so excited about a whole new world of wigs . I’ve just ordered a second one I think it could become addictive Hopefully I will get a wig wardrobe 2.😁

[WerkHorse]

Are they very hot to wear?

[Sandyd1035]

Hi Giggorata
I have only just this week started wearing a wig but I can tell what I know so far .its a full wig but looks very real just how I use to wear my hair . I put a wig cap on to cover my own hair and pop the wig on ruffle it bit and I’m ready to go . It’s fully washable got the shampoo and conditioner from the wig shop . They said to wash it once a week .
I’m not sure if I can post the name of the shop on mn but if you private message me I will give u the name . The wigs are fab pls don’t waste years like I’ve done

[Sandyd1035]

Hi workhorse
I honestly Can say I haven’t felt any hotter then normal going through the dreaded menopause. I got a low denisty so very light . Didn’t want loads of hair yet when mine has been so thin .

[ilovecherries]

I buy my wigs mainly from Simply Wigs and Valentine wigs. Remember if you have a diagnosis of alopecia (from your GP is fine), then they are classed as medical appliances and you can therefore but them vat free.

I don’t find them terribly hot - I don’t glue or tape them, I literally plop them on and go. Some (eg those by Ellen Wille and Racquel Welch) tend to be lower density and therefor cooler. You can get them with lace partings and hair lines for a realistic finish. I only ever wear synthetic, I’m very uncomfortable with the procurement process for human hair.

[Giggorata]

Thank you for all this! I am just at the point where I'm applying stuff from the dermatologist, but the prognosis isn't great and I’m trying to come to terms with it.
I'm pondering when I will basically shave off my sparse hair and go straight for a glorious wig.. And I’m wondering about hair transplantation.
And fearing the loss of eyelashes.😥

[yourhairiswinterfire]

This is a lovely, encouraging post OP 😊 I'm so happy you're found a wig that you love. They really are life changing.

I developed androgenetic alopecia in my early 20s, which included rapid, heavy shedding, total thinning all over.

I was just getting used to my new thin hair, playing around with styles that made it look thicker, and developed alopecia alopecia! 😏

I swore I'd never wear a wig, and put it off for so long. I have no idea why. They're so freeing. No more hiding away. There are some truly gorgeous wigs/shades, and the quality is amazing these days.

I do still sometimes yearn for a bad hair day though 😋

[ilovecherries]

@Giggorata

Thank you for all this! I am just at the point where I'm applying stuff from the dermatologist, but the prognosis isn't great and I’m trying to come to terms with it.
I'm pondering when I will basically shave off my sparse hair and go straight for a glorious wig.. And I’m wondering about hair transplantation.
And fearing the loss of eyelashes.😥

I get some tufts sometimes, occasionally even all over fluff, but I long ago gave up hoping that represented regrowth, and run a 0 on the clippers over my head every week. My eyebrows go through growth/shed cycles, but I’m fortunate that my lashes have held on through all of it.

[Sandyd1035]

Hi Giggorata
I looked into hair transplant has well and was told because ithe condition we have it might not work cos our hair follicals have died and They might just open up and drop out .
I have looked into every thing possible 😩

[Giggorata]

This is just what I need to hear. Reality! 🙂
I expect we've all been down that road, Rogaine, taking extra vitamins, massaging oils into scalp, etc.
And I can't afford to shell out for transplants which will probably fail.

Looking at wigs now, and just got to decide when to take the plunge...
I still have quite a lot of hair at the back, but don't fancy the toppers. My hair is salon coloured, with multiple shades - or it was before Covid 19 - so a match would be difficult.

I'm in my 60s, so I thought it was a post menopausal thing at first.
How old is everyone else?

[Sandyd1035]

I’m 55 it started when I was 41 so have had it along time . I also have have a lot of hair at the back but not a lot on top . I don’t have enough to wear toppers has they have to be held in by clips . Has Ilovecherries said I also got my from simply wigs . You can order online and return if not sure .
The helpful girls over the phone told me what type of wig would be best for me has I wanted low denisty . Hope this is helpful

[Deathraystare]

That's great news Sandyd. I read years ago that Selfridges had a wig fitting service but am not sure if they still do. Also there was a hairdresser (male) who specialised in cutting wigs (to give them better shape/more natural looking. Cannot remember his blasted name, but the one with the 'shaved' back fringe if you see what I mean.