Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Thinning hair, wig?

35 replies

daybyday247 · 19/05/2022 14:06

I was wondering if anyone had opted to start wearing a wig due to thinning hair? long story short my hair has been falling out for a while now.
overall it is very thin and I have a few sparse patches. Currently investigating the cause but I'm guessing it is likely from extreme stress and having covid previously.

I don't want to keep colouring my hair and even with extensions it doesn't look nice anymore. I've ordered a custom coloured, human hair lace front wig but worried about carrying it of and looking good in it. Has anyone been in a similar situation and done similar and decided they love wigs I'm worried that when it comes I'm going to be to anxious to wear it out. Would love to hear others experiences x

OP posts:
PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 19/05/2022 15:28

I've suffered from thinning hair and it's thoroughly depressing and confidence sapping, so you have my sympathy. Although I've never worn a wig myself, I've seen many of a reddit hair loss forum I'm on, and they look fabulous. So natural in most cases. And sometimes they only need a bit of an adjustment to look great.

It's highly likely that when you wear it out, no-one will know. And if they do, who cares? If anyone notices, it's likely that they're on high alert for these things due to suffering hair loss themselves (like me!). I was given much confidence by the reddit forum that if the time came for me to wig up, it'd look good.

Stress can cause hair loss, and it's known to be an after effect of covid, so it could well be that it will recover, given time. Are you still under extreme stress? Also, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause hair loss so may be worth having a blood test done. Doesn't hurt to find out and give your hair the best chance of recovery.

Do you think the hair extensions contributed at all? I've seen some horror stories about how they can damage hair quite badly if not well done.

Good luck!

HandfulOfFlowers · 19/05/2022 15:44

I have worn wigs for 25 years due to alopecia. The first time I wore one, I felt amazing - not having to worry about my hair looking shabby was such a step forward. A brand new wig of lovely vibrant hair is such a joy. My best tips for looking natural are to secure it well, avoid touching it when it's on, and move your head how you would normally, ie not cautiously. For you, a wig would also give your hair and scalp a break from treatments.

HandfulOfFlowers · 19/05/2022 15:47

Another tip, totally up to you depending how bad things are just now, but high summer is usually the least comfortable time for wig wearing, so I would avoid that for your maiden voyage!

Myworhl · 19/05/2022 16:59

Go for it. I would wear a wig if it wasn’t for my hot flushes. However I’ve wondered if they would make the hair loss even worse. I’ve looked at the idea of hats instead but they too heat up my head and you really need to remove a hat when indoors so no good.

Original poster
daybyday247 · 19/05/2022 17:37

It’s definitely affecting my confidence, I feel like nothing else looks good on me outfit, make up etc because my hair looks awful and ruins it. The person that made the wig is really talented the customer pictures I’ve seen look great. I honestly don’t think I’d be able to tell they were wigs if I saw them in person, I’m just worried it will look look ridiculous on me I’m hoping once I get used to it that will fade a bit.

The hair loss has been going on for a while, I had low iron but it is technically ok now as far as I know. I’ve just had more bloods done and waiting for the result. I am under a lot of stress so I definitely think that’s a contributing factor. Ive been taking lots of supplements, using viviscal shampoo/conditioner and also trying the Miele hair growth oil but so far no noticeable difference.

The extensions are just clip in I get my hair matched to them at the hairdressers, I couldn’t risk proper extensions I would definitely end up with no hair left at all.

I think I can just about get away with the extensions for now but it doesn’t look great. I’m hoping that it will give my hair a break and also be one less thing to worry about, which could be helpful if it is being caused by stress.

Thank you for all the great advice

OP posts:
dudsville · 19/05/2022 17:48

I've known a few wig wearers, different cause of hair loss but similar wish to be seen differently, and they've been really pleased with it. I would. Mum did once during an accident when I was young that burnt her hair off, she was young and her hair was her thing (religiously) so she simply couldn't wait the growth period. As for the summer, it would take some getting used to certainly.

psuedocream3 · 19/05/2022 18:02

I have thin hair and I use extensions currently, I have considered a wig, but firstly wouldn't know where to get a decent one as people dont often recommend them, but also, because it may feel really heavy. I would definitely go for one if I knew what I was looking for.

Original poster
daybyday247 · 19/05/2022 18:56

psuedocream3 · 19/05/2022 18:02

I have thin hair and I use extensions currently, I have considered a wig, but firstly wouldn't know where to get a decent one as people dont often recommend them, but also, because it may feel really heavy. I would definitely go for one if I knew what I was looking for.

I searched posts on various hairloss groups on Facebook and saw which ones were recommend by other people dealing with similar issues. Also read reviews and check YouTube for negative experiences.

OP posts:
Sockbogies · 20/05/2022 13:51

I use a bit of Colorwow to colour over the thinner patches - like eye shadow for the head! Depends how thin the patches are but might be worth a try before a wig?

Prokupatuscrakedatus · 20/05/2022 16:49

I had a wig on prescription when I was complety bald due to chemo.
The lady in the shop spent quite some time with me checking my natural colouring, the shape of my face, the way I usually dressed etc. I never had hair looking that good. I got complimented on my looks by someone who did not know about my illness Smile.
Drawback: in my case it got itchy when the hair started to grow back

absolutelynotfabulous · 20/05/2022 17:06

Watching with interest. My hair, which is normally very fine and thin, has started to thin even more due to menopause. I'd love a wig but I'd be afraid of it looking "wiggy" and obvious (although I couldn't care less about my usual warpaint looking obvious...)

WandaWomblesaurus · 20/05/2022 17:41

Joan Collins has worn wigs her whole life because of thin hair! She has some lovely writing about wigs in her books and she talks about messing them up and sounds like she enjoys the convenience of them. Get a few different ones and have fun with them, some beautiful headscarves too!
Three no reason you shouldn't feel beautiful and confident.

Original poster
daybyday247 · 20/05/2022 18:58

Thank you for the lovely comments, my new wig should be ready by the start of June. I've been watching lots of tutorials etc on how to get it looking natural and secure it properly etc. Would be amazing if I can get it look good and be able to try out some different styles.

OP posts:
Sunnytwobridges · 20/05/2022 19:07

I've been wearing wigs for about 15 years now due to alopecia. If you get the right density and cut and attach it properly they look pretty natural. I can usually spot them because I'm obsessed with hair lol but even if it's obvious who really cares??? They have also made my own hair grow back in, although it's still thin. I will say, stay away from the cheap wigs and the ones made with synthetic hair, those usually look unnatural unless you get the right one.

Chiefofstaff · 20/05/2022 19:09

I absolutely would wear one but can’t because to the health condition that makes my hair thin, brittle and fall, also makes my my scalp sensitive and no matter what I try, they make my head itch. Also due to the same condition, I can’t control my thermostat very well and the slightest movement makes me drip with sweat once the temp hits 68+. Id love to be able to wear a wig because there as some amazing ones and it would improve my confidence a lot. I just feel so scruffy no matter what I wear because my hair is so thin, dry and impossible to style nicely. Lots and lots of luck for beginning of June. Here’s to every day being a good hair day for you.

Iamclearlyamug · 20/05/2022 19:19

My DD10 has suffered from alopecia since aged 5 and has worn a wig basically full time since age 6. Honestly you wouldn't know it wasn't her real hair and we have so many compliments from people who haven't realised it's a wig. They take a little bit of getting used to, especially with putting it on, but so easy once you get the hang of it 😊

Original poster
daybyday247 · 20/05/2022 20:34

Sunnytwobridges · 20/05/2022 19:07

I've been wearing wigs for about 15 years now due to alopecia. If you get the right density and cut and attach it properly they look pretty natural. I can usually spot them because I'm obsessed with hair lol but even if it's obvious who really cares??? They have also made my own hair grow back in, although it's still thin. I will say, stay away from the cheap wigs and the ones made with synthetic hair, those usually look unnatural unless you get the right one.

Thank you yeah the one I've chosen is human hair, lace frontal so I'm hoping I can make it look fairly natural with a bit of trial and error. Glad to hear that you had some regrowth, I'm hoping mine will do the same

OP posts:
Original poster
daybyday247 · 20/05/2022 20:43

Chiefofstaff · 20/05/2022 19:09

I absolutely would wear one but can’t because to the health condition that makes my hair thin, brittle and fall, also makes my my scalp sensitive and no matter what I try, they make my head itch. Also due to the same condition, I can’t control my thermostat very well and the slightest movement makes me drip with sweat once the temp hits 68+. Id love to be able to wear a wig because there as some amazing ones and it would improve my confidence a lot. I just feel so scruffy no matter what I wear because my hair is so thin, dry and impossible to style nicely. Lots and lots of luck for beginning of June. Here’s to every day being a good hair day for you.

Oh wow I'm sorry to hear that, that sounds like a lot to deal with, I know I've read some people use hair fibres to cover sparse areas and a clip in pony tail or messy bun can help give the illusion of thicker hair. Although having your hair to tight when up can increase hair loss so it is good to be aware of this. A topper might be another option as I think it's a bit lighter than a full wig but might not be suitable with your health condition. Thank you for the good wishes I hope you are able to find a solution also x

OP posts:
Original poster
daybyday247 · 20/05/2022 20:46

Iamclearlyamug · 20/05/2022 19:19

My DD10 has suffered from alopecia since aged 5 and has worn a wig basically full time since age 6. Honestly you wouldn't know it wasn't her real hair and we have so many compliments from people who haven't realised it's a wig. They take a little bit of getting used to, especially with putting it on, but so easy once you get the hang of it 😊

That looks amazing, 100% would never guess that was a wig unless you had said x

OP posts:
motogirl · 20/05/2022 20:54

I'm considering it myself. I'm not at a critical point yet, I have just enough hair to bulk it out (thankfully it's naturally curly) but every year it thins more.

NamechangeFML · 20/05/2022 21:00

I have dark fine hair and after my baby, its soooo bad ! And over a year later its not any better
( DM is practice bald so i guess i will be too)
i use halo extensions- not clip in. Halos are hair attached to a fish gut looking band that sits on your head rather than attached to the precious atrands!
i didnt see what colour you normally are, but i find dark dry shampoo thickens the look as it colours the scalp as well at the hair?
but i will definitely think of a wig if it gets much worse

Myworhl · 21/05/2022 00:08

Would be really nice to hear how you get on daybyday247
and how you find the summer too if you could.

InsanityOf2020 · 21/05/2022 00:15

I have recently cut my thinning patchy hair right down and started wearing wigs. I used to have an abundance of thick red curls, the grey thin, brittle hair that would fall out every time i ran my finger through it completely drained my confidence.

I recommend you do your research. There are different type of of wigs and different ways of fitting them. Lots of useful videos on the tube.

I havent looked back and my confidedence is back. I would highly recommend

Original poster
daybyday247 · 21/05/2022 11:30

I can still just about get away with it if it's wash day and it's styled with clip ins because my hair has more volume,
I absolutely hate the roots though but really don't want to dye it as I'm hoping it will recover if I leave it alone a bit.

The halo would be great for overall thickness but I'm starting to notice my hair line at the front is higher and also near the temples and hair line is sparse unfortunately so trying to find a solution for if this gets any worse.

I have so much hair fall when I brush it it's crazy, my bloods came back normal but I've got an appointment on Monday so hopefully I can get some further tests or a referral to find what's going on.

It's great to hear some positive experiences,
happy to update when I get my wig and let you know how I get on with it.

OP posts:
ilovecherries · 21/05/2022 13:18

I’ve been wearing wigs off and on for 40 years, since I lost it all at 18. It’s mostly fine. If it’s too hot I just go without to be honest and slap on the makeup instead. Bald Mother Tucker on Insta is great for inspiration.