Accepting and coping with hair loss comes with a whirlwind of emotions – sadness, confusion, anger, frustration, and so much more. It’s a rollercoaster that effects everyone differently, and some ladies experiencing hair loss consider shaving their hair as a result. Choosing when to shave your head boils down to personal preference and is often chosen as a way of ‘ripping off the band aid’, particularly if women are experiencing their hair loss in patches from trichotillomania or know that they will lose their hair to chemo. If you can relate to this and you are wondering if you should shave your head due to thinning hair, this resource aims to offer advice on how to process your feelings and work out what to do.
When to Shave Your Head
There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding when to shave your head, or whether you should. When asking for advice from those around you, people have the best intentions when they tell you to go for it or not; however, the decision is yours to make, and only you know what is right for you.
If you decide that you do want to shave your hair and feel that you are ready to do it, it can be extremely empowering. However, it can also feel very overwhelming. Equally, if you’re unsure or don’t feel completely certain about doing it, it’s an indication that you’re not ready to shave your hair, and that’s okay. In fact, you might never feel ready to shave your hair, and that’s completely fine too.
Here at Simply Wigs, we understand just how unique each person’s hair loss experience is. This means that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution or answer, but if you do feel inclined to shave your head, you’re definitely not the only person to feel this way.
1. Talk to people
If you’re running over an idea in your head and are unsure what to do, it’s always healthy to talk to someone about how you are feeling. There’s nothing worse than suffering in silence and letting your thoughts fester instead of talking through things rationally with someone you trust. Deciding whether to, or when to shave your head is an extremely big decision to make and not one to be downplayed. Talking over your thoughts can help you to clear your mind and having that support there is extremely beneficial. You might also find validation in the decision you are wanting to make, no matter what it may be.
2. Do everything in your own time
Going through hair loss is an extremely difficult experience to go through and you need to give yourself time to adjust. Causing yourself the added stress of deciding whether to shave your hair or not will only add to an already difficult situation, so only think about it when the timing feels right. When you are comfortable with the idea, take time to fully consider your options and work out what you want. Make sure you are confident in the decision you make to avoid doing something you will regret.
3. Talk to a stylist about cutting options
Sometimes, we need to take a step back and ask a professional their opinion. Go to a trusted hairdresser that you feel comfortable with, and talk about your hair concerns and when to shave your head. Your hairdresser may advise you that shaving your head if your hair is thinning isn’t necessary yet, and instead will cut your hair into a style that accommodates your thinning hair better.
4. Experiment with head accessories
If you don’t want to shave your head, but feel insecure leaving the house with your current head of hair, consider wearing headwear. Not only do hair accessories cover your hair, they also add extra pazzazz to your outfit! Choose from our selection of turbans, headscarves or specialised chemo headwear to add some extra colour to your outfit, and some pep in your step! If you’re new to headwear, our article ‘The Ultimate Guide to Headwear for Hair Loss’ covers just about everything for a beginner. For guidance on how to look after your garments, check out our article on caring for headwear with hair loss.
5. Try wearing hair toppers
If you still feel comfortable rocking your own head of hair, try supplementing your locks with hair enhancers. Easy to use and natural in appearance, our human hair toppers and synthetic hair toppers help to add extra volume and length for those with thinning hair. They can be easily attached to your head and are secure enough to stay put all day, leaving you with seamlessly blended hair that makes you feel fabulous.
Should I Shave My Head if My Hair is Thinning?
For ladies experiencing hair loss in patches, it can be comforting to shave off any remaining hair so that patches are no longer visible. Equally, shaving your hair during chemo allows some ladies to take control of the inevitable, and shave their hair before chemo removes it for them. On the other hand, some women like to keep all of their natural hair, even when there are only small patches remaining. Ultimately, it’s important to listen to what you are feeling and do what you feel is best for you.
Wigs for Those With Alopecia Areata
Your hair doesn’t define you, but the change in your physical appearance can affect your self-esteem. Many of our lovely customers have been faced with the ‘to shave or not to shave‘ debate, and no matter their decision, have found comfort in our lovely wigs. Wearing a wig can restore your confidence during a time that is difficult to cope with, giving you the opportunity to replicate your natural hair type and colour, or try something different. Especially for those who are suffering with alopecia areata, shaving your head can be a major life decision. We’re certain that between our headwear offering and our gorgeous selection of wigs that you are bound to find a style that makes you feel confident.
The decision as to when to shave your head as a woman isn’t an easy one to make, but having had many years of experience with thousands of lovely women, we want to reassure you that you are not alone. Our social media pages are a hub of support and information for those seeking support and advice, so make sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For help choosing a suitable wig or headwear piece, contact our lovely team who will be delighted to help your on your wig-wearing journey.
My hair is thin with bald patches. Currently I have two wonderful toppers from Simply Wigs but I am so over the thin wispy hair that I am seriously contemplating shaving it all off. The only thing is I probably need to find the right wig first. Am happy to have a shaved head but want some ‘glamour’ as an option when I go out. Any tips would be gratefully received.
I’ve been diagnosed with pco (polycystic ovaries) a good few years now and not long after my first baby my hair started going thin on top as the years have gone on (and another 2 kids later) it’s now getting worse and further to the back too. Although I’ve quite dark features (eyes, hair, eyebrows etc) and slightly tanned skin I literally keep my hair bleached blonde as this is less visible and gives me my confidence back but lately I’ve been thinking of shaving my hair all off for the second time but I’m worried the baldness will show more especially when my dark hair comes through again. I don’t want to totally razor shave it but want the clippers on the lowest if that makes sense. What to do. Also my dad is bald plus my mum and nan too at the front ?? Am I Hunan pass this on to my daughters? They’ve beautiful thick hair ?
My hair is VETY thin on the top as I have female pattern baldness. My scalp is extremely visible now. I already have one of your wigs and intend to buy more. I’m thinking about doing the brave to shave for charity. Does anyone know if any hair is likely to grow back in the bald areas? I dont want to go for a total baldness but a very close crop. Will it look awful with the bald spot on the top? I’m frightened of looking like a monk!!! x
Good Morning,
I am a 63 yr old that has experienced a severe reaction to an antibiotic while in the hospital. This caused my body to react by having sunburn like rash called DRESS Syndrome. I almost died 2 times because of liver and kidney failure, but I pulled through it. I was put on 80mg of Predisone and am tapering off and I am on 5mg a day now. I woke up one morning, and my hair was coming out, and lots of hair was on my pillow. Has anyone experienced hair loss due to taking steroids? I want to shave my head but, I am leary that my hair will not come back. I bought a wig, and it is a synthetic wig and looks very realistic. I and just sick and tired of the hairs falling out every time I touch my head. If you were on steroids, and your hair fell out, did it grow back? Thanks Wendy
About 20 years ago, I had the thickest, pushers, most beautiful hair. My hair has been thinking for many years and I have been coping by keeping it short. When someone told me they could see my scalp through my hair, I knew I had to do something. I bought a wig and started shaving my hair the next day; I didn’t finish. I was thinking I may have made a mistake. After reading the stories from all of these beautiful and brave women, I’m no afraid anymore. Thank you!
Hi Teresa, deciding if to shave your hair off is a very personal decision. If you do decide that this is the best way forward for you, then please be reassured that a wig will still remain secure with no hair. The most important factor to consider when ensuring that a wig remains in place, is to purchase a wig in the correct size for you. After you have done this you then have the option of using wig tape for extra reassurance. In your post you commented that you currently wear a velcro band clipped to your own hair. The decision for yourself would be that you could no longer do this if you decide to shave your hair. I hope that we have been of some assistance to you. x
I lost my hair due to chemo whilst treating ovarian cancer . I have to say I struggled with the thought of hair loss much more thAn the hair loss itself . I (well my husband ) shaved my hair when it started to fall out about 14 days after my 1st chemo session .
I made a couple of decisions. Firstly I didn’t want to be a slave to a wig or a head covering , so I made sure that people close to me saw me ‘natural’, secondly I decided to have a wild time with my new hair styles – so have got several very different style wigs (long short straight curly dark blond , even blue – I have them all !)
I have just finished my final chemo session , so I’m hoping my own hair will grow back. However , I have come to accept my new image, I’ve even become slightly fond of it , and love how quick I can get ready ! I will definitely continue to wear wigs , they are so much fun .
So , please excuse me whilst I decide whether I want to be a blonde or brunette tonight!
I have been considering shaving my hair off as well because it looks so horrible. My hair has always been thin but now it is a lot worse with bald patches. I just wonder how wigs stay put with a bald head. At the moment I wear a velvet Velcro band that I can clip to my hair. I am also worried that at a young looking 74 year old it will make me look older. Vanity eh.
I was clinging onto the few remaining strands of mine for no real reason, knew I needed to shave them off as they were going anyway and thought ‘yeah, this’ll be empowering’ or something. I cried the whole time I was shaving it off, felt like I was just saying ‘ok alopecia, you win, just take what’s left’. But within the week the bald me wasn’t a shock in the mirror anymore and not having long hairs all over the pillow as a daily reminder of it going was great. I’m glad I did it but I think you have to be ready to do it and it’s not an easy choice to make. X
I had this very debate at my first wig consultation this morning. My alopecia has been rapid, and universal, and the remaining hair I have is just SO annoying! It’s shoulder length, and just keeps getting tangled – it feels like more of a hindrance having the hair than it would not!
I’ve got myself two wigs ready to take on the world. I do a lot of sport, and plan to just embrace the bald during those times, as it will actually make life easier I think (Modelling myself on Joanna Rowsell Shand!), so I’m actually considering braving the shave this week. This was the perfect article for me to read today, thank you
What a beautiful and thoughtful article.
Why oh why are we all so wrapped up in preserving/covering up our hair loss to maintain an air of normality to everyone but inside battle the demons when we see what’s going on at home? I have for years done so but are not quite at the stage of shaving what’s left off ( but I know it’s coming soon!)
Wearing hair now ( bought from Simply Wigs of course) amazingly covers up the problem but I need to take control of the shock at looking at the sparse bits left when I take it off!
If the feeling is anything like when I first started wearing wigs I’d do so tomorrow!
Love Denise x
I’m going through my first session of chemo and my hair is falling out after 14 days. I’ve had several hair cuts during including a chin length. One day I decided I couldn’t take it and decided to cut my hair myself with intention to shave it all off. Fortunately I only done a couple of bits and we called in a hairdresser. I asked her to cut as short as possible and i gor a pixie style for now which ive had so many compliments on. I would say the shorter you can go the less painful it is physically and mentally that’s how I felt. I also bought a human hair wig for my wedding this spring.
Before chemo, wanting to keep control, I bought a wig and went to my hairdressers to have my chin length bob (that had taken an age to develop just as I wanted) shaved. My hairdresser refused and hand cut (and refused payment for, dear woman) a half inch crew cut which I must say I rather liked – though it would probably have conveyed the wrong message about my sexuality as I think I looked gorgeously gay and I’m not. Anyway I never showed it to anyone, wearing the wig till my own hair all came out one morning in the shower (gods, what a mess) 3 weeks into the chemo – and then I shaved off almost all the remaining wisps and put the wig on again. That was a hot summer (chemo wrecks your temperature control too) and I was glad of the wisps I had left at the nape and temples because, together with the fringe I bought to slip under a cotton buff, I needed a cooler option.
Just before it grew back I recall my head and indeed my whole skin feeling itchy and a little painful: my remaining wisps, together with my eyelashes and eyebrows, finally fell out.
I remember saying to my oncologist “oh well, it will all grow back” and he looked even more shifty than usual and said “yes, it usually does.” And it did to start with but very very slowly. About 2 years post the end of treatment I have a photo of me with thick short hair, straight, no longer the post chemo fuzz. I wish I’d appreciated it more as after that it started to get very thin and my hairline receded. I was more and more miserable until my new hairdresser’s daughter suggested extensions. I tried several types before I found Simply Wigs and the lovely Amore toppers / enhancers by Rene of Paris. They clip to my remaining hair and I have ones I can wear up and ones I can wear loose. I feel so much more presentable now, and they are much easier to take care of than my own hair ever was.
I joined Brave Shave to raise money, I too found the whole thing liberating and empowering. For me, my hair grew back but is now thinning badly. I may go down the shave route again. It’s not an awful experience, I even went on holiday with no hair.
It’s your decision and your life, enjoy the moments.
Awesome and sensitively written article. My hair loss was also rapid. My Self esteem plummeted, on hindsight, although l tried to be very proactive in sourcing wigs etc. Yes, at times lm still self conscious but think “heck its not life threatening!”
Love Lois New Zealand
I know what its like … lost my hair through chemo and radio therapy, breast cancer. but, it has grown back.
Although I still wear wigs (when I go out) because they are so easy – and my hair has always been frizzy.
Thinking back, I tried cold caps when having chemo, but they didn’t work. I lost all my hair and it was more devastating than having cancer !! I had long hair and I should have had it all cut off , or at least shorter, because when it fell out, it was probably so much worse than having it shorter – if you see what I mean.
love
pam