Around 10 years ago I developed a rash which was also on my scalp. It was insanely itchy. I had such thick hair then that I always needed extra time at the hairdressers to dry it! I saw my GP and was given various lotions and steroids but to no avail. By this time my scalp felt like it was on fire. I finally got referred to a dermatologist, but by the time I got an appointment my hair was already thinning drastically.
I was diagnosed with follicular lichen planus, an autoimmune skin condition. The rash eventually settled with medication but my once thick, long hair was so, so thin that my scalp burnt in the sun. I tried a hair system or weave for a couple of years, but I think that caused any hair left to fall out, or it could have been the disease process. I was so scared to move to wigs. I just didn’t want it to look obvious and was scared it might blow off in the wind or be pulled off by a child at work!
I plucked up the courage to visit a local wig shop and received an NHS voucher towards my first wigs. I can remember sitting in the chair and being so self-conscious in front of the assistant, but she couldn’t have been more lovely. I came away with my first wig. I walked through the town wondering if people could see I was wearing a wig and felt very self-conscious. BUT, the reaction I got from friends and family was great. They loved my hair, and I did too! Often someone I don’t know compliments my hair and asks which hairdresser I use – I love then that it doesn’t look like a wig.
Of course I have my days when I wish I had my own hair – at night wearing a head scarf, swimming, wondering if I could go on a roller coaster without my hair flying off!
But – I can shove my hair on in 20 seconds without faffing around with washing and styling it. I can swap styles over the week if I want to and I may never go grey!!
Love to you all, from Clare x
Thank you so much for your help in building my confidence to wear my wig. I purchased the Power wig by Raquel Welch in Ginger Brown. It’s a beautiful wig and a lovely colour. It is so comfortable and I have also had the confidence to wear it outside.
It’s so uplifting to read these stories and know that other people feel as I have felt too. Thank you for sharing and helping my confidence. Wigs are fabulous!
Wonderful article. I felt the same way. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Clare, You look wonderful. The wigs today are brilliant so many lovely colours and so soft not like when I started wearing mine when I was 34 back in 1976. As you say you can be ready for anything in no time at all. As for the rollercoaster a beanie is the answer lol. Love Julie x
Hi Clare, does the wig cause itching as I have scarring alopecia through lichen planopilarus and am scared that wearing a wig will drive me crazy, as my scalp can be very itchy. I have been wearing hair toppers but am running out of good hair to blend in anymore. You look great in your wig x Claire.
Thank you for sharing your story. Your are beautiful!!
Following my cancer diagnosis I lost my hair very quickly I decided I would have several wigs and wear them proudly I have a short blonde wig similar to my own style and a shoulder length mink coloured Bob but my favourites are my long curly brown going grey with shades of champagne and my bubbly curly Marilyn style people who know me know I’m wearing wigs those who don’t think I look fabulous at 71 I feel liberated and able to be whoever I want to be.
Brilliant! Loved reading your story..you look lovely in your new hair..
And yeah..you don’t have to go grey! Bonus!!
You look simply (wigs) glowing with health and well being and obviously have a loving family and friends who appreciate you -full stop.
You make an excellent ambassador for wig-wearing, with anybody who is wary and afraid to move forward. X
Hi Clare it’s very helpful to hear other people’s experiences when first wearing wigs and the fear of people noticing that you are wearing one. In reality many of the wigs are so realistic that friends and colleagues just think you have a good hairdresser,and in my experience having to spend hours trying to make my biological hair look remotely good is a nightmare. As you say embrace the wig and goodbye to the faffing about!
Love Tricia
It’s very uplifting to hear other wig wearer’s experiences. Keep them coming.
A Simplywigs salon would be very much appreciated for us down south to visit.