I had a fear of losing my hair when I was a child.
My Father used to say ‘girls don’t lose their hair’ only men do as they get older. He was trying to stop me from worrying about it back then.
I started losing my hair when I was 24 years of age, so my childhood fear became a reality. I have diffuse alopecia, so the loss is even all over my head. My long thick hair became thinner over time. The texture of my hair changed from wavy to frizzy and unmanageable. The individual hairs became much finer and delicate.
The hair loss was heavier after having my children. I lost almost all the hair around my front hairline. I had my hair cut into a collar length bob and wore a band to cover the front hairline. I am a hairdresser and my clients often commented on how thin my hair was becoming. This was really depressing for me and I was constantly monitoring the loss in the mirror, it became obsessive.
I consulted a doctor and dermatologist and after many tests, the cause could not be found. Both my Grandmothers had very fine thin hair, but they had fine hair as children. My hair loss could be hereditary, I still don’t know. I spent a lot of money on tablets, vitamins, high frequency, lotions, potions, and scalp massage. I also tried a course of homeopathy but still no improvement.
I lost my confidence and my identity.
Losing my hair was devastating, I did not want to go out because my hair meant everything to me. I didn’t feel good at all no matter what I wore or how nicely applied make up.
I started to wear hairpieces such as clip-in ponytails and three-quarter wigs. This did make me feel better for a while, but as my hair became thinner the weight made my scalp sore. Also, my fringe was getting thinner so there was too much contrast between the hairpiece and my own hair. Wearing wigs has changed my life. I was introduced to wigs by a lady I met who had alopecia totalis, she always looked beautiful in her wigs
She was an inspiration and she advised me on my first choice and style of wig. The first time I wore a wig it felt strange and alien, but I loved the effect and the many styles and colours available. I tried wearing the wigs over a wig cap, but I found this hot and uncomfortable. Wearing the wig cap also made it harder for me to grip the wig to my own hair. I still have some hair but it is thin weak and frizzy.
My own hair does not style well or look good. I have shoulder length hair which I pin up. This serves as an anchor in which to grip my wig. The hair I have acts as a cushion and it is comfortable, it works well. I find this very secure and my wig has stayed in position even in a strong wind. I feel confident that I could go for a ride in an open top sports car and my wig would still not move.
I am happy and confident these days. I wear the wigs they don’t wear me;
I treat them as my own hair; I see wearing a wig as a positive thing. I make no secret of wearing wigs, this way I can change the style and colour whenever I please.
My clients love my various hairstyles. I never have a bad hair day. Most of my clients are surprised when I tell them I’m wearing a wig. People have commented on how beautiful my hair is in supermarkets. I suit long to medium length hair the best. I have a selection of wigs I wear for work and I keep my best wigs for special occasions. So far, I have chosen synthetic wigs, so there is no need for styling. The wigs all fall back into place themselves after washing.
I wash my wigs in lukewarm water with wig shampoo and conditioner. Then I lay them to dry on a towel in the bath. Once dry I gently use a wig brush and my fingers to detangle the hair and give them a spritz of leave in wig conditioner. I don’t brush through the curly wigs I separate the curls with my fingers. This works well and I get maximum time from the life of a wig. Some of my wigs are wefted and I also have some monofilament.
I like the volume I get from a wefted wig, but I like the natural look of the monofilament wig. At some point I will purchase a real hair wig, there are lots of beautiful styles available. Wearing wigs has helped me to make a lot of people feel better about themselves. I often get clients who are losing their hair for many reasons, age, illness, stress, hormones to name a few. I advise my clients on where to buy their wigs, how to choose one, wear it and look after it.
There are a lot of people out there with the same problem all supporting each other and sharing their stories.
We are so lucky to have access to the fabulous wigs available today, the beautiful colours and styles available at affordable prices.
Love Deborah
X
Thanks for sharing this..I agree with everything you say…Great comment…
I started losing my hair in my late 20’s. I thank GOD for the quality of wigs today. I wear lace wigs and they are so natural looking that people think it is my hair growing out of my scalp. Lace wigs allow you to wear your hair in styles just like you would with your own hair (including updos/ponytails and cornrows). And when they find out that it’s a wig, I have to tell them how to style theirs! One of my coworkers commented that “she has never seen me with a bad wig yet”. And guess what? She never will! :-). I love them and have several! From kinky straight to kinky curly! I have loads of confidence and they make me feel really beautiful!
Thank you for sharing. I also have alopecia areata. My initial onset happened when I was in my early 20’s. Over period of years, I have continue to have my hair fall out. Now I am considering to wear a wig too. Not sure where to start or how. But thank you for sharing as it is nice to know it does happen to others.
You look fabulous
Thank you for your story…I love reading these truly inspiring words..you look beautiful..I too found happiness in accepting my hair loss and embracing the fabulous wigs there are now…
Thanks again..
Kind regards…?
Thank you for sharing your story Deborah as it reminded me so much of my own experience with hair loss. Having always had thick, shiny and lustrous hair I was devastated when it became so thin, dull and frizzy when I hit my 40’s. I was too embarrassed to see my GP about it but I have an under active thyroid and the same thing happened to one of my auntie’s, so I’ve always assumed that it’s hormonal and or hereditary. At first I cut my hair really short, thinking it wouldn’t be so obvious then, but it still was and I looked ancient. I remember vividly trying on my first wig and the miraculous effect it had on my appearance and frame of mind. I’ve never looked back since then and although I don’t advertise the fact that I’m wearing a wig, I’m not ashamed either. If anyone out there is dithering about taking the first steps in to wig wearing then please don’t, take my word for it you’ll look and feel so much better and it will boost your confidence no end xxx
Thank you Deborah for a very helpful story it helps to hear how other people cope
For those thinking of wearing wigs for the first time, might I suggest choosing a colour slightly lighter than your own hair. I didn’t and found that my first wig looked too dark. As a result, my complexion looked a bit washed out.
I’d be interested to hear from others on this.
Thank you for telling your story – you look beautiful and your story is an inspiration.
Thank you so much for your story Deborah. I’m 61 and I’ve always had thin, fine hair so it has never been my ‘crowning glory’, but over the last few years, probably because of thyroid problems etc, it has got thinner and thinner and I’m now at the point where it’s so see through I think wearing a wig would give me more confidence. Reading what you’ve said about pinning your own hair up has helped as I’ve got a short bob and wasn’t sure what to do with it! I shall have to decide on colour and style , at least for the first time in my life I can have the hair I want!!! Thank you so much for the inspiration xxx
Is it possible to wear any of the wigs up in a scrunchie?
The information above is indeed Extremely useful to me. It has provided very imp tip on wearing the hair wig and may not be over the wig cap and it just was required for me.
Thank you beautiful ladies !! And, ofcourse SimplyWigs.
Hi Deborah,
thanks for telling your own story.
There are so many reasons why people start to use wigs, aren’t there? All involve a degree of trauma (unless you are a celeb) and carry overtones of loss, or fear of loss (beauty, love, dignity)
The transition to wigs becoming ‘your hair’ is quite a simple step physically, yet it is frightening at first. That is where Simply Wigs comes in. They are so encouraging and ingenious with their suggestions.
I wish that magazines would carry more features about the journey that people take when they finally accept a wig. People need to know that, although it is usually out of desperation at first, it quickly becomes a joy in your life that you describe so well.
Your photograph is just wonderful. You are very beautiful. X
I know exactly how you feel! I wear monofilament wigs. I have bought a real hair wig, in the past but found it disappointing. There is, also, a smaller range of colours – not to mention the extra expense! Even my hairdresser guided me away from buying real hair wigs. The synthetic wigs are so good, these days, and have a great range of colours, with natural looking rooted colours. The choice is incredible at Simply Wigs and you know that they are a reputable seller!
Thanks Deborah! I really enjoyed reading your story. I relate a lot to your struggle with hair loss although my hair didn’t start to go thin until my 60’s, like you it took all my confidence away.
I discovered Simply Wigs a few years ago and will be forever grateful! Because I suit a shorter style, I always buy the Danni wig (Hazlenut Glaze) by Natural Image which is so life-like it gave me back my self -confidence – I love it! Maybe I will take a leaf out of your book and be a bit more adventurous and try a different style just for fun.
Thanks again Deborah …you look great!
I am 74 and looked 90 this was all to do with my hair so so thin lost it from my thyroid. So I bought a beautiful Rachel Welsh wig . It has cha ged my life . I go out and I am so confident. I know look yrs yrs younger , everyone says I look amazing and the wigs have saved me staying in for the rest of my life . Thank you