I was 14 when I first noticed my hair thinning. I was 15 when other people noticed. I remember at this age trying very hard to convince a trichologist to give me a private appointment. He basically told me that I was being ridiculous – 15-year-old boys do not go bald.
Well, I was disproving that theory. When I eventually saw another trichologist, I was given a pot of foul-smelling cream and a course of sun lamp scalp treatments – I dread to think what damage that did. It certainly didn’t help.
It shocks me in hindsight that people were so cruel. Men who are losing their hair or choose to replace it are a figure of fun. When I went to University I was feeling unattractive and out of place. People often presumed I was a mature student because of my hair when in reality I was a very ‘young’ 18 year old. Everyone else seemed to be dating but I was definitely in the ‘friend zone’. One particular night out at University stands out, I had made a real effort, anything to distract from the hair. I was feeling OK until I overheard two girls discussing my hair loss and saying how sad it was when young men lose their hair. Apparently, I would have been quite good looking with hair. I started to avoid mirrors but I couldn’t avoid my reflection in the train window as I travelled home. I hated the way I looked.
By 19 I was using Minoxidil and it did seem to stop me losing any more hair but sadly did not grow any back. After 18 months of Minoxidil, I stopped treatment. Partly because as a poor university student it wasn’t really financially viable, and also because my hair still looked awful. I made it to 21 with some hair. For graduation, I discovered hair of the spray-on variety. Hair in a can. I did it quite well, but it ruined the bedroom carpet!
People refused to believe my age. I was often mistaken for my mother’s husband. My Mum was a very youthful 40 at the time. Entering a restaurant for a big family occasion, someone said, “Do you know you’re losing your hair?” I could hardly eat the meal. I don’t suppose that it helped that at the time, fashionable hairstyles for men were floppy curtains, even curly bobs. Hair was in. It was just before the shaved look of the Mitchell brothers in EastEnders.
So, on my 24th birthday, I found myself at a branch of an international hair company. This company used a variety of celebrities to advertise their wares. I was measured up and returned three months later to be fitted with, my hair unit. It was considered semi-permanent and was sewn in with clips. I wasn’t warned that my remaining hair on top would be shaved off. I now realise that this was to ensure future custom.
It cost £2000 (£3500 in today’s money). It was worn permanently till it was removed monthly for reattachment. This monthly service was £50. I bought all the products to protect my investment. Their sun protection spray to prevent colour fade turned out to contain lemon juice – nature’s favourite lightener! However, although I was obviously being robbed, I finally had hair, it looked good and I looked good. It was the type of hair that did what it was meant to do and after the initial shock, I could feel my confidence grow. As my best friend’s Dad said (quietly to him), “He really does suit hair!”
Eventually, I met by chance a lovely lady who showed me some examples of her work. I allowed her to remove my unit and it transpired that it was actually a standard piece, not the specially made item I had believed. My first piece from her was less than a tenth of the price and the quality was astounding. It was finer and needed less styling to make it look natural. When this lovely lady retired, by chance I found myself with one of the top people in the country in hair replacement. My problem is that they are long past retirement age and what happens next for me?
Shaving my head is not really an option for me as although it would now be age appropriate, I have a misshapen skull due to a traumatic birth, which is disguised by having hair. My wife and children would also not approve if I braced the shave. I really don’t think I’m good looking enough not to have hair. I suppose that dreadfully insecure teenager still lurks in their somewhere, jealous of his friends’ hair. Just before lockdown my wife and I visited Simply Wigs to try their range of HIM wigs. I am conscious that what remains of my bio hair is increasingly fine now and I wondered if a full wig would be an option for me.
Not only was our visit a wonderful experience (my wife made a purchase too) I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these wigs. The hairline is incredible and the fibre (I’m used to human hair) is non shiny, soft and believable. We settled on one, knowing that it would need cutting to make it more me. I ordered the Classic wig in 20% grey/light ash brown (M36S). I have been wearing it during lockdown at home and can’t wait to wear it when it has been trimmed. It is remarkably comfortable. I am very critical so it must be good to impress me. I also have teenagers who would be the first to say if dad wasn’t looking OK.
Hello, our Male wigs do not require any attachments. ?
You just need to pop the wig on your head, and adjust it so that it’s comfortable for you. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on tel: 01484 844557 email: [email protected]
I no longer want to wear hair that has to be glued, bonded or clipped on as methods of attachment. Can u tell me how your hair is attached? Thank you. Walter
William that is a great read and though I am female I know the pain and embarrassment of having far less hair than friends. I applaud your decision to go for a full head of hair, the wigs Simply Wigs offer are wonderful and why shouldn’t you? Well done, enjoy and feel the freedom and happiness hair brings.
Aw Willam, can’t people be insensitive/downright cruel?! I’ve often thought, when whingeing about having thin hair, how much harder it must be for men, because toupees or wigs are seen as a joke…they shouldn’t be. Bravo for wearing what you need to make you feel your best…you are an ‘early adopter’ and hopefully soon men will feel free to wear wigs. Skin care and makeup for guys is becoming more acceptable (Yay! Why not? They wore it – and wigs- in the time of Louis IV – it’s not new!!) and your story will probably encourage others. Thank you for sharing! ?? Becs
Wow, William! How honest and brave you are to tell your story. Too right that male ‘hair’ issues are so often treated as a joke and while it’s now acceptable to go the all shaved look, it just isn’t right for many. The quality of wigs available now is so good and I am pleased that you are in the ‘safe hands’ of Simply Wigs and wishing you all the best.