I am nearly seventy-two years of age and for the last eleven years or so have suffered from what I am told is quite a rare form of hair loss. The name of the condition is “Lichen Planopilaris“.
I say “suffered” because not only I am nearly bald, but the hair loss is scarring and permanent and the symptoms have been distressing at times. The condition causes severe itching and red painful skin and you can read about another person who has this here. The follicles die off so the hair will not grow back. It started with my hairline at the front being sore, very itchy and inflamed. A biopsy diagnosed the condition under a dermatology consultant. I was given steroids to try and stall the hair loss, but the steroids did not agree with me so nature has taken its course. There is not much research on this type of hair loss as yet but it is thought it might be autoimmune in origin.
My hair quite quickly receded right around the hairline on my face, in other words, no hair in front of my ears, and my scalp was left shiny and scarred. I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes almost overnight and they have never returned. It is still active but more “silent” than before without so much pain and itching. My hair has reduced to a circle as if someone has shaved all my hair off with a pudding basin shape on the top. I have a smattering of hair at the back however but the hairline gradually rises there also.
It destroyed what little confidence I had in my appearance and having tried wigs in the past but never feeling comfortable or natural in them, I have worn turbans mostly over the years until I discovered “Simply Wigs”. I have bought several wigs from this lovely company now but have settled on one style which I just LOVE.
Perfection wig by Gabor – is exactly that. Perfection! Here is a feminine, softly layered style which is incredibly flattering!
PLEASE NOTE – This product is now discontinued. There is still some stock available but is non-refundable.
It is a Perfection wig by Gabor, in colour Sugared Pewter. I have bought four now just in case they were discontinued at some point! I now think I was making the mistake of choosing too dark a wig for my age so decided to go for a lighter grey and honestly, I can’t put into words how wearing this wig has rejuvenated me. I honestly never thought such a change was possible. I don’t feel self-conscious anymore, I’m confident the wig will not blow off and I feel that it looks very natural. My husband loves it too.
I think the ethos of “Simply Wigs” is absolutely wonderful. To find a company that cares so much about its clients is a revelation, right down to the lovely packaging your wig or other product comes in. It somehow helps to know too that you are not the only person who has lost their hair forever!
Love to you all, Elaine x
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THE AUTHORS
We just love when our customers share their reviews, detailing their hair loss journeys. Each story is unique and incredibly inspiring. These personal accounts offer valuable insights..
Hi Elaine, Thank you for sharing your experience which is very similar to mine. The symptoms of LPP are distressing and I have had it now for around 13 years and still very active. I have RA another autoimmune disease and I went to a conference in Chicago when I was first diagnosed to learn what progress have been made in the USA as they are ahead of us in this journey. I did have steroid cream for severe irritation on my scalp but having developed osteoporosis and fracturing three vertebrae in my spine I had to stop. I concur with your view that Simply Wigs is an outstanding company and I would be lost without them. Your wig looks lovely and retrieving one’s confidence is everything.
Good luck! Margaret
Janet that is so interesting. I have an autoimmune thyroid condition and Polymorphic Light Eruption which affects my face and neck in Spring so sunscreen is a must for me. I have also had skin cancer on my face and it was kind of implied it was due to not using sunscreen enough in my youth. Seems I was never going to avoid my hairloss one way or another.
Elaine … thank you for your article on Lichen Planopilaris. i felt at last someone was dealing with this too. [I had never heard of it before] – It gladdened my heart to read it !!
Following Chemo I was told my hair was not growing back due to this problem[-following biopsis and a wonderful consultant ] I tried the steroid route with a lovely ‘french made’ mousse It was lovely to use but sadly now not available. I now have a steroid liquid to use but it’s messy [ drips everywhere] and strong -so use only when scalp gets itchy or sore . My bits of hair grow in a ‘monk -like circle style’ ! I deal with this by asking my daughter to shave my head close, otherwise the hair at the bottom pushes my wigs up!!!! It really did help to read your article & to appreciate that you are not the only person who has lost their hair in this way -forever! Thank You – and thank goodness for the soft mono filament tops and lace fronted wigs, especially those that are less dense , suit a smaller face and now come in fabulous greys. . Px
I also have lichen planopilarus/lichen planus. I went to my local hospitals Hair Loss clinic where I was asked to take part in a ten year Dematology research programme. I signed forms and a blood sample was taken for DNA purposes. Eventually I had an answer I was informed that the cause was using Suncream and with a predisposition to Autoimmune disease. The way sunscrean works is with chemicals that sink into the skin and cause inflammation underneath which is why the condition burns and is sore. Instead of our immune system dealing with this it attacks and damages all of our hair follicles hence universal hair loss. I was later informed that this condition also affects men as much as women.
Hope that answers a few questions for you. Jx
Hello Elaine, thank you for sharing. I too have LPP and your words resonate with me. I love this style on you, you look very attractive.
You look amazing and your hair looks so natural. A perfect style for you. I’m so happy that you also found this great company to buy your wigs from – they are fantastic! I’m so inspired by your story; thank you for sharing your experience. Lynda xx
That wig looks perfect on you. You’ve chosen the perfect style and colour.
Hi Elaine. You’ve just described my hairloss exactly. I was initially told I had a mix of alopecia and telogen effluvium but my own research led me to believe I have a mix of frontal fibrosing and/or LP because I also had the redness and itching you describe. It’s been ongoing for 30 years! I have very little hair left now, but honestly because of fabulous wigs I’m at the stage where I can no longer be bothered being bothered. You look lovely in your wig. It’s perfect in style and colour for you. Onwards and upwards hey x
Elaine, you look fabulous. It’s wonderful that you have found such a beautiful flattering style after going through the stress of losing your hair and the discomfort you’ve suffered. I hope your confidence continues to grow.