Starting a new job?
Meeting new colleagues?
& my Wig concerns?
‘We instantly think, do they know’ ?
Well if we’re thinking logically, the answer is probably not. Let’s be honest ladies, our wigs look so fabulous that no one can really tell the difference. But if you’re like me and you like to switch up your styles pretty often, I suppose it’s not that simple. This is already bothering me. I’ve been in my current position for over a year now and everyone is used to me changing my styles (I think once I even tried on a new wig in the office), but what’s the best way to approach the subject in a new job?
I can’t really tell you what to do, because we’re all different and we all handle our hair loss differently. Some are more comfortable with it than others, and fortunately I’m at the stage where I’m content. I’ve come to terms with that fact that it’s unlikely I’ll ever have hair again, and if you regularly read my blogs you’ll know that instead I try to embrace my alopecia.
With that in mind, I went in to my interview with complete honesty and told my future employer upfront, “I wear a wig”. I did this for a number of reasons, so let me tell you why. Firstly, having alopecia has made me a strong person, even if I do say so myself. I am brave and confident (most of the time) and I have alopecia to thank for that. Confidence is an attribute most employers will look for, so explaining this really gave my boss-to-be an insight, in to me as a person. Secondly, now this really does work in my favour because I do digital marketing for a living, so by explaining I write blogs for Simply Wigs, is a lovely little CV boost for my area of expertise. Finally, I can now go in to my new job wearing which ever hairstyle I want, knowing that I never have to have that awkward conversation again with the man that pays my salary.
‘Well, that’s a relief
I totally understand that it’s easier said than done, but had I not told my employer previously, I’d be an anxious, stressed, hot mess awaiting my first day (even more so than normal.) Plus, if my employer wasn’t accepting of my situation, it would really make me think twice about accepting an offer. Why would I want to work somewhere that doesn’t support me and that judges me on my appearance, rather than my skills? I know down the line, perhaps after being in my new role for a couple weeks, maybe even months, I’ll open up more to my new colleagues, but it’s my choice at the end of the day and I’m sure you will all relate, that sometimes you want to build a foundation of friendship and trust before, diving in at full speed and revealing your deepest secrets. Like I say, this is only my perspective on how to handle this situation, but I know it’s never going to be easy. That’s why I hope that my blog post can somewhat help you find that little pinch of confidence you need.
lots of love,
Steph
xxx
Hi Teresa,
That’s so amazing advice. You sound so brave and confident, and I strongly beleive that going through a harder time in your younger years is what’s made you such an outgoing, beautiful lady today! I 100% agree that you need to do whatever you feel most comfortable with, in terms of being totally upfront or just gradually letting your guard down. Thank you for sharing your advice and experiences.
Lots of love
Steph xx
Hi Christine,
I love your approach, that’s some great advice, and I tend to do the same thing. All the best xxx
I have been wearing a wig for over a year now. I have found I am totally honest with people close to me. In my meditation class a colleague asked how I kept my hair so nice and also different. I just told them. The overall comments were disbelief. This has made me more confident. At another class a lady asked me where I got my hair coloured as she wanted hers the same. so I told her in confidence. So all in all this is a big 100% well done to Simply Wigs and particularly Jodie who was wonderful. I am looking forward to ordering another one with Jodies help of course.x
Hi ladies,
I have worn wigs since the age of 18 months, having been born without hair.
In my younger days, I lacked confidence and pretended that my wig was actually my own hair- not that I was fooling anyone because 54 years ago they were very different & looked what they were!
I have my parents to thank for helping me be the person I am today, confident and really not bothered what anyone thinks although, particularly in my teenage years, I did not feel that way and had a very tough few years.
In terms of employment, I have always been very upfront, partly because, as the other lady mentioned, it shows that I have grit and determination, but also just because it feels right for me.. My advice would be, do whatever is most comfortable and right for you, if you want to reveal all do, if your way is to gradually let people know, that is fine also.
If anyone compliments me on my “new hair cut” and ask “where I had it done” I always tell them the truth,, sometimes people then apologise and I say, absolutely no need to….I take it as a fantastic compliment. By the way, I have just got a new Alia petite and loads of people have said how lovely it looks so I am on cloud nine!
Wearing a wig is not always easy as well we know, but we owe it to ourselves to not let it become the be all and end all of our lives……My only real bit of advice in terms of the actual wig you choose would be, always buy the best you can afford and size to fit,, nothing worse than a wig which is too big and you spend half your life trying to straighten!
With very best wishes to everyone.
Teresa
I know exactly how you feel until recently I too hadn’t told a soul apart from my sister and best friend that I wear a wig, but my advice now is change it go for a different colour or longer or shorter and when someone says wow your hair looks great it’s different. …..say thanks but it’s not mine. …I wear a wig and have for years. Once you tell them it comes as a great relief and once they get used to that fact they won’t bat an eye everyone you change it.
Good luck! X
Hi Elaine,
I think that’s a great approach that you use. Just bringing it up in to conversation and I bet you get so many responses like: ‘oh, I never would have known, your hair looks so realistic and lovely!’
You have a great positive attitude and some helpful advice – I think I might even use that line. Thank you for reading and commenting. Would love to see some pics of you in some of your favourite wigs.
Love Steph xx
Hi Annie
First of all, well done you for being super confident, it’s a big step to want to mix up your hair styles, it’s great to be able to enjoy a variety of different wigs. My suggestion, and i’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but just go for it. Change your hairstyle, take a deep breath, and just be honest. I think the minute you just explain, you’ll feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders, and like you say you want to enjoy different hairstyles rather than it being a burden. Start by just telling a few colleagues, perhaps ones which your quite friendly, or perhaps start by telling a couple of friends before you tell your work colleagues. Just ease yourself in to it. Remember your still you and you’ll look fabulous, no matter what hair colour or hair style you have. The people in your life that matter will support you and you’ll be surprised how many of your friends will be jealous of the beautiful hairstyles you get to wear. I’d love to see some pics! Good luck and feel free to ask any more questions. xxx
Hi Mari
Thanks so much, that’s so lovely to hear. It’ taken me a long time to get to this point where i’m happy and confident, but I 100% agree that it’s nice to know your not alone. Simply Wigs have a great little community and I love being able to hear everyone’s comments, questions and ongoing support. Thanks for reading.
Steph xxx
Hi Violet,
It’s so great to see other wig wearers having the same attitude and approach as I do. I would love to see some photos of your different styles and wigs. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
Steph xx
I worked at the same place for 15 years and before I lost my hair so my older colleagues went through it with me. Now I wait til someone moans about the cost of hairdressing . I usually say “well that’s something i don’t have to worry about” and start a conversation. My colour never grows out and I can change styles and colours to suit my mood and back again instantly and my hair always looks fabulous. And i dont need an hour to wash my hair!! They are sometimes quite envious although they probably wouldn’t swap they can see the advantages.
Thanks Steph, this is a great article and I love your approach to the issue. It’s very topical for me too, as I moved house last week and start a new job on 2nd May!
Lizzie xx
I have been in my ‘new’ nursing post for just under a year and have yet to tell anybody that I wear a wig, but it’s getting to that stage where I want to change my ‘hairstyle’ and enjoy a variety of wigs instead of sticking to one and hoping nobody notices. So,things I will have to be confronted quite soon. The truth of the matter is, I haven’t ever told anyone outside of the family so this is quite an issue for me – any suggestions wig wearers on how I approach this would be greatly appreciated.
Well done to you Steph on your new job and your positive attitude.
Steph, you are such an inspiration. Coming across this company and this blog really has been a lifesaver to me. I’ve gone from deep depression about my hairloss to being grateful for so much, and knowing you’re not alone is such a help. Also, seeing how fabulous other wig wearers look make it fun, you know!
Good luck with your new job, you’ll shine!
Well Done You…!
Steph ..I lead a very public life .actually much older than you as well .its very difficult to lose your hair at any age ,but in my case it was blood cancer .so the treatment is on going .
I wore my first wig 4 years ago .just like you I like to change them to suit my mood or new outfit thank you for being confident enough to come on out and discuss our hair problems ..I admire your up front attitude .it is much like my own ,,