More Than Hair | Your Hair Loss Stories

Jennifer

Cause of Hair Loss: Androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata

Jennifer's Hair Story: "In 2013, I started noticing my scalp was showing through my part and top of my head when I was 43. I immediately went online. Which then led me to my OB/GYN, Thyroid doctor, Primary Care doctor, a holistic doctor, a plastic surgeon and dermatologists (all over the next 3 yrs). I did not want to accept it and nothing was helping. Not rogaine, cortisone scalp injections, hormones, PRP injections, vitamins, oils, finasteride..... the list goes on. Thousands of dollars, tons of doctors, many "treatments'' and years later, my hair only got thinner and worse and I lost so much of it. I had to accept that my genetics, age and menopause are the perfect cocktail for my hair loss, and I couldn't stop it. Now, it was time to conceal it with replacement hair/toppers/extensions/wigs. I had already been using hats, headbands, and powders to conceal, but it was time to move into wigs. That first year (2017), I learned a lot about wigs. Hair type, density, color, lengths, cap styles. That was a huge learning process. Once I finally figured out what was best for me. I prefer a lace front mono cap with low permatese, shoulder or above length to reduce hair tangling on back). To me, A lighter density wig seems more real and synthetics are great for their own reasons as well as human hair have their pros and cons. One of which is price, which is totally understandable and also the reason I only have one human hair wig. I am now 50. A grandma, married 30 years, and my husband has helped me so much emotionally over my hair loss and all the emotional baggage that comes with it. I have completely accepted that I will wear "replacement" hair (wigs) the rest of my life. I no longer hide the fact, or care if people know. In my case, it is hair loss. It is not a terminal illness or a side effect from chemo. I am grateful for that, and my heart goes out to women who are dealing with bigger issues than just hair loss. The most important thing in life is faith, family and friends. I have learned that nobody else is affected by my hair loss. They all love me the same. For me. Not my real hair or my wigs. Nowadays, with a pandemic amongst us, it's even more important to focus on relationships and good health. Life is way bigger than hair. Peace and Love"

Jennifer's Advice: I honestly believe from my own experience, it's better to accept the hair loss sooner than later, so you can focus on covering it as opposed to trying to stop it. I also believe that nowadays, ANY type of replacement hair can be considered fashionable, an accessory and even fun!

Andrea

Reason for wearing alternative hair: I have very thin hair and a spot at the back that I cover with either a hairpiece or wig.

Andrea's Story: "My hair loss is due to hormone-related changes, so I now find that I often have more hair in my hands than on my head some days. My tip for staying positive through hair loss is good nutrition and getting enough sleep!"

Mari

Cause of Hair Loss: Alopecia / hormonal imbalance

Mari's Story: "In 1999, I had a hemithyroidectomy to remove a tumor, thank God no other treatment was required but since then I experience a period of consistent and diffused hair loss with partial regrowth. Since the last episode in 2017, I wear wigs. I love them, and I am so grateful that wigs are beautiful and easy to purchase online nowadays, even if I don’t live in the USA

I do not fuss over my hair anymore, I protect them from harsh treatments and styling with alternative hair and I am very happy with that. I would like to tell everyone that wigs can be the solution for any problem they might have with hair or with the lack of it." - Mari (@happywiglife on Instagram)

Mari's Advice: Don't give up, educate yourself and choose a wig ( or more ) to rock!

Sherri

Cause of Hair Loss: Lichen Planopilaris / frontal fibrosing alopecia

Sherri's Story: "Five years ago, I noticed that my hair was thinning, but being in my early 60's, I chalked it up to aging. Then, I would develop a bumpy, itchy rash along my hairline. I also chalked that up to the hair dye my hair dresser used on my hair. This condition continued for the next five years until I realized that my hairline was rapidly moving back when I saw a photo of myself. I was shocked and scheduled a visit to my doctor. He referred me to a dermatologist who after a scalp biopsy diagnosed me with LLP/FFA. I had never heard of this autoimmune disease and started researching. My dermatologist prescribed medication but explained that my hair would not grow back in the balding areas. It took several months to come to grips with my new reality, and after finding a wonderful online support group, I started exploring my options. I decided my best option was wearing wigs. Thank goodness that the wigs today are beautiful and so realistic. I watched hours and hours of YouTube videos of wig reviews and researched online wig companies. I felt comfortable trying Wigs.com because of the great reviews, huge inventory, great customer service (only a call away) and their fair return policy. I have not been disappointed. I really appreciate that I can call and speak to a knowledgeable representative. I am enjoying my growing collection of wigs and look forward to each new day."

Sherri's Tips: If you notice thinning hair or unusual rashes along your hairline, run don't walk to your doctor. The sooner you have a diagnosis the more hair you may hold onto.

Karin

Cause of Hair Loss: Alopecia

Karin's Story: "I've always had hair that made me feel confident, and then I got married, had children, and I have a wonderful, though stressful job. My hair started thinning over time, and I did everything I could to hide it, because I started feeling self conscious about my hair. One day, I was blow drying my hair. I glided my fingers through my hair, and a thought crossed my mind that my hair has grown! When I looked down I realized with a shock that all my hair was in my hand, and not on my head. The reality of it hit me like a ton of bricks on my stomach. I broke down and could not stop crying. I called a friend and she came to my house, and we decided that I was going to wear a turban. But that had to be obtained still, and in the meanwhile, I was left with half a head of hair. The only option was to shave my head. I cried so much I could not see. I felt worthless, and extremely anxious. The cries came from deep within me. I mourned the loss of my head of hair that made me feel like a woman. For days, I just stayed away from my place of work, crying and feeling utterly desolated. Only someone who has lost their head of hair will understand, and I had to muster up the confidence to go back to work but with a turban-of-sorts. It took all the willpower I had to walk into the offices. Nobody said anything, because they actually did not know how to handle the situation seeing as I was visibly unsure of myself. My job required me to work with clients, and so I gathered the will to work with my clients hoping that they would not ask about the turban. The ones who did complimented me on my unique style, but I was not convinced. One day, my friend suggested that we look at wigs, and I was absolutely against wigs. Because the wigs I had in my mind were kind of stiff looking, and only elderly women like my granny wore them. So, absolutely NOT will I ever wear one! We started looking at pictures and discovered there was someone in my hometown who sold wigs. We went to see her, and I left feeling defeated as I chose a wig that was so NOT me, I still to this day don't know why I did it. Then my wig arrived, and of course I was not happy with the way I looked, and then I started looking again on the internet and great was my surprise when I saw a whole new world out there full of real-looking hair on women younger than me, my own age, and older. I was stunned. I ordered some more, and then the compliments started flowing in. I got even more daring a couple of years later and started experimenting with different colors and styles. A whole new world emerged, and I became addicted!!! My life changed for the better, and I felt better about my "hair" than ever before because no one ever suspected that my hair was not my own. I thanked God that He made such clever people for people such as me. Now, my heart has changed, and I want to help people just like me. I recognize them wherever I go. I can see that they are "aware" of the way they look, and I recognize the look on their faces, as that was the look I have been wearing for so many years. We have an oncology center in our town, and there are so many patients who need wigs, and as far as I know there is just one person in my town supplying just one brand. I would LOVE to become the go-to person on our side of the world. I know I would be the best person to assist since I understand exactly how they feel. The weird thing is, I can actually FEEL how they are feeling. The compassion that takes hold of me and is so strong that I have to withhold myself from going up to them to hug them. I still have to look into the idea about how to get hold of wigs. Perhaps, I can show them the ones I already have and work out from there about how to go about it. I have also realized with a joyful shock that wearing wigs can be a lot of fun and provide a lot of confidence. If I have to measure my level of confidence now against my entire life, there is no comparison. I love my life, and I love my NO MORE BAD HAIR DAYS with all my heart! I have no way of showing my gratitude, my heart is just full of happiness. Thank you thank you."

Karin's advice for those experiencing hair loss: I would tell them that a whole new world of beautiful hair is out there, and it will change their lives for the better, and that is a promise.

Melissa

Cause of Hair Loss: Assault by 3 girls where they ripped out the hair from the right side of my head

Melissa's Story: "Due to them ripping my hair out, the trauma of it won't grow back , I thank god for the Wigs."

Melissa's Advice: Invest in a wig! People can't tell I'm even wearing one. It's amazing.