Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lilah Walton on May 19, 2011 at 10:24pm

Hi Andrea,
I am not in the military but I just purchased a Gripper from Peggy Knight Solutions and it is incredibly comfortable and it really breathes well - but it also has silicone on the base so it is extremely secure. I have always worn vacuums but have found them to be really hot. I have not had that issue with my Gripper.
Good luck to you (and thanks for your service!)
-lilah

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Permalink Reply by Sophia on May 20, 2011 at 2:47am

Hi Andrea, I'm not in the Army but my husband is & I know much he is sweating so I can totally understand. I would suggest you get a hand tied wig with lace in the front instead of regular wefted wigs (I think that's how they're called?) it's SO much lighter & breathable. If that's not in your budget, try to get a monofilament top wig that helps too. I know how hot it can get underneath a wig, it was so hot here last summer & that hand tied wig I got made it a lot better for me. I would also suggest to stay away from long heavy cuts, a short cut would probably be the best for you.
Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Stephanientropy on May 22, 2011 at 3:56pm

I don't have Alopecia, I joined this sight because my friend was recently diagnosed and I wanted to understand better what she is going through. I have a boyfriend who is active duty and he says the sweating is unbelievable when all your gear is on. I don't know if you have areata, totalis, or universalis. If it's totalis or universalis I can understand you wanting to think of a solution for eyebrows in the very least. I don't know why you bother with the wig on your deployments at all. Again, I hope I'm not sounding callus because I really can't imagine what it feels like as a woman to lose your hair. But I feel like you're already giving so much of yourself to serve our country. You leave your family and everything that's normal to you and risk your life. You should be comfortable. I can't believe you squeeze a wig under your combat helmet. I would go with a bandana, at least then it's a soft barrier between your head and the helmet, but breathable and comfortable. But other than that - not a single person in your combat unit or otherwise is, or should be, scrutinizing your appearance. It takes a strong, selfless woman to join the military and that has nothing to do with what's on your head. To me, your choice is what makes you beautiful. It should be your right to be comfortable, the hell with what anyone else thinks. If there are a few who don't understand, then pity them for their limited views and ignorance of others because there's so much they miss in the world. I can't imagine anyone being concerned with your hair loss on a deployment. I think they're just glad that there's someone else in the world who has the courage to serve and protect so there's a bond there. Remember, there's a reason why men buzz their hair down short - because it's more comfortable. You should have that same comfort, too

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Permalink Reply by youarebeautiful on April 5, 2016 at 8:56pm

I'm watching a military tv show.  I'm not in the military, but I have often wondered how women in the armed forces deal with alopecia, hair loss or wearing wigs.   I wondered what the military guidelines are related to hairstyles and wigs.

If anyone has official and unofficial info on this please let me know.  Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by MLeora on May 2, 2017 at 2:34pm

I'm in the military and I have alopecia. Lace front wigs work best and are super light. I've been wearing them for years. They can be expensive sometimes depending on length. I like long hair to put in a bun. But they can be affordable. When I'm on a budget I get pixie cut lace front wigs. They look realistic and only cost like 50 dollars for human hair.

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