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Permalink Reply by Clara S. on March 12, 2010 at 12:03pm

Hi Jenna, like you I was really nervous when I got my first wig two years ago. It was also really thick and I didn't feel natural in it but I played around with it and made it work. And then my hair grew in and so I ditched it but then my hair started falling out all over again 6 months ago and then I got new wigs and now, urrm I guess I've gone a little wig crazy. lol. I'm treating them like fun fashion accessories. I'm still thinking if I should shave it all off even though I'm still pursuing treatment. My bf's already offered to do it for me and am sure I'll take it up when I'm ready. Anyways, I think you should do what's most comfortable for you, cut it short first and then shave later if you want.Thanks for sharing and have fun with your new wig. Let us know how it all goes :)

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on March 13, 2010 at 10:20am

Hi Jenna, I am just reading your note so what did you ultimately do? I cut my hair really short and now keep it that way so the wig fits snugly and my hair doesn't poke out of it. Actually it was a relief since it looked so freaky with these measly strands hanging. Even though I still have a lot of spots it is an improvement and I really don't look at it much, just shampoo every day (or twice) and put my wig on. Welcome! :) Stephanie

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Permalink Reply by Melissa on March 26, 2010 at 5:56pm

Hi Jenna,

Just reading your posts....I am new to the site but not new to Alopecia. I have had it off and on since my late teens, going on ten years now. I am still at the point of covering the spots by positioning the hair....pinning a little here pulling it there. But it is getting harder as the spots are getting progressively bigger. Do you have any advice for buying a wig? Are you enjoying yours? I am not sure if I am ready for that step....or what I will do with my natural hair. :(

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Permalink Reply by Jenna4 on March 26, 2010 at 8:45pm

Hi Melissa,
Welcome! I absolutely love this site, it has helped me so much already....I've only had alopecia for about 7 weeks, but got tired of trying to cover all my spots with other hair. I guess mine has progressed quickly compared to others. I went to my local wig shop and tried on a few at first. When I got to the point that I knew it was just a matter of time before I was going to have to wear one at work, I went and tried on every style in the shop I thought I'd like. narrowed it down to 3, then two. Bought two but am only wearing the one for now as I have to get the second one "fixed". I took the one I am wearing to a hair dresser that was recommended to me that offered to cut the wig after she cut my hair. I decided to cut my nautral hair to shoulder-length for now and tuck it up under the wig. At home I can still wear a hat. It has only been a week since I started wearing the wig at work and I am beginning to like it more, it is actually becoming more a part of me than my real hair - lol. I imagine it's only a matter of time before I decide to shave my head as my spots are obvious without a wig - so what's the point? I can't hide them anymore...but I need to take baby steps until I am sure shaving is the right thing for me to do.

Since I started wearing the wig on Monday, I have to say that I am less obsessed about the size of my spots and less afraid of my bald spots showing because they are covered. Amazing that people can't tell I'm wearing a wig (i'm still amazed at that). It's getting easier to accept my alopeica.

thanks for the post ... How about you...how long have you had alopecia and what stage are you at?

I look forward to getting to know you.
Jenna

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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on March 26, 2010 at 9:51pm

Hi Jenna,

You sound relieved and I'm glad to hear how the process you picked is working well for you. I agree about what you're alluding to that it's good to create normalcy by getting a cosmetic solution that works for you and your lifestyle through the "stages".

..and it's ok to leave things subject to change, knowing that the stages change and there's nothing wrong with having a plan for your hair alternatives but also leaving it open to revision.

How we feel about our changed self image is not the same now as it will be 6 weeks or 6 months or a year from now if we have a new diagnosis or a much changed stage of hair loss.

You have a great attitude. Being open to making changes along the way can only make it even better.

Thea
join our list at baldgirlsdolunch.org

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Permalink Reply by Linda B on March 27, 2010 at 1:27am

Hi Jenna, sounds like my alopecia is very much like yours...just after christmas i noticed a bald spot the size of a silver dollar. At first I covered the spots with my hair and half a pound of hairspray, but I always worried that if it would spread to the front, how would I hide it then? I was using a clip in hairpiece for a while, but ordered a wig for just in case. I'm glad I did because mine has already spread to pretty much the entire crown of my head with patches on the sides and now patches in the front. I've been wearing the wig for just 2 weeks...and to me, it's like a bit of relief, not having to constantly check if a hair is out of place and the dreadful feeling every time i washed my hair and saw another handful go down the drain. Now when I notice a new spot, it doesn't really seem to bother me so much anymore...which still seems....strange.
The first week of going outside in my wig was downright scary... I was sure everyone would notice since it is a few inches longer than my hair was...most comments were...did you get a haircut? ummm..its longer LOL and did you color your hair...other that that mostly just noticing that it was different...but they didn't know how...I just said I felt like changing it up a bit.

I've gotten the shots in my head...at first it seemed to help stop the loss, but now, i dunno. I do have a circle of hair regrowing in the original spot...which I guess is a hopeful sign ...I'm still trying to not stress over it ...HA...but it is getting better....the stress that is. LOL

Finding this site has been super helpful, just knowing that people know what you're feeling and going through helps alot.
~ Linda

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Permalink Reply by Lori Villa on March 28, 2010 at 10:12am

My aa started last year. I had 6 spots but could cover them all. All the areas grew back very quick using olux e foam. Now a year later a new spot at the base of my neck. I started the olux again along with vitamin d supp. It just makes me wonder why? I was 32 when this first started. Why now? I have been under stress my whole life. Noone my family has this condition either. But I live in Florida and I notice when I go in the sunshine it seems to help.

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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on March 28, 2010 at 10:55am

Hi Lori,

I wrote a treatment regimen( based on dermatologic researcher's work) on your page that is what I would do if I had your kind of spot alopecia.

Thea
join our list at baldgirlsdolunch.org

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