Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lori Van Decker on March 16, 2013 at 9:18am

Lots of people swear by the Gripper and say that it is quite secure. That hasn't been my experience, but I have a very smooth scalp and the regular gripper. I find that when I perspire, it slips quite a bit, and for that reason, I do not wear it when I know that I will perspire heavily.

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Permalink Reply by stoid912 on March 16, 2013 at 11:47am

Thanks Lori! So far, it's not even staying on my head normally, which makes me nervous about perspiration. I suppose I could try some type of wig cap to see if the silicone might adhere to it. Maybe I should just try to sell it since it may no do what I need it to do. That's way too much money to spend. It is such beautiful hair though!

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Permalink Reply by Lexi on March 16, 2013 at 10:22pm

I don't understand why the Gripper isn't. Is it because you still have hair? I can't even imagine when it really gets hot in TX. I don't get why it isn't feeling secure. Was it custom made for your head size? How much was it? I have been considering it, but I am in HOT FL.

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Permalink Reply by stoid912 on March 16, 2013 at 11:55pm

Lexi,
I think part of it might because I still have hair. The rep that I met with assured me that my having hair wouldn't be an issue, but I'm not so sure now. The first one I received was a Medium and kept slipping off of my head so I went ahead and got the large. Apparently the larges have to be custom made. It ended up costing me about $3500 at the end of the day. I could have put down hardwood floors in my house for that! *sigh*

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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on March 17, 2013 at 7:25pm

Hi

I know you probably understand the differences between what you have chosen and a Freedom Wig. Freedom Wigs aren't just about security...but they are incredibly secure. My daughter tried on a 'Gripper' (not the sport and not custom made) last year and she didn't feel secure, she could pull it off her head. She has hair but prefers to shave what she has to wear Freedom. (I understand that choice is not for everyone :))

I'm not sure if your Gripper will stay on your head during sports etc. I think it may depend on a few things... nothing is infallible. It is a little concerning that it is not feeling secure before you begin sporting activities though.

One of the reasons that silicone is used in a Freedom Wig is because nothing adheres to it (sweat/perspiration etc) so it is very easily cleaned etc. The silicone in combination with extremely accurate fitting (3D scanning etc.) is the reason that Freedom Wigs are so secure. You can't use glue or tape on a Silicone based wig because it won't stick. Freedom has to be made to fit your head accurately to achieve a secure vacuum fit.

I'm not sure why the bands on your 'Gripper' are made of silicone, but the downside for you is that tapes, glues, grips etc. will not hold on to the silicone bands, if it is not giving you security. I'm not sure if you could glue/tape the net base to achieve more security.

I'm not really sure what to advise, but I wish you well with what ever you decide to do.

Rosy

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Permalink Reply by stoid912 on March 17, 2013 at 8:29pm

Thanks Rosy for the feedback!
I really love the idea of the Freedom Wig and met with a wonderful rep. last spring. My main concern is the waiting period between the scan and getting the actual wig. I don't want to go 3-4 months without being able to play soccer and do all the other activities....if that makes sense. Maybe I just need to suck it up and shave it off, get the scan, and then sit out for a while. I thought the Gripper might be a good transition for that 3-4 month period.
I am really almost to a place of total acceptance with this hair stuff { i have very diffuse AGA and thyroid related loss} but the thought of not being able to enjoy the activities that make me forget hair loss is hard for me to deal with.

Steph (:

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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on March 17, 2013 at 8:50pm

Hi

I understand how you may be feeling - there is a delay between making a Freedom Wig and having the scan done. This is because it is fully customised and can only start to be made once you have decided what you would like. This can be very stressful for some people.

In my experience you shouldn't have to stop living in that interim period, it's just about how you want to handle that time. Another cheaper alternative may be worthwhile. Maybe a cheaper processed hair wig (talk to Lori here as this is the type she enjoys). Then you can glue or tape that to your head - which should give you security to get on and play sport etc. Or of course wear your 'gripper' in the interim.

I know this is difficult and it sounds like you are doing well finding alternatives that help you get on with the things that give you joy. Don't ever stop doing that.

If I can help in any way just pop into my page and say hi.

Rosy

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Permalink Reply by stoid912 on March 17, 2013 at 8:52pm

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! They are appreciated (:

steph

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Permalink Reply by stoid912 on March 17, 2013 at 10:20pm

Thanks, Aimee! I like the Swim Tiara because it has the headband. That looks a little more "sporty" than the scarf. Another issue is that my own hair is very very curly. I guess I could try to the natural curl hair and perhaps no one would question it when pulled back . Then I could just wear my straight wig all the other times. Hmmm...thanks for giving me some ideas!!!

steph (:

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