Alopecia World
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This whole business with wigs is an absolute joke!
Hi all,
Does anyone else find the world of wigs to be overwhelmingly ridiculous and a complete mystery? And can anyone offer some words of clarity or advice?
I've had alopecia universalis for four years and have been researching wigs on and off since, and yet I still feel no wiser. Here's my experience with wigs (just scroll past this bit if you don't have time):
A friend made me a couple of wigs using cheap hair bought from the store and attached to a wig cap. I kind of liked them, but they only last a few weeks, are itchy and not really secure enough (a gust of wind reveals an unflattering hairline etc).
I bought a cheap £30 wig from a shop but again a gust of wind and you can see my scalp through the wefts, so I had to wear a hat with it to keep it down.
I bought a £70 'front lace wig' from a cheap wig shop. I took it to a hairdresser who specialises in wigs to get it cut and styled. They told me that lace front wigs are no good for people with absolutely no hair, that they're only good for people who want a change of hair style while going on a night out etc. They said I'll need to get a really decent wig (I think they recommended vacuum or something similar) for at least £200-£800. They advised the lace front wigs are basically rubbish/unreliable/don't look realistic etc.
But then I see people on this forum saying they wear lace front wigs... I don't understand!
I've been in touch with my local Freedom representative. Now from all the research I've done it seems this is the only option if you want a wig that will stay on, actually look good and realistic, allow you to do everything you normally would etc. But the representative for my area is not good at getting back to me. She told me two years ago that she would email me prices and never did. I contacted her again eight weeks ago and she said she would email me prices (which she said have since increased significantly), along with answers to a few queries, but I've heard nothing yet.
I don't know how I will afford a Freedom wig. I also don't know how people have got the money to waste spending £100/£200/£500 on wigs that turn out to be rubbish, and having to buy a new one every couple of months. You would think that by now, enough people would have experimented with buying wigs, that there would be a straight answer. Surely there's no reason for anyone to be buying rubbish wigs anymore. Wouldn't it be good to have a website dedicated to wig reviews, like the review system on shops like Amazon. I can't risk spending any money on a rubbish wig.
Basically, I want to be able to buy a wig knowing it's going to be good. I don't have hundreds of pounds or even £100 to spend on something that might not be good, and that will only last a couple of months.
Thank you anyone who reads this and much love x
I'm sorry for the long post, but if anyone can help I'd be really grateful, My question is "Is there another good wig apart from Freedom?" I don't want any messing about, I just want a wig I that's good.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by april on
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Rosy,
I am sorry you felt that your reasons for being here were attacked. That was not my intentions for my post.
Many people are new on this site and I felt it would be helpful for them to understand that some people have a vested interest in sharing their opinions, which would be income based. I honestly did not mean to debate the issue. Your daughter is stunning and it sounds like she has many health issues to deal with and I am so sorry. It is great that she likes your product and they look great on her. I have become quite comfortable being bald and could never wear any wig all day or to work (too hot). I like to occasionally wear one for special occasions, but now my kids tell me they like me better without it, they are used to it. I do understand this condition, which to date has no treatment. I understand what you say about the personal choice and appreciate the custom suit comparison. But honestly, if I bought a custom suit and it was uncomfortable...I wouldn't wear it anymore :(
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Permalink Reply by JustGrinAndHairIt on
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I'm really interested in this topic too. I am almost to the point where I just want to shave the rest of my hair off and get a wig, however the GOOD ones are thousands and thousands of dollars. I have no doubt I would likely love it (since I've hated my real hair my entire life..ironic that I'm losing it), but I can't afford to shell out the dough. I have heard great things about Follea wigs and then there is another brand (forget the name) that suctions to your head that's even MORE expensive (you can swim w them and everything).. maybe that is the Freedom wig everyone is talking about. I'm sorry I don't have much knowledge ..YET. But I'm in the same boat. The heat/sweat issue also concerns me cause even when I'm wearing my bandannas it feels like it makes my body feel 10 degrees hotter. I can't imagine a wig. But again, I've heard the high end ones are very breathable.
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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on
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Hi Justgrin and hair it (cute name).
Heat and wigs is always a problem....anything on your head, as you can attest makes you hotter than no hair or your own growing hair. This is a reality for all wig wearers no matter what the type of wig.
I'm not sure if you are talking about Freedom Wigs, but maybe so. Just to help you understand a Freedom Wig is designed specifically for those with long term extensive hairloss (you either have to have no hair or be prepared to remove the hair you have - shaving etc.). The cap of a Freedom Wig is made with a medical grade silicone that is vapour permeable...so when you perspire the vapour Perspiration will pass through the cap. This keeps people comfortable in most living conditions...be aware though if you are running a marathon it's not going to keep you cool or cope with that much perspiration...you can run marathons in them and there are many people that do...sweating is par for the course when you do things like that.
The other thing I personally like about a Freedom cap is the ability to clean it and keep it hygienic. It is easy to remove and put back on...cleaning the inside is as easy as wiping it over with a wet wipe.
Conventional wigs etc. do have a problem with sweat and oils going into the cap and while I realise this obviously can be cleaned...it can become a bit of a pfaff as conventional caps and hair attachment can create problems when washing with tangling and knots undoing etc. They also tend to remain a little damp, itchy and uncomfortable. (People may disagree with me around this). But in my experience with my daughter she just didn't cope with other cap types.
Hope this helps.
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Jo S on
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There are lots of good wigs out there, but they cost good money. That sadly is how everything works in life.
I have only one wig, she cost me $1400 Australian and looks brilliant. I don't like wearing her but I don't feel ready to show my work friends the bald me, so to me it's simple, if you want a good wig you will need to pay the good money.
I didn't even know Freedom wigs existed until this thread, I have now checked them out online and they look great and as Rosy said they "are a medical prosthetic...just like someone needs to be fitted extremely well for a lost limb". If my hair doesn't start to grow soon I will investigate getting one.
Two ladies at my work place have had breast cancer and they have worn wigs, neither spent as much as I did and the difference was noticeable.
The fact is, I don't want to be spending my money on expensive wigs, no one does but if i want to wear a wig and look good, then thats how it is.
Jo
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Permalink Reply by pandrew on
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I was just driving to work this a.m. thinking wig wearers need to start a revolution and request better wigs. I know I am not the only one out there that has a small head. Why are petite wigs so hard to find? There has to be quite a demand for them with all the people on the Internet saying their wigs are too big for them.
I have always had fine thin hair and about 2 years ago after dyeing my hair back to its natural color, I noticed how bad I was losing my hair. Here I am 2 years later and having tried everything out there here I sit wondering if there is a wig or hair piece for me and my head.
I have been completely obsessed with the situation (not to mention putting myself in the poor house) and just want to get on with my life and walk out the door confident. That has always been one of my strong suits- confident, head held high and shoulders upright. My children have told me that has changed.
I am not a vain person and if I were attractive without hair (as some people are) I would sport my bald head without a problem. But me without hair just wont work. Trust me! Since I cant get it naturally, I will wear a wig or hair piece. But where are they?
I do still, have some hair so I prefer a hair piece but the one I got from a local hair club (got out of that contract real quick) is awful. It is human hair. For halloween I could have used it as a pile of hay and put a pumpkin on it. Would have been a great yard decoration. My boyfriend who is totally awesome about the whole thing put it on one day and he looked Joe Dirt. LOL! He tells me I am beautiful every day. I will marry that man some day. My poor dog has also had to pose for pictures with it on. It is dense, unmovable and a completely different texture than my hair. But as far as the weight, I love it. I had no issues with it being uncomfortable this past summer. And as far as security, I do not worry at all. I do clip ins. Glue just isnt for me.
But anyway I just want to thank everyone out there for all of the little tips and tricks and posting what has worked for you.
Would love to hear what people think about Hair Direct or tell me more about hair pieces that do actually blend well with their own hair that I can apply heat to.
I apologize for any typing errors. I would go back and proofread but I have to put curlers in this overpriced synthetic wig that doesnt fit my small head.
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Oh I forgot. Rose Marie your daughter is beautiful and so are the wigs. How long do they last her? I may consider one if I ever come into a small windfall. But more than likely not.
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Thanks Pandrew
Ummmm....the how long does a Freedom Wig last is sort of like asking how long is a piece of string...:)
If you look after your freedom hair they can last a very long time. It all depends on your lifestyle, what you do with your freedom hair (colouring, styling etc.)...it really depends on you. As you see in the piccies I put up of my daughter the last wig (the blonde one) is about 4 years old...but also my daughter has more than one wig. When she was a young teenager I only ever got her one wig at a time and I'm afraid she gave them quite the beating, I use to get approximate 2/3 years before she needed a repair...but like I say it really does depend on the wearer.
I'm not sure where you are Pandrew but I would definately look into trying to get financial help from your insurer or even a charity. Sometimes the Freedom Independent Agents are able to give some pretty good info for their particular areas. Just a thought if this was something you think may help.
I personally wish the Governments of the world would help. This is an expensive condition where I believe people need the best alternative for them whether that be a Freedom Wig or a lace wig...what ever suits their particular needs and wants. Even a little help would make a world of difference to so many people.
Take care
Rosy
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Hi
Go to www.freedomwigs.com then to the 'Contact us' page. You will see listed on that page all the Independent Agents around the world that sell Freedom Wigs. Find the one that is most convenient to you ...contact them... they can help with what you need regarding Freedom Wigs.
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Dominique Cleopatra on
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Hair Direct is great! I get 4 hair systems a year. Great customer service, good quality hair, affordable prices, comfortable caps. and a 30-day money back guarantee that they stand by! Talk to Cindy at ext 803!
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Permalink Reply by Christine on
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Hi, I'm so sorry your having such a time with it, I totally know what you mean...it's crazy for sure! I had a long time with my AA before I went AU to think about what I wanted, and I knew that it was going to be a Freedom or Follea Gripper. Well I went with the Gripper because cost was a issue for me, don't get me wrong the Grippers are expensive. I've been happy with my wig and have had it for just about 3 years now, and still looks good, I've had it revented (hair added to crown/part) just once at the first year or so, will know I will need to do this again, but there is a salon in my area where I purchased my Follea and they do it right there, takes no time at all. I would still be interested in the Freedom wigs and have nothing against them but the price is sorry to say again an issue with me, and the fact that they must be sent away for repair, and you are without your hair for a time. I know that others wear the lace and are happy with that choice, I've never heard that they were not for people without hair, I know you glue them on, so I would think having hair would make it harder to wear one, cause it would stick to your hair...ouch. I live in a rural area so I don't have a bunch of wig shops to go to and check out myself. so I just did my research on here and looked into the different ones that advertise here. Good luck. Let us know what you do decide on.
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Permalink Reply by Dani on
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Thanks Christine. I might look into the follea wigs too. I'll keep you posted!
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