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Thinking of giving up treatments and going to a full wig
Hi everyone
I was diagnosed with FFA just over a year ago. I have lost a lot of hair mostly on the temples and the front. I have also experienced serious thining all over my scalp resulting in all my hair taking on an awful 'fluffy' texture as well as new bald patches appearing over my crown. I take Doxcycline and have also been using Rogaine for about a year but I really am not convinced that either of these things are making a difference as the hair loss continues. I am now getting to my wits end trying to manage my hair each day and cover up the many problems. I've tried headbands, toppers and many 'thickening products/shampoos' with limited success. I am seriously thinking ditching the meds and everything else then shaving my head so I just don't have to deal with it anymore. I figure this would make it easier to wear a wig permanently and reduce all the hassle of trying to deal with my hair. I just wondered if anyone else has reached this point and what the experience was like. Thanks in advance.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Liz on
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Hi Kath. From what you describe I think we've lost a similar amount of hair. I don't take any medication and now have an integrated hair system. I'd be happy to message you some pictures of you like xx
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Permalink Reply by LeeKath on
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Many thanks Liz. I've never heard of an integrated hair system. Would love to see some pics.
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Permalink Reply by Bloomingdalekid on
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H Kath. Like Liz, I too wear an integrated hair system - more than a topper but less than a wig. (Although there are days that I think about getting a full wig - it would just be easier. I wear a custom hair topper that was molded to my head and is attached with links and tape/glue. I can sleep in it, shower, wash it, swim in it..... it’s really nice - BUT, during my last service I decided to go with the “clips” so I can take it off at night. I now have 4 clips and then use wig tape to attach it to the bald area on my forehead. I take it off every night and sleep like a hibernating bear! I don’t work any longer (retired), so there are days I don’t leave the house and during those days, I don’t wear the hairpiece.... just my natural, very thinning, hair. There are options out there for you too should you decide to shave your head.... some options that include pieces that you can swim in. Just a thought. Luckily we do have options..... beyond taking medications that have no proven cure for this awful disease, or medications whose side effects are very concerning (at least to me). I HATE this disease, but have come to grips with it and trust me when I tell you, the addition of my hair system has given me back a LOT of my self esteem.... Best of luck with your decision. Just do yourself a favor and look at all of your options before choosing the wig route.
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Can I ask you Bloomingdalekid, why you decided to go with clips this time around? Is it so you could remove your hairpiece at night for comfort? Overall you seem happy with your system which is good to hear! Thank you to you and Liz and Curly K for talking to us about your integrated systems. It helps to hear that life does go on and that there are lots of choices out there for us as we all go down this winding road!
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I was sick and just wanted to rip my hair off and couldn’t because it was linked to my head. I had a fever, I was sleeping a lot and I just wanted it off of my head. I wouldn’t go to the salon to have them remove it because I didn’t want to expose anyone to whatever it is that I had.... SO, when I went in for my service I asked them about options for attaching the hair and clips was an option that I chose to try. Of course I have to take it off every night, can’t sleep in it, can’t swim in it and can’t wash it in the shower.... BUT, I am really liking it so far. I no longer work, so there are days that I don’t leave my house and the hair never goes on. If I want to go back to links I can, but right now I’m thinking probably not. If I go on vacation where it’s warm, I’m thinking a hat in the pool is the way I am going... without the hair at that point. Hope that answers your question?
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That does answer my question! But for a follow up question...does it take you long to put it on for the days you want to wear hair? And does it feel as secure once you place it?
Thanks!
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I’ve only been doing this with the clips for less than a week. I’m still “new” at it and it only takes me about 10 minutes from start to finish. The hardest part is making sure that I don’t put the tape too far down on my forehead or the piece isn’t centered. It hasn’t been too bad and I haven’t had to re-do it yet.... Today I put it on at 6:00 AM and I just got home at 8:00 PM and took it off. Once the lace front is in place it takes less than 2 minutes to attach the remainder of the piece with the clips. It’s really easy and for me, it gives me flexibility.
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Thanks so much for sharing your experiences Bloomingdalekid. I agree with you on taking the medications. I just don't feel my hair is more important than my health anymore. I also am not sure the drugs are making any difference. I work full time as a high school teacher so really want to find a solution that is quick and easy. I found the topper took me ages to 'get right' and I always found the clips hurt my scalp. I do like the idea of a wig that is bonded just not sure if this is available where I live (Perth WA). Will do some checking online. Thanks again for your support.
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I have tried a number of things. I went to wigs because I was so tired of the wispy, little old lady hair. Not gray enough to color, perms fry, etc. I got tired of the wigs. Because my hair seemed healthier after wearing a wig. and I looked at times like a little old lady wearing a wig. (Ugh) I am 65, I've tried again to style my hair to cover the front and sides. Now, I've gone back to a wig with a hairband, which I think looks a little less wiggy. On vacation, I have found the bang front hair piece sewn into a fabric hairband (scrunchi bands work the best) with a visor. My bio hair matches the bangs, and it's cooler than a full wig. Hope this helps.
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I, too, am 65 and LOVE my bonded hairpiece - even though right now I’m only bonding it at the front and using pressure clips for the rest of my head. I often think wigs would be easier, but I am not ready to go there yet. I still have quite a bit of hair left - except on the forehead and sides - and the crown seems to be thinning now too. hate this disease.
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Thanks! I like the idea of the bangs with hairbands. I will check into this.
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I too have had similar thoughts Leekath. I have't lost hair in patches though it is thinning over all at the top and front, a little at the temples. Some days it is so limp and has no style. Other days people complement me on my cute short cut. What to do? I have not heard of an integrated hair system so I'll check that out. I live 2-3 hours from cities that would have that I'm sure so that could be an issue if there is maintenance. My doctor wants me to renew Finesteride. I have had no side effects so I guess I will. I'm using CBD cream at night, specially formulated by a friend who grows organic hemp, Thanks for the support and conversation FFA friends!
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