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Comment by Sad in chicago on April 21, 2016 at 11:20pm

Thanks for your insight.  I will add to this discussion when I have my appointment.  Fingers crossed it is a system that meets expectations and works for me.

Comment by MnM on April 21, 2016 at 10:34pm

Sad in Chicago, the system at World Hair Institute is similar to intralace. It's integrated with your hair and then additional hair is added based on where you need it. The have various types of hair to choose from and will match based on your bio hair. It's taped down at the hairline and based on what they told me you can shower, swim, sleep in it. They don't have a specific name for the system, it's just something they have custom made. Hope that helps.

Comment by Sad in chicago on April 21, 2016 at 10:09pm

Denise,

I have some questions:  The intralace system is combined through the web system with your own hair, correct?  And what about the hair that is missing back from your face and around your ears; is there enough hair there to connect?  Are there tapes holding it down on your hairline?  As I said I will be seeing someone here in Chicago (although I have trouble finding reviews, so I feel like I am going in blind) but want to be prepared for how the system would work. In your earlier post you made it sound a bit uncomfortable.  Is it authentic hair?  Can you wash and style it often, swim, work out, perspire, let it blow in the breeze?  How often do you do back for maintenance?  And what does maintenance mean? Thanks much.

Comment by DeniseC on April 21, 2016 at 6:11pm

Hi Terry

Would be more than happy to talk on the phone if it helps. With the best will in the world, I don't think people who haven't experienced hair loss like this can understand. I certainly didn't before it happened to me.

And as a fellow youngster of 65 myself, I know being older doesn't make it any less painful. It just adds to all the other feelings associated with the years piling up. Everyone talks about older women becoming invisible - well FFA makes you either more invisible as you look so much older than you are, or the exact opposite as people stare when the slightest gust of wind (or, as I experienced, a white knuckle ride at Chessington World of Adventures) whips up the carefully hair-sprayed arrangement to reveal the Magnificent Balding Lady. Old Lady. And it's goodbye confidence.

One thing I do feel now, though, and have posted about before, is how different I now feel about having FFA. I didn't fully realise how much it was impacting on my whole life and how I felt about myself until I went to the hair clinic. It took me ages - literally ages - to begin to talk about my hair disappearing even to friends and family, and night after night I would lie in bed increasingly anxious and down. Then, when I had to admit it, it took another age to do aything about it.

Going to the consultation was a turning point - partially because I knew quite quickly I wanted to have the Intralace System, but also because it normalised the whole situation. I was not the only person with this horrible condtion and nor was it the worst thing that could happen to me. Most of all, though, it shifted my perception away from self-disgust and dismay into an acceptance that IT ISN'T MY FAULT! It's a pain in the a**e and I obviously wish it wasn't there, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. So now I talk about it (not to passing strangers, although after a glass or two, who knows?) and I try hard not to feel down about it.

Another long post - I just want you (and everyone else who has persevered with this marathon post) to shift, just a little, away from the negativity that so easily dominates when you have FFA.

So Terry - if you want to talk I am here. Keep on using this form - for me it helped/continues to help. And keep on believing - that there is a solution for you, and that FFA is not who you are. You are you!

Denise x

Comment by Sad in chicago on April 21, 2016 at 5:03pm

You never know......

I am sure our paths will cross again during this discussion.

Comment by BBQueen on April 21, 2016 at 4:58pm

I also have a piece. My husband says you can't tell but I can. It would be nice if we could go to lunch. If you are ever in Salt Lake let me know. Thanks for your posts.

Comment by Sad in chicago on April 21, 2016 at 4:49pm

Yes you can go through airport security with a hat or metal clips attached to your topper.  I have not had any trouble in this regard.  I would say your first step is try a clip in topper.  I have one made made from human hair for two years.  They styled it for me, it matches my dyed hair beneath, and it looks cute.  It was expensive, but no one can tell as it blends in well and I have taken excellent care of it (the shop where you purchase will teach you).  Whenever I see someone I haven't seen for a while, they say how cute my hair is (it makes me laugh, actually!).  And, on a day to day basis, it works.  It is just the other stuff we have been discussing.....the topper is so expensive I don't want to chance wearing it in a situation where it might get wrecked.  So for those days I purchased a synthetic one but I am not happy with that for more than one hour or so.  It looks fake to me.  That is why I am hoping this intralace system works.  

Good Luck! 

Comment by BBQueen on April 21, 2016 at 4:30pm

Yes, again I agree. I worry about walking to my car with co workers or going to the gym. Can I go through the airport security with a hat or metal clips on my hairpiece? What about the dentist? I look terrible in headbands. I will never be free to go swimming or let my hair blow in the wind. Its so rare and unthinkable. Why! Why! Why!

Comment by Sad in chicago on April 21, 2016 at 3:35pm

I understand and agree.  Out of everything that might have happened to me -- especially as a good looking, pretty healthy, still working woman with a load of self esteem (which is pretty much exhausted now!) and one who thought she would age gracefully, this is beyond disappointing and difficult to even imagine that it ever could have happened or that it exists.  The smallest things, besides physically perspiring, sun, wind, going on boats, always wearing hats, impossible!  And having sleep overs with grandchildren, or traveling with friends and family, sharing spaces, everything is changed.  No good answer to this except again, be grateful nothing life threatening.  I am a breast cancer survivor of many years, but this knocked the shit out of me almost as much.  I got through that and there was an end in sight.....unlike this!

Comment by BBQueen on April 21, 2016 at 3:20pm

Hi SadinChicago, I feel the exact same way. Im having panic attacks and stress all day. Im trying to not cry to my husband anymore as it may be too much for him. Im so hopeless and I see no end to this. I know women wear wigs but no one Ive ever known and I just hate it.How do I shave my head when in back I have thick beautiful hair.I guess it does me no good if the front is not there. This has $!#&ed my world. All I do is complain on here but I just cant except it. Im going to get on anxiety med's. Anyone suggest good ones?

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