Genetic diffuse hair thinning / female pattern hair loss is soo different from Alopecia - the difficluties with thinning hair is that you still have some and hope it will improve and become thicker again - at least with alopecia it's gone and there's no psychological torture about shaving it off.
You would not necessarily have to shave your head to wear a lace system - it just helps to have a secure bond to the head and allows you to relax.
You can apply it straight onto your hair.
What happens is that a template of your head is made with celophane and selotape - I know sounds strange. Anyway you choose where you want the hair system to go ie the areas of concern the parting - you choose how thick, colour, curl direction etc - everything can be matched in with your own hair.
If you keep the sides and back visible noone will ever work it out once it is on - but you need to get injected lace into the top so that the hair really looks like it is growing out of your head.
It's just replacing the hair that is lost.
FPHL suffers do tend to keep the sides and back of the hair failry well - like men.
How long have you had this problem - has your dermatologist recommended any treatment? Please please don't waste your money on internet cures - they don't work!!!
I have found that this has been the best option for me and have tried volumisers, extentions etc.
If it's not too bad a loss you can acheive great results with toppix and mane sprays.
I can let you know the do and don't of these if you like - I used them for 8 years to conceal the loss.
Good luck and sorry you are going through this xx

I totally understand. My hair began to fall out when I was 25. At that time there were no support groups or much information on this condition. Now I've had it for about 30 years. I am fine with it, but of course it took awhile.

As far as your hair goes, there is a very good chance that it will grow back. Alopecia is funny -- some people will get a little spot that comes and goes, and then it never recurs again. Others, like me, get progressively worse until it all falls out (I have universalis, which is great from the nose down).

One thing that I suggest is reading my book, written for women, called "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" (It just won two national awards!) It has helped a lot of women. There is lot of good info in it, it can answer many questions, and it's a fun read, too. You can find out more on my page. It's available on Amazon.com.

Whether you get the book or not, I am here to help and you can always talk to me.
LeslieAnn