Hi All,

First post here... new member.

I joined because I was diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia when I was 18'ish (don't remember really).  Minoxidil was in trials then, and extremely expensive.  My parents provided me with it; and I hated it.  At $200/month, I just told them to stop it.  I was fine with my hair loss until recently (I'm 45 now).  About 2 years ago, I started investing in Toppik and lots and lots of hats... fortunately I wear them well.

My new year resolution last year was to get some sort of wig - topper, wiglet - something to cover the gaping hole that was appearing on my head.  However, the only wig shop near me had closed to relocate, and wasn't opening for a few months.  I bought more Toppik and more hats, and continued my journey.

This week, I purchased my first human hair topper.  It doesn't match my current color, so I'm working with my hairdresser to match my remaining hair and am looking forward to trying the new hair - but a little nervous, as well.  Last night, I decided to try the new hair piece out, and just wore it while having a couple of really close friends over for dinner - one knew of the hair piece, the other did not.  The one who didn't know showed up first - first thing she said was "I don't know what you did to your hair, but I love it - the color is great on you!" - I fessed up to wearing the hairpiece and she said she didn't notice, all she noticed was the new color and it was a little shorter.  It certainly helped me - because I was really nervous about just breaking it out - that everyone would know it wasn't my hair.

So, I'm still nervous, but I think this "piece" will really help my self confidence.  My fiancé and I are getting ready to go on a trip to visit his family, so I'm going to start wearing it while on vacation, and then just start permanently wearing it when I get back.  I'm excitedly nervous!!!  I'm not one to hide my baldness - I've always spoken openly about it with people who don't understand; but most do. 

Anyway, just happy I found this site.  While my friends and family completely support me, it'll be good to talk with others about it - those who have it and understand what it's like to have it.