Comment by Mary on November 6, 2009 at 12:07am

That's so funny...extra funny to me because that's exactly what one of the judges on "Shear Genius" said about one of the wigs on the show I was in featuring women with Alopecia. It was the name of the episode, in fact: "It looks like a helmet." I think most of the episode is here, on AW: http://www.alopeciaworld.net/video/shear-genius-alopecia

Comment by Dominique Cleopatra on November 6, 2009 at 3:19am

Melissa I'm glad you have a sense of humor because you're going to need one! Actually we all do and not just us alopecians. But I suspect your levity may be masking some hurt. Your husband could have tempered his honesty with a little more kindness. But then again maybe he knows you're a tough gal that can take a joke. Please post a pic. There are many on here who will give you an honest, and kind opinion. Rest assured all wigs need not look like "helmets of hair" and plenty of people without wigs look like helmet heads themselves.

Comment by Pam Fitros on November 6, 2009 at 8:49am

Melissa,
It takes some time, I know, to find a way to laugh at alopecia. I think a lot of the ability to laugh comes from loving ourselves with fierce loyalty and believing others love us for who we are and not the hair on our heads.

My husband and I have gone from Ken and Barbie in our younger years to Buddha and Buddhette as we reached middle age. Now we're Yoda and Shrek! When I was reading in bed one night my Greek told me in his thick accent: "Hhhhunney, tourn out the light! Isss bounsink off your hhhhhead ent I kent sleep!" I told him I'd be happy to put his head where the sun doesn't shine...or he could roll over and close his eyes. We laughed and kissed goodnight. For whatever reason the man adores me. Because I know that and because I am solid in my belief in myself, we can laugh with each other.

People see you externally for only the first moment Melissa. When you open your mouth and share who you are and folks know you are interested in them as well, they never see you the same way again. Who you are speaks so much louder than the wig on you head or the shine on your scalp.

Do the happy dance every day. Find something to be grateful for and celebrate. Fill yourself up with confidence in your worth and value and the belief that there is a gift in the alopecia that you are uniquely fitted to share. And laugh, Melissa. It truly is the best medicine.

Comment by Andrea on November 6, 2009 at 10:14am

I just watched the episode Mary posted, and what stood out was one of the stylists said what makes a wig look like a wig is that they have too much hair. That was definitely the problem when I was trying on wigs the other night...I naturally had very thick hair, but it is baby fine. Even when I move to a full human hair wig, I'm not likely to find it as fine as my natural hair. I might need to cut at the wigs and thin the other 2 out to see if I can create a more "Andrea" look. I've been cutting my own hair for 10 years. I've saved a small fortune that I now get to spend on wigs and hats!

Comment by rj, Co-founder on November 6, 2009 at 12:21pm

Funny, Melissa. I almost kind of had one of those moments last night, so I know HE feels. LOL

Comment by Melissa Harris on November 6, 2009 at 10:58pm

WOW All of you guys are awesome! I'm giving you a huge hug right now!! And laughing at the same time! You are all right! I think I just need to thin it out and move on with it. Whatever works, I guess! LOL! I think he was being honest without thinking, which was probably a good thing so I know the truth! After I thought about it, he probably is right, plus my hair looks so thin now that it is a big difference when I put it on! I think next time he will think before he speaks but I do appreciate the honesty! Plus I have all of you to tell me the truth! Maybe I'll post it soon! Thanks to everyone again! Love this Blog! :))

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