Comment by Tallgirl on September 9, 2010 at 11:39pm

Look up "Employment" in the Discussions section. Scroll down to read the headings...many people have already typed some great responses to your question!

Yes, I am used to wigs now after wearing them for 23 years to school and work.

Comment by Tallgirl on September 9, 2010 at 11:42pm

P. S. I teach at a non-public school, my bosses and coworkers know, many of the students know I have a wig now. So far the adults haven't made comments one way or the other, except to compliment me on my new wig.

Comment by Angie P on September 10, 2010 at 12:50am

Hi Elizabeth.

I work in a mid-size law firm as a wordprocessor/1st level helpdesk. I've been there for just over 4 years. I was only diagnosed with alopecia this past June, but I have worn a scarf in the office almost the entire time I've been there. The air conditioning is very strong, so I wrap my head and shoulders to be comfortable. Due to this, I believe that when I do eventually shave, no one will even notice, at least not right away. One of the secretaries even told me she thought I was Muslim because I wear a scarf all the time. I think they'd be more shocked if I showed up still with my hair but no scarf! :)

The group I work with (we're housed with IT) is pretty close-knit. We talk about anything and everything going on in our lives. We don't really have many filters amongst ourselves. I've mentioned on more than one occasion the changes I wanted to make with my hairstyle and why those changes are necessary. I've openly said that if those changes were not possible that I would just shave. It didn't seem to shock anyone even after showing pictures of what I was considering, e.g. a low ceasar cut with faded sides. I even received a barber referral from the guy in the next cube.

My immediate supervisor knows about my alopecia only because it came up in some other conversation. It didn't occur to me at the time that I should have been afraid to share that information. No one can tell by looking at me, because again, I wear a scarf all the time during the day. I don't think being bald would really jeopardize my current position since money is all they are concerned about anyway. They can't get a replacement for me for what they are paying me plus I don't deal with external customers, so my being bald would cost them nothing. I think they would just deal with it. However, if I were a secretary or paralegal that actually dealt with clients or went to court, I don't think I'd be around too long after shaving.

I have looked at wigs just in the interest of thorough research. However, I'm not really keen on wearing someone else's hair, so all human hair pieces would be out. As well, it has been VERY difficult to find any wig that matches my natural texture that isn't "costume". Having my hair labeled as "costume" is still something I'm trying not to be insulted by. It's hard though. ;) If anyone who knows me saw me show up with straight hair, they'd know right away I was a fraud. *giggle* I haven't straightened my hair since about 1997/98. I can't see myself ever wearing a wig, especially a straight-haired wig, but only time will tell.

Comment by Carol on September 10, 2010 at 9:15am

I refuse to wear a wig for any employer and although it may even hurt my chances of securing a job, I go to the interview bald too. I've had many different jobs in the past and at certain jobs I could never wear a wig, such as when I was a welder (can you picture my lovely synthetic wig shriveling up and melting to my head?). I find it's hard for many of the peers I encounter to deal with my bald head but I'm beginning to think I'm doomed in one sense that I'll never get a solid career going for myself because other people can be so judgemental. On the other hand, it may just be my calling to enlighten these people, to jump around and encounter as many people as possible and show them that their selfish, arrogant lifestyles are meaningless until they can learn to love themselves and others rather than money and materialistic property. Most of the places I've worked say they are tolerant of differences but it's the company's employees that don't adhere to company policies and treat differences poorly. So, it's not the employer but the peers and management I've found I have to worry about. Had I lost my hair as an adult working at a company I had established my career in I'm sure the story would be different but walking into a new situation as is, I find it can be challenging sometimes. Hope that sums things up for you! :)

Comment by Alliegator on September 10, 2010 at 9:42am

I wouldn't say it was easier or harder.
I wear wigs and scarves. I have thought about trying to go bald at work but I don't know if I am there yet.
I am lucky... my job is very supportive. Everyone but two people who work in the field at my job know I wear wigs. I've just slowly told more and more people. I have had a few people ask if I was sick or have cancer. I think it may be obvious to some people by the scarves but that is okay with me.

I think it gets easier definitely. I was used to it after a few weeks. And some of the synthetic fibers are super soft so for me, it kind of started to feel like my hair because I got so used to it.

Comment by Tamara on September 10, 2010 at 10:46am

I told my boss when I was planning on shaving my head and that I would wear a scarf to work. I work in a government building with well over 300 people. I came in to work and he asked if I would take off my scarf so he could see it. I did and I never put it back on. He told me I made a awesome bald girl and I didnt need to cover it unless I wanted to. I feel comfortable with my bald head, so I just walked the halls of work. Everyone at work has been SO sweet about it. I have been asked I dont know how many times why I shaved my head. I got e-mails from people at work telling me Im a beautiful strong girl. I have gotten the cancer question only once, and it was kind of shocking, but I guess I kind of knew it would come at some point in time. I work in the mailroom for the facilities dept. so I see a LOT of people all day. Not one person has judged me or gave me a mean look. I was actually surprised how many people told me I look awesome bald and they wished they had such a nice shaped head like mine, lol.

Comment by MiNAH on September 12, 2010 at 11:18pm

I wouldn't put on a wig or scarf for no one...either they want my skillz or I'll find another place that will employ me. I used to hide under a scarf, many years ago...now I only have regrets, having given in!
I never got used to wearing wigs or bandannas, so I will not be uncomfortable for the likes of some one elses opinion, or discomfort with my hair loss. It's their loss if they are insecure about me...not me!!!

Comment by Sam Sam on September 14, 2010 at 10:41am

I am a Admin Assistant. Customer service all the way. And i Find out people really dont care. Yeterday I took off the wig went bald. I realize its more stress full changing wigs than just being bald. I slowly walked in this process with God. He directed my path. I started off by telling them i have Alopecia, then I showed pictures of me bald, and i said one day I might walk in here bald. This was all a 9month process and it took a fear of God. Bondage is not what he wants for my life neiter did I. My wig was a bondage for me. everyone knows now, and people that did not know will find out as soon as they walk through the door. I always always hated wearing wigs, to many "ME's"... a different tude for each wig. Now I am free thank you Jesus! The biggest lesson i learned from this is... its not as big as you and I see it, most people could caer less... and its the children who are more curious. BUT then again this is 2010, they must have seen more than a bald head walking around.

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