New member saying hello to you all

Hello everyone. I just found and joined this site last night. First, I wanted to say that I am grateful this site exists. I stumbled upon it when I was looking for information on how to exercise in a wig. It looks like an amazing community and I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Second, a little about me. I am in my mid-30s and was diagnosed last year with scarring alopecia. When that diagnosis came in April, it was like my whole life felt shattered. I had been worried about losing my hair since I was a little girl, because my mother started to seriously lose hers when she was around my age. I had been dreading what felt like the inevitable, and last April, there it was. I went through a dermatological treatment that seemed to control the worst of the itching, but didn't stop the progress of my hair loss. According to my doctor, I'm now "stable," but I'm at a point where I can no longer wear my hair down and I feel like the bald patches in the front and the sides are very noticeable. I have never wanted to "check" my head all the time, and I feel like I can't walk past a mirror without doing so and feeling self-conscious. I have cried so much I feel like I have no more tears to give.

So about a month ago, I decided it's time for me to let go of my hair and embrace a new phase of my life. I will cut my hair off and begin wearing a wig in two weeks. I wear my hair in dreadlocks, so this is a very, very intense experience for me. My hair has always been very dramatic, and I have had the same style for over a decade--there are many people in my life who have never seen my hair another way. But I realize I need to be strong and do this now, regardless of what people say. But the inevitable comments are something I dread. And I am so afraid of what I will look like and what it will be like to walk around not being able to take for granted having hair.

So I guess I'm looking for help, and hope. I know this road will not be easy and I'm still not entirely ready for it, but here I go. For my first wig, I am going to a very upscale salon and getting a nice piece, but I'm not sure if this is going to be a waste of money or not. I just feel like I need the extra coddling, I guess? I found some online but I am so nervous about just ordering something without trying it on.

I have a lot of really basic questions about how to wear a front lace, how to keep it on, whether tape will irritate my skin or ruin the wig when I try to take it off. I don't know what supplies I need to go out and buy in order to prepare. I'm curious about people who choose to exercise in wigs--I know a lot of people don't do this, but I feel like I'm not sure I will be there yet. I'm also going on vacation soon and... ugh, you can see, I just have a lot of questions and I am blabbing. Anyway, looking forward to getting to know you out here and thank you for reading.

Views: 143

Comment by Tallgirl on August 1, 2012 at 7:02pm

Welcome. I am 59, wear synthetic tri-tone rooted/shadow-shade wigs with bangs that cost less (I buy from wig salons so I know what I am getting), rarely exercise, and figure that since I am an artist, everyone expects me to be creative anyway...so why not change it up? Seems like they already know you for being stylish and wild, so you are free to do whatever you want, yes?

Comment by Alliegator on August 2, 2012 at 12:03pm

Welcome!! I know what you mean about the mirror. I was the same! Don't be afraid of what you will look like. Definitely go to a salon and try some on before you purchase anything. Ask if you can try on all of the different types of wigs. You can buy them from salons until you feel comfortable enough purchasing online. Try to do some research before you buy anything to see what you want. There are so many different types of wigs. Lace front wigs are very realistic. The newer styles have "ready to wear" lace fronts, which means you don't need any tape or glue. I have bought two of them by Gabor. If you can, try to find something with that type of lace front. It is very easy. All you will need to buy before is some shampoo/conditioner for it & some type of head if you want to keep it on the head. I just hang mine upside down by the tag using a pants hanger after I take it off. You will just have to find what works best for you. If you go with synthetic, don't use a comb or brush to get out the tangles. Try to use your hands instead, and it will make the wig last longer. I would suggest that you join wigsupport.com as well. Good luck! Try to have fun with it.

Comment by Alliegator on August 2, 2012 at 12:07pm

http://lifeasabaldgirl.wordpress.com/
If you would like to view it, I have a page on my blog called "Wigs 101 Guide" that might help. I also have a page with wig colors. You can see reviews of some of my wigs as well.

Comment by justincase1004 on August 5, 2012 at 2:08am

Hi, I'm new as well. I too am glad there is a community like this. I actually never met anyone that had AA like myself. Now I feel like there are people out there the are just like me going through the same thing. It makes me happy when I see/read/hear about people like you being happy because I know a part of me is happy (I know that doesn't make any sense at all :) Even though we don't know each other we know what each other is going through

Comment by claudiaclaude on August 7, 2012 at 11:19am

Dear everyone who commented: thank you. Right after I posted I went on vacation so I am sorry I missed all the comments and support. I do appreciate it so much! Today I am looking for some pieces online and will check out all the links you shared. Best and bless. :)

Comment by Sandy on August 12, 2012 at 11:31am

Hi Claudia, What about using a ball cap with some fake bangs attached to it? If you can't find the bangs pre-done...a smaill strip of hair extensions can be sewn in to the front of cap. There are also some wigs with polystripping around the inside that serve as a suction method to grip to your scalp. Double sided tape works fairly well...If you are worried about rashes etc...just make sure you wipe your scalp down with some antispectic like Sea Breeze after you take the tape off. Welcome to the site and best of luck!

Comment by claudiaclaude on August 12, 2012 at 11:18pm

Thanks everyone for the tips. That first time I go to the gym after my appointment in two weeks is going to be a moment of soul searching, I know. I will check out the accessories everybody recommended and just see what works. I do this body conditioning class where there is a lot of jumping around, in the morning before I go to work, so I'm just not sure what I will do. I will check out what kind of hats I can find with hair and things in the coming weeks. Thank you!

Comment by Marieca on August 14, 2012 at 3:41am

Hi Claudia! I wear wigs and have been wearing them for years. I recently started working out daily and I wear them while working out. I actually have one wig that is specifically for working out because of the sweating I don't want to ruin a good wig. I mainly wear synthetic wigs but I do have a few human hair ones, all lacefronts. It's too hot for bangs where I live. It's funny that I came across your post because I was going to do a blog about wigs and working out but I figured who would want to read that but after seeing your post maybe I will. Hope this helps and if you need anything else feel free to message me! :) Oh and welcome!

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