Comment by Norm on January 13, 2012 at 12:30pm

Hi, FM, how's you?
So, you're wondering how to ease your workmates into Wiggy You. Well, there's no "easing" to be done, is there.... there's not really any sort of half-way house with a wig! You're either wearing one or not... you can't just wear the right-hand side and stay one side against the walls, only turning round to show the wig (or if it's half a wig, is it a Wi?... nah, think someone's already got that name...) when you feel it's appropriate, can ya? Oh go on, just do it! What better time is there, anyway? This is the perfect moment! Everyone will be relaxed, having fun, under no pressure to do anything particular.... and after a few drinks they'll be more receptive anyway!
Try looking at it from their viewpoint. If they're not aware of your hair issues, it's not like they'll necessarily associate the wig with anything other than a fashion accessory, is it? So all you have to say, if asked "is that a wig?", is "yeah, just thought I'd try a new look" - and that's actually true, isn't it? If you have to elaborate, carry on in the same vein and say you're thinking of getting a few different styles/colours, and what do they think? And there you are, job done!

Let us know how it pans out.... and if any of this helped, you can buy me a drink :)

Comment by Figarosmom on January 13, 2012 at 2:54pm

What can I say Norm except you are awesome! I love everything you said up there!!! And the way you put it is totally perfect. It is true I could totally say "I'm trying a new look!" I never thought of that and of course the reason why is because I am all obsessing over the hair loss part. This was beyond my vision. I knew there was a reason I wrote this blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Ha ha I wish I could buy you a drink. You earned it!

Comment by Norm on January 13, 2012 at 3:23pm

Hey, no worries - sometimes you just need someone else to point out the possibilities cos you're too close to the problem!
Have a fun party, and remember, if/when the conversation heads wigwards, just be economical with the truth! Oh, and smuggle me a nice bottle of red out. OK? ;)

Comment by Tallgirl on January 13, 2012 at 5:07pm

There is no gradual way of jumping from flat hair to big hair. Just jump in without looking back, and offer no explanations except a smile and wink. At a party, your medical and fashion choices are none of their business. I know we are all...er, mostly...serious folk here, but as a wise person has been telling me lately, you owe no one explanations on choices. They are yours, and that's it.

Comment by Figarosmom on January 16, 2012 at 10:49am

howdie Tallgirl and Norm. Well, I went out and bought that hair piece I mention above. I used that to create a big bun (no puns intended) on my head and it looked awesome and cute. So I didn't end up wearing a wig because I was so enamoured with the bun. I sorta felt like my old self again when I wore that style all the time. I can still get away with it using the hair piece. but ultimately you are both correct, there is going to come a time where it's a wig baby. there absolutely is NO jumping from flat hair to big hair. ha ha. you are correct, i don't owe explanations. I think this is going to be my next focus learning to do things, like saying no, without explaining... there is always something to work on, isn't there?

Comment by Norm on January 16, 2012 at 3:13pm

Hiya, FM - hey, you're a real fruitcake, aincha? You worry about what your workmates will say about you wearing a wig.... then you go out with a bun on your head. Well, I guess they all think you're a real Bread-Head now, eh? :)
Still, you do sound like you're bothered less and less, so maybe it's not as hair-raising (ho, ho) a prospect as it was?

Better go, before I think of any more lousy puns ;)

Comment by Ktownnana on January 16, 2012 at 5:31pm

Just wish I would have bought a wig and started wearing one before I did. It got to where my hair was so thin that people would look at my head instead of my face when I talked to them--including doctors. My late husband said buying a wig was one of the BEST things I had ever done (except marry him, of course). Just buy you a beautiful wig, wear it in grace and elegance and let everyone eat their hearts out because you will be so drop-dead gorgeous!

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on January 16, 2012 at 10:51pm

I think this is what I love about Alopecia World. A lot of times we are so concerned with what is in front of us that we can't think outside the box. Then a few members open up a door of options and opportunities and we can again see clearly. Good job folks!

Comment by Figarosmom on January 17, 2012 at 10:05am

@Norm! I can't stand it! You crack me up so bad. People at work wondered what I was up too. ha ha!! I have a terrible confession to make since you mention fruitcake. I tried some for the first time this year...I liked it. AHHHHHHH!!!! This probably says volumnes about me.

@Ktownnana Of course the BEST decision was to marry your husband. I love that. It's so sweet! I think we all wait too long to don a wig. Probably because we're uncomfortable with them. That's why I got some as soon as I learned what was happening. I figured I could get used to them before I was forced to wear them full-time. Now I love them...

@Cheryl I totally agree. Trully I wasn't able to see beyond the hair loss. Every one really helped me with this one. Thanks guys.

Comment by Lori on January 17, 2012 at 11:22pm

I love this thread! I'm nearing the wig/scarf or shaving point, so it was fun to read these inspiring, fun posts. I'm glad the hair piece worked out so well.

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