Comment by Tallgirl on November 15, 2012 at 11:29pm

I was a teen who just couldn't cover up the spots anymore with hair styles. A half-wig, then full wig, kept my secret and let me have a teen life without gossip. I wished I could have been as free as the others: I avoided hanging upside down, windy places, convertibles, swimming and dating. Too much to miss...but at least the wigs went with me to one date and two formal dances, trips to NY and Washington, many other travels! I still had an interesting life.

Now 60. Sometimes I take my wig off, with a bald head revealed, on road trips or with friends. You must do what makes YOU comfortable...it is YOUR head and confidence at stake.

Comment by Denise Benson on November 16, 2012 at 11:38am

I agree with the comment it is what YOU are comfortable with. I started losing my hair in patches in February 2010 and by October 2010 I was fully bald on the top of my head with shoulder length hair. After several shots of cortizone I decided to stop that and shaved my head(which was my own personal decision)the day after Thanksgiving which is when I bought a wig. I personally hated wearing a wig and because I chose to buy a longer wig it looked un-natural to me and very uncomfortable to wear. I then went to hats and scarves, I must own 25 different hats at this point and lots of scarves. It was tough and I never felt great about not having my hair but I delt with it the best I could with big earings and funky hats,scarves and this website. Lots of people do great with wigs. If you are considering a wig you should find a wig store and start trying them on just to see how you feel about it. My hair is grown in as of today but still very light on top so I keep it short. I have noticed that I have begun to see 2 small bald spots and if my hair falls out again I will buy another wig but this time it will be a short one, I think it may be easier to make it look a little more natural. Whatever you decide, it will be when you are good and ready and just know you are not alone! Good Luck!

Comment by Mama Parsinc on November 16, 2012 at 4:26pm

Hi my androgenetic alopecia began in my teens. Hid it as long as I could naturally by mostly scraping my hair back, then wore hairpieces, like ponytail extension pieces. Now I'm in my 30s I always expected my hair to become even thinner as I got older and I have reached the point where hiding my alopecia is not possible any longer. I don't feel comfortable exposing my scalp. So I have gradually taken to wearing wigs. It has taken around four years for me to feel confident in wearing a wig. My wish is to just blend in and not appear different. I've found that people can feel so sorry for you when you tell them you have alopecia which of course is very kind but I don't want that attention personally. Wearing a wig, for me, is the best thing I have done. It does take time, you do question and doubt.... Does it look real? Does it suit me? Will it come off? Do your research, try on may types of wigs. Go with what makes YOU happy, confident and the very best of luck and happiness to you. X

Comment by Alliegator on November 19, 2012 at 2:11pm

Hi,
I also have androgenetic alopecia. I wear wigs, and I love them. I also go bald, and wear hats/scarves. The best advice that I can give is take baby steps. Wear the wig around your home as much as you can. Then, once comfortable with that, wear it to run errands or go grocery shopping. Then, maybe try to wear it all weekend. The more you wear it, the more you will get used to it. I started wearing wigs 3 years ago, and I haven't looked back since. They restored my confidence. I am a wigaholic! They helped me to stop thinking about my hair loss all day and every day. Now, I don't ever think about it. Also, cutting my hair into a buzz cut really helped. It gave me a sense of liberation. I feel better now than I have in a very long time. You can do it!

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