Comment by Galena on February 25, 2010 at 11:25pm

I agree very much with what you said Susan. The head cover issue is a very personal one and there is no wrong or right way to be an alopecian. For me the wig was an important part in helping me adapt to my new self image and public appearance. Having had hair that most women in my social and work circles were envious of, it was impossible to hide that I had on a wig. Women are the largest consumers of wigs and weaves and although my co-workers and friends loved my hairpieces, they didn't understand what was going on with me. Frankly some were very concerned and tearfully asked if I was sick--those moments were hard for me. The wigs then became a crutch. At some point, I began to loathe wearing a wig and I started feeling bad about myself--again. So I decided to test the waters and face the world as a bald woman. My time here on AW was instrumental in helping me come to that decision. Very gradually, I pushed through a psychological hurdle of low self esteem by stepping out there and being me. I've received great support and although I still have days when I choose to wear a wig, now I feel empowered that I have a choice.
And I also agree with you that the interviewer is quite animated-lol!
~G

Comment by sharon on February 28, 2010 at 6:40am

I agree with Susan the hats and jewlery are as much of a costume as a wig, I guess also they must have been wearing cheap synthetic wigs that did not fit there heads, i could not imagine wearing a hat all day or a scarf that is really too hot ... I only wear human hair wigs and mine are very comfortable with the right fit I forget I have on a wig and so does everyone else I swim in mine....

Comment by donna walker margolies on February 28, 2010 at 11:13am

I go either way , but I prefer the scarf or hat for comfort's sake and ease with my athletic lifestyle. Maybe human hair wig will be more comfortable than my synthetic one, but I still wouldn't wear it to do kickboxing or other super sweaty activities!

I agree with Susan about the interviewer: total SNL material !! Gotta laugh at that...

Comment by Mary on February 28, 2010 at 12:17pm

Maybe some women have hotter scalps or different ways that their bodies metabolize heat. I'm glad that some women do so well with wigs - I wish I could wear one. For most of my first year bald I had several synthetic and human hair wigs, none of them cheap, and had the same problem with each - the holding in of body heat, particularly in warm conditions or during physical activities.

Yes, scarves, hats or caps do get just as hot as a wig. They all cover up your scalp and prevent the natural release of heat. The difference for me is that I can easily regulate my comfort by taking a scarf off and putting it back on, whereas it was much harder for me to take off a wig once I had it on in public. It just felt weird to be sitting there with hair, then not have hair, then have hair again!

What happened on two occasions when I was trying to wear a wig was this: I kept it on in very warm conditions until the sweat was running down my face and my whole body was hot. Then when I couldn't stand it any longer, I tore the wig off (one time I threw it on the ground), and started crying. This happened to me at a wedding, and in a theater.

Now I just take my scarf off if I'm wearing one and get hot, and put it back on if I get chilly. It's just not a big deal for me anymore, and people seem to treat it casually since I do. I know that this means you have to become comfortable being seen bald...and that's not gonna work for everyone. I think it's a balancing act between emotional/psychological discomfort versus physical discomfort. After the second time when I tore the wig off and shouted "F%&*" and started to cry, the choice for me was clear.

Comment by Mary on February 28, 2010 at 12:41pm

Yes, interviewers often have their own agenda, and we sometimes have to work to get our message out. Here's an interview I did last year:

http://www.alopeciaworld.net/video/san-diego-nbo-news-interview

Comment by Smack on June 9, 2010 at 11:30pm

I found it interesting that one of the first things the interviewer said to these women was that they both looked great...which they do, but it just goes to show what people think is most valued. It's as if she's saying 'even though you're both bald, you're still attractive'. I would have said they were brave or courageous for coming and speaking to something that can be so embarrassing and traumatic.

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