Wig or no wig. That is the question...

[Christy Stevens]

So I've been toying around with this idea for a while about not wearing a wig. It started when I was growing my hair out last year. ( I only cut my hair about once a year). I hate wigs. They never look right. And they have to be one of the most uncomfortable things. Why would I want to wear something so uncomfortable when it doesn't really do anything personally for me? I've bought cheap wigs and wigs that cost me more than I wanted for something that shortly resembles the clog I dug out of my shower drain. Maybe I'm just ranting because I jut wish I could use my own hair to complete my look. Maybe I don't care anymore. Don't get me wrong, it's unmentionable how much a nicely done hair-do improves a look, but I think that's where I differ. It's not really about passing for me. I'm six-foot, 235lbs. I'm not your typical girl. I've come to the conclusion that I don't really need to be seen as a woman and I don't really pretend to be one. I'm me, dressing how I want to, in some freaking drop-dead-gorgeous outfits. My hair now is about like a pixie cut, so that's about how I'm going to try and style it. I'm going out tomorrow night so I'll be sure to try and snap some photos to show you all. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a disaster.

[Katy120]

Personally I wouldn't bother with a wig if your avatar photo tells the whole story. You look lovely and stylish.

[Christy Stevens]

Personally I wouldn't bother with a wig if your avatar photo tells the whole story. You look lovely and stylish.

You make me blush. :)

[Katy120]

No need for blush(ing) unless you wish to touch up your makeup. I was trying to offer an objective opinion. You look great!

[Martha G]

Well I am bald with a little bit of gray around my head.

I think my question has already been answered!

But when I am dressed as a woman I look 20 years younger. The wigs really help!

Go for it!

[Barbara Dugan]

I believe growing your own hair is much better but for some people a wig is the only choice

[Katey888]

Christy - objectively - I second that opinion from Katy (us Kate's stick together :D) - your avatar photo shows that you have a great look and nicely defined bone structure (I'm not flirting - this is being objective... :o ) and the hair fits that look really well: it's a stylish, smart cut that enhances your look.
Stick with it - some of us are stuck with wigs - what can I say...? :)
Katey x

[Talisker]

Yeah. Wigs are a pain and make me too hot. Like wearing a hat inside.
Only reason I do it is to avoid some people recognising me otherwide i like the short hair and makeup look.

Your avtar looks fine as it is.

[darla_g]

it's clearly a matter of personal choice, but even when i had enough hair to use my own when dressing I loved the variety of hair colors and styles I could quickly have. Wigs might be a bit uncomfortable after a while but i still love them!

[DebbieL]

You seem to have enough hair in the right places that you might be able to go without. Personally, I always had a "widowers peak" - with hair receding slightly along the temples. I've tried various hairstyles but none of them were all that good, often they looked more like bad comb-overs. In my case, I opted to spend a bit extra for a really good wig that gave really good coverage and would be comfortable all day long. Since I'm now living as a girl 24/7 about the only time I take off the wig is to sleep, even when I'm just at home.

I've been thinking about a weave, because I still have really nice hair with soft waves, but I worry that I might not want to deal with the upkeep. I've put my hair in rollers before, and even had a perm (ended up looking like Richard Simmons - yuck! With a wig, I brush it out on the wig block, put it on my head, and do a final touch-up with the brush. Very easy to manage and take care of. My mom had a nice wig when I was 10 or 11. I think I wore it more than she did.

I DO recommend that if you are going to wear a wig, that you consider spending the money for a good one. The Raquel Welsh line is excellent and if the store carries her line, they usually have other upscale wigs. These wigs can range from $100 to $500 and even higher, depending on whether you want real human hair or synthetic that looks like human. I find I like synthetics because they don't frizz when they get wet or in high humidity.

[Desirae]

I agree with the others that you look fine without a wig. That hairstyle does seem to fit you pretty well. Maybe you could try one of the better wigs out there. You might have to spend $500, $600, or more. I think they've come a long way from what they used to be. Go to a local wig shop and see what they have.

[LaraPeterson]

Even when I had plenty of hair, mine was always too thin and would not hold any style at all. I've learned to wig shop just like I clothes shop. A really good, well-fitting wig is neither hot nor uncomfortable. But, Christy, it appears you don't need one--lucky girl.

[CarlaWestin]

I certainly do like your look and more and more women are presenting with shorter hair. You kinda pull off that Jamie Lee Curtis look. Although I do love the feel of hair on my shoulders more often than not I go out sans wig. I've gotten a lot of mileage out of dangley earings, pink ball cap and sunglasses. Believe me, just go look at 90% of the women at the mall. Not much long hair going on there.

[Brenda456]

If only I had hair. For some of us a wig is the only viable option!

[Aprilrain]

if you got it, rock it!

[Lady Catherine]

I HATE wigs. But, I have no choice. You look great without one if that's you in you avi.

[Erica Marie]

Christy I am totally with you on this. Anyone who has seen my last pic post knows, for me the wig is out. Id rather have a cute short cut than mess with a wig. To me its like wearing a costume and its not who I am. You are on your way to having a nice style. Let it grow and find a stylist that would be willing to spend some time and help you with a style that works for you.

[EmilyS]

Thin hair is what my siblings and I have. Not bald or anything like that, just thin and does not look great in any female cut so a wig it is. But if you can carry it off your own hair is the way to go.

[Beverley Sims]

Style your hair nicely and always try to present feminine, even if you are "big". :)

Do not despair, ever!

[Lynn Marie]

My wig makes me look 10 or more years younger. I like light weight hair that breathes well. Keeps me cool!

[Lilly Street]

I believe growing your own hair is much better but for some people a wig is the only choice

I think that may be subjective, I was growing my hair, and then realized (after reading someone elses experiences) that a guy with long hair doesn't automatically have the luxury of being able to style that hair in a feminine fashion. I'm no hair stylist, so I can't speak to this, but I know that my hair got long enough so that I didn't feel I was trapped with 'guy hair' when dressed, but I couldn't ever make it look *right* when I did dress. I should also mention that dressing (for me) is something I do when I can, and plan for it, I don't dress daily (though sometimes I wish I could.) so in the end, I cut my hair, and have gone back to the wig. It's not the most comfortable thing, but then neither is a lot of makeup, so I just accept it as part of the experience. I know the wig looks much better than my natural hair, and it's a big enough difference that I never look in the mirror and say 'Oh that's just me (a guy) in lipstick.'

Truthfully, even if I cuold grow it out to the length I'd really want for dressing time, it would be difficult to pull off for work, or around friends.

[heatherdress]

Christy - Wear your hear anyway you want to, with or without a wig. You look great and will look terrific - wig or no wig. Have fun and share your pictutres. Thanks.

[gina bennett]

As is the consensus here I think if you've got it, lucky you, short hair can still look very feminine if it's styled correctly for your facial features and then also you can mix it up with the option to wear a wig to change you looks.

[XemmaX]

If only i had the hair line to do it! if you got it you should flaunt it!!

[Cheryl T]

If I could grow my hair I would. Unfortunately Mother Nature has made me folically challenged. I would simply look like a monk with long hair thanks to that built in reflector. I'm not about to spend money on a transplant so wigs are a necessity for me.
Do it if you can.


As for your size...there are lots of big women out there. You are my height and a bit heavier, but so are many, many women. Just be you.

[marci_x]

If you can do it, then do it!!!

[jennloves55]

Sweetie, I think your hair looks great the way it is.

[Jaymees22]

Hi, I wear a wig sometimes but prefer and do use my own hair most of the time, it's just easier. It helps that we both have hair to grow. I noticed we have the same faux last name, maybe we are distant cousins? Hugs Jaymee

[Christy Stevens]

So I'm still torn. I like using my real hair but it just isn't feminine enough... I'm going to save my money and try to purchase a really nice wig. Maybe around the $100-150 range. Gulp...so expensive......

[Eryn]

Y'know, I'm not so sure that "expensive" translates to "good" in wigs. I've had some $100++ wigs that screamed "wig!" and my go-to Paula Young lace-front wig is currently on special for $45.

I do like the "slap it on and go" convenience of wigs, and the complete change in hair appearance is useful if I happen to run into an acquaintance while en femme.

That being said, I'm now coloring and growing my hair out and I'm looking forward to trying some short styles with it. Whether those styles ever see the light of day remains to be decided!

[Martha G]

Since I said before, I am nearly a cueball with only a little gray fringe around the side.

So I have no choice.

And I look so much younger too!

It's a wig for me!

[Maryesther M.]

No choice for me, alas. At my age what's left of my white hair needs hiding under the most luxurious femme wig I can find. The real joy of dressing up is the age-reducing camouflage afforded by a wig, hot or no.

M.

[ShelbyDawn]

I think your hair is very cute. The key is that you need to be happy with your look. If you do get a wig, you just have more variety in your look. Variety is a good thing, yes?
Personally, I am also in the "no choice" category. I could let it grow out but I get visions of George Carlin and his bald ponytail look. Gives me the shivers just thinking about it.
I did find out from my work that February 28th is wig day, well, actually it's yearly bonus day and I have the wig I am going to purchase already picked out. :)

:hugs:

Shelby

[Nadine Spirit]

Ah to wig or not to wig. Yeah, I have said to my wife that I was thinking about trying the bald woman look, as I do not have the option of growing out my own and wigs do frustrate me.

I love my latest wig though. I was deciding between a $300 synthetic, or a $800 human hair one. I chose the synthetic. I actually wrote all about it on my blog.

Some quick tips
- they do sell large size wig cap wigs, well worth it
- have your chosen wig cut and styled for you, again well worth it
- go to a wig store and try on the wigs

[NathalieX66]

I wore a wig at a burlesque event last year, just to glam it up.
Nowadays, my own hair does the same thing.

There is no magic formula. just live it up as you feel.

[Melissa xox]

I love wigs, even if they're cheap! I like the way I can change my look so
easily by changing wigs. I find it to be a lot of fun and makes me feel more
femine.

[Valerie1973]

Wig. Of course it all depends on style, color, the shape of your face. If you life allows you to grow hair, that's the best option. I had long hair in my teen years and I used to hair spray it up into the "Big Hair Doo's" of the eighties. Lots of fun. It also depends on what you can afford. $400 wigs and up are very realistic and beautiful. I personally prefer poofy hair, I have a fat head. I've used cheap under $50 wigs. But if you plan on going out in public its worth the investment. There is a wig store in Albuquerque NM, "Wigs, Wigs, Wigs", and they cater to CDer's. Wigs are my preference.

[Jessica giovanna]

I do both..just depends on what look I am going for.....but yeah...as I get older my hair line is really showing my age, so soon enough it will be all wig....
Gives new meaning to wigging out,lol!

[luca]

I still have a ways to go before I figure out what this aspect of me looks like, but I like the idea of just having my hair and being a little more me than trying to pass as a lady. Thanks for the original post, it felt really encouraging:)

[olivia.glossing]

After I came out about my dressing to my hairstylist of 20+ years I asked her to help me style the wig I had bought. I knew it just didn't look right, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to make it work. Her advice to me was to ditch the wig and go with my natural hair, but in a funky-messed up style with lots of gel and spray. After messing around with it a bit she's right. For me at least, I'm fortunate that it works, or at least I think it works. I look more androgynous than femme, but I'm OK with that.

My main issue is my brows ... they are super thick and turning gray (oh, age!). I am now trying to nail a trimmed brow look filled in with makeup. Seems hit or miss at this point.

[Jonithan]

I work with out customer contact so I've been growing my hair out since '09. Long, straight, with silver hi-lights. Comes down past the bra band. The only thing for me is sometimes is I want the straight bangs in front. It's always tucked behind the ear. I suppose I could put it up in a wig cap and change hair color with a new wig. See, still learning everyday...

Joni

[MonctonGirl]

So keep your hair a plausible male length ( shaggy ) - short enough to look male when needed but long enough to be used with
professional salon removable hair extensions which a professional helps you select and shows you how to put them in & style them different ways
and is there for maintenance issues. You put them in when you want them in - and take them out when you don't. Look natural and can be THICKER than your natural hair.

[Karmen]

I think it depends what you want. If you want to hide part of the face and neck, a longer wig is a good idea. If you think that is not needed and you can make a feminine looking hair style from your own hair when dressed, you don't have to bother with the wig.
For me, a wig is necesary for example, because without a wig with long hair I'm even less passable. I have a short male hair style and a longer wig also cover my neck which is also not very feminine looking.

[Algoma]

Christy,

You look great with out a wig and you feel great go with out. I have long hair and have had it styled with a more femmine look from time to time. For now I am dressing part time and I just don't feel a complete transition with out the wig. Even though they are a pain.

[stacycoral]

Even when I had plenty of hair, mine was always too thin and would not hold any style at all. I've learned to wig shop just like I clothes shop. A really good, well-fitting wig is neither hot nor uncomfortable. But, Christy, it appears you don't need one--lucky girl.

I would agree, a good wig is like just having your real hair, I have 100% human hair, is is like having real long normal hair, it is comfortable and feels nature, hugs.

[Majella St Gerard]

No wig for me

[5150 Girl]

When I had enough of my own hair, that's how I rolled.... Now, sadly, I need a little extra help...

[Tharu]

a beautiful wig gives you a beautiful girly look i want to wear a wig when I'm doing cd

[julia marie]

I'd go with my own hair but I would have had to pull it out of the shower drain for the past 20 years. So I don't go out dressed femme without a wig covering the chrome dome. The bangs do help a bit with the male brow issue too.

[Janine cd]

I'm in the same bind as many of you. The hair is no longer there. Wigs are the only way to look anywhere near feminine.

[FemmeElastique]

No wig. You look great in your avatar, like a woman.
I wear a wig because I must. As a guy, my hair is clean cut, very, very short. And I get a haircut once every 2 months. Oh, how I would love to grow my hair out and still look like a woman and not have to wear wigs.

[Carla_68]

Got to be both

I had short spiky hair for years and when first started dressing the wigs fitted fine and they make for a fantastic look (get them cut and shaped when buying helps) only problem is it is bad enough picking which dress goes with which shoes add in a 3rd option of which hair and you may never leave the house

Unfortunately i have started to go grey (grey but there) so tried colouring hair this failed as the home kit dyes are pretty useless

But I managed to convince my wife that I needed to go to a salon instead of a barbers to get it professionally done (which is bliss by the way).

My lady at the Salon has told me that there is no point in colouring hair if it is very short as the grey will show straight away, et voila my excuse for longer hair

I am growing it out at the moment but hope to get styled at next visit, have all ready tried volumising and combing differently and as soon as you add makeup the change is awesome (

I'm planning on the gelled slicked back look in male mode

[yumi]

I stared growing my hair out April 13 and I just love it. It's over six inches in the back. I am looking forward to my first pony tail.

[Martha G]

Old baldy here. Definitely a wig!

[Gabbagrl]

If you have the hair to grow then grow it! My CD bf has long hair. Even longer than mine. He gets compliments on it all the time, not when he is dressed up. They just think he is a hippie. I'm always playing with it. Then again I do like guys with long hair ;)

~GG

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Christi, I like the wig so I can keep Orchid and MR. Drab separate.

[Tina B.]

When I was young and had hair, I wore it long, on the weekends I loved to put it up in Rollers, and then comb out some great looking hair do with all of these great curls, that I knew where mine, it was a great feeling, and if I had enough hair on top of my head, I'd still be doing it.
You go for it girl, do it while you can!

[HeatherBrett]

I wish i could get away with it. i have some video from a LONG time ago, when I was between wigs that I need to review...

[Alexis.j]

I would love to have a full head of hair, but unfortunately I don't. So im forced to wear wigs, hated it in the beginning and was very depressing, but I have now gotten used to them and they do have there advantages... I think the time and money invested in keeping real hair properly maintained and colored is quite expensive...
You now get good quality wigs available that are not that expensive. And changing color and style is much easier.
Its just something I HAVE to live with...

[Diane Edwards]

When I was younger I was able to use my own hair, maintaining a length that let me switch between male and female mode easily. But that started changing about 10 years ago as my hair started to thin a little which made it more difficult to maintain it in either/or mode, so for the most part I use a wig when I'm out socially. About the only time I don't use one is when I'm staying around home or out on our local lake en femme while boating and/or swimming. It's still long enough that it looks just fine under those circumstances.

Again, it all comes down to what works for you.

[Melissa_59]

Not really an option for me. Without my wig, I'm Yul Brenner in a skirt. You look very nice though if your avatar is accurate.

[mirima1992]

Wig is a must, my hair is too short

[Vanessa Rose]

No wig, no way... at least for me... just ordered several. Two suck and the third was ordered because the first two, that were supposed to be the exact item (the third), were terrible and worthless to anyone except possibly a clown. I mean under this raccoon cap I may have had a chance but who wants to take a chance and ruin the look of such a distinguished and refined cap such as mine.


HA..


Cheers...


Vanny

[Aelita Nolan]

I think that the reason why I wouldn't wear a wig is because it wouldn't "fell like part of me" and I want to be able to do thinks with my own hair.

[sanderlay]

If you're not full time with your dressing a wing certainly has it's advantages for an instant Fem look. But I'm full time and I wanted something that would work and be comfortable in hot and cold weather. So growing out my own hair was the most practical answer. Also for me I have a mixed gender presentation, so my hair style still works. In time I may need a wig or hair piece but for now I enjoy what I have as long as I can. :D

[KittyD]

I kinda like both :) I have naturally curly thick hair down to my shoulders - very springy! But I like the option of wigs for colours & styles :)
I love cosplay wigs - currently own about uhm...10-15-20 who knows :P Sure its a pain in bum and it sometimes get hot, but its just nice to beable to change it up, which inturn means a whole new look :)
Yay new clothes WoOt :D

[Madie]

Both! If you can grow out your own hair, that's great, but wigs are fun too! I keep my hair long (as i'm trans) but I also like to wear wigs. They are quick and easy change of hairstyles.

[Paula Siemen]

I thinkyou hair looks nice.......ditch he wigs.

[RayanneA]

I guess its the 60's hippy left in me or something but as long as I can grow my hair long I will. Even as a male I've had a pony tail about as long as I can remember (after it became somewhat acceptable for a male in the workplace anyway). Back in the 60's when I was in high school boys weren't allowed to have hair below their ears or hair that touched their collar. So as soon as I could I rebelled and let it grow out. There were a few years after that when I worked jobs where it wasn't acceptable for a male to have hair that long, but whenever I could I have long hair I did. And now that I'm retired, there is really nobody to stop me. But since my hair is thick and curly (I use a straight iron to make it manageable) it is almost impossible to wear a wig over it. Sometimes the idea of a wig to change colors and styles appeals to me, but I have no intention of getting rid of my long hair as long as I still have it.