hair today, gone tomorrow....

[Eringirl]

Okay, so a really bad pun, sorry about that :D

I have not been able to glean much information about those who transitioned that were "follicley" challenged. At least, I haven't run into anyone who has transitioned that will admit a hair issue, and that is fine. I respect that they would want to keep that info private. But I am wondering if there are those with that issue and how they deal with having to wear a wig for the rest of their lives having gone full time and are willing to talk about it? I have male (ugh I hate that word) pattern baldness, and wondering how to best deal with that. It is not a show stopper, so to speak, but looking for options that others have successfully tried. Not sure if transplants or "plugs" is feasible for me. I have found a hair "system" that attaches a human hair hairpiece or wig to your scalp via a breathable membrane that you can leave on for extended periods of time (like a month) and you can shower, swim, lead an active lifestyle with no worries. Wondering if that is an option?

Just looking for some opinions/thoughts?? PM me if you prefer.

Thanks, Erin

P.S. going for start of laser treatment on face today....maybe they can just move it to my head ?!? ;)

[Angela Campbell]

The majority of transitioned girls I know have issues with that. Some use implants, check with a dr who does to see if it is right for you. Some use extensions, more maintenance than implants but better than a wig.

Some use wigs but here in Florida it is really too hot. Some use finasterid and rogaine. I did that myself but might look into implants next year.

add..? I did have a scalp advance

[LeaP]

Not admit it or talk about it? You're kidding, right? There are tons of transitioners who talk about this. I can't count the number who have wrestled it to ground one way or another, the solutions including wigs, hair systems, transplants, scalp advances, extensions, medications, herbal treatments, and even a few who tough it out getting by with their own badly thinning hair.

[Rogina B]

The majority of transitioned girls I know have issues with that. Some use implants, check with a dr who does to see if it is right for you. Some use extensions, more maintenance than implants but better than a wig.

Some use wigs but here in Florida it is really too hot. It is not too hot for the right wig.The newest wigs have very few strands to "make the look"..Great advances have been made. It is my observation that a great wig is far better than bad hair. My own hair with buckets of Finesteride swallowed ,would never be as good. My own opinion,of course but I pay attention to other girls in transition here.

[Jenessa]

As someone with a cul-d-sac (think Bill Dauterive from King of the Hill), I am not sure what I am going to/can do, I hate wearing a wig. This thread is very relevant to me.

[Persephone]

To the best of my knowledge*. finasteride, HRT, rogaine, or anything else will only keep what you have, not cause new nor replacement growth in areas that are already gone.

Hugs,
Persephone.

* - I am not a medical doctor nor do I pretend to offer medical advice. Always consult your physician for medical information.

[Rogina B]

As someone with a cul-d-sac (think Bill Dauterive from King of the Hill), I am not sure what I am going to/can do, I hate wearing a wig. This thread is very relevant to me.

That is a "heavy" wig you are wearing in your picture,so no wonder it is uncomfortable for you...

[PretzelGirl]

Barbara, there is some recovery, but it is limited. I tried Rogaine eons ago and the crown filled back in a little. I am on Finesteride and I original got on it for the hair reasons. The expectation is that it won't grow a hairline back, but I did fill back in a little up front. There are no miracles to be had here and I am sure results vary for each person. But I did get a little bump from both of them.

[Jenessa]

Rogina, its actually a lot lighter then it looks. I hate wigs in general, in fact, I hate hats, hoodies and any other head gear. I just don't like stuff on my head :(

[Eringirl]

Thanks for the comments to date. I don't mind something on my head as it helps to keep the sun off me and for the 8 cooler months of the year, helps to keep me warm (I get cold easily). However, from what I have been able to glean from websites, the wig or "system" option can be expensive. If you wear the wig all the time, continuously for 4 - 6 months, it usually has to be replaced. So that is two wigs per year at about $800 a pop for a good quality human hair matched to your colour, and styled etc. Some places I have seen actually have monthly payment plans!! Holy crap. I had no idea that it would be that expensive!! I have not heard of anyone gal using such a system, so ya, really, no one has been able to provide info about that. So, I keep on looking. Appreciate the information!

Keep the comments coming!

Erin

[MarieTS]

I know I am just speaking from personal experience, but you can get away with less expensive wigs if you get help from a hairstylist, especially if you are able to get a variant of wig that allows you to blend your own naturally growing hair into the wig. Excellent results!

[Angela Campbell]

$800 for a wig is a lot, can be done for $150 or less. Human hair isn't necessarily the only or best option. I didn't like them at all.


It is not too hot for the right wig.The newest wigs have very few strands to "make the look"..Great advances have been made. It is my observation that a great wig is far better than bad hair. My own hair with buckets of Finesteride swallowed ,would never be as good. My own opinion,of course but I pay attention to other girls in transition here.


Yah it is too hot for ANY wig in the summer. OMG!!!!!!

[Eringirl]

Yes, they can be hot, but I don't have much choice as I don't have much natural to work with! :( I have thought about getting a piece that works with what I have and have a short cut or a pixie cut, but don't know it that will look good on me, but I can try it out to see what it looks like. A lot of women that for whatever reason have to wear a wig state that the ones that have a cap that is breathable and is like a second skin are actually quite cool and they stay on when swimming, showering, etc, so if you are active, they are a good choice.

I like human hair myself. The one I have now is a human hair that I got for $150 in Ship in Toronto. (See my avatar) just not sure that it is looks good enough.

Certainly not a deal breaker, but I would like to get something that looks and feels great! Thanks for the suggestions. All comments welcome.

[Rogina B]

Yah it is too hot for ANY wig in the summer. OMG!!!!!!

Remember that I am in Florida just the same as you...The new wigs are different! Many people forget that women undergoing chemo lose their hair.So there is a tremendous market and demand for everyday wigs. They are miles ahead of the traditional hot varieties[the occasional wigs].. About 1000 hrs of normal wearing is all you can expect from the wigs that I wear.

[becky77]

I started Finasteride when I started hormones, nearly 12 months ago and have seen significant regrowth. That doesn't change hairline though, so in early Feb I'm having a transplant.
It will be a long time before I know how good the results are.
A wig can guarantee you good hair all the time, but if It's possible I want to be as natural as can be.

[Dianne S]

Hair loss is a bit of a concern for me. Currently, I use a sort of clip-in chunk of human hair something like this (http://www.sallybeauty.com/human-hair-extensions/SASSY5,default,pd.html), but as my hair greys it starts looking a bit odd. I'm hoping that when I go full-time I can get a hairstyle to disguise the receding hairline, but at the moment that's not an option since I'm still a guy at work. :(

If it gets really bad, I might consider transplants. I know a couple of people who've had them to very good effect, but it's apparently quite painful.