Less than a week to new hair!

[Ceera]

I am 61, and at nearly 5 months into full medical MtF transition. I recently got the US Veteran’s Health Administration to approve a “cranial prosthetic” for me - a partial hair system made with real human hair, which covers my 8” x 10” male pattern bald area and blends 12” down into my real hair, which I have grown out to 3” below my shoulders now. It attaches semi-permenantly with surgical glue, staying on for two months at a time. A specialist at a wig salon attaches it. During that time I can do any activity, and wash it and style it like it was my own hair. Every two months, that same specialist carefully removes it, cleans my scalp and the hair system, re-dyes my own hair to match the prosthetic, and then reattaches it. The best things about this system are that since only part of my scalp is covered, it is not as hot to wear as wearing a full-cap wig; it can be styled into a very natural looking updo or ponytail, with my natural hair showing at the lower sides and back; and best of all, I can wake up in the morning and no longer have to see a balding version of me in the mirror! I can just brush my beautiful hair and be ‘presentable’!

The prosthetic arrived shortly before Christmas, but the next available appointment with the specialist who could attach it for me was not until Jan 22nd. Well, today the salon called, and they had a cancellation that will allow their specialist to see me sooner, on the 16th of next week! I am so excited!

[Devi SM]

Ceera, I'm so happy for you. My only concern is the glue used really work because I bought for my breast forms a surgical glue it was very uncomfortable and after around 4 hours was easy to remove the forms but the residual glue was hard to remove. Just my concern.
So please pics when your ready...

[Lana Mae]

Ceera,sounds great! I am jealous! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Eemz]

Oh that's fantastic. I'm so jealous. Best of luck Ceera and yes of course photos please :)

<grumble> Feckin baldness... as I age I now have hair growing everywhere except where I want it </grumble>

[Ceera]

Vanessa, I have also used Hollisters surgical adhesive for breast forms. But unlike the several pounds each solid silicone breast prosthetics, a crown addition is light weight, and made of a breathable material. As such, I expect it to stay put with far fewer issues.

[Anne K]

Ceera, what a timely post. I just had an initial consultation for the same process. What they can do is AMAZING! My biggest concern is how hot the end result is. Wigs are brutal down here in S. Florida.

My plan is to gradually transition my hair as I transition. The biggest problem is what do I want the look to be? I believe that the technicians are able to change the look often. Decisions!

[Ceera]

Anne, I have had one of these crown additions resting on my scalp on a hot day, and compared it to what my full cap, custom made human hair wig felt like. It was a night and day difference! I would estimate 1/3 to 1/4 the heat addition of a full cap wig, since most of the scalp isn't covered by a wig cap. And compared to a synthetic wig, the difference is even more amazing.

Assuming you go for a good one, made of human hair, you can style it with curlers or a curling iron, just as if it was your own hair. It can even have highlights or complete recoloring done if you wish!

I am likely going for a long shag to start with, as my own hair has grown out now to about 3" below my collar bone in back and to the middle of the side, and to well below my jawline on the sides, below my ears.

I know what you mean about full cap wigs and hot weather. I started out in Austin, Texas, where it frequently got to over 110 degrees F in the summer time!