Wigs for hair loss

I'm in a similar position to you,I was very ill with Sepsis followed by abscesses in my bowel meaning I had to have a stoma,I am also type two diabetic.I have been buying wigs for the last eight years and luckily they have all been fine.I have now changed the colour from dark brown to a golden browny colour which looks more natural as I've aged.I purchased my last one on line from a company in Liverpool called Hair Fairy and it's turned out to be a good buy and it wasn't ridiculously expensive

Thank you grannie7 I have in fact seen several doctors. It was a lady doctor who told me to 'get a wig'. She said she had specialised in hair loss in the past and that 'there's very little that can be done'. Yes it does affect mental health. My hair system has helped with my confidence but the hair loss has affected me quite badly, especially as I lost my teeth aged 11 through neglect. It seemed like the final straw. I appreciate all the kind comments

What an interesting, empathetic, constructive, informative and helpful thread. Huge thanks to all contributors. GN at its level best indeed. Wonderful.

Kate1949
I would suggest you see another doctor, is your doctor one of a few in the surgery if so try and see a lady doctor you should get some sympathy.
I am sure you should be entitled to see a consultant about this
as it is affecting your mental health.I am almost sure you can get treatment on the NHS,
as your doctor couldn’t be bothered to help you don’t let him put you off.We might all be getting older but hair loss in Women is not an age thing it’s a health thing so stand up for your right to be treated.
All the doctors in our practice would have helped you so it’s your doctor not the system.
The fact that your Mother had the same problem is nonsense
she probably had the same health issue as you are experiencing so what. medicine has moved on a lot in the last 20 years.
Go for it hope you get satisfaction ?

I had chemo last year and lost all my hair. I bought a wig from the hospital shop and realised that it made me look like Donald Trump. Not a good look. They would not accept it back for reasons of hygiene ?. I looked on the internet and found Light in the Box. It’s an American firm which sells all sorts. I bought a wig made from real hair for around £40 and the shipping was not expensive. I recommend them.

I only suffered temporary hair loss when I was on chemo but I bought two wigs, one was by mail order from a firm called Paula Young in London. I can't recall the cost but it wasn't terribly expensive and they regularly have sales.
You have to take various measurements in order to get a good fit and if it doesn't suit you can return it and try another. I had to return my first choice and they were fine about it.
The synthetic ones are cheaper and comfortable. It does feel as though you are wearing a hat all the time but you really can't tell it from real hair. With care they should last about six months but mine are older than that, I never threw them away after my hair returned.
Their details are: Paula Young, 9 Fenning Street, London SE1 3QR - I don't have any connection to the firm. They send them in a plain brown box for privacy. Good luck.

Agree with those who recommend hair loss clinic.
Family member had a phone consultation because of covid She is happy with advice and treatment given,although a little dear,other doctors had just written it off as female pattern balding,she is 25.
Also said if she was in London she should call in .
The clinic was much more understanding than dermatolagist who,after all,do not specialise in this area.

Good on you juliaM sounds great to me. I’m pleased for you that you ordered a wig, there are some beautiful ones now to choose from. I wouldn’t hesitate on buying one if I lost more hair, my motto in life is do what you feel is right never mind anyone else, I’m sure it will look great, if you not hundred per cent happy you can always take it to a hairdresser who can tweak it here and there,

@Grandmafrench I'm definitely interested in information about the treatment you had. My hair has become very thin on the top of my head and after washing, my scalp shows through while it is wet. It is just about ok when ry, but if it gets wet when I'm out (eg caught in the rain or sweating in hot weather) I feel embarassed and self concious.

www.godivassecretwigs.com
Some very pretty styles?

Also forgot to mention because this is a recognised medical condition, you can buy wigs and toppers VAT free. Just fill in the correct forms on the various supplier websites, saves 20%. Many sites have discounts too on the various brands 30% etc. and sale items. Subscribe and you'll get the emails with offers.

I sympathise with you. My hair has gone thin post menopause. This is due to the lack of oestrogen allowing the small amount of testosterone women have to dominate and a chemical called DHT to attack the follicles. The hair diameter slowly goes smaller and then follicles die off and hairs that are lost are not replaced, hence the thinning usually on the scalp area. It's called androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Some have success with minoxidil and regrow their hair. Others use hair toppers and wigs, either human hair or synthetic. Good companies to purchase from are Aspire Hair, Mimo, Beautiful Betsy, Kristina Young in the UK. They can advise on style and colour. Good wig brands are Raquel Welch, Ellen Wille, Belle Tress and Jon Renau. Even their synthetic hair is life like and not too dense with little permatease. Beware of high street wig shops charging extortionate amounts and not telling you which wig you are buying so you can't repurchase cheaper online. Beware of cheap websites stealing other reputable brands pictures usually from China. Do lots of research online. Take care of your emotional needs as it can be very difficult to accept and move on. I've found little help from doctors, they just expect you to get on with it. I decided a while ago not to let this rule or spoil my life so it's toppers for now and then wigs!! Hope this helps you. Best wishes on your journey.

I have hair loss too. Frontal alopecia, hair has been disappearing from the front and sides, now bald to behind my ears. Lost eyebrows years ago, no hairs on arms or legs. Thinning on top now. Took years for GP to refer me to dermatologist who started me on hydrochloride (Trump drug). Landed up with macular hole, one of the side effects of the drug. Late DD who lost hair due to chemo had a real
hair and a man made fibre wig. She thought man made one much easier to manage and care for.

I have inherited thin hair and have several wigs that I’ve never actually worn outside of the house. On the rare occasion that Someone has seen me in one they’ve said how great they look and how they wouldn’t think it was a wig. I did wear a wig for a fancy dress party last year and felt so confident because everyone knew it was a wig anyway. However, with lockdown and not going to the hairdressers (a trim at the hairdressers usually takes just a few seconds because my hair is so thin!) I’m probably going to just chop a bit off the end of my hair every so often and wear my wigs. For some reason, the fact that there is a different reason for wearing a wig I don’t feel so embarrassed at the thought. I do find them very hot to wear, though.

If your wig doesn't look natural then a good hairdresser can cut it to suit

My hair has become progressively thinner over the years and much more so after total hysterectomy bringing on early menopause. I have coloured my hair since I was 16. The lockdown made me decide to try growing out the colour. My husband and I cut it between us, following the hairdresser's lines. We were both worried that it would look even thinner but the amazing thing is that it looks thicker than it ever has. I had a proper haircut on Tuesday and even my hairdresser had to admit that it looked good when it was finished. So a big saving on time and money, I used to have it coloured every three to four weeks.

I was also more or less told by a GP 'bad luck'. In other words I was on my own with this.

Framilode how sad. It shouldn't be up to your husband if you buy a wig or not. Why would he be against it if it's going to make you happy and boost your confidence....!!! Just buy one. You don't need anyone's permission......

I too have very thin hair and took the (wig) plunge a couple of years ago. I went to a wig salon for the first one, mostly to get the initial info about it all, sizing, care etc. However, I wasn't pleased with the lack of choice really.
Now I buy online and love the huge choice out there. If it doesn't suit or isn't the right colour it can be sent back for a full refund ... just needs to have its label on it. The colour is what I find the most difficult to choose and get right.

It's been a game changer really, I know I look a completely different person now ... can only be a good thing!!!

Inishowen I believe there are several types of hair systems. Different salons do different types, depending on the extent of your hair loss. I have total hair loss so had to go quite drastic. My system is made from real hair and is glued on. That sounds awful doesn't it and I was very apprehensive at first. However, it's fine. The system is fabulous. I wash it the same as my own hair (head in the sink, shower or whatever).
You can have any style, colour etc. It will never come off even in gale force winds. Every 6 weeks I go back and they take it off, condition my scalp etc. If the system gets thin, they replace it.
People often say 'haven't you got lovely hair' which makes me smile!
Prior to this I was constantly crying, wouldn't go out etc. I could never be one of those admirable bald and proud ladies. I would post a photo if this was an anonymous forum.

JuliaM, I hope you are pleasantly surprised. My sister lost all of her hair through chemo and her wig was fab. She looked exactly the same. You have done the right thing going for a look you have already. Please let us know how it goes.

About a year ago after losing my husband I noticed that my hair was getting very thin on top. My daughter advised me to go to the Phillip Kingsley Clinic in Harley Street. I was shocked at how expensive it was but decided to treat myself, so I went in February. After consultation and blood tests I was prescribed drops to use on my scalp and and an intensive scalp treatment cream. I have been able to reorder on line and I think there has been some improvement. My daughter went there and she definitely has had major regrowth and her hair looks amazing. The only drawback, which wasn’t explained at the consultation is that you have to keep using the treatment forever!

inishowen I emphasise with you as I am in the same position. My hair started thinning when I was 17 and also receding in the last few years. Mine is an auto immune condition and nothing can be done. The rest of my family have good hair and even the men don't go bald.
It has blighted my life and now I can't even colour what little I have left as I have become allergic to hair dye. Thin grey hair is not a good look.
I would like to get a wig but my husband is very against it. I know I should stand up to him but it is honestly not worth the aggro.

All the women in my family have thin hair. My grandmother lived with us when I was a teen and she wouldn't go out without a hat. One day I came home and she was wearing a splendid wig. The NHS had provided her with two wigs. I saw it change her life. In my forties I went to the doctor in despair with my thinning hair. He asked what my mothers hair was like and when I said she had the same problem he said in that case you'll have to live with it. I hate having my photo taken as the camera seems to obliterate what little hair I have. I hate meeting new people. It has ruined my life. Can someone explain what a hair system is?

Have you spoken to your doctor about it?