Hello again.
My wig journey started in December at an appointment with my endocrinologist where she concluded that the gig was up and the medicine she’s prescribed for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia otherwise known as female pattern baldness) wasn’t working so I should stop taking it. I bought a hair topper from Amazon, another one from the Tik Tok shop, and finally a good one from Uniwigs. Grid photos 1,2,3,5,6 are all toppers and the rest are wigs. Photos 1 & 5 are the same topper – one is just curled. She’s Aura from Uniwigs. She is my only human hair, the rest are synthetic. No. 4 is Montecito by Belle Tress. Photo 7 is Valencia by Belle Tress. Photos 8 & 9 are the same wig by Belle Tress – Newport. I share this information in case you are thinking about wearing hair and see something that catches your fancy. I didn’t know any of this was even a real possibility until I saw someone on Instagram showing the Uniwigs topper. I was pretty sure I was just going to gradually go bald. Period. End of story. WRONG! I have written a new middle to my story and it includes a glorious crown of hair. Go me!
I’ve worn all of these to school. Everyone including the kids are great! After a while no one notices or cares. But I notice. I love putting on my hair in the morning.
If you’re on your own hair loss journey keep me posted. There are communities of hair-wearers all over social media. A great sisterhood bound together by their passion for and interest in HAIR.
See you soon dear middle-aged mammals. Thanks for your comments & emails. I’m delighted to be back in touch. xo
I just read about your alopecia and I’m so happy that it wasn’t through cancer. I think the wigs that you have chosen have all looked wonderful on you.!
You look absolutely fantastic! I love how the ‘new you’ is exactly the ‘best you’ and most of all that you are happy again. Your courage and fortitude are shining through!
So glamorous! I was just looking at Montecito today. I’ve been on the journey for 10 years and still love the feeling of putting on my hair as I go out the door! So easy! Also just looking back all the MaryAnn inspired artwork last week when I was supposed to be cleaning up the craft room. Still going in there to play and glue paper to other paper! Please keep up the good fight – it’s worth it every day! Best to you!
WoW!!
Beautiful ~ inside & out!!
Oh wow Mary Ann! You in #8 in particular!!! so pretty looking. I had a slight period when 15 y o grand daughter frazzled me and my hair started falling out. Some of it may also have been post covid. I tried eating better -imagine that!- and my hair responded. Foolish me, then decided to try long hair like I had in my 20s-40s rather than my usual very thick short cut kind of a-la Jamie Curtis which I went back to after 2 months of growing out hair. OMG I know how fortunate I am to have a full mop of hair but now know there are options should my hair take flight in the future! and just a fyi, granddaughter is graduating from hs and last night went to her first prom! Life moves on…
I’ve been through my own “hair journey” this last year, so I’m paying extra close attention to yours. I thought it was just menopause, but when I started with a new OB/GYN, she asked me to keep track of how much protein I was eating and it turns out I was extremely deficient. I had no idea we need MORE protein as we grow into older women, not less — I’d basically gone vegetarian and I guess it wasn’t working for me. So I started with an unwanted change of diet, a “red light therapy” helmet, and two toppers. It’s been six months and my hair has definitely started growing back in…but I still LOVE those toppers! So great to be able to set out for the day and not have to fix and fuss with my real hair. But I am saving them for winter, because in summer I’m afraid I’ll get too warm and feel like I’m wearing a hat. Yours look amazing, and I’d never know they were “hair help” if you hadn’t been so candid. With so many women losing hair due to COVID and menopause, these posts are probably going to be wonderful to so many ladies, including me. Thank you.
The wigs look great!
I love the wigs Mary Ann, and your whole approach to this evolution.
An acquaintance of mine has recently created an artist book that I think you might enjoy. She writes about it on her blog, https://www.karenlenerudd.com
I missed YOU….so very very MUCH!
Looking good!
dear mary ann,
i’ve been reading and enjoying your posts, poring over your art and heart here for at least a couple of years now and first need to say thank you for all the inspiration and beauty (of your art, photos and attitude) that you’ve shared with the world. thank you very much!
i’ve not commented here before mostly because i don’t often have access to a computer, my phone isn’t that smart right now and i’m not a tech-y person. but i am moved to write to you today because of this most recent post. as someone who began losing her hair in a very obvious way at age 21, i am (to use a gross expression, but it’s all that’s coming to mind right now) blown away by your openness about hair loss. for 45 years i’ve tried lots of things to treat and hide my hair loss as well as tears and, occasionally, anger. i probably will never wear a wig or topper because i’ve always had a “pixie”-style haircut. and i have a twin sister (who thankfully doesn’t have such hair loss); we get compared a lot by strangers and acquaintances, sometimes coworkers (definitely not family members or true friends) in many areas of our lives and it’s painful; added/different hair would only make that worse. plus i am in other ways a very casual person. i’m accepting (most days) that i will likely need to wear scarves at some point. not my style, but that’s the way it will probably go. anyway, your openness about a painful condition is so brave and kind and i sit here in tears and awe of the gift you have given to women (like me, who are so often told through ads and direct (rude) comments that hair equals femininity and will ensure a loving relationship with someone). there’s a lot more i could write about this topic, but will just say again thank you so much for your willingness to talk about something that most people (like me) cannot but would rather keep secret. your open heart and kindness are, like your art, wonderful gifts to the world (no doubt making you a terrific teacher and friend). and i am happy for you that people have responded to your own hair loss journey with respect and kindness. may God bless you even more!
happy, safe travels to you and your sister to the cotswalds.
sending a hug (if okay),
kathy
Kathy,
I’m pretty casual too and have sought out low density wigs & toppers that don’t look “wiggy” I can tell you that if you work up to wanting to give alternative hair a go, they make tons of pixie cut wigs that are rather fabulous. If you search “pixie wig reviews” or something similar on Youtube you’ll see what I mean. It’s just a matter of finding the right one. They also make very short toppers one can take to a hair stylist and have cut to match existing hair on the bottom. But of course scarves, hats, and radical acceptance of a bald head are also options. Thank goodness we have choices. I wish you much love and luck on your journey.
I have had bouts of alopecia for years where I would get a bald patch. Usually it was somewhere I could mostly hide it . These patches eventually would grow out. Supposedly this was caused by stress. During COVID I lost most of the hair on the back of my head. Going bald is a bad reaction to stress because it just causes more stress. I have reached my solution by getting my hair cut very short, I actually had the back and sides shaved. I loved it! For the first time in years I didn’t worry or even think about my hair. I’m trying to come to grips now with the fact that my genetic inheritance is male pattern baldness (both my sister and I have thinning hair) and I may actually end up totally bald. She has a topper and loves it. I’m just going natural so far.
I may eventually get my bio hair cut really short and just stick to wigs versus toppers. It’s all a great adventure. I think my hair loss is triggered by hashimotos (thyroid). I started losing hair in my 20’s. It’s not easy to look in the mirror and see more and more hair loss is it? Sounds like you’ve found a good solution that’s working for you. Keep me posted on your journey xo
Mary Ann, are they comfortable?
I am 75, with white hair, and worried because I’m gettingu thinner all the time! I don’t know how much hair I’ll have left before too long!
Fran
Dear Fran,
For the most part yes, they’re comfortable. The wigs have a steeper learning curve. Wearing them around the house a lot in the beginning was v.v. helpful. I feel very comfortable leaving the house in them now. No issues at all!
They make some really beautiful white toppers and wigs google “white hair toppers and wigs” and you’ll see what I mean. The next step is watch some Youtube videos. Lacie Rodriguez has a channel and has a lot of advice for new topper wearers. Good luck. Be persistent. A gorgeous head of white hair is within reach.
xo
All the pictures look so good, I never would have known you had “hair help” had you not said so. Thanks for the information. I don’t need it now, but one never knows what the future may bring.
You absolute STAR. Trail blazing with positive energy, a sense of curiosity and BAM! the World gets a bit brighter.
I’ve been dreaming of The Cotswolds, watching gardening shows on Britbox and waiting for your trip notes.
Sending applause and massive love.
Lisa! All the love backatcha! Won’t be long now until we’re there. Going to order a windbreaker raincoat and some waterproof shoes STAT.
I love them all! Good for you!
My friend never liked the texture of her hair and she gets hers cut very short and wears a wig and looks great. You look great in your wigs too!
Wow… you look gorgeous 😊 thanks for the info , my hair started falling out after I had Covid and although it stopped falling out now it left me with very thin hair… grateful for your clarity on this.
Susan,
A hair topper might be just the thing to restore the appearance of fullness. Have fun! My hair makes me feel wonderful. Such a pleasure when i see it in the mirror.
What a glorious world we live in!
I am 79 and have been wearing wigs since my late 50s. I love putting on a wig and presto I look good. Your toppers/wigs look great on you.
I’ll be you someday, Melva, with decades of hair wearing under my belt. The effect of hair on one’s appearance is remarkable.
They look great!! Yay for you…
Wig, Whig Schmigg-You look fab, as usual!!! Hope we can reconnect one of these days-we are probably going to sell our bricks and sticks because we LOVE living in 200 square feet of vintage camper! Back in Michigan for the summer, but the desert is always calling!!!!! I insist on an in person meeting this winter!!!!
It shall be granted! I love the idea of you and your true love toodling around with pugs in a vintage camper. Meant to be. xoxoxox
You have ALWAYS been a beautiful soul! It is heartwarming to see you so happy and radiant!
Oh my god! You look great in every photo- and dare I say- younger! Thank you for sharing your wig /hair loss journey with us. You are accepting the situation and even having fun with your new looks. Bravo!
A favorite quote of mine is “ if we accept our limitations , we can appreciate the many small miracles.”
Thank you, thank you Mary Ann your post couldn’t have come at a better time. I am on my hair loss journey too and all this information will come in handy as I will explore my options. You have given me the push ( positive attitude )I needed to get started and have fun with it! You look fab in each of your pictures.
I took on the wig-gig (with a topper) in 2021. This winter I stopped while I was in Florida. Mostly because my sister was ridiculing me…she’s just envious. I think I may take it on again but now with grey included in the solution. Thanks for the transparency. (LOL I like that word). NEW TOPIC! I found a bunch of old photo albums at a thrift store – which class of yours (I know it’s old) shows you gutting and re-paging the old photo albums? I will buy them one-by-one until I find it, but I’m very impatient. Carpe Diem you know? Please and Thank you.
Lori,
Your sister is foolish, ignore her. The class was Full Tilt Boogie! Have fun!
Thanks MAM!
They are very flattering and look great! How fun to be able to change your hair around!
congratulations on taking a big step that makes YOU feel better. looks great!!
Looking good! Best of all, I love seeing how they make you smile. I’m glad you’re back to blogging..or whatever they are calling it these days. I’ve missed receiving regular smoke signals from Moss Cottage. Looking forward to postcards from the Cottswolds.
Good for you — jumping into the wig world with both feel! What a trip, right? You are looking good with your new crowns of life and joy. You look great in the long ones, but I think the BT Newport is my favorite. Mostly I am delighted that you recording and sharing with us through your blog with photos and wonderful MAM sketches!
Sandy,
It’s my favorite too! And my newest. A great workhorse of a wig for work. I’m happy to be back to regular blogging. xo
How fun!!! I think you look great in every picture! Enjoy your new found hair!
I too love them all! Thank you for the update and for once more gracing the boring ole inbox with delight and curiosity.
Oh Beth, thank you. Hope you’re well in Florida (right?) Happy Friday xo
How wonderful to change your hairstyle as easily as you change a pair of shoes or your handbag! Looks like you’ve got some great options. Congratulations!
Thanks Lisa! It is a new creative experiment and very fun.
Would never have known if you hadn’t shared… how kind of you to do so👏
Took some courage in the beginning weeks, but now it’s no big deal. I want to be an advocate for others on their hairloss journey. Feels right.
I didn’t know toppers were a thing. Typing that sounds incredibly naive. 🙄 My concern would be to match my hair. Thanks for the info, they all look great.
Karen,
I was clueless about toppers too. Do a search on Instagram for hair toppers and see what you find. My favorite color are some of the grays I found. 2 of the toppers I showed are in the color Milkshake which is a brown/gray mix. It’s a perfect match to my bio hair. I can also pull out some of my bio hair in the front to blend in. I prefer the toppers with a large base. Lots of Youtube videos on toppers also. So good.
Rooting for you xoxo
Oh my gosh, I love this! All of it… except the need for it (a wig that is). I think it’s awesome to share your journey, your source for good hair, and that your speaking up about all of it. And can I add… you look marvelous! Bravo!
You are kind, Dede. Thank you. big waves and hugs to you down south of me…
You look lovely in all of them!
oh- I’m so excited to see this post-last year I had to take an oral chemo drug which wasn’t supposed to cause hair loss but since then my already thin hair has been falling out little by little and I haven’t had a clue even where or how to look for a solution-I willl check out the company you have found.. your wigs look great!
Janet,
There are so many places to look – Best Wig Outlet, Name Brand Wigs, Pattie’s Pearls, Frannie’s Hair, Shirley’s Wig Shoppe. Look for the 30% off sales and shop around. It’s a trial and error sort of thing. I’ve returned a lot. Persistence is the key.
Just recently saw Molly Tuttle in concert. She shared her herstory with alopecia and performed her last song sans wig. Like you, she is very beautiful and marvelously creative! ❤️👏
I love that! It’s a good thing to share these things for others who have similar stories. Shedding hair, but also light. Go Molly!
Love your hair! Love that YOU love your hair. Be happy and enjoy your flowing locks.
XO
You look fabulous, MAM!
Several years ago my friend lost her hair (chemo) and she found some terrific wigs at shops that cater to Orthodox Jewish women. In case you are looking for more.
XOXO
Thanks for the wonderful tip, Sandra!
I LOVE all of them!
Wow! Those pieces look absolutely natural and you look so confident and radiant. I’m on my own hair loss journey so thanks for the insight.
Are you related to the Cadburry bunny with a “d”? Lemme know dahling. As for the hair loss, it’s good to have options!