Wig or No Wig: What I Learned After 10+ Years of Wearing Them
If you’d told me back in my early 20s that one day I’d become comfortable talking about wigs, I would’ve laughed nervously and changed the subject.
Because in those early years, wigs were my secret. My shield. My “don’t look too closely at me” disguise.
But after more than a decade of wearing wigs- through the awkward learning curve, the emotional ups and downs, and the eventual acceptance- I’ve realized something huge: it was never really about the hair. It was about learning to accept myself, with or without it.
Today, I want to share what I’ve learned from 10+ years of wearing wigs: the good, the bad, and the surprisingly beautiful parts of the journey.
My First Wig: A Lion’s Mane and a Lesson in Humility
When I first started losing my hair in my teens, I managed to get by with shorter cuts and strategic styling. But by the time I was 22 and starting my first full-time job in a new city, my confidence was shot. I didn’t know anyone there, and I thought, This is my chance to start over.
So, I bought my first wig.
It was a short, synthetic piece with thick bangs- so full it could’ve had its own zip code. I looked like a lion, and not in a fierce, “hear me roar” kind of way.
I felt uncomfortable, unnatural, and even more self-conscious than before. The irony? The thing I bought to help me feel confident made me feel like I was less like myself than my rapidly thinning hair.
That wig taught me my first big lesson: confidence can’t be manufactured. It takes time, trial, and a lot of self-compassion.
From Hiding to Healing: How My Relationship with Wigs Changed
For years, I wore wigs because I had to. It was survival mode. I was terrified of people finding out about my hair loss, so every strand had to look perfect.
But as I started to do the deeper emotional healing around my alopecia, my self-worth, and the beliefs I’d carried since I was a teenager- I realized my wig wasn’t just hair. It was a symbol of how I wanted to be seen.
Wearing a wig shifted from something I did to hide myself… to something I did to express myself.
Some days I wear one because I love how it looks. Other days I go without because I don’t feel like it. That freedom to choose is the most healing part of all.
The Real Talk: Pros & Cons of Wearing Wigs
Let’s be honest: wigs are wonderful, but they’re not magic. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Pros:
Instantly restores the look of full hair.
Gives you the freedom to style, colour, and experiment safely.
Can help you feel “put together” when confidence is low.
Protects bio hair from damage.
Can be a creative outlet for self-expression.
Cons:
Can be hot, itchy, or uncomfortable, especially in warm weather.
High-quality wigs and toppers can be expensive.
Maintenance takes effort: washing, styling, storage, adhesives.
Emotional fatigue is real. Sometimes you just don’t want to put on a wig.
Can become a crutch for confidence if you never go without it.
For me, the goal has never been to quit wearing wigs. It’s been to make peace with both versions of myself. The version in a wig, and the version without it.
My Top Tips for Choosing a Wig or Topper
After years of trial and error (and a few bad purchases I’d like to forget), here are my best tips:
Know your lifestyle: If you’re active or live somewhere warm, focus on comfort and lightweight materials.
Understand cap construction: Lace front, monofilament, silk top- each one affects realism, comfort, and cost.
Choose color and density wisely: A lower density and subtle rooting will always look more natural.
Synthetic vs. Human Hair: Synthetics are lower-maintenance and more affordable; human hair is customizable and lasts longer.
Get it customized: A professional trim or colour tone adjustment makes a world of difference.
Work with someone who understands hair loss: Find a stylist, wig consultant, or hair loss coach who gets it.
At Hair Loss Pride, I help women find pieces that not only fit physically, but also emotionally. It’s not just about what looks good; it’s about what makes you feel like you again.
What 10+ Years of Wigs Have Taught Me
Here’s what I know for sure:
You are not your wig.
Confidence doesn’t live in your hair. It lives in your heart.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
No matter what’s on your head, you are still beautiful, worthy, and whole.
Wig or No Wig, You’re Still You
Whether you wear a wig, a topper, a scarf, or nothing at all, you get to decide how you want to show up in the world.
That choice is your power.
If you’ve ever struggled with the decision to wear a wig or not, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s keep breaking down the shame around hair loss, one conversation at a time.
