Psychological Challenges of Hair Loss - Vickie Lynn

The Psychological Challenges of Hair Loss—and Acceptance

Hi, I hope that all of you will see this weekly blog not only as a source of information but as a place to ask questions. If I can’t answer every one of them, I will find the answer. You will get facts about hair loss, wigs, and wig care, along with my personal experience, my trial and errors, and how I learned that asking questions saves you a lot of time and money. I had to take this journey alone and I don’t want anyone else to do it that way.


As a way of introduction, I will share a bit of my journey here, but I know that everyone has a story, and your story may be very different from mine. I promise you that future blogs won’t be all about me. I want it to be about you and your stories if you want to share, and all about how wigs can help you enhance your look and give you back your confidence. There is more than one reason for wearing a wig, and for some of you reading this, you might just like wearing wigs for the convenience and to change up your look. Some of you may be going through a health challenge that will resolve and your hair loss might resolve along with it. Whatever your reason, I hope this blog will become a resource for you.

As you all likely know by now, there are many reasons for hair loss, and I will be talking about them in my blogs to follow. My loss started some weeks after I had surgery, a hysterectomy. I will never forget looking down in the shower and seeing long strands of my hair, lots of it, on the shower floor. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. Shock, confusion, worry, all those things followed and eventually led me to a doctor—the first of several visits looking for answers. On this first visit, I was told it was only temporary due to the hormonal shift post-surgery and it would grow back. It never really did. The tremendous volume of shedding eased up, but I was thirty-three years old and before that, I had a lot of hair. Fine though my hair was, I had always had plenty of it. As time went on my hair just seemed to get even more fine, and the thinning-shedding kicked in again when I was fifty. I tried a few over-the-counter things along the way, which did not help at all. I bounced around from denial to hoping for a miracle. Neither state of mind was a good one.


One day, the day that deep down I knew would always come, I accepted that I couldn’t go on as I was because I had started to notice that people’s eyes began to look more often at my hair. Every week it took me longer to do all kinds of things to cover the thinning areas every morning before I could go to work. I couldn’t kid myself about this any longer, I was losing my hair, and likely forever. But optimists don’t even up easily. So, surely, this could be fixed somehow, I told myself. I decided to go to an expert, maybe a hair transplant was the answer. Yes, I was still in a bit of denial, and back to the doctor, I went. This time only to find a doctor who was not at all interested in me or my hair loss issues unless he could use me as a hair transplant patient. Once he looked at me for a grand total of two minutes, he decided I was not a candidate and that was it. He couldn’t get out of the exam room fast enough. I was a waste of his time. He had offered no help, hope, suggestions, or referrals, and I left there feeling more alone and disappointed than went I went in—and I was angry now, a new emotion to add to my list.

After I finally faced the fact that no one had answers or at least no answers that I wanted to hear, and that no help was coming, I did as much research as I could on my own. What I found was not good. It looked more and more as if I had the markers of male-pattern-baldness. And as bizarre as it sounds, a sense of calm settled over me that I still don’t totally understand to this day. I can only conclude that it was having an answer finally. Yes, it was a terrible answer, but at least I knew what I had to deal with, and I could go forward. I decided that if this was my fate then I would make the best of it. Yes, that old optimist gene kicked in and I welcomed it.

I started my wig research shortly after facing the facts. I first went with the topper. I learned early on that it was not for me. I did not have the skill to style it or attach it in such a way to make it look realistic. Some people do—I am not skilled in that way, and I graduated very quickly from a topper to a full wig. As luck would have it (and I felt I was due some by then), I was offered a new job at my former company. I had not seen them in years, and this was the perfect opportunity to go in with a new wig, a new look, and a new me. By then I had gone through several wigs and several styles and educated myself about fibers, caps, synthetic hair, friendly fibers-heat allowable hair, human hair, and the care of all of these. Sometimes it is helpful to be a writer and researcher.

Once I settled on the right wig for me, it didn’t take me long to get over the fact that I was “oh, I am wearing a wig.” Very soon in the process, I stopped thinking about it and wondering if anyone could tell. The only looks and compliments that were coming my way were all about how much they liked my color, cut, etc. I never told anyone outside my immediate family and best friend. No one. I had more than one person every week ask me who did my hair. I knew then that I had found the right wig. In this particular case, it was “Muse” by Raquel Welch. I have since branched out, but I still have the Muse wig in my collection, in two colors. This brings up another topic that I will address in my next blog or two. How to pick the right wig? Is it better to have two or three lower priced ones versus spending the money for a higher-end wig? I will tell you what I did and why in my next blog. One thing I will tell you now: ask the experts. When you are buying online that is so very important. Be sure that you understand the importance of cap construction, what you can live with or just can’t live with, your budget, the amount of wear you expect from a wig, and many other things that will make or break your wig experience.

That is my story, but the point of the title—the psychological challenges, well that is the “big story”, and the challenges will be different for everyone. The acceptance process will be different for everyone also. No matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, or always confident or not so much, losing one’s hair is a huge issue. Your hair has been with you all your life, it has been a part of your identity, the way people see you, and who they think you are to some degree. Now your own hair is betraying you—your body is betraying you. How you deal with that can make a big difference in your life, but you will need to deal with that, and how you do that will depend not only on the reason for your hair loss but how much support you have. I am not a psychologist, but one of my best friends is, and I didn’t even talk to her about my experience for a long time, and after I had dealt with it all myself. If you have someone to talk to it can really help, even if they know nothing about wigs. But to get real help for picking a wig.

I hope that my blog can help you going forward. In the meantime, if you are new to wig wearing, or not so new and still have questions, I am here to help, this company is focused on helping you on your journey and will assist you in finding the right wigs for you and your life. Wigs are done so well now that there is no reason for you to ever tell anyone that you are wearing a wig unless you want to do that.

Until next week, I’m looking good in my “The Real Deal” by Raquel Welch. In the meantime, please let me know what questions you would like to see covered in the upcoming blogs by emailing me at vickie@wigstudio1.com. 
If you have questions regarding an order, personal consultation, return, etc., please be sure to email support@wigstudio1.com.


Vickie Lynn

Ellen Wille Blues Silverblonde Rooted

Ellen Wille Blues Silverblonde Rooted

Hi and welcome back to my blog here at Wigstudio1.com. Are you looking or a fun super low density style, then you might take a look at Ellen Wille Blues!  Read More…
February 07, 2021 — Eileen Franklin
CrazyWigLady's Blog Tressallure Lana Frosty Blonde HL

CrazyWigLady's Blog Tressallure Lana Frosty Blonde HL

Hi and welcome back to my blog here at Wigstudio1.com! Have you ever had a wig that you thought was great but yet you never hear anyone talking about it or see many reviews on it? Well this is that wig for me! First, if you have watched any of my reviews on my YouTube channel, CrazyWigLady, you know I love Tressallure wigs, I think they make some of the most beautiful fibers and lace fronts in the business! These fibers are like silk, they look and feel so natural. I have reviewed this wig for my channel in a different shade, to see that review click here. I asked the ladies at Wigstudio1 if I could review this style for the Wigstudio1YouTube channel because I wanted you all to see what a great style this is, I will link that video at the end of this blog. 
The style of Lana is a feminine layered style that is out of the box perfect, just throw it on and go! Lana has a 4.5 inch fringe, a crown of 5.25" and a 3" nape and it weighs 2.4 oz. I can't express enough how soft these fibers are, truly a super natural feel. The color Frosty Blonde HL is shown below in outdoor lighting.
This color is highlighted with pearl platinum over shades of dark and medium honey blonde. The highlights are concentrated a bit heavier around the face which I always enjoy, they light up your face.
The cap construction consists of a lace front and left mono part; there is some permatease for lift but I did not find it overwhelming. 
Lana has closed ear tabs, velcro adjusters and is open wefted for coolness. 
Below are a few more photos of Frosty Blonde HL, as you can see the highlights are placed beautifully. 
If you would like a short, sassy, fun style keep Lana in mind. Please join us in our private Facebook group, Wigstudio1 Wig and Topper Support Group. Also, please subscribe to our YouTube channel as we upload almost daily! I will insert the full video review of this style so you can see all the wonderful features of Lana! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, check back often as I usually post two to three times a month! 
xoxo
CrazyWigLady
January 02, 2021 — Eileen Franklin
CrazyWigLady's Blog Tressallure Angled Bob 27/30/33H

CrazyWigLady's Blog Tressallure Angled Bob 27/30/33H

Hi and welcome back to my blog here at Wigstudio1.com! This year, 2020, has been a challenge to all of us, in so many ways all our lives have been altered. I promised myself that this would be the year I would take on new challenges, I would try new things and embrace them; well that included trying new colors and styles of wigs! If you follow me on my YouTube channel you know that in the past I mainly reviewed blonde and grey shades, I changed all that in 2020. I have always admired people who could wear red hair, I love the deep richness or the vibrant hues of red shades, so I decided to give them a try. I can now say I am completely sold on red hair, I have been trying and reviewing reds most of this year and love this Tressallure, Angled Bob in the gorgeous color 27/30/33H.
I have grown to love bob styles and own many, they just seem to work for so many face shapes and can easily go from day to night by just adding simple hair
accessories. Angled Bob is made from heat friendly fibers so make sure to keep your styling tools under 320 degrees. 
 
Don't forget that wigs work great with hats!
The cap construction for Angled Bob consists of a lace front that extends into the ear tabs, it is open wefted and has a non extended nape with velcro adjusters. In my opinion Tressallure has stepped us their game with the lace fronts; I have had several of the new styles and all the lace fronts have been beautiful!
The specs form Angled bob are, bang 5 - 7.5, crown 6.5 - 7.5 and a 2" nape.This color 27/30/33H, is such a vibrant red, I loved it the minute I put it on! Below are some outdoor photos of this color!
Now let me show you this color indoors. Keep in mind many times the colors seem brighter indoors due to the lighting that is required to make our videos, that is why I think it is so important to show you the color in both indoor and outdoor lighting! This color 27/30/33H is described as an auburn blend highlighted color. The color codes tell us that 27 is a strawberry blonde, 30 a light auburn and 33 a dark auburn; so this is indeed a beautiful blended color! Also, Angled Bob is available in around 22 shades.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today here at Wigstudio1.com, please see all the Tressallure styles available on our website. If you would like to see a full video review of this style please click here. Also, please join us in our private Facebook group, Wigstudio1 Wig and Topper Support Group. Be sure to check back here often for more fun blogs!
xoxo
CrazyWigLady
December 07, 2020 — Eileen Franklin
CrazyWigLady's Blog Smoky Rose by Estetica Designs shown on the wig Jett

CrazyWigLady's Blog Smoky Rose by Estetica Designs shown on the wig Jett

Welcome back to the CrazyWigLady blog here at Wigstudio1.com. I'm excited to show you a style that has been around awhile but in a very new color, Smoky Rose. Estetica Designs Jett is a best seller and we all know why, its adorable, a true "out of the box" style that you can throw on and go, in my book it's a classic! I first reviewed Jett a few years back and fell in love with this sort sassy style, when I got the opportunity to review it again in a fun fashion color I couldn't wait! Right now fashion colors are all the rage, why not try one? In my opinion, Smoky Rose is a wearable color; if you have been wanting to try a pink but like me you are afraid it might not be age appropriate, I would encourage you to have a look at Smoky Rose. The color is soft enough to not be too "out there" for those of us that are a bit older but still want to be a little trendy. 

I'm going to insert a few styling ideas, you can never go wrong with a headband, a small clip and don't forget to pick up some styling cream, this one will love it! A very small amount is all that is need to create texture and separation of the fibers.

 

Jett features a beautiful lace front that allows this style to be worn on or off the face.

Above are photos of Estetica Designs Jett in Smoky Rose in outdoor lighting. Estetica describes this color as Platinum blonde & rosewood blend with a soft warm glow. As I've said before we all see color differently, I don't think this is a smoky color, it is more of a rose gold blonde with some pink strands throughout. It is a beautiful color but it isn't smoky (in my opinion). Below are some photos of Smoky Rose in indoor lighting.

 Now let me show you the inside of the cap for Jett.

 

  

Look at that deep lace front, it is undetectable! There is some permatease in the top so you can get lift and really spike this up! Jett has closed ear tabs with stays, open wefted an open extended nape with velcro adjusters. The specs are bang 4.25, side 1.5, crown 3, nape 1.75. I love the short nape, it stays close to the neck and does not lift when moving your head. Also, this style fit me large, I have a 21 1/4 inch head circumference, by using the adjusters I was able to get a great fit. If you decide Smoky Rose isn't for you Jett is available in 23 shades, there is something for everyone! If you would like to see my full video review of this style and color please click here. Also, please don't forget to join us in our private Facebook Group, Wigstudio1 Wig and Topper Support Group, we have wig sales every Sunday and live sales twice a month. We are also on Instagram where we post twice daily. Thanks for stopping by the blog and I'll see ya next time!

xoxo

CrazyWigLady

 

CrazyWigLady's Blog Henry Margu Skylar 16H

CrazyWigLady's Blog Henry Margu Skylar 16H

Hi and welcome back to the CrazyWigLady blog here at Wigstudio1! I am so happy you stopped by the blog today to have a look at this adorable style from Henry Margu, Skylar in the color 16H. I know the weather is cooling off but I still love a fun pixie in the cold weather just as much as I do in the hot summer. One reason is during the cooler months we wear lots of layers, coats, sweaters and scarves, many longer styles will rub against my clothing causing the ends to fray a bit; but a pixie will stay looking great throughout the winter months. Skylar is part of the Henry Margu Naturally Yours Professional Collection and is available in around 25 shades. If you are looking for a nice blended blonde you might like 16H, this is not a chunky highlighted style but more of a blended ash blonde with wheat highlights.

 

Skylar has a short 2 inch nape, the bang is 2.5, top 2 1/4 - 3 3/4 inches and the back is 1 3/4 - 3 3/4. The nape on this style stays snug to the neck with no lifting.

 Here are a couple more views of Skylar showing the color 16H.

This style is just begging for some piece out cream or styling spray to create some fun texture and separate the fibers. In my opinion these styles are worn best messy and fun, spike it up, put a small clip in the front, add a headband, make it your own! 

 

Above are some photos of 16H in outdoor lighting. Again, this is an ash blonde with wheat/blonde highlights. (The website describes the highlights as platinum however my eye sees more wheat than platinum). Also, if you find the fibers too shiny a bit of dry shampoo will help as well as washing. 

 Above are a few photos of Skylar in 16H in indoor lighting. Now let me show you the beautiful cap construction on Skylar.

How beautiful is this cap? Look at that large mono top and the contoured lace front, there is a hand tied section and open wefting. This cap has it all! I found this one fit me a tad large, I have a 21 1/4 head circumference but can use the adjusters to get a great fit. These mono tops are wonderful on short styles, I love to spike up the front and you can basically spike up the entire top of this without fear of any wefting showing! Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today on the blog, I hope you enjoyed this short review of Henry Margu Skylar in 16H, if you would like to see my full video review you can click here. Also, please follow Wigstudio1 on Instagram, we post twice daily! Thanks again for joining me and I'll see ya next time!

xoxo

CrazyWigLady

October 12, 2020 — Eileen Franklin