Middle School: Where It All Began
Emily’s wig journey began in middle school after she lost her hair to Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. At the time, the wig options were unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. Pair that with the cruelty of middle school kids, and it was a deeply traumatic experience. Time has given her perspective — and a little humor — but it’s also left her wanting to gently hug the girl she used to be and say: One day, you’ll be bald and proud — and you’ll wear wigs because you choose to, not because you have to.
College and the Decision to Go Full-Time
For a brief period, Emily’s hair began to grow back. But during her college years, it fell out again. This time, she chose a different path. Instead of chasing treatments and injections, she committed to wearing wigs full-time. She wanted to stop fighting her reflection and start living her life.
The shift wasn’t instant confidence. She still battled shame and self-consciousness. At first, wigs felt like a disguise — like she was hiding. But slowly, what once felt like concealment began to feel like control. Not a mask, but a choice.
Learning to Be Open
Emily realized that being open about her alopecia — and about wearing wigs — actually made her feel more comfortable. When she stopped hiding, she felt more at ease in her own skin.
"I didn't have to hide any part of myself."
Motherhood and Authenticity
Motherhood gave Emily a deeper sense of purpose, and with it, a desire to live authentically — not only for herself, but for her son and the family she’s building. These days, if a stranger compliments her hair, she smiles and says, “Thanks! It’s a wig!” No embarrassment, no awkwardness. Just honesty.
After all, society has normalized fake nails, fake lashes, cosmetic procedures, and enhancements of every kind — so why not fake hair too? There are countless reasons people wear wigs, and Emily believes that the more we normalize it, the easier it becomes for the next person who may need one. If she can help make that path less intimidating for someone else, she will blaze the trail!
From the 90s to Now: So Many Better Options
The wig world has changed dramatically since the 90s. Back then, choices were limited and often unrealistic. Today, the options are endless. Emily has worn long and short, dark and blonde — styles she never would have imagined for herself years ago.
Favorite Styles and Brands Over the Years
In college and beyond, Emily wore a Raquel Welch human hair piece named Knockout. During COVID, and after meeting her fiancé, she felt inspired to branch out. He made her feel beautiful and completely accepted — and that sense of security transformed the way she approached her wig journey.
Her first lace front was Raquel Welch Miles of Style, and she was instantly hooked. She felt stunning. Since then, Emily has experimented with many styles, colors, and brands, and she’s eager to keep exploring. She’s also learning to work with heat-friendly fibers — the idea of getting more versatility and longevity out of her wigs is especially appealing.
The Reality of Daily Wig Life
She’s come to appreciate the simplicity of her wig routine — the ease, the efficiency, the way it streamlines her mornings. And yet, after nearly 20 years of daily wear, she’ll tell you there’s no better feeling than finally taking it off at the end of a long day.
For affordable, everyday pieces, Emily loves Rene of Paris. For glamorous looks and special occasions, Raquel Welch remains her go-to.
More Than Hair
Emily describes herself as multifaceted. Alopecia is part of her story. Wigs are part of her identity. But they are not the whole picture.
They’re just one beautiful layer of who she is.
