The importance of hair?

[SophiaW]

Hi everyone.
Watching people, it seems the first thing people look at in a person to define gender is the hair.
I have thin hair on top, and have had one hair implant, but its still thin.
Really don't want to wear a wig for the rest of my life.
It's like being an actor performing on a stage and playing a role, then taking the wig off at the end of performance.
Hair Doctors have said I'll never have enough hair to pass as a woman's hair, and now I don't know how to proceed.
I just can't face wearing a wig forever. Yes, I know some women have short hair, but how do the rest of you feel?
There are many of you with a lot less natural hair than me.
Yes, there is artificial bio-fibre hair, but that can't be cut and needs checks all the time....for the rest of your life. No way, again.

So what's your feelings on this?

[Ms Grace]

I'd rather not have to wear a wig, but I really need to, there's no way I would pass otherwise. And I understand what you mean about feeling like an actress and hanging the wig up at the end of the day's production...but if it's a choice between that and looking gorgeous or the total opposite then the wig is going to win. Been wearing it for two years now and seriously it is just part of my getting ready routine, it's no different than the clothes I wear, it's comfortable and looks natural and, judging by the comments I get from women and men, no one seems to realise. Until they can do scalp transplants or totally reverse MPB then that is the lay of the land and I've just had to accept it as much as I'd like it otherwise.

[Lady_Oracle]

I'm probably the worst person to comment on this since like my hair is half of my identity in a way lol. I'm just really caffeinated right now and want to post and I love talking about hair stuffs...When I started transition 6 years ago I had super short hair and like it took forever to grow out since it's kinky/afro textured hair. It took almost 4 years for it to get past my shoulders. I went through an extreme awkward hair growth phase too in the beginning and I used a wig during that time. I was professionally fitted for the wig so that helped tons and I got a really great quality one, made all the difference in the world. I really love wigs honestly, the concept of easily wearing diff styles and colors has always appealed to me. I don't have the hair type thats currently fashionable unless I use heat, which is a big nono for my type of hair. Anyways my "beauty" is partly due to how unique my hair in itself is, how long it is and so it definitely adds to my "passing status" IMO hair is pretty important.

sorry for the ramble

To be fair hrt did a great job regrowing what I was beginning to lose, I gained back my hairline fully. I know your case is far different from mine but hrt helps loads with regrowth so you might be surprised. It takes years and years to see a big difference but it can happen. Diet can help a lot as well, along side with vitamins like biotin.

[Megan.]

Sophia, I'm a bit behind you, had a transplant to my crown 2 months ago, and now waiting... Even if that takes well, I doubt I'll ever have good hair up top. Are you on HRT yet? Alot of girls have seen some regrowth and also thickening of existing hair. I'm hoping I'd get the same too. I also don't like taking off my wig at the end of the day, and it will be a big factor in me choosing to fully transition.

[Dena]

Depending on your facial structure, you may be able to go without a wig. Many women on chemo pull off the look. Hats, sock hats and scarves in feminine colors can be used as well. I wore a wig while I was growing my hair out and I understand how uncomfortable they can be. In my case it was worst because my head was larger than the largest wig cap and it was always a little on the tight side even for the few hours I would wear it.

[JoanneB]

I'm in the same bare boat as Ms Grace, a member of the MPB club since age 14. Just another great Trans-Irony in my life. For me it is no more of a hassle then a bra or makeup. It's what I need to do. It is all part of what makes me feel great being me

[Sarah leah]

It is a hard one as I work with a lot of women in my line of work and until recently did not know that one of the other workers has worn a wig for years. She looks very attractive with it so it helps but a good wig is just as good if you get it fitted.

I started to grow my hair two years ago as I prepare to transition in the next few months so it was a way for me to build up to it all. I am worried about it too as my temples are bad

[barbie]

As I am getting aged, one of my concerns is of course hair loss. I have taken finasteride during the fast few week for a kind of preemptive strike to potential hair loss. Sometimes I apply minoxidil, too.

Now I am curious about castor oil:

http://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/castor-oil-hair-growth

barbie~~

[LizK]

I am having my 6 week review after having 1250 follicle implants and will have another 1250 in Feb once this current lot have healed correctly. I will never have the hair of a cis female but I will have enough not to wear a wig. I will end up spending somewhere around 12K by the time I am done but I will NOT have to wear a wig.

Sophia I hear you I was out yesterday and the very last thing to go on was the wig and it was at that point I felt like I was wearing a costume. I would think in the next 12 months I might get away without a wig but it will depend on how well the second lot of Implants go. My Dr told me the day he did the first lot that I may not need the second. It will be September before I know but I can see a heap of hair starting to grow.

There are a couple of things that cause me a whole heap of grief, one of the biggest is my hair, I could have used the money for FFS but in my case I had had so much reconstructive surgery over the years that I don't know that I could stand it anymore and I have limited funds so its about where I can get my best "relief". It wouldn't matter how much surgery I had it woulkd take a miracle to make me passable...but then I am not really that fussed whether I am passable or not because I am doing all of this for me and no one else.

I guess its an individual thing and different things press different peoples "happy buttons"

Liz

[suzifrommd]

Millions of cis women wear wigs every day. They don't feel like they're putting on a performance. It's just one other way they beautify themselves, like putting on makeup and jewelry.

I wear a wig pretty much every day unless I'm going to be outdoors, in which case I wear a hat. Not optimal, but then no woman, cis or trans,  likes everything about her looks.

[SophiaW]

Thanks everyone.
Yes, wigs can make the difference between passing and failing, but I find it's a chore, and not natural.
I've been on hrt for 3 years, and it has made a little difference.
For me, it's experiencing the freedom to go out as you are, and not wearing a costume, as such.

When I have a day off work, it's great to just wear my own hair and relax, and not think I have to wear the wig to conform to a "norm".
If the sun is shining, I like to feel it's warmth on my own head, and not a pile of artificial hair.
Strong winds, walking and swimming are all better with natural hair, I feel.

This is the one major obstacle to the transition, yet not much attention is paid to it by the medical services, and people are left to their own devices.

Yes, castor oil is meant to work.
Also, these might too:
Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils
MSM powder.
Vitamin E oil
Amla oil
Black seed oil
Almond oil
Coconut oil

I use these, mixed together in small quatities, on my head twice weekly, and it does give a little life to it.

[HeatherR]

are you currently, have you, or are you considering finasteride?  I've had some regrowth after taking it.  Also, take a look at "Invati" by Aveda.  I have several clients who swear by it.

[SophiaW]

Yes, thanks; tried finasteride, but I was told it works by cutting down the production of testosterone, but as I have virtually none, due to 3 monthly injections of an anti-androgen, it would have no effect.

Thanks for mentioning Invadi. I'm using the "Lee Stafford" Hair-growth range of products, which seem to have the same effect, but apart from a little added bounce, little else to be seen yet.

This journey is not a happy one.

[Mariah]

I like many others have needed a wig to pass. Yes, my hair is filling and filling nicely but it is hard to say how long I will have wait tell I can shed the wig. My wig is just part of my getting ready in the morning routine. it feels just as natural as using makeup to me. It's been a blessing that I should have kept in mind during my first transition and been more excepting of the idea hen. Hugs
Mariah

[stephaniec]

Sorry, I hope I don't get in trouble , but I couldn't resist

[LizK]

OMG Flashback....thanks Stephaniec Loved it when I first saw it and nothing has changed after all these years.

I get the idea that a wig just becomes part of the Natural "getting your look together" for the day. I am always totally conscious of it. Once my implants have some growth and I can style my hair in a feminine way then that is exactly what I will do...a little thin or not...I can still choose to wear a wig to change my look but when I want to go swimming or put my Helmet on, it would be just about impossible with a wig along with a number of other things that I find a little tricky.

I have what appears to be a "crew cut" mixed with long hairs around the top and frontal part of my hair. This is the new hair from the implants coming through and it will be a further 6 months before they are long enough to blend in. If this doesn't give me the volume then I will have another round on implants. What I am saying is despite my hate of wigs I am going to need to wear one for at least the next 12 months...sigh We all feel our Dysphoria in different ways and hair is a big one for me...I am going to get it all removed permanently from my body. I will most likely have laser on my body to have it permanently removed. Shaving/waxing/epilating body hair all just suck.

Liz