Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Have any MtF's on here ever thought about just wearing a wig? Surely it is easier.

Even as a physical male I've done all the hair care process. Washing, conditioning, drying, straightening etc.

Anybody else ever think the whole vanity process takes too long?

HEAT!  OMG THE HEAT!

And then the sweat and the inevitable zits where the band hits your forehead.  All the time wondering if some brat is going to reach up and rip it off yer head.

I was so glad when my wig days were done.  I kept my workhorse one as a momento, but it has been retired.

As for the morning routine some days, well days I wake up late, I punt on the makeup.  Other than that I don't mind.

Quote from: Misato on July 28, 2013, 03:33:51 PM
HEAT!  OMG THE HEAT!

And then the sweat and the inevitable zits where the band hits your forehead.  All the time wondering if some brat is going to reach up and rip it off yer head.

I was so glad when my wig days were done.  I kept my workhorse one as a momento, but it has been retired.

As for the morning routine some days, well days I wake up late, I punt on the makeup.  Other than that I don't mind.

Actually, yeah I didn't consider the heat. I imagine that would get pretty damn uncomfortable.

Many of us also care a lot about realism (sometimes even face-to-face up close), and wigs don't always cut it there. (pun intended)

So, no offense but I'll take the extra care over "wiggy" appearance any day.

Quote from: ZoeM on July 28, 2013, 03:36:54 PM
Many of us also care a lot about realism (sometimes even face-to-face up close), and wigs don't always cut it there. (pun intended)

So, no offense but I'll take the extra care over "wiggy" appearance any day.

Oh none taken, and it wasn't meant as an offensive statement. I was thinking about how I'd handle my own transition, and I know there are ultra realistic wigs. And when it comes to vanity, I'm just that lazy lol. But I don't really fancy an overheating brain.

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 03:28:10 PM
Have any MtF's on here ever thought about just wearing a wig? Surely it is easier.

Even as a physical male I've done all the hair care process. Washing, conditioning, drying, straightening etc.

Anybody else ever think the whole vanity process takes too long?

What do you think cis-girls do?

Quote from: Nicolette on July 28, 2013, 03:41:27 PM
What do you think cis-girls do?

Way, way too much!

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 03:42:35 PM
Way, way too much!

+1 Right answer.   :laugh:

I hated wigs, gave me a headache and never seemed secure enough.  I have naturally curly hair and so long as I put the right product on it to keep it under control, care is easy, only wash it once a week and mostly let it do its thing, so I don't spend more than five minutes a day average on it.

Quote from: Ralph on July 28, 2013, 03:54:51 PM
I hated wigs, gave me a headache and never seemed secure enough.  I have naturally curly hair and so long as I put the right product on it to keep it under control, care is easy, only wash it once a week and mostly let it do its thing, so I don't spend more than five minutes a day average on it.

I have an afro and my god when I used to manage it it needed the strongest anti-fizz shampoo and conditioner and the absolute best hair straighteners on the market. Anything that wasn't GHD's or as powerful as GHD's was trouble!

My natural hair makes up one huge chunk of my female identity. I have a female hairline and I want to show that off as much as I can. And I love styling my hair in the morning. I experimented with a wig at the start of my transition. Sorry, but it made me feel fake and made me sweat. As soon as I got my hair professionally styled, I gave the wig to my boyfriend.. My real hair is my freedom, femininity, confidence and beauty.

Yes the heat.  And I live in the South!  If I ever do wigs again, ill have to move to Alaska or the North Pole!  There a wig would be a plus to me.

My 2 cents

Kay

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 04:03:07 PM
I have an afro and my god when I used to manage it it needed the strongest anti-fizz shampoo and conditioner and the absolute best hair straighteners on the market. Anything that wasn't GHD's or as powerful as GHD's was trouble!

And then humidity and rain will make it curl right back up, which was the case with a black girlfriend. Ever thought about hair extensions?

Quote from: Nicolette on July 28, 2013, 04:15:03 PM
And then humidity and rain will make it curl right back up, which was the case with a black girlfriend. Ever thought about hair extensions?

Yeah I went on holiday to Florida a few years back. Suffice it to say hours of hair styling was wasted as soon as I left the hotel lol!

Funnily enough it was my sisters hair extensions that made gave me the idea that if half her hair is going to be extensions, why not just wear a wig and be done with it?

I imagine that I'll just get back into the habit of styling it again when I start the transition. I'd like to see what my hair looks like when I'm juiced up on E ;) (for the record I do mean the hormone, not the drugs!)

My electrologist wanted me to get extensions and stuff, I just can't be bothered with all the trouble , it gets to 110 here, plus all the work in the morning to put it in and the money to buy it, I can hardly afford food each month  :( I just work with  what I have and be done with it.

I'm probably doomed to a wig as I'm seriously receding. I've looked into transplant options, but they seem hellishly expensive--that and I'm not sure I have enough to transplant. :(<--[sad, bald smiley girl]

Maddy

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 04:19:43 PM
Yeah I went on holiday to Florida a few years back. Suffice it to say hours of hair styling was wasted as soon as I left the hotel lol!

Funnily enough it was my sisters hair extensions that made gave me the idea that if half her hair is going to be extensions, why not just wear a wig and be done with it?

I imagine that I'll just get back into the habit of styling it again when I start the transition. I'd like to see what my hair looks like when I'm juiced up on E ;) (for the record I do mean the hormone, not the drugs!)

Just remembered my own experience with hair extensions. These were the ones glued into your own hair. They are high maintenance and you need them serviced often, otherwise the glue starts showing. I started hating them really quickly and was very relieved when I had them removed.

Quote from: Nicolette on July 28, 2013, 04:43:42 PM
Just remembered my own experience with hair extensions. These were the ones glued into your own hair. They are high maintenance and you need them serviced often, otherwise the glue starts showing. I started hating them really quickly and was very relieved when I had them removed.

That sounds awful. For me it would have to be all natural or all artificial. If heat weren't an issue with wigs then I'd probably just shave my head and wear them instead.

I've got extensions now, glued in ones.  Not particularly high maintenance, save for the six or seven hours in the chair every eight weeks to manage the bonds.  That includes the dye job to match my hair to the extensions.

My problem is the expense.  I got them when I had money and I'm stuck with that afforementioned upkeep now.  I'll be so glad when my own hair is long enough...  But without them, I'd be back to a wig cause my long hair is my security blanket.

I guess how willing I am to keep finding the funds is a testament to how much I can't stand wigs.

You can come up with a low maintenance regimen for your hair if you don't want to take forever on it.  I think playing with hairstyles is a lot of fun though, maybe try to find some enjoyment in it?  I know that isn't for everybody, but regarding wigs being an answer, I am pretty sure good, expensive wigs take just as much work, if not more, than real hair to look good, and those are the only ones that won't look "wiggy." 

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 03:28:10 PM
Have any MtF's on here ever thought about just wearing a wig? Surely it is easier.

Even as a physical male I've done all the hair care process. Washing, conditioning, drying, straightening etc.

Anybody else ever think the whole vanity process takes too long?

I don't really have a choice, my hair is so thin on top no matter how much I would try and let it grow out - well it's just not happening.

I've actually got two at the moment - but I just ordered a third one that's "shorter" - I had initially went with ones that had enough hair to ponytail, but learning how to do hair after all these years is low on the things to do list - so hopefully this shorter one will be quicker to "get on and go" for me.

I don't really have any issues with it being "too hot" - I try and keep what little hair I have shaved and the wigs I've been using (Estetica) are very light and breathe well.  As to it getting pulled off - well I suppose that could happen, but there are plenty of Cis-women who wear wigs too - so I don't let that bother me.

On the plus side I don't have to worry about a "bad hair cut" or anything. :)

Quote from: Madison Leigh on July 28, 2013, 05:22:22 PM
I don't really have a choice, my hair is so thin on top no matter how much I would try and let it grow out - well it's just not happening.

Same problem here - my hair is nice and thick except for a stubborn balding spot at the top that has resisted everything i've tried. I can't afford the various hair replacement treatments that are available, so a wig is my only option.

I tried several cheap wigs from ebay to find a style that looks good on me (a lot of trial and error happened there) but i think i've found my style now. And the dang thing IS hot, but I guess that's part of being a girl.

Not everyone is blessed with a full, thick head of hair even some cis women suffer from alopecia and it isn't pretty. I know that some here even have thinning hair, so keep in mind that a few very expensive human hair wigs can make the difference and often look better than your natural hair at it's very best. They need to be washed and styled porfessionally just like any woman's natural hair. I wouldn't discount wigs on this thread, there are just too many here at Susan's that could benefit from a good wig over what they currently have, myself included.

I had not considered the heat. My wig will be here tomorrow.... I guess I will test the waters on wearing one in 90 degree heat here in the South.

I just wanted one to get me through until I can afford some hair transplants if I end up needing them. I have the same problem as Rivem with the thinning hair on top :(

Hell no, I have been growing my hair since I was 15 (now 25) and been on finasteride for the last year-ish.

Quote from: Shantel on July 28, 2013, 06:31:00 PM
Not everyone is blessed with a full, thick head of hair even some cis women suffer from alopecia and it isn't pretty. I know that some here even have thinning hair, so keep in mind that a few very expensive human hair wigs can make the difference and often look better than your natural hair at it's very best. They need to be washed and styled porfessionally just like any woman's natural hair. I wouldn't discount wigs on this thread, there are just too many here at Susan's that could benefit from a good wig over what they currently have, myself included.

Yep, a good wig looks very very close to natural hair.  If you think about it, wigs are in the movies a ton and you often won't even be able to tell, and that is with them being blown up like 10 feet tall!

However, if the original point was to use a wig to save time and so you don't have to do anything with it, I think that is false unless you use a cheap wig, which is probably gonna look wiggy.  I may be wrong, but I don't think so.

Sorry to shift gears, but how effective are hair-loss reversal options? I understand that HRT+Fin usually results in moderate regrowth, but unsure what moderate means in this context. Personally, I've receded quite a bit on the forehead and on top, with only a small patch of thin hair separating the bald regions.

Any recommendations?

Maddy

I think with finasteride at least it depends how long the hair follicles have been dormant for. Since if they have been bald for too long they die or something. Whereas if they have just miniaturized and you get on finasteride before they are proper dead they can recover from the DHT poisoning.

As an example though there was a person here who used to post a lot and no longer does. However she was super receded but got on hormones and dutasteride and grew back LOTS of hair. Then again it really all depends on the individual.

This is just stuff I have read/heard though. So a grain of salt should be taken unless you trust me for whatever reason.

Alas, with my thinning hair, there's no way I could pass without a wig or really, really expensive surgery. So it looks like it will be wigs from here on out.

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 03:28:10 PM
Have any MtF's on here ever thought about just wearing a wig? Surely it is easier.

Even as a physical male I've done all the hair care process. Washing, conditioning, drying, straightening etc.

Anybody else ever think the whole vanity process takes too long?

I just have a short pixie cut and I seem to pass fine and get hit on quite a bit. But as far as the "vanity process" you should get used to it if you are going to transition and want to look good and pass. I mean women put a lot of effort into looking good, for us it is prolly twice as much in most cases. Nothing will out you faster then looking slovenly.

My ex was going to put extensions in my hair for Halloween once but then didn't because she said no one would be able to tell I was a guy. I went as Miss America and it was her idea. That was the beginning of the end of our relationship.

Even though there are some good wigs, you do have work on maintaining them.  Honestly, I feel wigs are never superior to natural hair.  If it's your only option, then there are ways to make it work, but I don't know why anyone would elect to use one when they have natural hair to work with.  Having said that, I hate my hair.  It's a nightmare to maintain and I wish I could just have pretty straight hair.  It's a little wavy and it curls at the ends.  In my case, hair straighteners are a necessity. 

I can't stand wigs.  :P

YUK!

Quote from: MadeleineG on July 28, 2013, 06:54:02 PM
Sorry to shift gears, but how effective are hair-loss reversal options? I understand that HRT+Fin usually results in moderate regrowth, but unsure what moderate means in this context. Personally, I've receded quite a bit on the forehead and on top, with only a small patch of thin hair separating the bald regions.

Any recommendations?

Maddy

my regrowth on HRT finasteride was not phenomenal I still have slight pockets that if I pull  my hair back you can see, it is easy if I part my hair in the middle to cover it up and if I had plugs my HRT has given me the thickness to be able to have full hair again but I cannot afford the procedure

Quote from: Dreams2014 on July 28, 2013, 03:28:10 PM
Have any MtF's on here ever thought about just wearing a wig? Surely it is easier.

Even as a physical male I've done all the hair care process. Washing, conditioning, drying, straightening etc.

Anybody else ever think the whole vanity process takes too long?

You should try going natural. Look on line for the "curly girl method". Its basically no sulfates, silicones, harsh chemicals, and blow drying. After a while your curls will come to life and many of the problems you mentioned will go away. This method works for every curl type from wavy to super tight coils.  :)

Quote from: riven1 on July 28, 2013, 06:21:31 PM
I tried several cheap wigs from ebay to find a style that looks good on me (a lot of trial and error happened there) but i think i've found my style now. And the dang thing IS hot, but I guess that's part of being a girl.

I initially tried some that were in all reality Wal-Mart halloween quality.  I finally gave in and my roommate took me to a local wig shop and got some assistance on what would/wouldn't fit.  I'm not saying the Estetica ones don't get warm, but I assumed if I had a full head of long beautiful hair that it would be warm too. :)

Quote from: learningtolive on July 28, 2013, 08:17:33 PM
Even though there are some good wigs, you do have work on maintaining them.  Honestly, I feel wigs are never superior to natural hair. 

If given a choice I would prefer my own hair; but as I said above it's not really an option; so it's basically making the best of what I can do.  That being said, it's not all bad - I can change my color/style by simply choosing a different wig.

Quote from: Jen on July 28, 2013, 06:53:19 PM
Yep, a good wig looks very very close to natural hair.  If you think about it, wigs are in the movies a ton and you often won't even be able to tell, and that is with them being blown up like 10 feet tall!

However, if the original point was to use a wig to save time and so you don't have to do anything with it, I think that is false unless you use a cheap wig, which is probably gonna look wiggy.  I may be wrong, but I don't think so.

Your first point is well taken.

As far as saving time, I do think there is time saved; but they are definitely not "throw it on and go" - at least not for me with the ones I've used. 

Quote from: MadeleineG on July 28, 2013, 06:54:02 PM
Sorry to shift gears, but how effective are hair-loss reversal options? I understand that HRT+Fin usually results in moderate regrowth, but unsure what moderate means in this context. Personally, I've receded quite a bit on the forehead and on top, with only a small patch of thin hair separating the bald regions.

Any recommendations?

Maddy

Hey Maddy, there are "hair transplants". If you are like me and thin on top but you have thick hair in back and on the sides then there is some good hope. We can start the HRT and fin and then once that has done some of its work have hair transplants from that region of thick hair to the thin hair. From the results of those far worse off than myself I think it's doable. I hope that helps.

Quote from: MadeleineG on July 28, 2013, 06:54:02 PM
Sorry to shift gears, but how effective are hair-loss reversal options? I understand that HRT+Fin usually results in moderate regrowth, but unsure what moderate means in this context. Personally, I've receded quite a bit on the forehead and on top, with only a small patch of thin hair separating the bald regions.

Any recommendations?

Maddy

Your age has a lot to do with it. Younger people still have most of their hair follicles and DHT hasn't had time to complete it's dastardly work yet. They have really good results with finesteride/dudasteride/minixodil.

I'm was in my early 40's and I had a pretty good bald spot going on the back of my head when i started finesteride and i got some minor improvement. I later switched to dutasteride and got a little bit more improvement but sadly not enough to chuck the wig and grow my own hair. I'm 50 now and at least i stopped losing hair so that's a benefit that i saw. If i had started when i was in my 30's I might have had far better results.

Quote from: vegie271 on July 28, 2013, 09:46:49 PM

my regrowth on HRT finasteride was not phenomenal I still have slight pockets that if I pull  my hair back you can see, it is easy if I part my hair in the middle to cover it up and if I had plugs my HRT has given me the thickness to be able to have full hair again but I cannot afford the procedure

Quote from: Christine167 on July 29, 2013, 07:26:11 AM
Hey Maddy, there are "hair transplants". If you are like me and thin on top but you have thick hair in back and on the sides then there is some good hope. We can start the HRT and fin and then once that has done some of its work have hair transplants from that region of thick hair to the thin hair. From the results of those far worse off than myself I think it's doable. I hope that helps.

say what do you think I meant by plugs in my post above yours? same thing!

Quote from: vegie271 on July 29, 2013, 05:34:42 PM


say what do you think I meant by plugs in my post above yours? same thing!

My apologies.  ;)

Male pattern hair loss, usually it is a non negotiable reality.

And I have of course wondered, how many of ya young uns that are sporting nice hair dos, and all, and have made the switch, and gone through transition, will lose hair to time regardless?

In the summer heat I will be wearing a wig, cause looking like a bald man will suck more than the sweating.

I don't have to wear it in the home of course. Anyone in my home will know, I am who I always was, no point pretending everyone will forget eh.

My challenge, the one I am likely taking to the hair dresser, is for her to help me get a reasonable look, one that says boring ordinary female not worth looking at.

So confused Lesley. Are you saying that even after transition and after ditching the testicles that I will continue to lose my hair at a rate much faster than the average cis woman?

Please no... It makes no sense and hurts just that much more.

I thought I was going to have to go the wig option and one day the courage thingy hit me. I walked into a high class hairdresser - sort of place guys would NEVER go to and walked up to the manager. I told him I was a transgendered woman and was going full time shortly and I didn't want to wear a wig and what could they do for me.

He sat me down looked me over and said come back in 6 weeks after you let the hair grow out, gave me some anti-frizz product and I left.

Six weeks to the day I walked back in, my short grey hair was a little longer, my bald spot was still there. He looked at me and said "I wondered if you would come back' . The he turned around and said 'Nathan is my top stylist, Rebecca is my top colour technician, when do you want to start?'

I now have auburn hair to my shoulders, no bald spot and great hairdressers who look after me and help me and who have taught me how to take care of my hair etc.

In Adelaide it get to 45C in summer. Wigs would be awkward!

The message? Try a good hair salon and see what they can do. You having nothing to lose really!


Christine, my hair grows thicker and my bald spot has gone after HRT and AAs, don't panic!! :-*

Quote from: Misato on July 28, 2013, 03:33:51 PM
HEAT!  OMG THE HEAT!

And then the sweat and the inevitable zits where the band hits your forehead.  All the time wondering if some brat is going to reach up and rip it off yer head.

I was so glad when my wig days were done.  I kept my workhorse one as a momento, but it has been retired.

As for the morning routine some days, well days I wake up late, I punt on the makeup. Other than that I don't mind.

Even if time is pressing, I always do the very basics--tinted moisturizer on the cheeks, and neutral smoothing cream to the chin, nose, and between the brows. These two steps alone smooth and soften probably 2/3rds of the uglies... :)

Last step before rushing out the door: I look at myself for any stray hairs, etc., smile, and find the sparkle in my eye...and tell myself, "You're lookin' good today!" or somesuch.

Then I turn and run into the door.  ::) (It grounds me back to reality, LOL)

Quote from: Cindy on July 29, 2013, 07:49:22 PM
The message? Try a good hair salon and see what they can do. You having nothing to lose really!


Christine, my hair grows thicker and my bald spot has gone after HRT and AAs, don't panic!! :-*

Bless you Cindy. You are an angel  :angel:

For me, a wig is my only option if I want hair on my head. Otherwise just call me Friar Joanne  :o

I haven't had any problems using one. Wig tape helps keep the beast in place, especially important in the winter when the coat tends to pull on your hair or windy days.

My biggest beef is synthetic hair related. The ends tend to knot up very very easily. Even on expensive wigs. Even when new and long before the fraying (split ends) that inevitably happens.

Quote from: Christine167 on July 29, 2013, 08:35:48 PM
Bless you Cindy. You are an angel  :angel:

More of a devil I think!

Being castrated is a 'cure' for male baldness!  My body hair has gone to a female pattern and my head hair has improved in thickness and my bald spot has gone and my widows peak is far less.

Of course there are no guarantees! But never ever ever lose hope, stress will stop the good stuff.

Quote from: Cindy on July 29, 2013, 07:49:22 PM
I thought I was going to have to go the wig option and one day the courage thingy hit me. I walked into a high class hairdresser - sort of place guys would NEVER go to and walked up to the manager. I told him I was a transgendered woman and was going full time shortly and I didn't want to wear a wig and what could they do for me.

He sat me down looked me over and said come back in 6 weeks after you let the hair grow out, gave me some anti-frizz product and I left.

Six weeks to the day I walked back in, my short grey hair was a little longer, my bald spot was still there. He looked at me and said "I wondered if you would come back' . The he turned around and said 'Nathan is my top stylist, Rebecca is my top colour technician, when do you want to start?'

I now have auburn hair to my shoulders, no bald spot and great hairdressers who look after me and help me and who have taught me how to take care of my hair etc.

In Adelaide it get to 45C in summer. Wigs would be awkward!

The message? Try a good hair salon and see what they can do. You having nothing to lose really!


Christine, my hair grows thicker and my bald spot has gone after HRT and AAs, don't panic!! :-*

Oh trust me I have plenty of experience using hair salons that not many men would go to. I used to do the full wash, condition, blow dry, straighten, hair product routine a few years back.

My hair is still short at the moment, but I'm not going back to the barbers to get it short again!

I thought I would need one as I had a bald patch at the crown and it had receded at the temples.I was lucky the bald patch grew back and the receding was small enough to be covered with bangs.I like doing different things with my hair I often put it up or have a braid or pony tail,it only takes a few minutes

My comment re the hair loss was just a reasonable guess.

Cindy seems to have evidence to the contrary.

I will NOT mind trading testicles for hair. The hair I can use, the testicles, they have served their purpose, and now they are like a bureaucracy I could do without.

It's called "male" pattern baldness b/c it's linked to testosterone. :)

Every trans woman I've known who went on estrogen and was hormonally female had female hair loss patterns thereafter (which actually meant NO hair loss). Most had at least some regrowth, and a couple ended up with 100% regrown. With T suppressed/without the testicles and on estrogen, hair reacts the way it does for cis women. A very few cis women will also have hair loss, so I suppose it's not *impossible,* but...

(I don't have much to offer to the overall thread, except to be grateful I transitioned before I started losing my hair like my dad. I've actually worn it waist-length since I was in high school, even as a guy.)

Quote from: Cindy on July 30, 2013, 02:01:47 AM
More of a devil I think!

Being castrated is a 'cure' for male baldness!  My body hair has gone to a female pattern and my head hair has improved in thickness and my bald spot has gone and my widows peak is far less.

Do you mean widow's peak like an M pattern hair pattern or actual widow's peak? I have an honest to God widow's peak like Parker Posey and I actually think it is pretty typically female hairline. I rarely see a male (if ever) with a widow's peak without the square hairline. I have a round hairline.