I have suffered hair loss to a point that I must wear a wig. This is affecting my decision on whether or not to go full time.  I would be interested in hearing how other follically challenged TS's get on with full time wig wearing.

What proportion of full time TS have to wear a wig?

Susan

Susan:

I wore a wig full time for about 18 months.  It was a bit of a challenge but it was no real impediment to my transition.

As a matter of fact, I went to a spa once to have my hair treated and they were surprised when I took off my wig.  They actually thought my wig was my natural hair!

So if you get yourself a reasonably decent wig, it will definitely help in your transition.

Though mowing the lawn in summer is a real pain while wearing a wig. 

In other words, it really shouldn't stop you from transitioning.

-Sandy

Quite a few women need to use a wig fulltime. I also have a hair loss problem. Wearing a wig is no hassle. Sleeping with a wig on I would not advise. Sometimes I fallen asleep wearing a wig and it becomes uncomfortable.

A lot of women wear wigs, hence the huge market for them. A good one, will not be noticeable, a bad one will. Go to a store and get fitted with a good one, it will likely change your mind about them.

I agree with Sandy, this should not stop your transition.

There are other options as well that you can look into.

I am follically on the top and I use a hair system, not a wig.  But I have wore one in the past, right after I went full time.

I am currently growing my own out and will try just covering the bad area.

Find a good wig supplier and get a really good one.  And ask about attachments.  My system is glued on, and lasts for weeks before removal and cleaned of adhesive.  I sleep in it, wash it like my own hair.

If you want to know the company, PM me.  I can't post it here because of the rules.

Janet

Thanks for replies, it is good to hear comments. 
I wear wigs as I have been part time for many years but the longest I have been en femme was a week. 
Once I get past the number of postings barrier I will post a picture.

Thanks

Susan

Susan Dear,

I've been FT for over a year and a half now while wearing a wig.  The estrogen helped my hair get softer and a bit thicker but nowhere near where it would have to be if I wanted to go without the "furry hat." 

I've found a very few instances when wearing one might hinder me but in areas that are not that important to me.  I did buy a fairly good wig, paying about $250 for it and have used it almost daily.  I have a cheap Paula Young closeout wig in a similar cut and color for those activities (like mowing the lawn) where I know I'll get sweaty, to cut down on the wear and tear on the good wig.

I wash it once a month and along with the wig shampoo, I use 1/3 of a fabric softener dryer sheet in the water, that seems to help the texture and manageability of the man made fibers (Elura).

Yes, I'm wearing the wig I'm talking about in my avatar picture.  I hope this helps!

hugs & smiles
Emelye

I know several women who've used the hair system and it rocks. You can't tell that it's not your real hair there. I know it blasts me away, and is better than anything I've ever seen -- it's even better than my hair, and I'm lucky in the hair department myself cause I'm not losing any hair. So, yeah, it's pretty decent, and it will boost your confidence a lot.

Heather Rose

thanks for your note of concern. Yes I have the services of a gender therapist here in the UK

Susan
(Dundee, Scotland)

what about the beach or swimming?

I have to disagree somewhat here.  I do not want to be a wig lady forever.  I want so badly to have transplants.  Mine is not nearly as serious as a lot I have seen, but the consultations have told me it will be $8400 to $10,000.  That is very significant money.  Like Sandy, I have some nice wigs and no one ever knows they are wigs.  My regimen of Finasteride plus Minoxodil has actually done a decent job.  I just look mostly thin in some spots.  Most guys would never give it a second thought.  But definitely it is not becoming for a woman.  Yes, I obsess over this.  Sorry.

If you do go for wigs, the cheap ones look cheap and do not last long.  You will get a much more realistic head with one that is monofilament.  Also, lace front wigs are amazing.  And they are becoming more affordable.

Good luck,
Kristi

I resisted a wig for a long time, wearing head wraps and scarves etc. but a trusted female friend told me to try one.

I started with the cheaper wigs, they don't last long and have '->-bleeped-<-' in big flourescent lights on them it seems because I failed to convince even the most drunken slob that I was female.

I then switched to Human Hair wigs and suddenly all was well and everyone ( almost ) treated me as a woman. 

I have typical Male Pattern Baldness issues, understandable at 49 yrs, my hair is longest at the back though thin, and I am bald on top.  I accepted that it was most unlikely that my hair will regrow sufficiently to live without a wig so I relented.  I got used to them and although the summer months made it uncomfortable at times, it gets me through life.

Thanks ladies for your comments.

Cheers

Susan