Coping Physically and Emotionally With Hair Loss

Hair is something many take for granted. Like the sun will rise every morning, we assume we will be greeted with a full head of hair in the mirror. Nothing is guaranteed though. No one appreciates the value of hair like someone who has lost it. No matter the cause of hair loss, it can be devastating, and we understand that.

If you are currently or have experienced hair loss in the past, you probably know what it’s like to reassure yourself. You may tell yourself, “It’s only hair. It could be worse.” But it isn’t just hair. It’s your hair. You have spent a lifetime caring for those strands. Also, life isn’t a competition. Your grief over your hair loss doesn’t get canceled out because it “could be worse.”

How To Cope With Hair Loss

First and foremost, you need to allow yourself to mourn the loss of your hair. This is as real a loss as any. If you need to cry, then cry. If you want to scream, then scream. You can curse whatever condition lead you to this moment, whether it be cancer, alopecia, or anything else. Whatever you feel about your hair loss is valid. Take your emotions and feel them.

Once you have properly grieved, it is time to accept it. Acceptance comes in many forms. It may start with preparing. If you are about to undergo chemotherapy and don’t want to watch your hair fall out slowly, take a preemptive strike. Cutting your hair short or even shaving it yourself can make you feel more in control.

If you have accepted the change, this is the time to bolster up your support system. Talk about it! Don’t shy away because it’s an uncomfortable topic. If you have fears of your partner still finding you attractive with hair loss, communicate this to them. If you are stressed about public outings in a wig or headscarf, talk to your friends.

You can seek out a support group of people going through the same thing. Look in your community for a support group for your medical condition or for hair loss. If your area doesn’t have any in-person options, turn to the Internet. Social media has fostered an amazing community of support for those in need. There is also an entire community of wig wearers and women with hair loss on our forum. We encourage you to join at Wigs.org. 

Physically, hair loss is a change. You may want to disguise your hair loss with head coverings. A headscarf is a simple way to conceal any thinning or loss.

The Softie Head Scarf by Jon Renau

Many hair loss sufferers choose to wear a wig. A wig can bring back a sense of your “old self” to your appearance. You can choose a wig that resembles your hair before. But you don’t have to! Hair loss is challenging, but it does offer you a chance to re-invent. Maybe you always wondered how you would look with a different hair color or haircut. Now is the time to find out!

With wigs, a little research is best to ensure the best choice. If you only have partial hair loss in the crown area, you may want to try hair toppers.

Synthetic Hair Topper Milan by Noriko

These are an amazing way to give your look that little bit of help it needs. For advanced or total hair loss, wigs are probably the best choice. 

Human hair wigs require regular styling, just like biological hair. They do offer the most natural look though. Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are typically always ready-to-wear and require less maintenance. The right wig for you is the one that fits your lifestyle. 

How did hair loss affect you? How did you cope? Share your story with us in the comments!