Question:
How do you handle self esteem issues w/major hair loss?

I am 6 months post op and have lost 3/4 of my hair, and still losing. I appear almost bald. It has made me not want to go out in public, a hat only covers so much. How have any of you dealt with the self esteem issues? I know hair loss is common, but how do you handle it?    — Laura K. (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 16, 2003
Hi Laura. Tough situation, I know. When I started losing my hair, it was ROUGH. My hair was almost waist length and thick so it shot a hole in my ego the size of the Grand Canyon to walk around with limp, thin hair. So I took matters into my own hands and whacked it all off. I went from waist length to Winona Ryder short in a matter of minutes. Then I went from my light brown color to BEACH BLONDE! If I had to deal with hair loss, I was going to have FUN doing it. Seriously, I don't know how you currently style your hair so it's tough to offer advice. Personally, I found cutting it shorter made it look and feel thicker. If your hair is straight, ask about a perm. At 6 months post op, you should be okay to get one. It could add a bit of body to your hair and give it a fuller appearance. Take heart -- you should be past the worst of it now. I know it feels like it'll take forever for it to grow back but you'll be surprised how quickly it will thicken back up. Best of Luck!
   — Pam S.

July 16, 2003
I too lost most of my hair, beginning at 4 mos. out. My son and daughter-in-law took me shopping for a wig! I love it! My hair has now come back in, I am now 11 mos. out but sometimes I still wear my wig when I don't want to fool with my hair. I named it Hope ( I hope my hair comes back in just like this ) LOL! Now my little 4 year old granddaughter calls my wig Hope too and if I don't have it on, she will say "Nana where is Hope"? Hang in there, your hair will come back but you may want to consider getting a wig. Good luck!
   — Mary Ann H.

July 16, 2003
Biotin is supposed to help a lot with hair loss, both supplements and shampoo; I've read of lots of people having very good results. Cutting the hair short helps because the weight of long hair makes it fall out easier, plus it looks like a lot less on the shower floor! Also why don't you try increasing--perhaps doubling--your protein and vitamins/minerals. This much hair loss would worry me. Have you told your surgeon about it? It must be very devastating for you, but a nice wig or scarf or a kicky new 'do sounds like a great idea!
   — Chris T.

July 17, 2003
Well it's too early for me to start loosing my hair, but I love wigs always have and I have many shops in my area that sell them at low prices so I can stock up on the ones I like. So if my hair falls out, I will just buy another wig, I work with them to make them more natural looking, most people never know I'm wearing a wig. Also you could try getting a hair weave if it really bothers you. I believe, there's no reason to make too much of a situation you have no control over othan than how you aproach finding a positive solution. Just think about all the new looks you could have till the hair grows back.
   — Rosa F.

July 17, 2003
I nearly went bald from an illness two years ago; I had my stylist cut it very short and I bought a LOT of fun hats. A lot of people told me how "cute" I looked! Check out vintage shops, etc. Hats are really in right now and can make the best of a not-so-pleasant situation. Good luck. It WILL come back.
   — kultgirl