Hair loss, or alopecia, happens for many reasons. One common cause is chemotherapy, though most women who lose their hair during treatment find it begins to return two to three months after treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Other causes of permanent hair loss include burn injuries to the scalp; autoimmune disorders, including alopecia totalis; and female hair loss patterns that come with aging.
Sometimes hair loss is partial but if your hair is so thin the scalp shows, or it's lost heavily in one region, the result may be the same as total hair loss.
Step 1
Wrap your head in style. This alternative to exposed hair gives you an option for days you don't want to wear a wig. Stylish versions of head wraps are possible and range from a simple scarf worn around the house, to complex styles with braided fabric and fashioned buns. Women in many cultures choose hair wraps for reasons of modesty, comfort and convenience. You can find videos explaining the art of head wraps on the Web.
For scarf or wrap material, choose lightweight fabrics that are cool to wear, and avoid silky fabrics that can slip off. Fabric stores carry a variety of appropriate fabrics that come in many different colors and finishes. For flexibility in creating style, buy pieces of fabric in rectangular lengths of about 16 inches by 30 inches. Finish the edges using a serger or make a simple rolled hem.
Step 2
Replace your hair. You can choose human hair or synthetic hair, and can search thousands of styles by visiting online wig companies and stores. To look more natural, try blended colors and choose a color close to your own shade.
The Hair Foundation recommends high quality synthetic fibers over human hair for its resilience and ability to hold styles. Synthetic wigs are also lighter and less expensive. You can hand tie or weave human hair wigs onto a base. Hand-tied wigs are expensive, but because they're custom made, you can create them to your specifications.
Some foundations, including Look Good, Feel Better--an organization sponsored by the American Cancer Society--help people without financial resources secure wigs. Your insurance company also may reimburse this cost if the physician writes a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis."
Step 3
Explore hair restoration. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends women with permanent hair loss consider a surgical solution if there is sufficient hair remaining to use as the source for a transplant.
Hair transplants move plugs or strips of hair from an area of dense hair to the bald or thin area. As explained by the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons, scalp reduction and stretching procedures begin by placing skin expanders under areas of the scalp that have dense hair. The area without hair is surgically removed and the expanded area is transplanted to that site.
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon if you want to explore this option.
Step 4
Write a memorial letter to your hair. Thank it for covering your scalp as you grew. Remember some experiences you and your hair shared together. Then say goodbye and let your hair know you'll be OK now that it's gone. Give examples of your future no-hair plans in order to prove your strength.
Finally, write a list of things you can do in life without hair. Include a few that are truly better without hair, such as "I can swim faster bald" or "I will never have a bad hair day again." Paste some pictures of yourself with hair and without hair in a journal to complete the process.
Consult a certified life coach if you want help processing the transition from hair to no hair.
Things You'll Need
- Hand-held mirror
- Wall mirror
- Scarves
- Wig
- Comb, brush, pick
- Hats
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