The Hair I Wear

I'm going to share a not-so-secret secret: I wear wigs. My family and close friends are aware, and I'm sure others can tell from pictures (although when I mention it, they often say they had no idea). This journey began for me about 8 years ago. As I aged, I noticed my hair starting to thin. It had always been very fine, but I had a lot of it until my late 40s. I never saw hair falling out in the shower or elsewhere; it just gradually thinned all over. By my 50s, it was so noticeable that I tried to style my hair to hide it, but because it was so thin and fine, it wouldn't hold any style. When we moved to South Carolina, the humidity made it even worse. I didn't like how I felt others perceived me; although I was healthy, my thinning hair didn't reflect that. Eventually, I decided to try wigs and began wearing them on weekends and around the house. Wearing wigs comfortably out and about is a process.

A woman's hair holds great significance for me, as it can be her crowning glory or a painful reality. I have often cried over my situation, experiencing despair and low self-esteem. When I initially began wearing wigs, it brought a mix of positive and negative emotions. On one hand, I had hair on my head, but at times it felt excessive and artificial, which was a struggle for me. I still face these challenges occasionally. However, I have learned so much in this process, and I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband who makes me feel beautiful, whether I wear wigs or not. I am truly grateful for him.

Over the past seven years, I've tried hundreds of wigs—no exaggeration. Some I initially like, while others I never warm up to. The wig universe is vast, with endless information and styles: lace front, mono top, basic cap, permatease (which I dislike), mono part, mono crown, extended nape, heat-friendly options, and more. I could literally talk about it endlessly. There are color codes, head measurements, wig grips, wig glue—it's overwhelming just thinking about it. However, I've reached a point where I'm at peace with my situation. Would I love a full head of my own hair? Absolutely, but for some reason, this is where God has placed me. Instead of resisting and being unhappy, I've chosen to embrace it and have fun. I've decided to explore all kinds of styles and colors—why not? And sometimes, I just don't feel like wearing one at all. I'm grateful to my family for enduring all the drama throughout this journey and loving me with blonde hair, red hair, long hair, short hair, or even very little hair.