Freedom Wig Review- 1(ish) Year Later

As most of you know, I have an autoimmune disorder called Alopecia Universalis, which leaves me unable to grow barely any hair on my body or head. Last year I bought a new custom wig and reviewed it right away.

Someone commented on my original post where I showed off my new Freedom Wig that I should do a review again, now after wearing it for some time. I agree! I got this wig in Sept 2014 so I have been wearing it daily for 17ish months. Considering this wig cost more then all my new appliances combined (ya....not exaggerating there) I should share my thoughts since others may also be looking to buy one and wondering if it is worth the expense.

So...after all this time do I regret this wig? Not. One. Bit.

I love it!

Please ignore the crazy static in my hair...it's so dry in my condo!

This is probably the most comfortable wig I have ever known. I never found my old wigs to be particularly itchy or hot, like some people complain about, but they always shifted around slightly or couldn't be styled easily. This wig was designed to fit every inch of my head and so it goes on and stays on! Therefore I can comfortably go about my day regardless of winter touques, the neckline of my coat or scarves (which always shifted my wigs before), and in any sort of wind! Plus, in the summer I can pull it back into a ponytail and keep all the hair off my neck, which is sooo comfortable and something I didn't even realize I missed.

As for the quality of the wig, it is great. I am not even as careful with it as the instructions said I should be (like not touching it too much). I basically live my life and don't even think about it. I wear glasses, I brush it out with my fingers if I come in from the wind, I wear hats, I style it...I just treat it like normal hair and the hair still looks fresh! I definitely have lost a bit of volume as hairs have naturally fallen out when brushing it, but it still looks nice and full to me.

Taking care of it has been a cinch too. Once a week I wash it with high end shampoo and conditioner (I look for organic stuff as much as I can too). I just wash it gently in a bowl in the sink, though technically I could wear it in the shower. Then I wrap it in a towel for about 30 minutes to absorb the water. Once it is merely damp, I stick it on a foam head that clamps onto any table and I very gently brush it out and let it air dry (sometimes I will blow dry on low heat if I need to rewear it that day). When it is dry I give it a quick straightening with my flat iron and then it is generally good for a whole week without styling again! Sometimes the hair will look a little dried out (hello winter), so I just spritz it with a bit of argan oil and it looks good again.

Once in awhile I will curl it too- either with the flat iron or with a curling iron. The curls are fun because they will last a long time and start just looking like nice waves as I brush it throughout the week. I was too lazy to curl it or do anything beyond a ponytail for this mini-photoshoot. but here are some shots of it styled throughout the year from my phone

As for some slight issues- I think the hairs that we cut in around my nape need to be redone...I have noticed it seems like there are less there to cover my neck when my hair is up. The nape gets the most beating (especially in winter with scarves), so this doesn't surprise me! Also, I think the colour has slightly lightened from the summer sun. This too is normal as donated hair comes from all over a person's head and the "underhairs" haven't really gotten sun exposure before and naturally lightened now that they are exposed. I don't mind the hair colour at all- it still looks natural and good on me- but the instructions did mention getting a yearly dye job to keep the hairs looking good and I may consider doing that down the line.

All in all- I love my Freedom Wig and I will definitely buy another one some day. It has given me so much freedom (lol)...I can ride mechanical bulls, go swimming, wear ponytails, etc. It is about as close as I can get to real hair! Plus I only need to wash and style it once and week and never need to shave my legs...so chalk up a win for alopecia :)

Tell Me When You're Having a Bad Hair Day

I haven't written about my Alopecia (hair loss for those who don't know) in forever, but I was inspired to recently after joining a Reddit group on Alopecia and remembering why I don't like the so-called support groups. I do like reading about new research and talking treatment options with others, just not the support suggestions. Recently I found some articles on what not to say to someone with Alopecia. I just sighed. I get that everyone deals with a disease differently and for some people, their Alopecia is a huge cause of anxiety. But I really hate these things! So here are things you are apparently not supposed to say to me (and reasons why it's OK to).

1. I wish I could wear a wig!
I have been told this one before. You know why? Because my hair ON POINT some days. A couple weeks ago Cam's cousin was telling me my hair had so much body and looked like a wig (as a total compliment- it is hard to explain). She was talking about how on Oprah all these people with amazing hair confessed they were wigs. She asked me what my secret was. I died. And then I told her.

Honestly, I don't mind wearing a wig. Maybe it is because I am used it? Kind of how you don't think about that fact that you are wearing shoes, or underwear, or a ring or something. You get used to how it feels and that is "normal" to you. Of course having hair might be easier at times, but that isn't an option for me so it isn't something I generally think about.

2. I'm jealous of how fast it takes you to get ready
You should be. I only have to wash/style my hair every week or so. When my friend got married a few years ago I did my hair the night before and got to chillax the next morning while the other girls scrambled with straighteners and curling irons.

On the other hand, I do have to put on false eyebrows and eyelashes every morning, but I am actually SUPER fast at false eyelashes now. Takes me under a minute. THAT you should be jealous of!

3. It'll grow back, right?
What? Are you my doctor? Because even he doesn't know. I have never once had a person assume my hair would grow back. I have had people ASK if it will, which is a perfectly normal question and I encourage questions so people can learn about Alopecia. No biggie! Ask me anything!

4. My friend tried ______ and his/her hair grew back
I appreciate when a friend tells me about something they have heard of that may help. Of course, 99% of the time I have already heard the theory and then we have an interesting discussion on whether I would like to have my hair grow back or stop eating bread (yes, evil gluten has been pointed at as the culprit in some cases, but man do I love bread...). All I am saying is this really doesn't bother me and really doesn't come up much. Actually, most people who have Alopecian friends (I think I just made myself a race), say their friend's hair growth is completely unpredictable like mine.

5. It's only hair
WTF? Do people have really bitchy friends? That's a weird thing to say to someone. It IS only hair, and I am lucky enough to be able to understand that and be okay with that, but that is not a nice kind of thing to say to anyone who is upset about something (hair or otherwise).

6. Do you have cancer/shave your head?
This is a weird one, but I am trying to include things that people say that are well-meaning and I have gotten this one quite a bit in my life. I just chalk it up to people being curious and I explain Alopecia to them (and then I also kind of wish I could explain that cancer itself doesn't make you lose your hair, but I only have so much time in my life). I just wish instead of assuming what is wrong with me, people would just ask what they are thinking- "why are you bald?". But again, I know they aren't being malicious so I don't take offense to their question.

7. Let me rub your head for good luck!
If you are my friend, go for it. Free head massages! But if this actually worked I would probably be rolling in cash.

If I don't know you, you probably should take an etiquette class.

8. I'm having a bad hair day
I see this one touted a LOT as something to avoid saying around an Alopecian (I am totally making this a word). Let me be clear- YOU ARE TOTALLY ALLOWED TO HAVE BAD HAIR DAYS. And you can tell me about them! And I will laugh at your ugly hair as I stroke my on point wig that I haven't washed in weeks (just kidding).

I don't think my not having hair invalidates your feelings towards your own hair. In fact, some days my wig is being all cray and I too am having a bad hair day. And some days my pants won't do up and I complain to a friend who perhaps weighs more than me. Other times I am sore after a workout and I may commiserate with a friend who broke their leg. My point is, all of our bodies are different and they all have good parts and bad parts and we like to discuss those things with our friends because our friends are supposed to support us, regardless of their own insecurities. I don't think my lack of hair should make you treat me any differently.

I do want to add in here that some people ARE really sensitive about their hair loss, and you as a friend SHOULD know that and be sensitive to that fact that discussing your own hair may upset them. All I am saying is that this rule does not apply to everyone experiencing hair loss.

So here is MY list of what not to say to a person with Alopecia:
1. Anything that is YOUR OWN unsolicited opinion on how he/she should feel/act
2. Anything that tries to invalidate his/her own feelings
3. Anything that is unsupportive/bitchy/mean-spirited etc

Oh wait...that is a list of how all friends should treat each other, regardless of Alopecia or any other disease!

My alopecia is simply a part of who I am after all these years. Like how some people have brown hair, or freckles, or webbed toes- bald is just a description of one facet of me. Thankfully (due to my wonderful family and friends), I am very confident and I am rarely upset over my hair loss. I lean naturally to humour and I can find a lot of good jokes in my baldness, so I rarely am insulted by an innocent comment or joke. I get much more annoyed over well-meaning people trying to box in how to experience alopecia yourself or how to treat people you know with alopecia- to me that goes against rule 1 of my 3 rules up there!

How to Break-In a Freedom Wig

Step 1: Do something you had never been able to do before because your wig would fly off:

Step 2: Laugh at how bad of a bull rider you are :)

(PS- turn your sound down unless you want to hear the high-pitched screams of my friends)

Freedom Wig Review!

I have been sharing my wig process with you guys, and I am so excited to say that my Freedom Wig finally came in while I was in Iceland! I hadn't done a post yet, because I was trying to finalize the haircut and I think it is 95% of the way there, but I can't wait any longer! I am in LOVE with my new hair and I just want to share it with the world!!

Getting this wig was a very involved process, so I thought I would share the questions I  had when I first started looking into getting a Freedom Wig.

What is Different About Freedom Wigs?
Traditional wigs secure by an elastic at the back and are made of a light netted material that the hairs are tied to. Freedom Wigs are molded to your head and the cap is made of silicone with the hairs fused into it. This means the wig suctions to your head and stays secure, even if you are waterskiing, cartwheeling, or even just simply putting up your hair in a pony tail (which is not possible with traditional wigs).

Is a Freedom Wig for Me?
Freedom wigs work by suctioning onto your head, so you need to be 100% bald. Therefore this is not the right product for more milder cases of Alopecia, unless you are willing to keep your head shaven. It also probably isn't a good option for cancer patients because of that issue- not to mention it takes about 4 months from first fitting to getting your wig, so you need to already be bald when you order it, or willing to shave your head.

Where Can I Get One?
Freedom Wigs are made by a New Zealand company and are sold through reps in Canada. The rep for Toronto is Jennifer at Image Evolution. Jennifer works out of Winnipeg, but she comes to Toronto about every 6 weeks or so to meet with clients. I actually haven't seen her since my first fitting, but we have emailed back and forth many times since then and she is extremely helpful.

How Long Is The Process?
I started talking to Jennifer in April and was measured and placed my order at the end of the month. My wig took about 4 months from that point to being finished and in my hands! The first step is getting properly fitted, since they are custom made to the contours of your head. After that they send you a plastic mold to try on and make sure the fit is good. They also send you a hair sample of the hair they will be using you can assess the length, colour, and curl.

How Much Customization Can I Do?
They are incredibly customizable compared to traditional wigs- I was able to "develop" a colour by combining different hair samples. I picked a light wave for the hair, and the length of mine is 10" (I actually think it came out a bit longer!). You can also pick the angle at which the hair connects to the cap, the thickness of the hair, where your part is, what kind of bang you want, etc. The hair is also real human hair so you can change up the colour or get highlights later on if you want to.

Are Freedom Wigs Hot? Comfortable?
I think all wigs can get warm, as it is kind of like wearing a hat, and thankfully I am often cold so I do not mind wearing my wig. That being said, yes I do find this one a bit warm at first, but you get used to it. I have not worn it for exercise or on an extremely hot day, but the one plus is that you can go into a private space, pop it off and wipe off any sweat, and then pop it back on and feel fresh! With a traditional wig that sweat gets trapped in the wig and hair. Not to mention you can pull it up into a pony tail to get the hair off your neck on a hot day!

However I do find the wig quite comfortable. It takes a bit of practice to get it on just right, but I am definitely getting better at it! Once it is suctioned on properly it does not shift around and I really forget about it. Only issue is that if you get an itch you need to pop the whole thing off to satisfy it! (The wig isn't itchy at all, but itches happen)

Does It Look Natural?
When you go to get your Freedom Wig cut, they will cut in lots of "baby hairs" so your hair looks natural when pulled back. Also note that the nape of this wig is higher than a regular wig, so my stylist cut in some longer hairs in the back. I love the baby hairs she cut in the front, but I might get some of the longer ones in the back thinned out. It will never look 100% natural in a pony tail, but I would say that most people can't tell unless they are staring at the back of your head for a long time.

How Do I Get It Cut?

Your Freedom Rep will recommend a hair stylist in your area who knows how to cut wigs. I ended up seeing a stylist named Seven at Seven Hair Salon, who actually used to work at my old wig salon (they only cut their own wigs- hence why I didn't go there), and she had cut some of my old wigs so I was very comfortable having her do my hair. She had a great haircut option for wigs where you pay one flat price but can come back many times for adjustments to the cut. With wigs you can't really grow out a bad hair cut so slow and steady is the best way to go!

How Long Do They Last?
My wig should last about 3-5 years with proper care. That means not touching it often (to minimize breakage of the hair), avoiding excessive heat and using a proper thermal-protection serum before using hairdryers, curlers, and straighteners, washing the cap out every night, and getting the colour redone every year or so. That being said, when your wig starts to show signs of wear and tear, you can actually send it in to be repaired and rebuilt, which costs a fraction of the cost of a brand new wig.

Speaking of Cost, How Much Does a Freedom Wig Cost?
I don't think it would be fair to answer this here, as it really depends on the choices you make for your hair (longer is more expensive), and it probably depends on your rep. I will however say that a Freedom Wig is pretty expensive and was not a decision I made lightly. You can also look into help from your insurance to see if it can be partially covered. Also in Canada, you can look into claiming the wig as a medical expensive on your taxes. Please call your local rep for a quote, they are very open with price ranges once they can narrow down what you are looking for.

I am really really happy with this purchase. There is a lot of spontaneity that you lose when wearing a wig, because you can't "do" an activity because of your hairpiece. I am super excited to go out an enjoy some of those things! Next month my friends and I are going to ride a mechanical bull, which is certainly not something you can do with a traditional wig :)

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Please note that Freedom Wigs and Image Evolution did not in any way compensate me for this wig or ask for a review. I just really want to share my thoughts on this amazing hairpiece!

Getting Buffed

When my mom found out she was going to be going through chemo and losing all her hair, a friend of my aunt, who has just gone through chemo herself, generously jumped in to give her a spare wig and some other baldy-things. One of the items she lent her was this thing called a Buff. It is kind of like a big tube of fabric that can be styled in many different ways as headgear. Although they are designed for use by haired people, the buff is actually quite an awesome option for bald people too! My mom liked wearing one so much that she decided not to wear a wig and to just wear her Buffs all the time.

Fun fact about going bald- you get cold a lot. I am always wandering around in my hooded bathrobe at home and I often wear a toque indoors in the winter months. Keeping my head warm AND stylish? I'm intrigued.

So, after trying hers on, I decided to get some as well! (PS- I really think that if I found the right material these would be a super easy DIY). I ended up ordering a plain blue one for everyday use, a high-UV one for wearing to the beach, and a cool-dry one for working out in. Each Buff was roughly $21-$27, so not cheap, but they will hopefully last a long time. They came in the mail just after I headed off to the cottage, but I had borrowed one from my mom that week and wore it daily! Now that I am home I am happy to have my own to play with.

Buffs cans be worn in a multitude of ways and are pretty fun to play with. The US website has a bunch of styles and tutorials online, but figuring them out for myself is more fun! And naturally that means it is FASHION SHOOT TIME!!

The Lazy Man

The Tucked Under

The Cap

The Low Twist (my fav- it's a variation on The Pirate where I tuck the tail in)

The Do-Rag

The Top Knot

The Headband

And did you know Buffs aren't solely headgear? Because there is also...

The Scarf

The Baby It's Cold Outside

The "I'm Gonna Rob This Bank and Look Fabulous Doing So"

I should let you know that I already worked out in my cool-dry one and it felt amazing. There was much less sweat dripping down my face than usual and it was completely comfortable the whole time! I definitely am going to put a couple more of those ones on my Christmas list this year. I am also excited to hit up the beach in my high UV one because I am always so cautious about keeping my scalp burn-free (you only make that mistake ONCE). Each of my Buffs is made with a different material but they are all super stretchy and soft so they are very comfortable to wear all day. I am totally a convert!

Please note that Buffs did not sponsor this post in any way. I just really like sharing new products I come across, especially those relevant to the Alopecia community!

Would You Like a Sample of Hair?

No? Doesn't sound good? Well I was excited to get one this week! The sample of hair for my new custom wig came in the mail this week! I had a general idea of what it would look like because I tried on this exact colouring at my fitting. I think it is 30% auburn and 70% medium brown or something like that.

The sample is also sent to me so I can check out the level of curl (I ordered a light, natural wave I think) and I believe this is also the length that the hair will be. It might not look that long, but keep in mind this is the length attached to the top AND nape of the wig cap- the wig is made with layers because long hair is rare and expensive. My understanding is that this wig will be a few inches longer than my current one.

I actually find it is very similar to my current wig colour! Check out the photo below- the sample is on top

It is a tiny bit darker and less red, though my current wig was actually MUCH darker and less red when I bought it, but 3 years of washing and sun exposure lightened it up.

So what do you think? Does it suit me? :)

I am so excited to get my new wig (should get it late August/early Sept)! The sample feels sooo healthy and soft. The wig I have now is virgin European hair and was once super soft too, but because I can't really get regular trims and it doesn't grow and get natural oils, etc...well it just looks like damaged hair now.

Also- it should be noted that the only appropriate time for duckface is when you need to hold up your new fake mustache. #fact

Freedom Wig Mold!

On Monday I came home to a note in my mailbox saying I had a package at the concierge desk. I was very confused over what was in this small box, and chiding myself for my excessive internet purchasing, when suddenly it dawned on me what it was- the mold for my new wig!!

As you may remember, last month I got fitted for a new custom wig. The next step after my fitting was to send me a plastic mold of my head to make sure it fits properly. My new wig will stay on with suction, so it needs to fit perfectly. Hence they send the plastic mold to make sure they have the fit right (Don't worry- the actual wig won't be plastic inside). I wasn't expecting it for another month so it was a total surprise!

The blue line is my part and the star is the crown of my head. The wig manufacturers put extra hair around that area. They will also direct the hair away from the line so it flows naturally off the head (you could actually pick the angle at which they attach the hair). I chose a side part :). It is in the same spot as my current wig.

Before you mention it, yes, I do have a fabulously shaped head. I actually get compliments on it.

I tried on the cap and it seems to fit fairly well. It suctions on really well, but one ear flap won't stay down (you can kind of see in the above photo) and there seems to be a bubble up by the crown of my head and at the back. However, the Freedom Wig people are awesome and you have a personal rep who helps you through the process, so I sent her some photos and asked for some advice. Some bubbling is normal, so I want an opinion on mine because this is my first time wearing a clear plastic headpiece. haha. But they can make adjustments- that is the whole point of this fitting.

The next step after this is I mail the mold back with any changes that I need- and then they send my wig! Well, technically they send it in 9-12 weeks (from New Zealand, so maybe longer?). At some point during the next month I should receive a hair sample of my actual wig too so I can approve the colour, and you know I will share that with you guys too.

New Wig in the Works!

I know I usually do my weekly fitness check in on Mondays, but I have some exciting news! Plus, I am sure no one has even noticed that I do a weigh in every Monday. :)

I ordered a new wig!!!!

This is super exciting and something I have been planning (and saving for) for a few months. My current wig is 3 years old and really starting to show it's age. I started doing some research into different wig technologies on an alopecia forum (www.alopeciaworld.com) and a LOT of people were talking about this product called a Freedom Wig.

Now, I have always bought my wigs through a wig seller in Toronto where I basically go in, tell them the length and colour I want and they bring me out options, I pick one and get it cut and styled, then I whip out my credit card, and I walk out with a new wig. But these Freedom Wigs are sold through just a couple reps in Canada (they are a New Zealand based company) and they are custom made for your head- which means you need to be measured and you select your colour from swatches, not trying on first. Eek!

What is a Freedom Wig, you ask? Basically, the wig cap is a newer technology. Instead of a soft, hand-sewn mesh cap, the Freedom Wig cap is silicon and fitted perfectly to the contours of your head. This allows the wig to "suction" to your head- which means you can do updos (ponytails!), go swimming with it on, ride rollercoasters, exercise, whatever! You might remember how I went to a wig launch  a couple of months ago for a similar wig, except that one glued on. This one I still remove daily as you cannot sleep in it (but not sleeping in a wig means it lasts longer). A Freedom Wig should last 3-5 years and can be repaired if it starts to lose hair (vs buying a whole new wig). Oh, and it is like half the price. #winning

So I got in contact with the Eastern Canada rep awhile back and I got sized for my new wig this weekend!! She lives in Winnipeg, but flies out once a month to do fittings with new customers so I met her in a hotel by the airport. You only need to get fitted once because as long as you don't gain a bunch of weight your head shape doesn't change- so you can order a 2nd wig years later without a refitting!

Traced out my new wig cap

The process was fairly straightforward- she expertly traced out the shape of the wig cap and then applied vaseline and plaster to get the shape. The hardest part for me was that I wasn't allowed to move my face or talk for 45 minutes! Pure torture- especially since I had brought my best friend Jeni along with me (she did the photos).

Once it dried I had to move my face a lot to get it to separate from the skin (which is also why she put vaseline on first!). The photos of removing it were pretty funny so I had to share one :)

As for my wig- I ordered a dark brown with auburn undertones! I was worried about picking a colour because I am super indecisive, but the rep brought a couple of her own wigs (she is also a customer!) and I tried hers on and we all LOVED the colour on me so we just copied it! You can see it on her up above. The new wig will be longer than my current one too- it comes a few inches below my shoulders.

I had a couple friends pushing for blonde hair, but we found out that blonde wigs can take up to year to come in because sourcing long, unprocessed, blonde hair is very difficult. Wig hair generally comes from women either selling their hair or donations from places like Locks of Love. Most people don't know that places that Locks of Love actually only uses about 10% of the hair donations and sells the rest! I don't know WHY that is, but you may donate your hair for charity and I may end up paying big money for it. Also, long hair is hard to come by so every couple inches longer will cost about $1000 more. 

The ONLY downside I see with my new wig is that, while I can pull it up into a ponytail, one of my tattoos will probably show. They cut in baby hairs at the back to disguise the wig line, but I am not sure they will cover up that bad boy.

Oh well! I will just get some good make up for the odd day I decide to tie it up!

I cannot WAIT for my new wig. The two she had there were 1 year and 3 years old and they felt like brand new wigs (my hair feels all dried out and bleh these days). EEE!!! But I probably won't get it until the fall. Cue sad face! First they send me a cap to try on, made from my mold. Once I approve the cap the wig takes about 4 months. But I will keep you guys updated!

Alopecia Pity Party

I have had a really busy week...hence why the blog has been so quiet. Sorry about that! My "event" last night was at my wig salon for the launch of a new type of wig! I have never gone to a wig launch before, but I am in the market for a new wig (well, I am starting to look around) and the invite said there would be food and wine so I figured I should go. Even though I knew no one...yikes.

So I get there and I get to hear all about this new wig from the manager of the salon and a couple of women who have one. Except the manager, and the two women all wear postiches, which are kind of like toupees. Not full wigs like me, so it was kind of annoying not to get to see what the full wig looked like. Oh and my phone died so I have no photos. Go me.

This new wig is really amazing. Revolutionary. It is custom made to your head and then handmade in Italy from a mold of your head. Then it is shipped to Canada and the salon GLUES it to your head, but it is amazingly strong (the manager let me pull on his), yet the scalp and hair are soft and lifelike. I would sleep, swim, wash etc like a regular haired person! You go into the salon every couple of months so they can take it off, clean the cap, and glue it back on. The girls were saying they are very lightweight and not itchy or hot and that they LOVED them. You can even pull them back into a ponytail!!

I was so excited. This is everything I have ever dreamed about. PONY TAIL! Then I asked about price. And then I fainted.

$10,000.

and they recommend you buy two so you switch em out so they last longer.

And the life of one wig? Around 18 months. So $20,000 for 3 years of beautiful, natural-like hair.

TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARY-DOOS!

I am le sad. I just cannot justify spending that kind of money on what is essentially a cosmetic item. No way Jose. I am not giving up my dream of buying a bigger condo just for a pony tail. Even if I had the money lying around I don't think I could do it. I was pretty depressed heading back home after the party, because it gets to me sometimes how most women have all this free hair and don't even appreciate it. I get so angry when I see damaged hair. So very angry.

On the HAPPY side- I met many nice ladies with alopecia like me and a few of us connected on FB! It is so nice to meet another people who totally get it. Some of them were very new to alopecia and wigs and I felt so knowledgeable talking about my eyebrows and eyelashes and I hope they came away with the impression that you can be confident while being bald! Also, the food and wine was yummy too ;). And hopefully this new wig technology will continue to grow and prices will drop over the next 5-10 years and then maybe my dream of a pony tail will come true! :)

I just needed a little pity party while I mourn over the loss of this new wig. 

Now let's get this weekend started!

New Eyebrows!

I lost my eyebrows when I was around 15 and for the next two years I awkwardly drew them on with pencil which never lasted all day and was basically terrible. When I was 17 my mom found these fake eyebrow tattoos (like the kind of tattoos kids put on with water) and my life changed forever. For the first time I felt like my face finally looked more normal and my confidence grew!

I wore those fake eyebrows for 10 full years, but after my recent failed Alopecia treatment I started looking into getting them permanently tattooed. But in looking for recommendations on the Alopecia support group website, I ended up coming across these fake eyebrows that are made with HAIR- kind of like fake eyelashes, but in eyebrow form. I was intrigued and a few weeks later I bit the bullet and whipped out my credit card to spend $50 on freaking eyebrows from headcovers.com.

It took about 2 weeks for them to come and when they got here the glue that I bought to use on them was completely dried up. It was really upset, but the company is sending me another tube so they are good in my books :). Oh and it looks silly now to be so upset over glue, but this change to new eyebrows really upset me for a couple of days. I think I am pretty protective about my alopecia regime and changing my looks was a little shocking to me. I am just using eyelash glue right now.

Anywho, I have been wearing them for about a week now and I really like them! I struggled for a bit with the fact that I could tell they were fake, but then I realized that my old tattoo eyebrows weren't fooling anyone. haha so I got over it fast! A lot of people online said that they wear their eyebrows for a week straight, but I find I need to take them off nightly. They don't stay completely glued down all day (not a big deal, I just patch them with a bit of glue) so by the end of the day they have a bit too much glue so I take them off and clean them.

What I am REALLY enjoying is the freedom of touching my forehead again. The tattoo ones rubbed off pretty easily so I was always afraid to scratch my forehead or have anyone touch my face. Now I am much more comfortable since these don't come off that easily!!

That is a lot of talking though- let's just get to the befores and afters.

You know what is really weird....this is the same wig. Holy moly has it ever lightened over the past 3 years. I mean, the lighting accounts for a bit of it...but still!!!! And I have never gotten my bangs to sit as nicely as the stylist first did them.

Some more "befores" (it is really hard to find photos of my eyebrows. haha)

and more afters!

Also, doing photoshoots of one's self is really awkward. I had to skip over like 50 shots like this:

hahahaha

If you are interested in fake eyebrows, I got the Headcovers #15 in dark brown and I am currently using DUO glue in white/clear (available at Shoppers or Sephora). I do find a corner or a mid section will detach if I furrow my brow or sneeze, but actually isn't very noticeable and you can stick it down again with a tiny dab of glue. As for my eyelashes, I just wear drug store ones in the "natural" length.