I Have Alopecia - Should I Shave My Head or Wear a Wig?

January 02, 2025

Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss. Many people who have alopecia wonder whether they should shave off what hair remains. They might also consider the option of a wig, perhaps even looking at wigs online. There are personal factors involved in making this choice, but knowing a bit about either decision is a good way to make the right one for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Alopecia areata affects nearly 6.8 million people in the United States alone, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)

Shaving Your Head

The choice to shave your head is yours. For some people, it’s healing to get rid of their remaining hair. For others it can be sad and traumatic. Consider how shaving your head will make you feel and decide accordingly. Take some time before you make your decision so you can feel good about whatever you decide.

Reasons to Shave Your Head

People with alopecia shave their head for a variety of reasons. Knowing what they are gives you a chance to think about each of them to see how it feels for you. Some of those reasons include:

• Control over hair loss
• Avoiding bald or patchy spots
• Getting complete hair loss over with
• Easier to style

If you do decide to shave your head, there are plenty of wig options that let you create a style you love, with or without hair. You can even find a wide variety of wigs online.

Tips for Shaving Your Head

If shaving your head is the choice you make, you can make it an event that you feel good about, rather than something devastating. Doing it with care makes the choice empowering and gives you some control over your hair loss. Consider the following tips:

• Make it a ritual: have a delicious dinner or snack, do a face mask, take a bath, then shave your head. You might prefer to be alone or have a close friend or loved one with you when you do it.
• Do a photoshoot: before you shave it all off, consider doing something crazy with your existing hair, then taking pictures to remember it by.
• Give it to charity: if you still have a good amount of hair, but want to shave it before it falls out, you might consider donating the hair to charity.
• Create a keepsake: if getting rid of your hair is causing sadness and feelings of loss, make something with it. Some jewelers can use your hair and make you a necklace that lets you hang on to some of it.

Choosing a Wig

If you want to wear a wig after you’ve shaved your head, it’s a great choice for many people. Sometimes hair grows back in a different texture or color and shorter hair requires more maintenance. A shaved head also needs sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. A wig helps cover up such issues and gives you creative freedom to mix and match styles to find what you love best. Be sure you choose a wig that fits you well, so it looks natural and won’t slip and slide when you wear it.

For those experiencing hair loss, wigs offer a fantastic way to boost confidence and explore different styles. And if you're looking for versatility, you might consider clip in hair extensions to add length or volume to your existing hair or even to a wig.

Ready to make a style statement with a wig? Browse our wide selection of wigs online at ABC Wigs. We're here to help you find the perfect wig for your needs. Contact us or visit our website today!

Also in News