Wigs for Hair Loss: How to Choose in 4 Simple Steps

Sudden hair loss can feel like such a blow. You might be noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain, patches of hair missing on your scalp, or a general thinning. It can be a scary and frustrating experience.

Whatever you are going through, you might be tempted to jump straight in and buy the first thing you can find on the internet – but you might want to take a breath, pause, and consider your options first, so you end up with the best wig, hair topper, or hair loss solution for your situation.

That’s what we want to help you do today, in a step-by-step walkthrough detailing how to find the right wigs for hair loss.

The Emotional Side of Hair Loss

No matter the cause, hair loss can feel like just one more thing you’ve lost control of. 

You might be going through information overload from your doctor or nurse, what you’ve researched online, or from all of the “advice” you’ve been offered by well-meaning friends and family.

On top of that, you might be working through huge life questions – especially if your hair loss is due to a medical condition like alopecia, or as a result of chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. 

Your hair loss could even be because of a non-medical condition, like not eating enough protein, or struggling with trichotillomania. So what are you supposed to do?

Trying to find the answer to potentially life-altering questions like these can trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness, fear, and even anger. 

At Hair Enhancements of Pittsburgh, we get it. Many of the people on our team have walked through their own hair loss journeys, and know what it’s like to feel scared and unsure of what to do next.

Thankfully, after years serving women with all kinds of hair loss challenges, we know how to help – and we are going to share what we have learned with you today, to help you regain your confidence and find your perfect fit.

The Hows and Whys of Hair Loss

Before we get into the details of how to choose the best wigs for hair loss, let’s start with some basic explanations of hair growth and discuss a few common types of hair loss. 

Understanding the stages of hair growth can help you recognise how various life factors might be triggering your hair loss, so that you can make an informed decision about which wig or hair loss solution is best for your needs. 

The three stages of hair growth are: 

1. Anagen: The anagen phase is the stage of hair growth where your hair is actively growing. This can last 2 to 8 years.  

2. Catagen: Catagen is the transition phase of hair growth. It is where your hair follicles shrink in preparation for hair loss. This can last 2 to 3 weeks.

3. Telogen: Telogen is the resting phase of hair growth. This can last 2 to 4 months, after which your affected hair follicles fall out.  

So that’s the general hair loss timeline – but why exactly are you losing hair in the first place? There are many different causes and categories we could mention, but here are four typical medical and genetic causes:

1. Female pattern baldness 

Just like with men, female pattern baldness (usually, a hereditary trait) causes your hair to thin on the top and sides of the head.

2. Alopecia

Alopecia is a very common form of female hair loss and is an autoimmune disease. It causes your hair to fall out in anything from small, approximately quarter-sized round patches, all the way to full hair loss on your head, and even full-body hair loss. Sometimes, women can also experience scarring alopecia.

3. Anagen effluvium 

Anagen effluvium is caused by medications that weaken your hair follicles. This is why chemotherapy patients experience hair loss. 

4. Telogen effluvium 

Telogen effluvium occurs when a higher number of  hair follicles reach the final stage of hair growth at the same time. This can be brought on by high cortisol levels. 

Not all hair loss is a result of medical reasons; there are also important non-medical causes of hair loss we come across in our salon. The three most common ones we hear about from clients are:

1. Stress 

Excessive stress can wreak havoc on your body. Hair loss is a common biological response to stress. It’s so important to find healthy ways to manage stress in your life. 

2. A Diet Lacking in Calories or Protein 

Food can have a significant impact on your physical health. When you have a diet that is too low in calories or protein, you may be more susceptible to hair loss. A nutritionist can help you develop an eating plan that meets your daily requirements for calories and protein.

3. Trichotillomania 

Trichotillomania is a mental health condition where you compulsively pull hair from anywhere on your body, including your scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. You might do this out of stress or boredom, and giving in to the compulsion might offer a sense of relief. If you find yourself regularly pulling out your hair, please consider talking to your doctor or a mental health professional.

How To Decide If Wigs Are The Best Option For Your Hair Loss in 4 Simple Steps

At Hair Enhancements, we believe customization is key. If you panic buy the first thing you find online, you may not get the best or most fitting long-term solution for what you need.

So how can you know whether female wigs for hair loss are your best option? We’ve provided 4 basic steps below to see if hair loss wigs are right for you.

1. See your primary care physician (PCP) or a dermatologist. 

Your PCP or dermatologist will likely ask you extensive questions and perform several tests. They will also spend time examining your hair and scalp to look for physical signs of hair loss, such as scabs, scales, or small patches of missing hair. Also, expect your doctor to do blood work. This can help indicate whether your hormone levels, the presence of bacteria, or an infection could be causing your hair loss.  

2. Review treatment options for the type of hair loss your doctor diagnosed you with. 

Once your PCP or dermatologist has determined the cause of your hair loss, they can provide you with different ways to treat your hair loss. This could include topical or oral medications, as well as solutions for gut health issues. They might also suggest cosmetic options, such as hair transplants or platelet-rich plasma injections. 

3. Explore using a hair topper or a wig. 

A hair topper is an addition to your existing hair and usually covers only the specific areas of your head experiencing hair loss. On the other hand, a wig covers your entire head, and is a great option if you have lost or shaved off all or most of your hair.

We’ve filmed a series of video resources and stories covering hair toppers and wigs for hair loss, which you can check out elsewhere on our site. You could watch some of those to get familiar with the differences between hair toppers and wigs for hair loss. Additionally, you can search for more articles on toppers and wigs under “Our Blogs” by using the filter feature. 

4. Schedule a confidential consultation with Hair Enhancements of Pittsburgh.

If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with us! We would love to have a confidential, caring discussion of what you’re going through, how you are feeling, and how we can help you. 

When you come into our salon for a complimentary consultation, we take time to talk through your lifestyle and dreams, as well as the finances of female wigs for hair loss, so that we can find the best solution for your situation.

And if you find a wig or hair topper you love, we also offer support with styling and ongoing maintenance services. We’re always free to talk about any additional needs or questions you may have, because we want to see you thrive on every stage of your journey.