Follicly Challenged

I need a new hair style. Desperately. I am as low maintenance as things come (my poor, poor husband) but there comes a time when even low maintenance needs a new 'do.

Since summer came along I've had my hair up in the ever-so-chic ponytail just about every day. (I know. Hush.) But there was something going on while I wasn't spending time styling.

I was going bald.

I know you think I'm overreacting, but I'm not. The ponytail that I have been wearing is thinner than ONE of my pigtails used to be. Not good. While this poses many problems in the "what style works with no hair" department, that's not the worst of it. The worst?

Women in my family have a history of balding.

There, I said it. It frightens me a wee bit. Especially since I am 38 years old and already lost half my tresses. My word, I shouldn't have to worry about this. Isn't it enough that my metabolism has turned on me and I gain weight while thinking of eating carrots? Why must I fight my metabolism and my follicles?

I could always go with the wig option, but I fear there would be some kind of work involved with that. Plus my head would sweat and that's just gross. I mean, how sexy would it be to have that thing slip sideways while my dog is having a c-section and I'm madly shaking down puppies? It wouldn't, that's how sexy. And I could totally see myself just forgetting to don it before venturing into public. One day I have a gorgeous fro going on, and the next nothing whatsoever.

So while I was at the salon I mentioned to the stylist that my hair was thinning. (Yeh, she noticed.) We decided on a cute bob that could be blown nice and full to make it look like there was actually hair there. (I feel like my 91 year old grandmother. She's been doing this for years.) And I'll be getting highlights because they'll add the illusion of volume.

Maybe that wig option isn't such a bad one after all. At least the hair would actually be there, sideways or not.

Also? I bought salon products. In 38 years of life I've never bought salon products before. (I know. Hush.) These products are guaranteed to stop the thinning and even start new growth. Why are balding women not as widely accepted in society as balding men? When will the Alzheimers kick in so that I don't care about the balding any longer?

I didn't mention that Alzheimers runs in the family, too? Yeh, it does. I've hit the genetic gene pool jackpot.

21 comments:

Flea said...

I LOVE the new do! It rocks!!! And there are always the options you see on TV, right?

Seriously, though, talk to your doc about having blood work run to check your hormones. They may be off kilter and you may be able to slow this down. I was 39 when I started going nuts and it turned out to be hormones. Well, part of it ...

Stephanie said...

Great choice and fab self portrait :)

Molly said...

Cute cute!! and Biotin!!!!!!! Seriously I know a chick who had bald spots from stress our freshman year of college (I'll be a senior now) and she took biotin and it made a BIG difference

Viv said...

I'm a few years younger than you are and I deal with the same thing. My mom has worn a wig since before I was born!!! I would rather be bald than go to the wig option so I have my hair cut super short. Aside from the ever growing patch of skull where my part is, it works well as the only style I have time for includes a 20 second long blast from the hair dryer before brushing and spraying...or well not, on some days. I feel your pain and your panic, but, your hair looks great to me, as a matter of fact I was a wee little bit (maybe a little more than wee exactly) jealous of it when I saw your picture.

Becoming Mommy said...

I actually love the hairdo!

I've toyed with the head covering option. Not that my hair is thinning, but that it tends to 'fro. Part of me is jealous of the Muslim ladies here because they don't have to worry about bad hair days.....

Trisha said...

Nice look! I think you look fabulous - even with that big, black thing on your face!

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

At least when the Alzheimers kicks in you won't remember that you're bald.

CanadianMama said...

I will totally have this problem soon, actually I'm pretty sure its already started!

I'm digging the new do though!

AutoSysGene said...

The new do is adorable. Folic acid will help with hair growth.

Baldness runs in my family to then add drugs that make you lose your hair and I'm so there with you. Folic acid really did help me...you might want to give it a try.

Again, cute do!

The Sports Mama said...

Honest to goodness... that is the cutest 'do EVER on you!! I LOVE it!!

And I can sooo sympathize with the whole thinning hair thing. I've recently been looking--really looking--at my head. See, in recent pictures it looks like I'm losing hair. Then it occurred to me that (like you) my ponytails are so much ... less.. than they used to be.

I am not amused.

HalfAsstic.com said...

Oh, Karen! Damnation! Why couldn't the Alzheimer's be first!?
No, bad joke. Not bad enough to go back and erase it before I hit send, but pretty bad. ;-)
Do you read Hotfessional? The lady that does it is named Ree and she is a hard core wig wearer. A forty-six year old wig wearer. She has posted a picture of herself without a wig or headscarf before, as well. She has a lot more scalp than hair, but the most amazing eyes. And a beautiful soul. I know you do too.

M.Hilton said...

If it makes you feel better, I''m 29 and going through the same thing! Just visited my dermatologist to talk about some options - she was very helpful about it! Your new cut looks great! :)

Shellie said...

I love your hair. I hope what it stays put! Truthfully, I'd rather be bald than get Alzheimer's but I guess we don't get to choose...

Sherry C said...

okay I enjoyed your post however i have this problem too.. I'm also 38 and have very thin hair and it is falling out i just had baby #4 a few months ago i hope it's a postpartum thing .. please god. You had me laughing and that is always a good thing.

I loved your new cut too maybe that is an answer for me as well. there is some hope.

Sherry C said...

okay I enjoyed your post however i have this problem too.. I'm also 38 and have very thin hair and it is falling out i just had baby #4 a few months ago i hope it's a postpartum thing .. please god. You had me laughing and that is always a good thing.

I loved your new cut too maybe that is an answer for me as well. there is some hope.

Burgh Baby said...

I can't judge the do when you're hiding your face, darnabit!

the planet of janet said...

love it. even if i can't see your face...

caramama said...

That is an adorable hair style! I love it!

Tomorrow, I'm going to cut off at least 10 inches of my hair for Locks of Love. At least, I'm 95% sure I won't back out of it. ;-) Wish me luck!

Chelsie said...

I love the short hair, and think it totally rocks!

Brandie said...

Looks great! I bet its easier to take care of, too. I totally blew off my last hair appointment. I realized it 3 days later when I finally checked our voice mail. I've been too chicken to call and reschedule.

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT! There is nothing wrong with being low maintenance - which is pretty much my motto these days!

My Mom started using Ovation hair therapy several months ago for thinning and has noticed a HUGE difference! Thank goodness for modern chemistry!