Denise, I love your honesty and openness. You are a Gold Star human. You are so beautiful inside and out, and your videos really help a lot of people. Thank you so much!

I know this video was posted over a year and a half ago, but it is amazing! I'm experiencing early stages of hereditary alopecia. All of my life my hair has been a defining element of my punk/post-punk/post-post-punk style. Naturally my hair loss is devastating. Genes are definitely in play. My mother had progressive hair loss, so I have that. AND I grew up in the 80's with SO.MANY.SPIRAL.PERMS. And just to be sure I beat my hair into oblivion, I colored the hell out of it. Throw weight loss surgery into the mix, and here I am. I'm considering shaving and just embracing wigs, but my sweaty, itchy, budget conscious critic is currently steering this ship. All of that said, I am so grateful to find your videos!! After watching you I am coming closer to just embracing my current hair situation and moving forward with wonder, experimentation, and joy!! Thank you!!

Of course I'm crying. 😭 My stylist had been taking a little more every few trims over the past 2 years until I started wearing a topper in February. Then went to full wigs in June as I was experiencing tension alopecia from the clips. In July she cut it down to about 1-1½" all over. I cried through the cut. Now I'm growing it back some as I'm desperately trying to enjoy curls that I've spent 50 years hating, knowing they really need to go eventually. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself to help all of us through this difficult journey that would be oh so very lonely to travel all alone. 🤗💞

My hair was long, balding, thinning and after a stroke parts of it was curly and parts were straight. No hair style looked good not even a pony or bun. Plus it would break off, had to clean drain after every shampoo. I finally buzzed it after watching many how to videos. No one had seen my real hair any way for 2 yrs. Well, I love it! It is so freeing. I like it so much that i want a hair stylist to make it look better so i can go without a wig if i want to. My problem is going to be getting my family to accept it. I spent a few days with them for the holidays. When i wasn't wearing a wig i wore a slouchy chemo cap. No one said a thing about the cap. I guess that will do for now but after i get some highlights (maybe a few pink ones too) and figure out how to style the top which is 2 or 3 inches the rest is buzzed, then i will want to rock it with no wig.

I love that you considered how your husband was feeling about the possibility of you buzzing your hair off. You certainly did the loving thing in waiting for him to feel ok about it. Also, thank you so much for all of your videos. They are very helpful in very many different ways. :)

Denise, What a great wife you are to respect your husband's feelings regarding your hair and you have placed the verse from Hebrews 13 in the perfect spot. You are so special, Denise. All the issues you've mentioned go thru my head(no pun intended)all the time. I have not yet cut my hair into short layers, but am still considering it since it is so stringy and sparse at the hairline. It is so embarrassing. I think I keep putting it off because I do not have enough wigs to wear. At this point in time buying them is too much of an expense for me to handle. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I really appreciate you my sister in Christ, truly I do. 💕 Diane

Thanks for sharing your story. I've had trichotillomania with OCD since I was 12 years old and I'm almost 27 now and still struggling with it. I remember feeling ashamed of it a long time ago and I still am to some extent but I don't really care. I do shave my hair bald so I can't pull it. I'm re-learning ONCE AGAIN how to stop pulling it. It seems really simple to people who don't have this condition with OCD to just stop pulling your hair, but it's so much more than that. So there's shame and the guilt and also just not feeling good about myself. My husband tries his best to make me feel good about how I look with a shaved head. He's really sweet. Right now I feel so much more comfortable with a shaved head than I do with a wig. It's nice to know we're not alone.

You have been very helpful to me, so glad I found your channel. I have AU….so don’t need to buzz my head. I struggle more with the lack of eyebrows and eyelashes. It is so wonderful to find a “friend” that understands this emotional aspect of this condition. Love your lipstick color by the way! Feeling very down right now and you have helped….this is a real rollercoaster of ups and downs. I have always felt like this isn’t about being vain…it’s about looking normal.

Sweet friend, I know you are a blessing to so many because of your honesty in sharing your journey. Thanks for being you! ~Jill

A couple weeks ago, I washed your other videos about buzzing your hair. I was so inspired by your courage to do it on video. My husband was fine with it, so I buzzed mine! I love it. It does make wig wearing easier. I don't bother with a wig cap anymore and I love that. Thanks for inspiring me; I have no regrets.

Hi Denise tx for the update on your hair. I buzzed about 6 weeks ago. I used to have long hair, but cut short some 10 years ago because my hair just got finer and finer and looked ridiculous long. My main reasons for buzzing: The hot weather we have here in South Africa (just about 9 months of the year) My hair would look such a mess after taking the wig off at the end of the day. I now only wash my hair once a week, allowing my hairs natural oils to do their job. I still wear a wig grip, but like you said, the wig does seem to hold better. I will never grow my hair out again. I have not coloured it for years and am almost silver grey! Wigs have given me back my feminity and confidence. I love the ease and the diversity of them. I wish they would last longer, but I do look after them to try and get max use for my buck xx Sandy

What a lovely gift to give of yourself to others...”Thank you”.🤗

What? You are certainly a celebrity and very very special one at that. IF you are not a motivational speaker, well, you should be. I do not suffer from hair loss but find watching and listening to you so very inspiring, I am honored to be able to do so! Thank you Denise for sharing yourself and your journey with us all.

I know it doesn’t actually matter but it sure does peak my interest a little bit (for some STRANGE reason) whyyyyy ANY one would thumbs-down such a heartfelt, selfless, informative video like this. It just blows my mind. GREAT JOB DENISE 👍👍

Thank you soooooo much for making these videos! This is EXACTLY what I needed ♥️ my friends and family are stunned when I tell them I want to shave my head. They don’t understand that my bio hair makes me sad and self conscious, just like you said, but the hair I have with wigs is what I have always pictured myself with. Thanks for bringing light to this! Virtual hugs because this resonated with me so heavily.

Hi Denise! I also made the decision to buzz my hair after watching you buzz yours on video. I have been extremely happy with it buzzed and have had no regrets whatsoever. And yes it is maintenance to buzz it off I like to do it at least once every week and a half, but I consider that very minimal maintenance compared to what I was trying to do. To keep the color maintained, or to keep it up under a wig, to protect the color when I was out working in the yard, extra shampooing from all the products in it, and it's just so easy not to do all of that with a buzz. Yes my buzz holds my wigs on just like strong Velcro, so I do not use a wig grip or Any glue on products. I also thought I would need to leave front sides out in order to blend, but I did not like the way they looked and buzzed them right off and I certainly don't miss them at all, maybe on a windy day but I don't care. PS, have you ever looked into wearing a halo wig underneath a baseball cap? Then it wouldn't be as hot as wearing a full wig under your cap. Thank you for all of your videos and blessings to you again for your love and honesty💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

For a good reason you had me in tears. I'm just so over trying to find something. I am also thinking of leaving facebook, I just don't think anyone can help me find that topper. I don't think I need to buzz it with it growing from the crown and a little past my temple, but I think it could set me free, This journey has me so depressed. I love your enthusiasm and so appreciate you. God Bless and thank you for being so YOU. To all od us that listen to you and encourage, we think of you as our go to sister.

Hello! I'm so glad I found your channel. Our hair loss story is practically the same except I never used Toppik. Another GLARING difference is that you have a supportive spouse. Imagine not having him...next imagine not having any confidence when it came to dating. Being alone with our hair issues and not being attracted to men with hair issues leads to a level of loneliness that you were spared. You're a very lucky lady! Thanks for sharing. It was somewhat nice to see I'm not the only one with this kind of hair loss. Keep on, keepin' on.

Hello Denise! I just yesterday found your channel by way of "Becky". BTW, that is one gorgeous wig! I'm looking to get her now. I am completely with you about buzzing! When I started losing my hair this year in May, Alopecia Areata, I tried to cover up the bald spots for as long as I could. But it really came down to the point where I was getting more and more depressed as I saw the handfuls of hair falling out... that's when I decided to buzz my hair. It was sooooo FREEING and I felt so much better about myself. I'm now almost completely bald, which doesn't really bother me (less I have to buzz! lol) However, now I'm starting to lose my eyebrows & lashes - which I think is the hardest part of my journey. Anyway, thank you for sharing! You really have a lovely personality and I look forward to watching more of your videos... Your sister in Christ, Emily

Thank you for this. My husband watched, too and I think he finally understands.

Hey, Denise! I was just trimming mine when I found this video. You'll laugh at me...I was struggling with buying a short style, though my own hair is much shorter than the wig I am considering, LOL. I keep saying it will be like my own, but full and styled. Thin hair never holds a style, as well all know. You and I are in agreement on the husband issue. When a husband adores his wife, it's only right that we consider his feelings, but they love us and want us to be happy. I sometimes miss my baby pony but an extended nape helps with that issue. Good talk! ~Cyn

My husband was not on board with the buzzed head too. So now I do a undercut and leave the top and upper back longer so it looks like a short style. The undercut does help with the grip and shorter wigs.

I just decided to get a wig and have not looked back. Godiva's secret wigs has many different styles and I now never leave the house without one of my wigs. I don't have hair loss but I keep my hair so short for wearing a wig so it doesn't peek out anywhere. I'm all grey and so I enjoy being any color I feel like for that moment.

Thank you for caring and being so considerate to help others.

I buzz my hair for many reasons. I have Scarring Alopecia (meaning I have permanent hair loss with mottled scarring all over my head). For many years I could hide the bare circles on my head, but not in the last 2 years. Consequently, I can never go out of the house without a wig. Buzzed hair is SO easy to take care of; I often just rub a wet facecloth on my head and I’m good to go. My hairline on the sides (at temple and sideburns) and at the nape is really low, SO I have to shave my temple, sideburns and nape almost daily. Shaving my head (1/2 inch) is just an extension of face and neck shaving. Let me say that my hair was never my shining glory!!!!! I guess I never missed my bio hair days. My husband loves my wigs, which is a huge help. My wigs are so much better than my bio hair ever was. It don’t know if this helps anyone. Don’t be afraid to buzz your hair. Remember, it will always grow back. Cheers!

Hi Denise I'm so glad you did this video. I was thinking about growing my buzz cut back out, I don't have to do that now you did it for me lol. My head is very flat and I have a fat neck buzz cut is so much easier to manage under a wig. Why is it that if you have no hair on top it grows half way down your neck 😂 It is good to know that we are not alone on this journey 💕

Bless you Denise. This is so funny to me because after your buzz video I buzzed my hair and kept it buzzed. The past few months I got kinda lazy and my hair is your length. You are spot on and honest. Another reason I don't like it this length is how sweaty my hair is after I take my wig off. It has been so bothersome lately I remove my wig halfway home in the car because now it is dark by 5:30pm. I figure my neighbors won't see me without my wig when I drive by to my home. It is not vanity. It is just I don't want to justify in my mind to anyone who does not know I wear wigs. I'm totally fine telling someone I wear wigs if the situation calls for it. If I want people to see me as if the wigs are as real as my natural hair used to be, I don't need to make it an unneccessary topic of discussion. Buzz hair is so freeing. Getting out of the shower, towel dry hair and be ready in a few minutes to pop on a wig makes it so worth it. I always thought women who choose to or perhaps not have a chose to be bald are stunning. There is a beauty about it. We must see our own beauty in the reflection of the mirror of our own beauty without hair. You made your case why buzzing your hair is the best chose for you. I felt like I could be the one sitting there saying your exact words. I am at the same point with this topic so I was thrilled to hear what I was feeling in words. I am so grateful you talk about the subjects you do. Thank you Wig Sister!!!😁

Hi Denise, I so appreciate how open and vulnerable that you make yourself for the purpose of helping your sisters. Thank you for all the help and education! I think I have been wearing wigs for maybe 15 years. I'm not sure. I started with a topper but quickly graduated to wigs. In the beginning of my efforts to disguise my hair loss I did try the fiber powder & some spray that was like paint. I hated both. Too messy, too time consuming for me. I explored hair systems that were available at the time. One involved shaving my head & then adhering their hair system. That was probably 20 years ago. I just wasn't ready for that. Another system was long hair on a halo that was sewn into my own hair. It had a very visible white ring that glared through my dark hair!! It was a disaster & completely humiliating. All this trial & error led me to my wig journey. In the beginning I had a couple of wigs that were so dense & had a lopsided look because I had no idea what to do with them & stylists at the shop where I bought them were not good with education or suggestions. Finally, through FB & YT I began to get an understanding of wigs, styling, colors, etc. My hair is almost completely gray except for some darker hair in the nape area. I used to keep it dyed but I am just not wanting to do that anymore so I haven't in over a year. I keep my hair cut pretty short. The last time I was at my wig shop I got a hair cut at the same time that I picked up a new wig. I was charged $75 for trimming up hair that would be under my wig!! I was outraged as the previous owner of the shop had never charged to cut hair for a wig wearer. After that, I decided I would cut my hair myself. One day I just started chopping it off. I think it was about an inch or less all over. What does it matter what it looks like because I will never again wear my pathetic bio hair in public? At home I wear beanies that my sister crochets for me. My sweet husband is the one who encouraged me to start my wig journey and he is 100% supportive of me. He doesn't want me to buzz my hair to the point of looking bald. He likes a little hair up there! I am okay with that. He evens up the nape for me & shaves my neck when it needs it. Like most hair loss sisters, I have gone through periods of grief and anger. We all go through our process and hopefully arrive at some sort of acceptance. Again, Denise, thank you so much for all that you do for your sisters!!

Super interesting. I think that’s a really good point for anyone diving into the world of wigs, keeping your expectations realistic. I have (had) very soft, fluffy, fine hair. You won’t get a wig exactly like your bio hair. Don’t spend the thousands of dollars looking for your bio hair. You have to change your expectations and your eye to accept a new look.

Hi Denise, your buzzing video gave me the courage to go super short with my thinning hair. I have a very low hairline and shave my nape so nothing shows below wigs with a two inch nape. I use scissors to cut my hair and cut the back much shorter than the top because I feel like the grips I wear hold better around my flat occipital ridge. Certainly better than with the low pony made into a bun I used to wear. So far no buzzing, but I think I will eventually. My circumference is average large and without the pony/bun the average-size wigs I typically wear fit me much better and no weird bump in the lower back that was sometimes noticeable with the pixie-length wigs I usually wear. Wearing baseball caps does make me feel self-conscious with my sideburns and nape so short. I may decide to try a halo cap or a halo that I can wear a cap over at some point. I also get overheated easily so I don't like a cap over a full wig when it's warm.

Thank you!!!! I literally just went thru this. After having COVID this past January I have been going thru hair loss. I’ve been having fun trying out helper hair and trying to figure out what I liked or didn’t like. My husband and a good friend of ours had a good chat with me about maybe shaving my head. My husband was seeing the clumps of hair I was loosing each time I washed it and I think he finally understood why I was wearing helper hair. Soooooo, just the other day we did it! We shaved my head! My hubby did it and you know what? I love the look! Plus….it definitely makes it way easier to wear the wigs without having any bulkiness underneath to contend with.

Thanks again Denise, you are an absolute Angel, I find you to be so helpful on so many levels, your posts are great. I found your comment on people leaving the fb groups interesting and this is what I wrote to a member further down in here. Hopefully my tips will help them to get the most benefit out of the fb groups. “Please don’t leave, I find fb and the women I talk with in the wig groups to be so cathartic, it helps me to know that I’m not alone. The only thing that bothers me about fb is seeing others buying wigs that I really want, but can’t afford. So if that happens I usually leave that group. (There are some groups where this happens a lot, they are usually groups associated with a wig company or online seller). There are also some women who regularly put up their wigs so I usually block them so I don’t see their posts. This works for me, it keeps me level headed and lowers the anxiety. But I’m still able to talk with those who I know will help me, and me to help them in some way. To share our experiences is really important, which is why I like Denise so much. She’s honest and open without being the slightest bit condescending or judgemental, wonderful!! On YT I always check what the video is going to be about then decide if I want to watch it. I then delete if I know it’s going to be about a wig that I know I’ll really want. Being disciplined does help. So please don’t leave, if you practise some/all of these it really will free you up. 💕”

73 years old and just buzzed my hair last night. Just saw your video, I experienced all you had to say, which made me more comfortable with my decision and the decision to keep buzzing. Your video is a must for all who are struggling with such hair loss. Thank you for your honesty.

Oh, Denise! What a wonderful chat! I remember when I first buzzed my hair and the photos I sent to you! When I saw your bio hair and how the sparseness looks on top. It brought back so many memories...and not good ones. I remember being so depressed every time I looked in the mirror. I have to give you credit for growing your hair out for four months. I don't think I would be able to tolerate it that long! I find that my wigs stay on so much better. Feel more comfortable and I don't have to futz with my wigs so much. 99% of the time i can just throw my wig on and go. It has saved me so much time! I do find that I tend to walk around the house more with nothing on my head...before buzzing I always was very self conscious and I never felt good about myself. The best thing I ever did was join the Beauty Nook wig group...that's where I met the people who have helped me the most when I began my wig journey..you, Lisa, Cynthia, Dawn, ..I was like a maniac watching all of the you tube videos. I am so very blessed and I know that...maybe not with material things but with the many wig sisters I have met that have helped me tremendously and taught me so much. I must say it never dawned on me to think of you as a celebrity ..when I'm watching these videos I think of all of you as my extended family...and we have all gone through, and at times still going through, some very tough times. Thanks again for the great wig chat! Stay safe and well💗💋😷

Denise, you ARE beautiful and you ARE so special. To put yourself out there, to share your journey and your honesty with everyone is a true blessing and gift to us all. I love and support you through all of this. I know these things you share do make a difference. You know I don't have the hair loss issues so many people have. The worst thing for me is just some thinning and the fact I have a long hairline and have to shave it, can't wear anything shorter than 2" nape. That's definitely nothing for me to complain about. Bless you, for always helping others. 🤗💝

I’m not as far along in my hair loss journey but I’ve been dealing with it for 5 years or at least when I noticed it but I shaved my head out of frustration and anger , and sadness . It’s growing out and I get compliments on it lol my parents both liked it and told me to stop wearing head covers so that’s where I am at but I love your honesty and bravery to show your hair loss and speak out about this issue that brings a-lot of shame and embarrassment when it shouldn’t be.

Denise, you have to be the sweetest lady! I enjoy your videos so much! About four years ago, my hair was to the middle of my back. I had three surgeries within a year then noticed my hair becoming thinner and more sparse. As if that wasn't enough, wearing a ponytail to keep my wig from pulling up in the back began to break off my fragile hair. You could actually see through my hair in the back. I then cut about six inches off. A few months ago, I had to cut nine inches off. I know I can't ever wear a ponytail again. This journey is a struggle and can be very depressing at times. You are such a positive influence for all of us and that gives us hope. Thank you for sharing your heart. I love and appreciate you! 😘 ❤️

Incredible testimony Sweetie, thank you so much for giving us, such clarity 💖

You are so beautiful-inside and out. And you look great in every wig I’ve seen you in-curly, straight, short, long-all of them. Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re awesome! So glad I found your channel. 😊

Once again, THANK YOU for your videos 😊.

I just started losing my hair from Covid. Its good you can talk about this topic for those of us that are new to hair loss.

“ There’s nothing special about me”. God made you and thinks you are VERY special 👏👏 and so do we🥰. By the way, I LOVE my Velcro head🤣👍.

your bio-hair if fine but if you feel comfortable buzzed then go for it, your a beautiful soul and it shines through no matter what, I love all your different coloured wigs, thats what all the fun is to wake up and decide if I want to be a blond or red head or silver or brunette. I have all different colours and am really getting into the rooted colours.

Wow, I just finished watching and I have a lump in my throat and misty eyes. Thank you for being so genuine. I've sensed that from the beginning. After going to your FB page, I know why now. Interestingly I have been considering buzzing my hair because I've been losing it, not to where there are bald spots, but to it is thinner. This last 16 months have been hurtful and stressful, added to that the politics and my hair's been falling out. I don't know if it will stop. So a few weeks ago I bought Jon Renau Top Style 12" and love it. I just ordered the same in the wavy model. Now I've got a big wish list of wigs. Two things that keep me from buzzing 1. My ears do not lay flat like yours, 2. I think from the feel, I have a small crater type thing going on at my crown. LOL. I will now look at your video when you first buzzed your head. Thanks sister.

Watching this video, so long after you made it. And relating to a lot of what you are saying, I have tears in my eyes. I have been losing my hair for about 20 years. I don't wear wigs yet. Now I have lost about the first 3 to 4 inches from my front hair line, so I look bald from the front. Really ugly. The rest of my hair is extremely thin and I am clearly suffering from alopecia of some sort, but have not been diagnosed. I dye and cut my own hair. Have done for years. Don't have the courage to expose myself in a public forum. There is no privacy at all in a salon. Everyone walking past looks in. But, I am about to start a new job. The interviews were done online, via Teams, so the new employer has not met me. I disguised my hair loss with scarves during the interviews. But I can't do that every day, from an office. I need a wig. I have a small head. Any hats or helmets are child size, for me. Hats struggle to stay on my head. Even my work phone headset, I have to use a sponge between my head and the set, to get the muffs to sit on my ears. I hate permatease. I want something shortish, lightweight with an obvious part. Wide lace front, monofilament. Your honesty really makes me want to hug you. I feel your heart. Your have given me courage to pick a wig, make the investment and buzz my head. Thankyou.

OMGosh!!! Our stories are so alike.....thank you so much for sharing. My scalp gets red like yours and has just recently started to peel. I think it's the hairspray. I've also been thinking of buzzing my hair but I need some kind of head covering that doesn't make me look sick. I'm thinking of designing my own. I need my family to be comfortable around me and if I can find the right style head covering apart from my wig I will definitely buzz my hair.....cause it does feel amazing. We are in summer now and I need something light. Thanks again Denise. Hugs Shaz

This was so interesting. I don't have hair loss, but I keep my hair super short because I love wearing wigs. I agree with all the pros you talked about.😀

Thank you , thank you, thank you for you recorded buzz journey. I just finished watching all of your videos. I asked my husband about it and he said that he doesn’t see my bio more than an hour a day. He left it at my choice. So I called my son, who buzz his hair and has the razor thingy to see if he would buzz me. I can’t wait to follow through. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Me.

5:40 what our husband thinks is very important. We rely on them to bounce our feelings off and to give us the truth how things look. And we want them to care how we look. Thank you. I value your videos more than any others in this journey.

This was so the video I needed to see. Ive been on the fence about trying buzz cuts or if the mini pony would help hold. You really covered a lot of my questions no one else spoke about. This may be two years old. My hair was only lightly thinning then. But now its very similar to what you deal with. Congrats on the weight loss by the way compared to this old video. As someone who grew up as the fat kid, got thin for a decade, then fat again after depression, I really relate on the struggle. Seeing you overcome all these hurdles is very inspiring. I know none of it was simple nor easy. Because having lived it. It feels life was stolen from you.

Denise u r so sweet I had hair lose for about 15 years the only time I cry about my hair lose when I watch your video on you buzzing your hair off . I love your videos and I watch them all the time think you so very much for your advice.Janet Garner

I’m gonna try really hard not to write a book. But. This is the single most helpful video I have ever watched on KZfaq. I sat here and cried watching because I’ve had so many of the same thoughts. Almost everything you said resonated with me. I’m still undecided and probably will be for a while longer. But #1 caring what your husband thinks. I’m right there with you. He’s my favorite person in the whole world so I do care what he thinks and he’s already had to deal with combover wife for 11 years. I have this fear I’m going to look like a boy since I am plus sized and not super girly. I’m also so hot natured and so new to wigs I just don’t feel like I’d wear them around home and I’m so afraid how I’d look 🙈 But is any of that worse than the old man horse shoe hair I currently have going on? Ugh so difficult. But thank you thank you thank you for being so open and honest and sharing your journey.

I'm so glad I found your channel!! When I saw someone else with thinning hair, who does know what a woman with hair loss goes through emotionally, self-conscious, spending so much time trying to comb and tease it to cover the widening space between hairs, only to find another place has appeared! It gets discouraging when you try hair growth serums, shampoos and foams, trying new hair styles for "women with thinning hair," but sadly, not for hair as thin as this. 😢 I am now about to write you a book as to my terrible and surprising journey through my hair loss. Let me start by telling you the back story of my hair, thick and heavy, although it was straight, there were very good perms out, my previous stylist had always used a sensitive, or gentle perm, usually what she used for elderly women with more fragile hair, because mine was so fine. Whenever I see pictures of that time, when I was in my 30's & 40's, I get sad, I grieve for my hair, and think back to how I had such thick hair, especially the back of my head where the beautician had to heavily thin out my hair from the underside, because I had so much trouble getting it to dry!! I was always told I have fine hair, but it was very thick...I miss it so badly, I really do, as I know you know, it's an awful shock to realize what's happening and then to find out it won't stop, and there's nothing you can do to stop the proces. I never even have to worry about "bed head" in the morning, (like I do now!!) Oh the things that I never had to think about then; I never would have dreamt that I'd have to worry about it. I always felt so badly for a couple of my friends and the elderly women I knew, whose scalps were clearly visible, even with perms and maintaing coiffed hairstyles with curls to try and make the loss less apparent. Mine began with one over-zealous trip to the salon, where I received a perm, hair coloring, and foil highlights all during one visit. My head was burning so bad 😨😟 as I sat there during one of the processing times...I can't remember which one, prob the perm, as I had rollers in, while she started on another woman's perm. I remember pushing my fingertips into my scalp to stop the burning, the plastic hair cover so steamed up it had some spots were so steamed up that there were some trickle lines of water flowing downward from the cap (I had taken a mirror from my purse to see what was going on). When she came to check on me during a break with the other woman, I told her that my scalp was burning-BAD. She checked under the plastic cap and checked out my scalp, and said--I will never forget this: "It looks ok, I don't see any blisters, so let's give it another 15 minutes and I'll be back as soon as I'm done with getting her rolled up and put the solution on." I very clearly remember what she said, because I thought 15 mins was a long time when it burns like this, blisters or not!! But she had reassured me and told me if we took them [roller] out now, the perm wouldnt take. When she finally returned, she asked if it had stopped burning, I told her "No, I've been lifting up the cap to try and cool it off!" She started taking out the rollers-it was only 5 mins over the 15 min mark-again, I remember this clearly because I was worried she was going to take the rollers out and my hair would come out with the rollers! She said I still didn't have any blisters on my scalp, so it'll be fine, sometimes our scalps are more sensitive... OK? I'd been getting pers, color, and foils for many years, just not at the same time; and I had never experienced ANY pain. I don't know whether it really matters, but she added sweet and low to the coloring so it wouldn't be so brash. I'd never heard of that before, but figured she knew what she was doing. My neice's wedding was that weekend, which also gives me the timeline of when things happened. Thursday pm: hair done, Friday: wedding preparations and rehearsal, Saturday: the wedding...on Sunday, (3 days later) I noticed my bathtub had a bunch of hairs along the bottom and sides of my tub. Weird, I've never lost hair when I wash it, so I was curious. My SIL had been losing hair like this, but it was from hypothyroidism, I didn't have that, so I was surprised and quizzicle as to why this suddenly started. 🤔 But it continued day after day, every day, not a small amount either (to me), then I did become concerned and wondered about the visit to the salon I had right before my niece's wedding😞 I went in for my regular haircut 6 wks later and told her what was happening, and when it started. As she washed my hair she noticed it too, but as she was towel drying and checking it out, she said "A lot of women start losing their hair when the start going through menopause, that's prob it, it's because of our hormones. I explained to her: But...I started parimenopause at 28 and by 40 I was done, done. I was now 48 and had never, ever had that happen, my hair was as thick as usual-she even had to thin it out! And it couldn't be genetic, all the women in our family had very thick hair right up to their last day, so no, not genetic...not hormonal...hmmm what was the one variable that was there last time but never before?? But I didn't want to get her angry because, just like the "Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld, if she heard that someone had said something not so complimentary, she was known to call them up and tell them they won't have to worry about getting a bad cut, because she had taken them off her schedule (yes, these had all been established customers who came to her so regularly, they were scheduled out for the rest of the calendar year, so as not to lose a spot!! She even told me she was so upset because she had just did a cut for one of her regulars, and shortly after had another regular come in and tell her what he said; she went on "So I called him [at work] and told him I heard what he was saying about his haircut, and I told him he wouldn't have to worry anymore, because I took him off my boodk!" By that time I certainly wasn't about to tell the woman who had my hair in her hands, that, all things considered, I believe my hair was falling out because of the combined color, foils, and perm...I had looked it up and it was definitely NOT a recommended practice. Why? Because it could badly damage your hair and worst case, it could kill of hair follicles and you'd lose hair.😭😭 But being a coward, I kept my next appt and she said she'd set aside enough time that she could do all of them again now, so I didn't have to keep making trips back...how nice 😢 She assured me it would be ok...Yes, it burned again, but not for as long. And my hair loss increased. I kick myself for not telling her and then making a mad rush to the door, half haircut or not!! Years later my hair follicles have not come back, my hair still falls out, but I have noticed that it is much worse when I'm under stress. I need your help so badly!! You not only understand how this affects those of us going through this, you also are so good at sharing your own journey to make the decision to start wearing a wig and that you had the same questions that I've had! I haven't been so brave yet because I didn't know how to go about choosing one, deciding on human hair vs synthetic, sizing, how to find one that doesn't look like a wig, that doesn't abruptly stop at the forehead, one that doesn't look tosseled to the point of seeing some wefts where the wig sticks up, looks a bit worn, and has open areas, one that doesn't make me look as though I'm going through chemo. I could just as well stick with my own hair, at least I could keep trying new things to hide the patches! But when I started watching your videos, I became excited again, maybe I could find out what to do without throwing money at it until I figured out what to do! You are a fount of information for newbies, I felt understood, and I felt hope that I could wear a wig without it being obvious, really, I feel hopeful for the first time in 14 years!! I apologize for the book!! I just felt like I could share it with you and that, if you have any time in your hectic schedule, maybe you would be willing to help me out and give me some direction that could help me make more informed decisions. As far as time goes, I don't know how you and other KZfaq channel authors, find time to do You Tube videos; but I sure appreciate all the time you put in!!

Wow Denise this video was epic for me! It was like you've been in my head. Thank you so much. I'm going to approach the subject of buzzing my hair with my husband. I've already committed to him that he will not ever see me in my bio hair again. God. bless you for your honest and generous sharing. My biggest struggle is headaches...I use wig bands under my wigs and have headaches every day..I need to change something.

You are truly a blessing

I just watched this video today april 9, 2024. You would never believe how much it has helped me feel better about losing my hair, deciding to buzz off and wear wigs as well. I have been thinking about buzzing my hair for two years now. I'm gonna do it. Thank you so much for being willing to share and be an inspiration for all of us dealing with the same issues. 😊

This was so interesting! You and I are similar journeys as far as our hair loss goes. Mine is ultra thin on the sides and I have the same loss at the front and top. It's been challenging to find the right hair piece to wear, but I finally have. This summer I buzzed my long hair and I really did enjoy it! My hubby was good with it and actually helped me do it! Currently. I'm at the four month mark in growth right now and find my hair is truly ugly, so it's time to buzz I again! It's freeing! Thanks for you videos and honesty!!

My goodness, I am so proud of you. Thank you so much. I understand how you feel. I still have pretty much enough hair, but...it’s a matter of time. Thumbs up 🙏

I am 74 and taking care of my bedridden husband who is in home hospice so I buzzed mine. I am a retired hairdresser and have always worn my hair short but I grew it out a couple years ago but at my age it was just so much work . I love the ease of having it buzzed and I will let it grow out alittle but not alot.

I have wanted to buzz my hair for the last year and still struggle with the idea, you videos help me become more educated. Thanks you

Denise thank you for your great , honest videos. I woke up last Christmas Eve and found two bald spots ( which were not there the previous evening) I was shocked and upset. Anyway through this awful year I've lost 80 percent of my hair (AA) so by mid September I really only had a comb over of hair left. I hated looking at myself I felt so ugly... So I asked my partner to buzz my hair, I closed my eyes and he did it for me and when I opened my eyes I saw an Ok me looking back in the mirror, made me smile. Needless to say I love my buzzed head (bald patches as well) it's so much easier to wear my wigs. There is one big difference though since I did this, any new hairgrowth is pure white which I kinda like actually 🙂 thank you again for your videos you are so reassuring xx

Your reasoning on why to buzz makes do much sense. I’m not there yet but I’m experiencing many of the challenges you speak of.

I am so happy I found your page. I have thinning hair on the top/front. It is so fine, you can see right through it. I stated wearing a wig 4 years ago and it was perfect. I have purchased a few more since then, but still like my original one best.i I just turned 65 and my hair I starting to show a bit of grey. I do not leave the house without my wig or baseball cap, even in the yard or if someone comes to my house. I never thought of buzzing my hair, it just never entered my mind. Like you I used the fibres but I didn’t like that. Like you I feel like my wig is going up in the back. Always checking it. Buzzing is actually something I will be contemplating. Thank you so much for your prompt and con video. Very educational. Will continue watching.

I am sitting here in MS at 11:30 am unable to sleep because I have the flu & was given a steroid shot. They always keep me from sleeping, but enough about me. I just wanted you to know that this video popped up at exactly the right time for me! THANK YOU FOR BEING "REAL!" It's wonderful to know we are all going through this together. I have just stopped wearing toppers & gone to wigs & you touched on everything I am experiencing. When I walked into church for the first time with my red curly wig on, I thought "Omg, am I really doing this?" 😅 All was good. My friends loved it. I THANK GOD FOR SENDING THIS VIDEO TO ME AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT! Who knew? I always am in the bed by 9! But HE knew I needed this - YOU knew I needed this! Thank you again. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Look how well your hair came back, Denise! But you look terrific with your buzzed style, and such a great bonus with the "natural velcro". Perhaps having more air on your scalp with the buzzed length is a help. I started losing my hair 4 years ago after chemotherapy. It was coming out in handfuls and I could not leave it alone! So I went to my hairdresser and she was so sweet, so understanding about my options. I chose the have her trim and style what was left ... but 2 weeks later, I had what was left buzzed off. And I was surprised: I felt ok with it, going out with my shaved head in public. Sometimes I wore my cancer wig out (my photo shows the one I got at the cancer hospital wig room), but in the summer, my natural state was much more comfortable. Edit: going out with a shaved head, and with makeup and earrings is still a polished look.

I just found your journey and let me say that you are a blessing! Thank you for sharing. This journey is not easy but with people like you willing to share it makes it more bearable.

You are very brave telling your story. I’ve thought about buzzing also but still looking for the perfect wig. Thanks for telling your story. Mine is very thin too.

Denise I just love you. I have learned so much from your videos. I started losing my hair when I was in my twenty’s I’m 63 now. I used hair fibers for many years until I just decided to wear wigs earlier this year. I just want to say that because I saw your video when you buzzed your hair I also buzzed mine. I love it. I don’t think I will ever let it grow again. Thanks for all your very informative videos.

I agree with your conclusions about buzzing. I have the same kind of hair loss and buzzing works great for me. Wigs are more comfortable and secure. Love your videos.

Denise, you are indeed a celebrity to us! I am so in awe of your generosity and unselfishness in sharing your many hair loss experiences with us all. I have been wearing wigs for about 15 years and securing them with Bobbi pins. They were acceptable and passed adequately as my own hair. No questions; lots of compliments. Frankly, not having to deal with expensive hair treatments and colorists and stylists more than made up for the minimal cost of the wigs. Having recently discovered your videos and reviews, I have upgraded my wigs to include lace fronts and much more believable wigs. I can certainly tell the difference in quality! I have now matched my bio hair as I did previously, but with far better products. I couldn't be more grateful to you for your painstaking explanations and patient accounts of your struggles. I know I am not the only one. You are just a treasure and so genuine. Thank you, thank you!

Thank you for your videos! I got the confidence to shave my hair off after watching your video! Then I started using wig the tape. After all the years of wearing wigs and having them slip up in the back, I feel elated! Now I can go to work and not pull my wig down every five minutes!

You are brave and so well spoken in the way you share. You could easily be the spokes person for a company product. Happy holidays and just wanted to stop by real quick.

Another wonderful video, Denise! I am sooo thankful for you, and for all you share with us! You know we are so similar in our journeys, but this is a path I haven’t gone down yet. Our lists are even similar, but I’m still so undecided. I wear hats or scarves around the house if I’m not in a wig. I’m worried I’ll look even worse buzzed and that’s another bruise I’d have to risk to take the leap. I know it wouldn’t be devastating (I’d get over/through it) and through this wig journey we learn to dust ourselves off after a stumble, but I’m not up to any additional emotional negativity this year, so I think this is going to wait as an idea until next spring. My husband is incredibly supportive, but I’m not secure enough in me just yet. I’m not sure if buzzing would be freeing or result in never feeling ok without a wig. I’ve gone back and forth like you said. It can be crazy-making - and that is why I am so grateful for you, my wonderful wig sister - you help me feel less alone and less crazy...that is an amazing thing and I love you for it! I hope you and your family had/have a wonderful holiday! Hugs back!

Thank you Denise...God bless you! I buzzed my hair off last year and stopped coloring it! I too wore hair powder for more than 20 years! Since covid I have let my hair grow in a little and I’m wearing a topper. I generally wear my hair extremely short buzzed on sides and back. I haven’t worn a complete wig in almost a year but I’m not ever growing my hair out again! I will continue to wear both the topper and full wigs from time to time. Thanks so much for sharing. You truly are a beautiful person inside and out! ❤️

As usual,,, another great video doll. I think hairloss has been a great thing for me.It keeps me humble,,,, a person should not think higher of their self than they ought. God created us all beautifully We are fearfully ,and wonderfully made. You were created for G-ds glory. Don’t ever forget that! It is not about how we look.It is about bringing glory to our King by loving & helping others.Like you do 😘Big HugsXXX

Just shaved my head yesterday. I feel so liberated!!

On point, Denise. Thank you for sharing.

I just got the chop. All one length and a cheap cut. I’ll get my next haircut in 12 months or more because I never have time for appointments. Wigs save me time and money. My alopecia is male pattern baldness on the sides, which is really embarrassing because being a woman if it thins it should be thinning on top. I gave up the minoxidil but my hairdresser sternly told me “you have to go back on the minoxidil!” She made me feel bad so I called the pharmacy and now I’ll have to get a script from the doctor again. It’s depressing. Your hair looks great just like that. I just want to go super short, stop minoxidil and get comfortable with whatever it does. I think it’s great you considered your husband, keep on respecting and considering him.

Hi Denise! Every time I watch one of your videos I feel so comforted. I am currently losing my hair in handfuls. I am one of those people who is having a hard time embracing it. I have been suffering from hair loss and the mental part of it for 5 years and now I have to start wearing wigs again. Thank you for all you do. Tricia

Hello Wig Sister! I am 3 years in wearing a topper and had already decided my next journey will be wigs. We have the same type of hair loss. Your videos are a blessing and I discovered them just in time. I told my daughter I am ready to just shave it all off and embrace this new season. I love the idea of having a sister wig. I hope you keep sharing and thanks for all you do!

Dear Denise! Great comment wich helped me a lot! Yesterday my wife shaved my head and after 30 years of colouring my hair and struggeling with hair los a feel free. I am more ok with head buzzed then with bad hair. Your videos helped me to decide for a wig . All your advices were the turning point- I will do it. In my town only cancer patients wear wigs, but this can change. I can also have great hair! Greeting from Slovenia, Europe. 🤗

Hi Denise...You have been so inspirational! I am about to be 72 years old. I have always had fine, thin hair, but it wasn't so bad until the past few years. I appreciate your honesty. It must have been much worse being so young with hair loss. I am looking at starting to wear friends. My friend and I are beginning this journey. Thanks for all of your bravery and help! My worry is that my head is not smooth and nice, maybe even lumpy...lol Have you had your hair about 1 inch long and spike it? I'd like to do that and color mine...AND also wear wigs. I'm tired of using Rogaine!

Your really good at doing these videos, I think your decision to buzz your hair makes sense, it does get tiresome to hide your scalp with whatever one uses. I use tinted dry shampoo for now, with Covid I just haven't had time to get fitted for a wig yet! But I'm looking forward to the day 😊 Thank you for doing these videos you are a huge help for women with hair loss and giving us advice.

Thank you for this...You have helped confirm some of the things I'm experiencing now. I have followed the method Taz has used to keep her bio hair buzzed and cut short on top. I'm feeling so much better about my buzz cut and so much more comfortable physically. I still itch some but not nearly as much. I'm super touch and pressure sensitive with fibromyalgia and I'm now able to wear hair for much longer periods. You're a blessing to us Denise!

I just found you tonight. I know this is an older vid, but I wanted to say, that I had male pattern baldness starting at age 22, not terrible. In my 30s, I was quite surprised to see the thinness in pics from then, I am almost 64 now, and the only hair left is a back end mohawk from the crown to the nape. I am going bald. I have been talking in my vlogs about buzzing it off. But I have been trying for a year and still have not found my 1st wig yet! I came close with Gabor Sweet Talk luxury, but the mono is too hot, so I ordered the sweet talk regular, with mono on one side only. I also ordered Hope and Gratitude, funny right? where is Mercy?😄Flat joke. I am really hoping these wigs fit the bill for me. I want to buzz, but with this all over baldness, I can't imagine what the hairless areas will look like. Going to go see your buzz cutting vid. Thank you. You really covered the good the bad and the ugly for me! I have a short wide neck and I hate that too! Stay blessed.

You are special and Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us.

I have been struggling with Alopecia Areiata since 1987. I am at the piubt in my life if shaving and wearing a wig. This will be the second time in my life I will have worn wigs. The first was 2000 - 2005. I know the wigs have changed and am bless3d to have found your channel. I am gearing up to purchase just want to find the right product. I am mid 50s in age and am all about the gray!

Great video! I am almost to the point of buzzing my so so I’ll have to wear a wig. I haven’t found a wig that I can wear full time yet. I have two on the way if the colours work I’ll be considering this and letting my hair grow out grey. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.

Bless your good soul You cover so much more than most!!! I was a baby pony tail gal Now I feel more confident to take that chump You nailed all the concerns Thank you thank you thank you. You’re an earth angel for us. Your bravery to put your experience with such honest y Thank you again💕 14:43 14:43

Thank you Denise!! E everything you said, is exactly how I’m feeling!! Oh goodness! ! I could talk to you for hours because this journey in the beginning is so challenging!!

OMG you look so stunning! with both the front and back view, your bio hair looks super soft and happy :) i am someone who loves super short hair on women (i feel it makes the features light up) as well as the other more, sought after, hair lengths, so maybe that is why i like it so much. thank you for validating that there is no "perfect" solution, as acceptance is part of feeling at peace with whichever route we decide to go with. with gel, i can see what they mean about a ''light socket'' effect (gotta love the brutal honesty of our loved ones!) but i am someone who got told that since i was a child! haha. THIS is why my cousin that i mentioned earlier wanted to buzz her hair (though she did not, i think, till now) because she had read, that the hair grows in better, and the situation improves somehow! the scalp sensitivity thing - i wonder why that is! thank you for this video. God bless.

Denise the day after I saw your first video, about a week ago, I just Cut my hair Willy nilly and then 2 days later went for a buzz cut (#4). Then I came home and got a razor and went around the sides and back of my head. What a freeing experience that was. Now I have no concerns about hair peeking out from underneath my wig. It’s 3 years after your video and it is still relevant! Thank you, Dear One.

Denise you are such a sweet beautiful person that is so honest and helpful. Your complexion is just so pretty. I feel so confident in trying to wear wigs and try new things. I struggle with the one and only wig I own riding up in back so much so I don't wear it.

Thanks for being so honest and to the point! I've always wondered how sensitive the scalp would get by buzzing it. 👍🤗

Hi, Denise! Thanks so much for this video! I have androgenic alopecia since I was 18 years old (I am 30 now), and I am so tired of hiding the hair loss. Your video helped me, and I decided to buzz my hair, to find peace!

Thank you, Denise. Today is Mar 1, 2024, and I am going to buzz my fine brittle post thyroid cancer, Hashimoto's hair, this weekend. I've watched your buzzed hair journey and can't wait to experience the freedom.

Thank you SO MUCH for this!! 💕

Denise - your ARE special!!!!!! And it is your kind spirit, sincerity and humility that makes you so special. Remember that if you ever doubt yourself.

Wrong. You ARE special. You're sharing a bad situation very publicly to help people. Not many people would do that and your caring for us just comes through so strong. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm thinking of buzzing too. At this point, there doesn't seem to be much reason for me to hang on to what I have as it too, is falling out. This video has really helped me.

This is an older video of yours but i just discovered you and your posts....thank you!!! I have always struggled with my hair...while they are personal rather than medical, i have decided to commit to wigs...this video helped in so many ways!!