After searching, you've found the perfect wig and made the purchase. You made all the decisions, from cap style to hair type, from cut to color—but there's still one more decision left.Who do you tell you are wearing a wig, if anyone?
This is often a complicated and layered decision, and there are so many factors to consider. To help you determine who you should or should not communicate this information to, we’ve included a breakdown of why you may or may not want to share this information with your friends, family, co-workers, or with a date. We also give you a few quick responses you can use when asked by someone if you are indeed wearing a wig.
The Reasons to Conceal or Reveal
Women have many different reasons why they choose to conceal or reveal their wig to others. Here are just a few of the thoughts that go through many women's heads when they are deciding whether or not to tell people that they are wearing a wig.
Why Some Women Conceal Their Wig:
- Some women feel less confident and less like themselves when they share that their hair is not "real."
- Divulging that you wear a wig may make others worried about you and/or your health. If your hair loss is from health issues, letting others know you are wearing a wig ques them in on your health status.
- Telling others you wear a wig may lead to uncomfortable, exhausting, and potentially upsetting questions that you don't want to answer.
- In some instances, revealing that you are wearing a wig may make you feel uncomfortable and even open you up to prejudice.
- Some simply feel it is no one else's business if they wear a wig.
Why Some Women Reveal Their Wig:
- Many feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders when they share that they are wearing a wig.
- Sharing that you are wearing wigs gives you the gift of versatility. You can wear a different wig every day and change up your look as often as you want.
- Letting others know about your wig allows you to share the joys and frustrations that come with wearing a wig with others; you have a place to vent and revel.
- If they are around people who are supportive and caring, they may feel no need to conceal their wig.
- Wearing a wig is not something to be ashamed of!
To Tell or Not to Tell: Friends and Family
While some women may see this as a no-brainer, not everyone wishes to share that they are wearing a wig with their friends and family. Everyone comes from a different background with different relationships, andyou know your loved ones best. Before sharing this with your friends and family, consider reactions from past situations. Start by asking yourself:
- Am I comfortable with them (or anyone) knowing?
- Have they always been supportive when I needed them most?
You may choose to tell some close companions and family members with whom you are comfortable, but not other friends and relatives. For example, if you want to keep the knowledge that you wear a wig in a small circle, you may avoid telling your gossip-y Aunt Debby who will subsequently tell everyone. You do not need to tell someone about wearing a wig just because they are a relative or you have known them for years. To tell or not to tell (and who to tell) is your 100% your call, and it is important to make the right choice for you.
If your hair loss is chemo or cancer, you can read more about telling your family you have cancer here.
To Tell or Not To Tell: Coworkers
At the end of the day, there is really no reason to tell your coworkers you are wearing a wig if you don't feel comfortable doing so. You should not feel any pressure to reveal this information in the workplace. If you do feel comfortable with the fact that you are wearing a wig and/or are comfortable with telling your coworkers, then you may decide to let them know. You may also only want to share that you are wearing a wig with one or two trusted coworkers. Once again, this decision is up to you and should be based on what makes you feel comfortable.
One pro of not concealing wearing a wig from coworkers is being able to instantly change up your hairstyle; one day you may a wear short, dark wig, and the next you may rock long blonde locks! This can be fun for fashionistas.
If your hairloss is from chemo or cancer, you can read more about cancer and the workplace here.
To Tell or Not To Tell: Dates
This one may feel especially difficult to some. If you’re on the dating scene, does it come across as deceptive to not share? And when is too soon? On the first date? Prior to the first date? After the first year of marriage?
In the long-run, there is no right answer. Although you will probably need to share that you are wearing a wig at some point, you can wait until you are fully comfortable to bring it up when you choose. Some women choose to disclose that they wear a wig after they have already gone out on a few dates or once they determine this is someone they could see spending more time with; if you are uncomfortable with the fact that you wear a wig, there isn't a reason to have that conversation with someone you don't want to go out with again.
While you may harbor the fear a person will leave you if they know you wear a wig, 9 times out of 10 these fears prove unfounded. If you do happen to run across someone whose reaction troubles you, you have the power to kick them to the curb! Love yourself first and don’t put up with someone who does not see you for the amazing person you are.
What to Say When Someone Asks if You are Wearing a Wig?
Whether they ask rudely or with genuine curiosity, some may look at your wig and outrightly ask if you are wearing a wig. If you happen to find yourself facing this situation, don’t panic. Here are a few ways to diffuse the situation (and potentially educate the asker about how manners work):
"Why do you ask? "
If someone is overstepping their boundaries, asking them why they ask can shut them down most of the time. After all, what reason could they possibly have for asking? If they do not catch on to how rude they are being and continue to press, don’t feel pressured to answer. Instead, start by saying “You may not mean to be rude, but…” and proceed from there. You may continue by explaining how being asked this question makes you feel or how it really is none of their business. Since it totally isn’t.
"Um, it’s my hair, if that’s what you’re asking."
It’s your wig, which coincidentally is on your head and therefore your hair. This approach allows you to own the situation and also shut the person down. After all, there’s no need to continue engaging them on this subject if you do not wish to.
"It totally is! Looks amazing, right?"
This answer is fabulous as you’re basically conveying you are not only happy to answer their question, but also happy to sport your wig! Other responses could include “Sure it is! You have a good eye!” or even thanking them for asking. Remember: There is no need to be ashamed of wearing a wig. After all, wigs are beautiful and offer a fantastic boost of confidence.
Choosing who to reveal your wig status to (if anyone) is a tough call, but we sincerely hope we’ve given you some factors to consider to make your decision easier. Some choose to be more open about their wig while others wish to keep this under wraps. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.
Have you or a friend faced a similar dilemma or situation? Share your story or any advice with us in the comments section below! Click here to shop a full selection of wigs.
