Tell us a little about yourself

Well, I am in my late 40s, and work in health care. I am happily married to my spouse of almost 12 years. I live on the East Coast of the United States and happen to be transgender. My hair started thinning by my mid-20s - androgenetic alopecia. As I started to come into my own and accept myself who who I was, my hair got to a point where I felt it was too thin, so I have stuck to wigs.

My own hair had always been awful and I took to alternative hair quickly; I enjoy wearing them. For many years, I enjoyed switching up my colors and styles. As I have gotten older, I have settled into a particular range of styles and colors, often sticking to long- or medium-length wigs. My colors tend to stay in the medium brunettes and the auburns. Wigs are fun most of the time. It’s not so fun sometimes when it gets too hot outside or when my wig just feels not right. I've adapted, for the most part. I’ll tell you, though: there are days I just want to snatch off that wig and toss it across the room.

How long have you been wearing wigs or hairpieces?

That was back in the late 1980s, so I’ve been wearing wigs for about 30 years.

What advice would you give to a new alternative hair wearer?

First of all, you are not alone whatever your situation may be, whether you wear wigs out of necessity, religious/spiritual reasons or just for fun. Once you get the hang of it, one would never know you are wearing alternative hair. Trial and error will be something you will through, and it would not hurt to find a friend or confidante to give you feedback on what styles and colors look best on you. Do your research online, go to YouTube, Facebook, online wig shops. You can get cheaper wigs online, it is best to go to a local shop or salon at first. It wouldn’t hurt to start with a piece that looks similar to what your usual hairstyle and was before. It’s ok to feel bewildered about the variety of styles, colors, cap constructions and fibers. Seek out others who wear hair. I’ve been fortunate over the years to find bulletin boards and social media groups that offer positive regard for those of us who wear wigs and/or hairpieces. You might find some helpful advice there, as well.

What do you love about our brand?

The variety of styles, for one. Jon Renau’s synthetic fibers also look very much like human hair. Best of all, I appreciate the fit of their hand-tied caps. I have a larger than average head, so the stretch of Renau’s hand-tied caps give me a fit as close to custom-made as possible - without the higher price. I am the self-proclaimed “Queen of Julianne” (among my wig-wearing friends) as I’ve never been so attached to a style in my life. The beautiful medium-length beach waves on that wig work so well for me, that even those who know I wear wigs will ask if I that is my own biological hair!

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