Coverup tips

These are my suggestions, for what it's worth:    (not me (Amanda)

* Bigger barrettes = more coverage. Wider headbands = more coverage.

* Use a barrette that "clips" into place - make sure the hair is NOT in the clipping part, and it won't pull the hair out.

* Don't get a headband with "teeth" unless you're very gentle with it.

* Ponytail holders: only use the coated ones!! Or, use a "scrunchie" (a ponytail holder covered with bunched fabric).

* Get a couple of fashion magazines and browse for looks you like.

* Play with a curling iron or rollers.

* Gather your longer hair on the sides and top, and clip it at the crown with a barrette.

* Try two small barrettes, one on each side, and up a little.

* Ponytails are good for holding everything in place, if you can brush it into place just right.

* For styling, use a little gel to help hold your hair in place.  When you're finished, use a little hairspray. Use non-alcohol types of both.

* If you don't have a regular hair stylist and are afraid to go, here are some tips:

* schedule an appt. during a "non-peak" business hour.

* I lie. You could tell them that you've lost hair due to stress (that's not REALLY a lie, right?). Get suggestions for a cut AND how to style it.

* don't look in the mirror IF it bothers you (I don't look).

* With medium-brown hair, you could easily go red if you want to.  DON'T pick the box that has the color of the result you want. I did this in high-school and my hair ended up purple *shudder*. I use Clairol Nice 'n Easy Natural Light Auburn, but I only leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.

* Interested in blonde, but don't want the shock value that might go with it? Try strawberry blonde. Not too different from what people are used to seeing, and if you want to go totally blonde later, it'll be easier.

* Do a strand test if you color (directions in the box).

* Experiment, experiment, experiment!

* When you think you've got a look you like, try it out on the hubby or someone you trust, at home (less scary).

* A day or two before "the day" you go without the piece, post about it here on the BB, and everyone will give you a big pep-talk and lots of internet *hugs*!

i have a 14 year old son that was born with trich. he's been pulling since he was 8 months old. here are our tips:

his hair has always been short, being a boy, which might be more challenging as far as hiding spots. at different times we have kept it very short, making it impossible to pull.   his natural hair is dark brown. when he had bald spots, his white scalp almost glowed from the contrast. we at first used eye brow pencil in the same color as his hair to fill in his bald spots. it worked very well, making them far less obvious. the trick is using short strokes in various directions. then comb hair over area and spray with hairspray, lightly to hold in place.   we later discovered these "hair sticks" that look like lipstick. they are
actually for covering gray roots in between colorings. it fills in way quicker than the pencil and is somewhat water proof. my son can swim all day with pencil or the "stick" and it lasts. my son uses the stick now because he does his hair by himself and finds it quicker. i bought him a mirror with an
extension arm that attaches to the wall so he can use both hands when "doing" the back of his head.
last summer my son decided to go blonde like so many teenage boys in this area. we weren't quite sure about it? it turned out to be a real blessing. he no longer has to "fill in" his bald spots as he no longer has the glowing contrast. his hair now matches his scalp, more or less.