u/EnvironmentalTie6804

I have had traction alopecia for years. Bold spots that were filled in within two months(feb 18-April 18). I’m so happy with my results but I have a new look. The one where I actually have hair and I look so different. For a long time I thought I had the legendary East African forehead. A picture on Google Photos from when I was 17 is what jolted me back to reality. I have those thick and glorious eyebrows that I used to dream about and used makeup to fill in but I can’t help but feel self conscious about it when no one around me looks like that. My hairline is still filling in but so far so good. I plan on using minoxidil for the rest of my life. Is this an original experience or has anyone else looked so completely different after the hair filled in that they can’t recognize themselves in the mirror? How long did it take to adjust?

Edit: updated my review and finding a dermatologist ugh gaahhhlyyy
I asked for schmedium knotless boho braids 6 days ago. I just took down a low-tension updo I had on and was looking closely in the mirror. I’ve been trying to gaslight myself into thinking it wasn’t that bad but I would say about 1/3 of my hair has been ripped out of my scalp. Every box looks like the front btw. Back,middle and don’t get me started on the nape. I still have blisters.

I can literally see the raised follicles where my hair used to be as my hair is starting to grow. I’ve always had super thick hair, like every follicle on my head active and thriving. I used to braid my own hair ever since the quarantine and stopped last November because it was just too much to do. I never braided my hair tight enough to cause damage cause I’ve always had long nails until recently. But I was okay with my hair looking old because at least it was protective. We all know how quickly a protective style can lose its purpose when done too often or too tight. But this is ridiculous. These pics I’m going to include y’all can tell what was before and after but just incase, black hair w beads: when I braided my hair, parts are big and ugly ik but this was the last time I did it myself and I was tired 😭
Red hair: professionally done, didn’t even really notice much different besides a cleaner look and maybe some edges gone.
BLACK AND BALDHEADED: got it done by someone else last week

Pulled sm out the actual braids look like micros and the breeze im feeling on my head isn’t cute anymore.
What’s makes me so sad is just knowing what I used to have and the work and time it’s gonna take to get back what I had.

First photo is the before in July 2025 and second and third photos are after 10 months.

I have been feeling a bit down on the progress but side by side I am seeing a difference, it's just a lot slower than progress I've seen on other women. I shed a lot in the first few months and it terrified me, but I kept going. At one point I had so much regrowth I couldn't wear my hair up because it stuck out so much. I've now started to add a nizoral shampoo a couple times a week to see if that helps as well. I bought a derma roller but for some reason have been finding it difficult to add to my routine and keep up with it.

Will take tips and advice as well if anyone has any suggestions. At the moment I shampoo daily (oily hair), condition, and apply minoxidil before bed. I don't use any other products.

Excuse the flecks in my hair - that's just paint that won't come out lol

It’s HD lace and I melted it down with some melting spray + a wig band. I left the band on for a while and honestly I’m really happy with how it turned out 😭 The lace blended way better than I expected. I did some braids myself too!

Hey y’all, summer’s basically here and I’m trying to figure out my next look I’m planning to go out and take some pics tomorrow, but I’m stuck on one thing… Should I keep it simple or add some baby hairs?

Also, do you think I should add some layers to it or just leave it as is?

so far I’ve actually been liking this wig. Even without fully melting the lace, it still looks pretty natural on me, and the lace around the temples helps it blend a bit better, which I appreciate.

It’s this one from luvme btw. curious what you all think, be honest pls!!

I took the plunge and did FUE. Post op day 1. I’m swollen, have some pain, and super sleepy, but I’m glad it’s done. 2,563 grafts transplanted to hairline and temples. The surgeon told me my donor site (back of head) is so thick and dense that some contained as many as 7 follicles.