When I first started wearing wigs, my daughter was just three years old. At that age, she simply accepted that “Mommy wears hair.” But as she’s grown, her curiosity has grown too, and with it, our conversations.
She’s asked me why I wear wigs, what hair loss means, and how beauty connects to it all. These talks have been some of the most meaningful parenting moments of my life. Talking to kids about hair loss isn’t just about explaining why I wear wigs, it’s about showing my daughter that confidence and beauty go far deeper than what’s on the outside.
Why Talking to Kids About Hair Loss Matters
Children notice everything. And whether you live with alopecia, thinning hair, or wear wigs for comfort or style, your kids will eventually have questions. Having open conversations:
- Normalizes hair loss and wig wearing so it doesn’t feel “taboo” or strange.
- Builds empathy and understanding, helping kids recognize that beauty is diverse.
- Strengthens self-confidence, showing them that identity and worth aren’t tied to hair.
(For more on building confidence with wigs check out this post.)
Wig Wearing Mom: My Journey Talking to My Daughter
1. Keep It Age-Appropriate
When my daughter was younger, I kept things simple: “Mommy’s hair grows differently, so I wear hair to feel my best.”Now that she’s older, I share a little more about my journey with hair loss and why wigs are one of many ways people express themselves.
2. Answer Questions Honestly
Kids don’t need complicated answers, just honest ones. When she asks, “Why don’t you grow hair like me?” I explain, “Everyone’s body is different. My hair grows differently, and that’s okay.”
3. Focus on Beauty Beyond Hair
I remind her that beauty doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people have curly hair, some straight, some no hair at all, and many wear wigs. What matters most is how we feel about ourselves, not fitting one definition of beauty.
4. Model Confidence Daily
Kids learn more from what we do than what we say. I let her see me both with and without my wig. Both versions are me, and both are beautiful. By wearing wigs with confidence, and being comfortable without them, I show her that beauty is a choice we define for ourselves.
Parenting With Hair Loss: Tips for Other Moms
- Start simple. Young kids don’t need a detailed medical explanation. Short and reassuring answers are enough.
- Encourage curiosity. Let your kids ask questions. Openness builds trust.
- Present wigs as empowerment, not a mask. I often say, “Wigs don’t hide me, they help me feel more like myself.”
- Celebrate differences. Use your experience to highlight how everyone’s beauty looks different.
- Emphasize confidence. The most powerful message you can give your kids is showing them how you embrace yourself.
Final Thoughts
Being a wig wearing mom has opened up some of the most important conversations with my daughter. By talking openly about hair loss, I’ve been able to show her that beauty comes in many forms, and that confidence comes from the inside out.
If you’re a parent navigating this path, know that your kids don’t need perfect answers. They just need your honesty, your love, and your example of resilience.
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Cheering you on always,
Jess xx
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