I know what it’s like to wear a wig and hope no one notices.
To fear the wind, the heat, the judgment.
To feel like wearing a wig means you’re hiding something.
I was 17 when I was diagnosed with Alopecia.
And for years, I didn’t tell anyone that I wore wigs.
Then, everything changed when I lost the one person who always did my hair—my mom, Pauletta. In the middle of that grief, I felt exposed, unprepared, and broken.
But it was also in that moment that something shifted. I realized I didn’t want to hide anymore.
From Silence to Confidence
Wearing a wig is not about hiding — it’s about choosing confidence on your own terms. But for too long, the products available didn’t reflect that truth. They weren’t made with us in mind.
That’s why I built LaceLayer.
Not just for me, but for anyone who wants to feel secure, beautiful, and confident in a wig. For the women who are tired of lace lifting mid-day. For those who need products they can trust to last — through the heat, the sweat, the long days, and the moments where they want to feel their absolute best.
The Facts About Alopecia
Alopecia affects far more people than most realize:
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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 7 million people in the U.S. live with some form of Alopecia.
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Studies show that about 50% of Black women experience hair loss during their lifetime.
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Alopecia can start at any age, and for many, it begins in their teens — a time when confidence is already fragile.
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The condition can have profound emotional and psychological effects, often linked to anxiety, depression, and isolation.
These numbers remind us: if you’ve felt alone in this journey, you’re not. Millions of others are walking a similar path.
Misconceptions About Wigs
One of the hardest parts of wearing a wig is not just the physical adjustment, but the assumptions that come with it.
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“You’re hiding something.” No — wearing a wig is not about hiding. It’s about choosing how you want to show up in the world.
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“Wigs aren’t natural.” What’s natural is the right to define beauty for yourself. Whether that’s with hair, without hair, or with a wig, it’s still you.
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“Only people with hair loss wear wigs.” False. Wigs are a form of self-expression, just like makeup or fashion. For some, they’re protection. For others, they’re creativity. And for many, they’re a lifeline through conditions like Alopecia.
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“Wigs will further damage your hair.” This is one of the biggest myths. With the right education, safe products, and proper removal, wigs are 100% safe to wear. At LaceLayer, we take this seriously:
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We offer glueless wigs for those who want security without adhesive.
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Our Melting Spray is designed for daily use — strong enough to hold, but gentle enough to wash out at night. That way, if you need to apply medication to your scalp, you can remove your wig safely and reapply the next morning.
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Wigs aren’t the problem — unsafe products and misinformation are. That’s why LaceLayer was built: to give you reliable solutions that protect your hair and your confidence.
Redefining What “Normal” Looks Like
- For too long, society has dictated what “normal hair” should look like. But normal is personal.
- For some, normal is rocking a bald head with confidence.
- For others, it’s switching between braids, wigs, and natural curls.
For me, normal became creating a product line that made wearing wigs easier, safer, and more dependable.
At LaceLayer, our mission is simple: to give people the freedom to choose what normal looks like for them.
Because there’s no one way to be beautiful.
Honoring Those Who Slay in Silence
This September, during Alopecia Awareness Month, I want to honor YOU.
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The women who wear wigs quietly, while carrying the weight of stigma.
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The ones who are still finding their voice.
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The ones learning to embrace their beauty — with or without hair.
Alopecia doesn’t define us. But it has united us.
It’s given me the courage to create a space where no one has to feel alone.
A Movement, Not Just a Product
LaceLayer was built with love, intention, and care. Every product we’ve created — from our waterproof lace glue to our wig install kits — comes from lived experience.
But beyond the products, LaceLayer is a community. A reminder that:
✨ You don’t need to explain your choice.
✨ You don’t have to hide.
✨ You are beautiful as you are.
Join the Conversation
As we recognize Alopecia Awareness Month, I invite you to share your story, your strength, and your beauty. Whether you’ve been on this journey for years or you’re just starting to navigate it, know this: you’re not alone.
With love,
Arlene Baldwin
Founder, LaceLayer
