I’m blessed with naturally thick healthy hair. But for the second time in a few months someone has asked if I wear a WIG. In fact, I’ve resorted to letting them pull my hair as hard as they can, but after they’ve run their own tests, they still seem to be doubtful.

Believe me, on my head there’s no wig. I pay good money every six weeks to have my hair cut and colored. I go to Looks Beauty Shop in Saginaw and in Sun City Center, I have been using Sue’s Salon. (I sure wouldn’t need to have someone cut my hair, if it wasn’t “growing” as natural hair grows.)

I know those who question my hair are in effect paying me a compliment, but somehow thinking that my hair appears fake is hard to take and a gentle affront. I feel that I need to prove to the doubters that I’m the real “McCoy.”

Yes, I use hair color, but in more than 60 years, I have never had a perm and my hair is healthy and extremely thick. I wear it at a moderate length, smooth, and with a sort of under curl like a page-boy. That apparently looks artificial to some people. (I cover it with hats to keep the sun from it, I don’t over shampoo and I treat it gently.)

My hair is MINE, all MINE. Not because I paid for it, but because I obtained it the old-fashioned way: I grew it out of my scalp.

If ever I decide a wig is necessary (chemo and aging sometimes require a wig) I will buy one and wear it proudly and without reservation, but for now my head of hair is my own – naturally. Please don’t think my hair isn’t a growing part of me.

Any questions?