After five years of being single following a long-term marriage, Jo found herself stepping back into unfamiliar territory — modern dating.
“I was in a relationship for 15–16 years,” she shares. “So much changed while I was married. I hadn’t dated since my twenties, and suddenly there were apps like Tinder. It felt like I’d missed an entire era.”
Re-entering the dating world wasn’t just about meeting someone new. It was about rediscovering herself.
Taking a Leap on First Dates
As a longtime viewer of Channel 4’s popular dating show First Dates, Jo decided to take a bold step and apply. Instead of swiping through apps and feeling stuck, she trusted the matchmaking experts to introduce her to someone compatible.
By this point, Jo had reached a powerful milestone in her personal journey: acceptance.
“I’d come to terms with my alopecia. I felt comfortable in my own skin,” she explains. “Apps felt like hitting a brick wall. I thought — why not try something different?”
The Reality of Dating on Television
Her on-screen date was warm, friendly, and kind. While the chemistry didn’t quite align in terms of lifestyle compatibility, the experience itself was positive.
“Some people never see their dates again,” she says. “But honestly, it was such a fun experience. You don’t really feel like you’re being watched.”
During the date, Jo chose to share something deeply personal — that her hair had fallen out over a two-week period. In a powerful moment of vulnerability, she removed her wig at the table.
The response? Compassion and warmth.
“I couldn’t have asked for more,” she reflects.
It wasn’t about finding “the one” that evening. It was about showing up fully as herself — without fear.
Why Jo Chooses Openness
For Jo, being upfront about her alopecia and wig-wearing isn’t just practical — it’s empowering.
It Keeps Things Real
“I change my hair so often that even I can’t remember what I wore the day before,” she laughs. Her dating profiles show a range of hairstyles, and she knows observant people can usually tell she wears wigs.
Rather than hide it, she addresses it directly.
It Acts as a Filter
Honesty saves time.
“I’ve been cancelled on, blocked, and had conversations end simply because of my alopecia. It’s wild. None of my friends would ever stop hanging out with me because I wear a wig.”
For Jo, early transparency helps filter out anyone who might be judgmental or superficial.
It Protects Her Freedom
“I never want to feel like I’m hiding,” she says. “Choosing a different hairstyle whenever I want is priceless. If I had to stick to one look just to make someone else comfortable, I’d feel suffocated.”
She refuses to shrink for anyone.
And that decision has changed everything.
Wigs as Self-Expression
For Jo, wigs aren’t about concealment — they’re about creativity.
“I usually match my wig to my outfit. Different hair suits different moods.” While she gravitates toward blonde shades, she’s recently enjoyed experimenting with darker tones.
Comfort and fit are essential. Petite or petite-average cap sizes work best for her, and she prefers hand-tied wigs for their realism and lace fronts for versatile styling.
The right fit doesn’t just look good — it feels secure. And that security translates directly into confidence.
Dating Advice for Wig Wearers
Jo’s advice is refreshingly simple: share what feels right, when it feels right.
“Would you really want to spend time with someone who dislikes that you wear wigs? I wouldn’t.”
Openness takes courage, she admits. But it can save heartache — and sometimes it reveals people with extraordinary empathy and kindness.
Dating, she believes, is about authenticity. It’s about showing up as you are and allowing the right people to meet you there.
Confidence Comes From Within
Jo’s story isn’t just about television or dating apps. It’s about self-acceptance.
She has learned that true confidence isn’t about perfect hair or perfect timing. It’s about owning your narrative — whether that means removing your wig on national television or simply being honest on a first date.
When you stop hiding, you start shining.
Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Jo’s journey offers a gentle reminder: love begins with self-love.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, gathering with friends, or enjoying your own company, your individuality is what makes you magnetic.
Try a bold new hairstyle. Experiment with your look. Step outside your comfort zone.
Most importantly, celebrate yourself first.
Because when you feel confident in your own skin, you’re ready to welcome love in all its forms — without apology, without compromise, and without hiding who you are.