DEAR ABBY: I'm a 46-year-old female cancer survivor. My hair used to be long, thick and naturally wavy. Because of the high-dose chemotherapy and radiation to treat my lymphoma, I lost all my hair. It has grown back, but it's thin, spotty and ugly. I have tried everything on the market, including foams, sprays, expensive hair clubs, etc., but nothing has worked.
Recently I started wearing a wig. It is natural-looking and stylish, and I feel confident again. I get lots of compliments on the cut and color.
My question is, when people ask who my stylist is, I'm not sure how to answer. I have been referring them to a friend who is a stylist, but I feel dishonest. However, I don't want to reveal my secret. What would you do? -- UNDER THE RUG IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR UNDER THE RUG: Talk to the person who styles your wig for you and explain that you are receiving many compliments. Ask if you can refer other clients -- but express that if you do, you would like the fact that you wear a wig kept strictly confidential. That's how I'd handle it. Hairdressers are privy to secrets of all kinds, and they're very good at keeping them (with rare exceptions).