On the subject of old photos, everyone has a few giveaway skeletons like that in their cupboard. My parents have a huge framed photo of me at my graduation, showcasing my horrible thinning pre-hairpiece hair for all to see. I have tried to get them to put it in the attic, but no deal. The only thing which will displace it is the first grandchild LOL.

I think you are being a bit too paranoid. Probably people who are close to you will eventually work out on some subconscious level that you are "doing something" with your hair, but if they are your friends they won't call you out about it or embarrass you by mentioning it. After you have been wearing a while you will likely grow to be OK with that solution.