I miss my hair so much. I have questions about wigs? First-time user

As the title says it all, I really miss my hair so much. What happened was that I was supposed to go for a consultation at a wig shop in Toronto two days ago, and when I was looking at the map, I had gut feelings that it is not just safe to go there with my mother. So I cancelled the appointment. Since I didn't go to the wig shop, I realized how desperate I am to try the wig because I absolutely hate my hair with pure passion. It's hard to put it in the right words because after I made the decision to cancel the appointment, I'm now back in the period of "bereavement". It seems that I'm all over back to square one.

I hate this so much. I have to now wait till I find a good wig shop that is in the area I'm most familiar with. 2014 is going to be brutal. I was hoping that this appointment that I just cancelled will bring me at least happiness with the comfort that I'm going to have a wig that resembles my old hair. Anwyay, now that I have to wait till I find another good wig shop, I have several questions to ask about the wig:

1) Since I have hair (not thick, it's very thin and limp), I am wondering if the wig will easily fall off? I don't plan to shave my head yet.

2) Because I'm a nursing student, I am required to tie my hair up in a bun. Can I do this with the wig?

3) Can you straighten the human hair wig? My hair is very curly, so I'm curious to know if you can straighten the wig. 

4) Do you have to go back to the wig shop once a year to maintain it? 

5) How can you take care of the wig to ensure longevity?

6) I'm not sure what the exact cost is for the wig in my area where I live, but is it really worth + $2400 (according to the website of the wig shop)?

7) How do you deal with your current hair that is so thin and limp till the appointment of the wig shop?

Thanks a lot. I really, really appreciate your help. Much love <3 

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Permalink Reply by Lilac on December 28, 2013 at 9:33pm

What are the limitations when it comes to wearing a synthetic wig? For example, can you straighten it? Can you tie it in a ponytail? 

I am thinking of getting one good-quality human hair wig that would last me for about five years. I will be wearing it when I go out, so if I'm home, I would not wear the wig. What do you think? I would rather choose human hair wig than synthetic ones because you can do so much with the HH wigs. 

Permalink Reply by Lisa Foster on January 6, 2014 at 9:23pm

Hi Lilac

My name is Lisa Foster I am a hair loss specialist for over 15 years . I have joined the alopecia net work due to the encouragement of my large clientele that also live with alopecia . It was brought to my attention that my name has been mentioned in the site over the years with positive feed back about my knowledge and styling abilities and my willingness to work and educate people to help make the right choices I also volunteer with the Toronto district school board and educate the cosmetology students about hair loss and solutions in the hope to raise awareness . I have worked at hair club, continental hair. Sure hair, Freedom hair, New roots and a few more places in the GTA .

If you have short hair a human hair wig will be hard to maintain because it will stick up in the nape area and will not sit flat, it can be a real hassle . For short hair I would recommend synthetic hair or a blend. to answer your question you can only wash synthetic hair in Luke warm or cold water and let air dry . It also becomes frizzy from wear you can steam out the frizz but the wigs will need to be steamed back into it original style with rollers other wise it will look flat with no body .Blended hair should be treated the same as synthetic hair. Human hair you can use styling tools as desired .

I recommend to maintain a longer life to let the wig air dry then style after it is dried . The reason is when the wig is wet and if you are blow drying with a brush the knots come lose and it will loses hair faster .  

Also so you are a aware it is highly unlikely a human hair wig will last up to five years with every day wear. Processed human hair will start to fade in color after 6 month because the hair is pre died and has been treated in a chemical dip . Virgin hair will fade in the summer time like natural virgin hair does then you have a choice to color it or let it be . Once you start coloring it. It is no longer virgin hair please keep this in mind .

Cap design also plays a factor in life span - There are many cap you can chose from some will give you a longer life span than others regardless of the hair type. Hair quality is another issue on it's own.

Skin caps have the shortest life span because the hair is injected and not knotted. Any custom caps with mono materials and poly urethanes usually have a life span of 1 to 2 years if you maintain it properly some only 6 months depending on the thickness of the materials used.

The reason the materials break down from the oil in your skin . Most client usually replace these types of cap every year .

I hope my information was helpful if you have any more question please feel free to ask .

Also I wanted to mention pricing please do your research before you buy something you will be amazed how much you can save.   

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on December 29, 2013 at 4:46am

Hi

Wig wearing is an adjustment and something that really needs to be looked into thoroughly to get something that will work for you and your life and it looks like you have done a lot of thinking about what your needs are going to be around wearing a wig. 

I'll do my best to answer your questions...

1. I think with conventional wigs (like synthetic,or processed human hair wigs with net and wefted base), you would either clip or tape your hairpiece into place.  There are wigs that are tight around the perimeter edge and they give some security (but for them to work you would often have to shave the perimeter edge ....again something you may feel uncomfortable with). Reading your post I would think that these may not be right...but possibly so check them out. 

2.  Human hair is either processed hair....or 100% unprocessed virgin human hair.  These two options create a very different hairpiece.  Processed Human hair (no matter what the processing is, should be of a reasonable cost).  It can sometimes be difficult to look after and may not react like your growing hair...often it will be dryer and less realistic looking (the way it moves etc.) than your own growing hair.  Be very thoughtful around the hair choice you make as it will make a world of difference to the end product.  100% unprocessed virgin human hair is expensive (in my mind and in my experience it is also very worth it).  If you work with a reputable manufacturer, who knows how to deal with this type of hair you will get exceedingly lifelike, beautiful hair, that should look just like growing hair. 

3.  Processed human hair ....and 100% unprocessed virgin human hair should be able to straightened.  Like with everything (even your growing hair) I would suggest this be done using the products recommended by the people that sell you a wig. Processed human hair, often doesn't react as well as 100% unprocessed virgin human hair because cuticles etc. may have been removed.  (Always ask if any processing has been done on the hair you are getting in your wig...if it has been processed it should be far cheaper than an 100% unprocessed virgin hair wig).

4.  This question is something you should get very clear information on when you talk to the person you decide to work with.

5.  Again...this should be fully discussed with the person you buy your wig from.

6.  Cost is something you should discuss with the person you buy your wig from.  I always feel like comparing costs of wigs is like comparing apples and pears....they are different.  Remember different wigs give different features and benefits and it is well worthwhile working out what wig gives what features etc. 

7.  I would consider investigating hair thickening sprays, scarves, hats etc.

I noticed the question you have put to Aimee.  There are wigs that will last 5 years....but in reality that is a big ask and will depend on how much you wear it and how you look after your wig.  Keep investigating.  

Good luck with everything.

Rosy

Permalink Reply by Lilac on December 30, 2013 at 8:00pm

Thank you so much for your detailed response. I have one last question: I've done extensive research on synthetic hair wigs, and one of the disadvantages is limited styling. What does "styling" mean? Does it mean doing anything with your hair like putting up in a bun, tying it in a ponytail, et cetera?

Clarification is much appreciated. 

Permalink Reply by Lexi on December 30, 2013 at 9:22pm

You would not be able to put most synthetic wigs in buns or high ponytails. Ponytails of any kind, because the hair is usually too thick to do that.  Also the nape area would then give away the fact that you are indeed wearing a wig.  I know some people have managed to clip synthetic hair up into an updo of sorts with something like a claw clip.  I have found the hair is just too thick to do that for myself, anyway.  Maybe the key would be to have the hair thinned majorly even in the back, and it would maybe allow for it to be put in a ponytail. Also, longer length synthetics don't last very long.  Or that is, and stay in good condition.  They frizz with friction of your clothing, and the back of your neck.

Permalink Reply by Hayley on January 7, 2014 at 1:17am

There are two kinds of synthetic wigs heat resistant and non-heat resistant. I have the kind that cannot endure heat, this means I can not curl, straighten or blow dry it in any way. Ironically I work at a Salon and so hair is a big focus. I often braid my hair or but it up in different types of buns or a low ponytail without difficulty. 

I wouldn't invest too much in your first wig because you don't know enough about what to look for in it and you won't want to be stuck with it. Mine cost $300 and has been a learning experience, I love it but it's too long which can cause unforgiving tangles. 

Permalink Reply by Lilac on December 30, 2013 at 9:50pm

That's what I just thought. I mean I want to wear a wig for a very long time, so that's why I'm leaning towards purchasing human hair wigs. I will be wearing it for 12 hours every day so I believe human hair wigs are the best option.

Thanks! 

Permalink Reply by Lexi on December 30, 2013 at 10:09pm

If it is in your budget, and you have the time it may take to care for it, HH is probably the best option, in my opinion.  It is not in my budget, and I don't have the time or patience to learn how to take care of it. It would look and feel the most natural.  Synthetics are just easy, plop and go, no styling, swish in the sink to wash, and let dry....easy breezy. LOL. 

Permalink Reply by Lilac on December 30, 2013 at 10:18pm

Unfortunately, it's not in my budget but if I wait for some more time and save up money for the human hair wig, I think it would be affordable. I really want to get synthetic hair wigs (high-quality of course) but my concern is the longevity. If it lasts only 3-6 months, then I will have to spend $500 every that interval of time. 

Permalink Reply by Lexi on December 31, 2013 at 5:11pm

Aimee, I know you say that they last, but the women on the other site, WS, say they only last 2-4 months.  I never really did understand that. Maybe they are just talking about long hair styles, I don't know.  Seems like a wig would last longer.  I have some that I have had a long while, and, granted I don't wear them daily.  They frizz on the bottom of the back, long hair wigs, but I wouldn't say they look like they are ready for the trash!! That always confuses me as to them saying they only last a few months.  Geezz...would be awfully expensive every few months to keep replacing them. 

Permalink Reply by Debs on January 1, 2014 at 6:37am
Please ask the ladies on www.wigsupport.com for advice. They all wear wigs and are experts. A quality synthetic will cost approx 150 dollars and would last several months. You cab see photos of the ladies wearing wigs on this site and ask questions of them. You will definitely be able to find a nice easy to care for natural looking synthetic wig. Good luck
Permalink Reply by Lisa Foster on January 6, 2014 at 9:29pm

Hi Lexi

Life span really depends on hair length , fiber type, and most importantly care .

A little trick I do for my clients is I steam out the frizz with a steamer and a fine tooth comb.

Then I reset the wig with roller and stem it back into to the original style .

 

If you try this method please be careful not to burn your self and wear heavy rubber gloves for safety .

 

Hope this was helpful

Lisa  

 

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