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This whole business with wigs is an absolute joke!
Hi all,
Does anyone else find the world of wigs to be overwhelmingly ridiculous and a complete mystery? And can anyone offer some words of clarity or advice?
I've had alopecia universalis for four years and have been researching wigs on and off since, and yet I still feel no wiser. Here's my experience with wigs (just scroll past this bit if you don't have time):
A friend made me a couple of wigs using cheap hair bought from the store and attached to a wig cap. I kind of liked them, but they only last a few weeks, are itchy and not really secure enough (a gust of wind reveals an unflattering hairline etc).
I bought a cheap £30 wig from a shop but again a gust of wind and you can see my scalp through the wefts, so I had to wear a hat with it to keep it down.
I bought a £70 'front lace wig' from a cheap wig shop. I took it to a hairdresser who specialises in wigs to get it cut and styled. They told me that lace front wigs are no good for people with absolutely no hair, that they're only good for people who want a change of hair style while going on a night out etc. They said I'll need to get a really decent wig (I think they recommended vacuum or something similar) for at least £200-£800. They advised the lace front wigs are basically rubbish/unreliable/don't look realistic etc.
But then I see people on this forum saying they wear lace front wigs... I don't understand!
I've been in touch with my local Freedom representative. Now from all the research I've done it seems this is the only option if you want a wig that will stay on, actually look good and realistic, allow you to do everything you normally would etc. But the representative for my area is not good at getting back to me. She told me two years ago that she would email me prices and never did. I contacted her again eight weeks ago and she said she would email me prices (which she said have since increased significantly), along with answers to a few queries, but I've heard nothing yet.
I don't know how I will afford a Freedom wig. I also don't know how people have got the money to waste spending £100/£200/£500 on wigs that turn out to be rubbish, and having to buy a new one every couple of months. You would think that by now, enough people would have experimented with buying wigs, that there would be a straight answer. Surely there's no reason for anyone to be buying rubbish wigs anymore. Wouldn't it be good to have a website dedicated to wig reviews, like the review system on shops like Amazon. I can't risk spending any money on a rubbish wig.
Basically, I want to be able to buy a wig knowing it's going to be good. I don't have hundreds of pounds or even £100 to spend on something that might not be good, and that will only last a couple of months.
Thank you anyone who reads this and much love x
I'm sorry for the long post, but if anyone can help I'd be really grateful, My question is "Is there another good wig apart from Freedom?" I don't want any messing about, I just want a wig I that's good.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dani on
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Thank you Amy for the quick and really useful reply. I'll definitely check the Louis ferre would and the wig support forum :)
Also well done for getting through my paragraphs, I didn't realise they weren't spaced properly until viewing them just now!
Thanks again, really appreciate the advice x
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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on
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Hi Daneh
I felt just as you do when I first started looking at what options were available for my daughter when she first lost her hair. I very quickly came to the conclusion that Freedom Wigs was really the only option that gave her the ability to just get on and live life. (I know that aren't for everyone), but in my opinion they are for anybody who needs an exceptionally good option for long term extensive hairloss.
I take it you are in the UK, in most instances I would think that if you want to know about a freedom wig the cost while being very relevant also needs to be discussed with you to find out what you actually want. (Your wants dictate cost). If people were to just discuss price there are far cheaper options available to you....if you were to discuss features and benefits for the price (which takes time to discuss)...there is no better. I think it may be more helpful for you to contact your local IA and have a discussion about your needs rather than just cost. I know in some instances the NHS have paid for Freedom Wigs....(very difficult though as there have to be exceptional circumstances), but who knows you may be one of those exceptions. (There are a few people in the UK trying very hard to work with the NHS so they can receive the wig they love, which in their case is Freedom, from their local NHS authority). If you want to be put in touch with those ladies let me know.
There is nothing like Freedom out in the market place at the moment. There are wigs that have security, but often lack in other areas, realism, the hair used, unable to swim in them, As Aimee has written there are other alternatives that work well for people....for my daughter these options didn't work...not to say they won't work for you.
People do ask me why Freedom???? There are many good reasons why, but as a buyer you have to start the process, you have to work out what you actually want...(which you are beginning to do). You have to take real ownership of your own needs and take the leap of faith that many do by talking to an Independent Agent, but not just about cost but about your actual needs when it comes to wearing a wig fulltime. I understand this is a frustrating situation, but I also feel that the process can't be hurried. It takes time for you to understand what a freedom wig is and if it will work for you...Price may be putting it out of the question, but I would definitely investigate it as most love this choice.
I wish you well and if I can help in anyway please feel free to message me.
Rosy
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Hi Rosy, thank you very much for the insight. I spoke to my local independent agent, and it seems to me that a freedom piece would suit my needs. The main issue now is cost, which is why I keep feeling tempted to find a cheaper alternative. But it seems with a lot of things in life, buying cheaper options can mean replacing them more often, and spending more in the long run. I think I just need to make the decision and then find a way to afford it. Hopefully my local IA will get back to me soon re: my final few queries & info about the new prices, otherwise I'll contact another IA and see if they can help.
Thanks for sharing your story. I know everyone's needs are different, but it's good to hear from people who have already researched and found solutions.
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Daneh do find out if the NHS can help...you just never know.
Also, of late a couple of girls in NZ have gone onto the internet and started fundraising for themselves and their new wigs. I know this option isn't for everyone, but even if you get a little help it may make things a little easier for you.
I so wish Government would understand the needs around this. I'm not sure which Independent Agent you will be seeing (either Sue or Jayne). Go to the Freedom facebook page and have a wee looksee there as well. Lots of piccies and information that may help. :)
https://www.facebook.com/FreedomHairNZ
Good luck with everything and if I can help in any way just ask.
Rosy
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Hi
I thought I'd put some piccies up of my daughter in a few of her Freedom Wigs.
My daughter has 4 Freedom wigs....she has been wearing them for 11 years. The top wig is 1 year old, the middle wig about 21/2 years old, and the blonde wig I think about 4 years old.
We love these wigs and my daughter really feels that they work well for her.
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Thank you, they're beautiful. Based on how long they can last, I think the long term cost is no more than buying several cheap wigs every year (although that's my opinion based on the old prices; I'm still waiting to find out about the new ones!)
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Hi Rose Marie. I'm finally taking the plunge and going for a Freedom wig! Any chance you could enlighten me as to some of the finer details of the wigs in these pictures? I'm guessing their 14" in length. I wouldn't want blonde but could you tell me the colours of the first two? I'm guessing something like colour 2 for the first one and colour 4 for the second... The first one is obviously straight, and the second must be at least a medium wave or perhaps a full wave. Thickness I'm guessing medium? Thank you so much for your time x
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Permalink Reply by april on
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I 100% agree with you and am in the same boat. Freedom wigs are too expensive and one cannot even be sure they can wear/tolerate it. Not guaranteed to like. I would understand paying a price for something you love, but no way to know until you pay. I was given an estimate of $4000. This is not realistic for most people.
I like this forum but I do think it is unfortunate that sales people are able to get on and capitalize on people who are looking for support. I feel the same when people are talking about products, creams, etc..that make hair grow back.
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Permalink Reply by Cindie on
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I have found a decent quality synthetic wig, and when it went on sale, I bought seven of them so I can wear them in rotation. I can't afford $4000, either.
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My opinion is as valid about this subject as anybody here.
April....a Freedom wig is fully customised...you are right you may not like it, but if you think that through that would be a process that you are within and can work through to a certain extent. It is like getting a customised suit...rather than one off the rack. You have to be involved with the process and in most instances customisation is a better choice. Freedom wigs are a medical prosthetic...just like someone needs to be fitted extremely well for a lost limb I feel the same care should be taken with your hair of choice. It makes a difference and you are in the driving seat.
As I said before cost ...if that is your issue...this may not be the choice for you...but if do your own comparisons for your particular needs you will find something that should work for you. When I did my own this was what I came up with for my daughter.
The cost you have quoted would be for a long wig...the hair is unprocessed virgin human hair...it is difficult to get and yes, costly. It does't mean you have to have it or even want it, if you required a better price go for slightly shorter hair.
The person that started this thread was asking for real feedback...mine is real.
This forum is open to anyone and everyone that has a care for those with alopecia. I personally would rather hear from those that get this and understand the products they are talking about. Than just personal opinion...even though obviously my opinion is as personal as the next and can be dismissed as quickly as anyone else's, feel free to do that and don't bother to read anything I put up...I'm really comfortable with that.
April and Alice...
My reasons for being here are often attacked.....look above....that person in those pictures is a real person...someone that I love and care for. She has alopecia universalis, eczema, crohn's disease and anaphylactic food allergies. I am here for her and the many others in this world that need help. I personally don't care whether you wear a wig or not...talk to the ladies that perfer not to...they look amazing. If you want to know about wigs and you ask, in particular,about this type of wig I will answer. If you want to ask about other wigs often Aimee will answer (she has a very good understanding) or many other ladies on this forum that don't wear my wig of choice. Do your investigations...don't get stuck if you don't think this is for you. Carry on. I don't understand the comments. Most people ignore the snake oils etc.,that's common sense if you really understand this condition. Wigs for many are a life saver... work out what you want and go for it.
Rosy
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