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Trip to China
Good Morning, this is the first time I have posted on Alopecia World. My daughter has AU and she has had it for about 5 years, she is now 27. She has a wonderful career and a loving boyfriend and very supportive parents of which one of them is myself. I was wondering if anyone would like to hear about my trip to China to find the best wig for my daughter. I learned so much and would like to share if there is interest out there to hear about it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alo-mom on
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Good morning. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience with you. As a mother, I found this diagnosis to be harder on me than my daughter. From the day she said she wanted to wear a wig (cranial prosthetic) I have not stopped looking for the best and most natural looking human hair piece. It had to be comfortable and not look like a wig, those were my marching orders. After I found her first cranial prosthetic at a very fine salon I knew in my heart that I would have to take more control over this. I began to study hair, caps, densities, lace materials etc. I then began to research where they were manufactured. It took a total of 5 years for me to come to the conclusion that I had to visit China where the majority of wigs, both human hair or synthetic are manufactured. After many many emails I decided to visit 6 factories and learn more about the design and manufacturing and the different qualities of hair and lastly the processing of the hair itself into different colors. I am still far from expert, but I do believe I have a much better understanding of what a good hair piece is. The finish work, the way the hair is installed for no tangling or shedding is critical to the comfort, the look and the longevity of the wig. I feel much more empowered for the sake of my daughter. I truly believe I can help others so as to limit the costly mistakes they may make. I know I have made many and for that reason many of my daughters wigs were never worn and went on to be donated. Through the National Alopecia Foundation I act as a phone support person. I am able to answer questions about support materials, resources for meetings etc. Now I feel like I can help others with what they really need to know about wigs before they go out and buy something they regret. In closing, I have had wigs produced in China and have received them and they are very nice. One company in particular has made a piece for my daughter that I have shared with wig salons and they are very impressed. I have so much more inner peace now that I have SOMEWHAT cracked the code on what it takes to find a good factory and produce a good wig for my daughter. The trip to China was amazing and the people I met with at the factories had true compassion for me and my daughter. I shared my story with them and pictures of my daughter. I think that these face to face meetings made this trip very worth while. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk about my trip any further. Aimee, thank you again for wanting to know more about my journey to magnificent hair pieces. Alo-mom
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Permalink Reply by Christel on
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Hi, Alo-mom, I'm looking for a blonde long full lace wig for my 17 year old daugher. I would appreciate if you could give me tips where I can buy one. I have already bought wigs, but so far we were not satisfied because they did not look natural, tangle and loose hair.
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So glad to help. First of all for gals with Alopecia an all lace wig will become scratchy, I DO Not Recommend this type of cap. This is why a lace front, Mono top and hand tied back is the best for natural look and comfort. All lace wigs are for theatre type uses. We need something that will last for our children and where hair does not fall out. Lace wigs tend to loose hair faster because they are not tied in as well. Also the security of lace wigs are problematic. They work best for people with hair that put their hair under a cap. Also there are so many colors of blonde. Have you looked at a color ring with your daughter.? I know I can help you. The reason I joined Alopecia world as a mother is to help others help their love ones. I would WELCOME your call to discuss where you should buy one. Custom wigs will in the long run work best for your daughter. My email is georged5050@gmail.com. Please reach me there and I would be glad to give you my number. Looking forward to helping you and your daughter not make the mistakes I had early on with wig purchasing with my daughter.
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I also forgot to mention Density of wig so that it does not look or feel like a helmet. Length is a factory because it just be cut and styled. This is why it is so important to do homework before we run out there and buy one or buy off the rack so to speak.
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I forgot to mention Density and length of wig. We do not want a wig to look or feel like a helmet. Also length is an issue because the wig will still have to be cut and styled to your daughters liking. Lastly, Human hair is best for a natural look and feel. My daughter does wear a synthetic for exercise or for running around. This way the human hair does not take the abuse. I truly hope to hear from you and help. Our daughter is well adjusted and living her life very happy with alopecia because of our support. That is what we must be there for.
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Permalink Reply by Lexi on
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where did you purchase from in China? Do they also have an internet based sales company? I also need a blonde, but also don't want a wig that will oxidize and turn reddish in a few short months. I also want something I can put on and take off easily, and that is not dense, nor heavy, nor HOT. Thanks!!
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I traveled to Qingdao, China in October 2015 and met with the owner of the factory. They typically contract direct with Wig Salons, but after I told them about my daughter and how I would like to help others along with buying direct they have asked me to work with Alopecia Clients. Last week the owner of the factory arrived in Los Angeles and I helped her with introductions to Salons that service Cancer patients and the Kosher Wig market. Due to my knowledge of the Alopecia wig market she would prefer that I be of assistance to her company. Lexi, the issue of heavy wigs and caps that are problematic and is why I studied how to have custom wigs made to deal with all of the issues related to women with Alopecia. The most recent wig I ordered for my daughter has amazing hair and is a cap that is similar to a gripper. I would be glad to post a pictures of the most recent custom wig I had made for my daughter. She is delighted. Also you should know these wigs come without a style, so they need to find their way to a stylist that will cut wigs. She wears a medium color brown. As you know Virgin Hair is the best and most all human hair is Malaysian or Chinese. It is processed to the color and texture clients want. There is very little European Hair out there, so always be cautious of salons that tell you it is.Measuring of ones head is critical, again why factories hesitate working direct. You mentioned density, a wig should not be any denser then 130 or it will look like a wig. They way it is tied in the front is also critical. I hope that is helpful and if you would like more guidance feel free to email me at Georged5050@gmail.com
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Alo-mom,
I just want to give a hug and shout out to you. I am a mom of a teenager with androgenetic alopecia. You would not believe how I have been treated when I ask questions. Bless you, and hurrah for mom power. -
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HECK YEAH WE WANT YOUR STORY!!! If you look over old discussions on this site, you can read (and feel) the frustration of those of us looking for a quality human hair hairpiece. To hear you have "cracked the code" is music to our ears. I want to know everything you know! Where do I go? What do I do next? OH SO MANY QUESTIONS. okay, I see you have shared your email address, so I will email you. If you truly have found a source for non-processed human hair (of European Hair quality), made with a breathable cap, for a decent price..... WONDERFUL. (I'm impressed you had the resources to go to China) If this company can please me, it can please ANYONE.
So, are you now their rep? We order through you? I will email you. !!!!!! excited !!!!
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Hello Rose, I look forward to hearing from you. I have found a factory that produces wigs for my very very particular daughter. It has been a has been a hard road with many mistakes but through those mistakes of buying wigs in the early stages of her condition, I have learned as much if not more then those who have salons. I will write a bit more about wigs so that others may benefit from general information. Non Processed hair that I order for my daughter is either Mongolian hair or Chinese hair. If it is virgin hair and not processed then it is dark brown hair, color 1B typically. To color the hair they begin the processing of it and you should not process it any further. That is why it is important to use the color ring of the factory. My passion is to help others so they can live their lives happy and confident like my daughter. I also want to help this factory become a brand in the US. I have visited other salons and they too are very impressed with the quality of hair and the cap design. I look forward to hearing from you, please write and I will write back asap. Lisa
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Permalink Reply by Jay Jay on
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Hi Alo-mom,
I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with androgenic alopecia a little over 6 months ago. I purchased my 1st wig and I like the look in pictures, but I am not totally sold on how I look in the mirror. With that said, I don't really know much about wig buying, except that it can be crazy expensive. I spent around $550 for this one. It is synthetic. I live in Arizona so it will be ridiculously hot in the summer time. It's still 100 degrees out now. I've been recently noticing websites like silkwigs.com (something like that). Some of the prices are under $200. They say they are real hair, but how do I know it is legit? I don't even understand all the concepts (lace-top, full lace-top, silk top, etc). I believe the wig I have is lace top and I have a good way of pulling my hair up and a band that keeps my hair secure. Is a lace-top ok to buy? I see the mesh that comes out, is that supposed to be cut off?
My mom helped me purchase the 1st wig and she plans to help me next month because I know I want to get another as soon as possible so I don't wear out the 1 I have now. I'm wondering if I should just order the same wig again? or Do I try one of these less expensive ones with real hair. I do have a good stylist at the wig store who can cute it and make any changes I need. Any advice will be helpful. I don't have a lot of money. I have 4 year old twins and a supportive husband that I would like to feel comfortable taking pictures with again. I HATE having my pictures taken now. I really want that to change. I think I am on the right path deciding to wear wigs. I just can't afford to any mistakes. Sorry for rambling. This is the 2nd post I have ever done and I am beginning to open up more about it. I think the exhaustion and stress of picking out the wig the first time, accepting wearing a wig, and worrying about what people with think as I wear it around is getting to me. I am slowly getting better and I know with time, I will be fine. I just wish I could fast forward until I am comfortable. Thank you for listening.
Jay Jay
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Hi Jay,
If you have the time to read my first post on my trip to China it will give you an idea how passionate I am about helping others since my 28 year old daughter developed AU while at the U of A in Arizona. She had the most beautiful hair ever and in 4 months it was gone. Long story short ,because I could not control her hair loss I had to use my energy to find out about wigs, where they came from, how they were constructed, caps for medical hair loss and on and on. This took me to China after a year of study and contacting factories there. We travel my husband and I 8,000 miles to Quindao, China. I met with 6 factories in 2 days and found the one I am passionate about. This factory owner actually came to Washington Dc to attend the NAAF conference. That to me shows a desire to work with those with Alopecia. Ok, so enough history, lets talk about you and what is going on with your hair loss.
I know the heat of the desert because we live part time in the Palm Springs area. First a synthetic wig is good for exercise or working in the garden with a hat etc. I am a big proponent of human hair wigs. They feel and look the most natural, I totally understand the stress of picking out wigs, That in reality was so stressful for me when I was trying to figure it all out for my daughter. I was paying for her wigs was about $4,000. I knew that I could not keep that up and that is another reason I went to China to get this custom wigs at factory prices. The mark up on these wigs is sickening. Jay, I looked at that website that you are talking about, then I went and looked at the reviews and was not impressed. I will never bad mouth a company unless I myself got a bad wig, but I do caution you about sites that show movie stars and stock pictures. I have also talked to many women who purchase on these sites and they never are really happy, then regret spending the money. The wigs that I help people with are virgin human hair, custom wigs and are all hand tied, which means every hair is individually tied into the cap and looks like the hair is going out of the scalp. There are caps that actually grip your head so they feel secure and it is VERY important that the wig does not have too much hair so it looks like a helmet. This is called density and that is critical for a natural look. I also cannot tell you how important the measurement of your head. For a wig to look and feel good it must be created for your own head. All of our wigs come in a state where you need to have them cut. So I guess what I am saying is, you look like a hippy going into the salon and come out with a cut that you think looks best for you. Regarding the cost you paid for your synthetic, in my mind is too high, You paid retail and may people do because they do not have access to folks like me that are truly sincere and work to make those happy. My goal is to treat everyone who comes to me like they were family and I am not happy till they are. My phone number is 310 291 0729. I would be glad to talk to you about options because I have many for you and would be so honored to help you. Pricing would be much better then you think. My email address is georged5050@gmail.com. Thank you for allowing me to go on and on, but when I get emails from those on Alopecia world all I can do is try to help them. All my best and I look forward to hearing from you. Lisa
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