Hi Joan-
Unfortunately, frustration is part of this disease; however, periodically, we receive something to meet some of the criteria. LeslieAnn mentioned familiar names that I also loved...Rene of Paris and Noriko (both often softer and more natural looks); these are safe choices. As to those familiar downsides of "shiny" and "styles", these can still be a problem for me as well. The sellers that don't have hair loss can't really understand our frustration so although I believe they are trying to find a solution, they really have a tough road. (I wish we lived closer as I do have some resources in Milwaukee.) If you haven't reached this point, it does help to assume a lightly new personna, letting go of the "old look" and trying something that a relative or friend really likes; this requires direct, honest people and a willingness to appear slightly different. ( This new hairpiece that I now have needs to be cut again but haven't had the courage lately so please don't think my friends approve of the current look:).) There is a hair stylist here in Madison that sells something called "Cyberhair." I also have had "Jon Renau" wigs. Neither of these is shiny and they have many choices. Please let me know how you are doing; I can contact another salon here about some alternatives. Hugs, Susan

Hi again-
Synthetic does not have to look fake; some people prefer synthetic as real hair can have the same requirements/downsides of former hair. For instance I bought, erroneously, a very soft lace cap with human hair that kinked and frizzed in humidity (much like my childhood hair) and it cost $1700! Someone told me the "finer, softer, natural curl" hair can do this. Now I only purchase vacuum wigs from Karen Peterik; but, I still have some beautiful synthetic wigs with names mentioned in the previous note. (Now I would never buy any real hair without having a factory sample that I could wash, expose to heat and humidity, and test for a while....unless vacuums from Karen Peterik, Midwest, or East Coast, Debby Fuller ).

Hi- It's been too many years since I ordered anything but a vacuum style; however, one thing recalled is the short-style limitation. Still, Raquel Welch did have a greater variety but these seem to be a bit more expensive (having just looked under wig.com, entering "petite" in the search engine area). There are some lace styles that have the adjustable tabs/sides (of which you are probably aware); I then created/sewed a pad made of polyester-filled cotton and slid this under the wig at the top of my head. It felt good and stayed in place as long as the wig was secured with tape on the sides. Of course, all of this adds another complication to our life but it does provide a larger selection of synthetic wigs. Life is tough for us "smaller" people but helpful to remember that it can be just as hard for the "larger" population as well. Hugs, Susan