Wigs

ElvisShops · ‎03-09-2010

My hair is very dark, essentially black. However, I have been fighting white for years. It started early due to unlucky genes. I just can't keep up with white roots. I'd have to dye every 2 weeks. Those temp powers like Joan Rivers are messy, at least in black, and take a lot of time to deal with in the mornings. Recently, a new report came out suggesting, though not proving, a possible link between permanent dye and an increased breast cancer risk.

I wish I could just let it go white, but I'm in my early 50s. I'm not ready to go white. Besides it would take forever. I also don't have the time or money to deal with going to a salon frequently for a better grow-out solution.

Thus, I'm looking at wigs. Not necessarily QVC wigs. Have any of you had any success with wigs? I want something that will fool people and not look fake. Help. TIA

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

If @Oznell sees this, she will have some suggestions for you. Look for wig reviewers on YouTube.

Lindsays Grandma · ‎03-10-2010

@ElvisShops

My suggestion would be for you to find a good wig shop in your area and start from there. You may have to visit several wig shops and when you find the perfect one they will custom it for you. Too long? They will shorten it. Too thick? They will thin it, etc.,etc..

Looking on line is also a good way to go because it will give you a good idea of what is out there. Don't even consider ordering one from a website, not a good idea for a beginner.

Many years ago a stylist damaged my hair and I went to a well known wig shop in North Hollywood since I lived in the San Fernando Vally, and found one that suited me. I wore it for nine months and no one, and I mean no one, had a clue. I liked it so much I gave thoughts to continue fooling the public but then faced reality and "wore" my own hair again.

As Tansy mentioned, watching wig presentations on You Tube will give you lots of ideas and information. Good luck to you, hope it won't be too long before you prance around in your new hair do while looking like a million bucks.

The moving finger writes; And having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line Nor all your Tears Wash out a Word of it. Omar Khayam

patbz · ‎03-10-2010

@ElvisShops : Have you ever worn a wig for any period of time? They are not and don't fool many (if you even care about that). You might want to rethink going natural; can be very striking at your age! When I went gray it was easy and cheap: had my stylist cut my hair very short (took 2 haircuts). Now I wear it past my shoulders and get 4 haircuts a year. When I went natural I developed a natural wave so no more curling irons, etc.

Flika13 · ‎04-30-2014

If you have a FB account, check out “Wig Wisdom” for lots of info about wigs.

fancy pantsy · ‎06-25-2014

i recently started wearing wigs because of hair loss following several surgeries and also general aging hair loss. i found everything i needed to learn online ... both on facebook groups and on youtube. everyone's head is different and what fits me and feels good will not necessarily be the same for you. the wig companies that i have ordered from online are VERY GOOD about accepting returns and i have had several hits and misses.

my advice is to spend lots of time (like a few weeks) reading reviews and looking at photos.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

I love to wear wigs.

I have very poor hair, and from my beloved dad and maniacally tight pony tails in my youth, I have a cavern of baldness from my forehead almost to my cowlick, sprinkled haphazardly with a hair here and a hair there, about 17 in total.

I began wearing wigs in a stage show I was in 5 or 6 years ago, and fact is, I look younger and fresher with a wig than my own hair could ever look. The only reason I DON'T wear them 24/7 is because I have relatively poor temperature regulation, and whipping off your hair in the middle of Mass or an aisle at the Weis is frowned upon in my community.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

Great ideas and advice from experienced wig wearers on here!

@ElvisShops, I would point you also in the direction of a few key wig bloggers. "Taz" of Taz's Wig Closet is one of my favorites:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBDuBe-c_ZEChbANsmDNbw

She's fabulous, a sweet, very astute wig wearer with a wealth of reviews and how-to tips on line.

Other great ones are Patti of Patti's Pearls, Heather of Cyster Wigs, and really too many to list. But those three are a perfect place to start.

Wigs with monotops and "lace front" hairlines (you'll quickly learn the lingo!) can look EXACTLY like real hair, rooted and growing from the scalp. Even some "basic cap" wigs, especially if they are high quality and have bangs to obscure the front hairline, are strikingly plausible looking and have fooled many.

The technology has improved markedly over time-- you'll be amazed at some of the youtube reviews you see!

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@patbz wrote:
@ElvisShops : Have you ever worn a wig for any period of time? They are not and don't fool many (if you even care about that). You might want to rethink going natural; can be very striking at your age! When I went gray it was easy and cheap: had my stylist cut my hair very short (took 2 haircuts). Now I wear it past my shoulders and get 4 haircuts a year. When I went natural I developed a natural wave so no more curling irons, etc.

@patbz @ElvisShops I tried on silver/white wigs (matched to the color of my natural roots) before making the big decision. It's a good idea to see how you'll look. I went a faster route to natural since my hair was already short. My stylist bleached my hair to get all the built up dark color off my hair. When it reached a pale yellow shade, she applied the silver color toner mixed w/ the purple toner to combat the yellow. It doesn't wash out. I kept my hair short, so in 4-6 months, the bleached hair had grown out with frequent haircuts and my hair was my own silver/white.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

To be quite honest, for the several hours I was trying on wigs, between the wig cap to hold my own hair underneath, the clips that hold the wig in place, they were hot and uncomfortable. Maybe some could wear them all day, but I'd find it quite difficult. If medically necessary, chemo related hair loss, etc., I might have to consider it, but just for other vanity reasons, no way.