First Things First
Find a professional hair stylist and cosmetologist that you trust and can communicate with. Consult with several different people until you are comfortable. Don’t leave yourself without options. There are many wig companies and many professional hair stylists. Don’t be talked into a purchase that you are not comfortable with. Sometimes it is helpful to take this first step with the help of a friend. They can be lifesavers.
If possible, gather old pictures of yourself and different hairstyles that you like. Take them with you to the consultant. If you want a new look, search magazines and hairstyle books. With the help of your professional hair stylist there may be a hairpiece that will look like the desired style you want, or one that can be cut and styled to suit you.
Be sure to find a person that will treat you with dignity and honor. You need this person to care about how you are going to
feel and how you look when you leave. You want someone you will feel comfortable going back to.
Prior to purchasing a hairpiece, decide what you are able and willing to spend. Hairpiece can range from $65 to $5,000.
Buyer Beware! Do your research! When considering your purchase, you may want to think about purchasing two hairpieces
Like shoes, one hairpiece will get worn out faster. It is also helpful to have a backup in case one is dirty.
When you are considering human vs. synthetic hair, keep a few things in mind. Decide what you want. If you want easy, wash-n-go hair, consider purchasing a synthetic wig. Synthetic wigs are made of a plastic type fiber.
They typically will last about six months. They are easy to wash and will go back to their original style when washed,
fluffed and dried.
If you decide that you want human hair, understand what that means. Human hair is real hair. You have more styling options, but like real hair, if your hairpiece does not have a curl or permanent wave and you get rained on, it will go flat and you will need to restyle it.
After you decide the type of hairpiece that you are going to purchase or order, you may be asked if you want to have your wig precut or prestyled. DON’T DO IT! Remember that every person’s head and face shape is unique, and a wig should be cut and styled to fit you exactly. Wait for the wig to come to you. Then carefully examine it before you do anything to it. Make sure the hair color is the color you ordered. Look at the construction of the hairpiece. Is it what you ordered? Make sure you are satisfied with your purchase before doing anything to it. And educate yourself about return policies. You want a company that will take care of you and guarantee their product.
Don’t Panic
When the wig comes in, it may look a little different than what the picture or example looked like. A little cut and a little texture and shaping will make all the difference in the world. Wigs tend to have about two times more hair than you are going to want. Don’t be afraid; this is where the professional hair stylist comes in. Remember be “in” the wig when it is cut and styled. You must communicate what you want. Even the best professionally trained stylists can’t read your mind.
You’re Home, Now What
First, don’t be afraid of your hair. The hair will not fall out. Play with it. If, after the first cut and shaping, you think it is too long on the top or sides, go back and have it shaped again. Remember, wig hair does not grow, so take it easy.
When is it time to wash your wig? There are a few ways to tell if your hairpiece needs washing. One certain way to determine whether or not it needs washing is to smell it. Wigs, like hair, pick up odors and pollution, and dirty wigs can look dull and sometimes frizzy. That’s the time to bathe them.
Don’t be afraid to work with your wig, play with it, and restyle it. HAVE FUN !!!! Remember that it’s your hair; you purchased it.