HAIR, A SPARE AND CARE

 

If you are planning to wear a wig daily, whatever your reasons, you need to have realistic expectations about the longevity and how to get the most out of your purchase. Despite the wonderful products that are available today, it is still a wig and will not have the exact same properties as the hair that grows out of our heads. We do strongly recommend that when making your purchase, you consider buying two as that will extend the life expectancy of both pieces. With the vast selection of price points available, chances are you can find two pieces that together will fit into your budget.

For those committed to human hair, be sure to consider that it must be cared for the same way as the hair on your head, so it is not low maintenance. It will need to be washed more frequently, blown and styled for it to look exactly as you want. You may become adept at doing this yourself, or you may need to take it to a salon for styling. Having a backup synthetic version will enable you to pull it on and go, not care about humidity or heat and its effects. Because there is a permanent style to a synthetic wig, it will retain the same look as the day you purchased it. Synthetics sometimes can have a bit of a shine; this can be remedied with a dry shampoo.

If you choose to sleep in a wig, which isn’t recommended, the lifespan will definitely be affected. You cannot control how you move in your sleep and therefore, you could spend extended periods of time with hair askew in different directions with the weight of your head in it.

Wigs should be brushed to remove tangles each time you wear it. Turn the wig inside out to comb the return at the nape of the neck. Do so gently, with short strokes working from the bottom up. Never start at the top and vigorously brush to the bottom. This will yank the hair and can cause damage to the strands.

Synthetic wigs can suffer from friction frizz if you are wearing a longer length that grazed your collar, particularly in the winter when we wear coats. There are de-tangling sprays or processes available at wig salons that can aid this situation.

Likewise, you should also be cognizant of how you handle the hair when the wig is on your head. Repeatedly running your fingers through the top of your hair to brush away from the face can cause a lace front wig to roll or rip. The lace front can be replaced at a cost, but then comes the issue of matching the color or grade of lace. It is best to refrain from habits such as these. A simple solution for this is to spray a wig brush with an approved hairspray for wigs and brush gently away from the hairline. You should let the hairspray dry completely before wearing it.

If you wash your wig frequently, it is imperative that you rinse the hair thoroughly.  Avoid putting conditioners or oils close to the base. It should be at least 2 inches from the base, never near the roots. Apply from the bottom and work your way up the hair.

Always be sure to “block” your wig after washing, meaning place it on a mannequin head. A rubber one is preferable as it allow the piece to breathe. Placing it on a head will prevent hair from coming back through the cap and it will also prevent the wig from stretching providing that the head is smaller than your head.

Feel free to watch our step by step, wig washing tutorial at https://youtu.be/YMORXtI73b4

It is not recommended to chemically process a human hair wig if you want it to last and remain as it was when you purchased it.  There are consequences and noticeable differences ranging anywhere from breakage, to flattening to a loss of shine and or color. You can never know exactly how your wig will react and there is no recourse for damage to the wig, it is at your own risk. Additionally, if you do so, it voids any and all manufacturer warranty.

Please schedule a consultation by calling (203) 987-5948 ext 1 or visit our website www.althairsolutions.com

Face Shape – which best describes yours?

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There are so many options in hair today. Choosing what is best for you can be narrowed down by first deciding your face shape. Here are a few ideas for flattering your face shape with Alternative Hair options. These tips will also work for your own hair.

Heart: Think Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry or Scarlette Johansson

The HEART Shape Face is characterized by a wide forehead and a narrower chin. Bring some hair onto the forehead to disguise its width. Keep hair close to the head at the eyes but make it slightly full around the jaw, and below and in front of the earlobes.

Square: Think Demi Moore, Minka Kelly or Natalie Portman

The SQUARE Shape Face is characterized by a wide hairline and jaw. Square shaped faces need height on top and narrowness at the sides. Comb the hair off the forehead to add height to the face. Curly texture and wisps of hair around the face break the wide, straight lines common to the square face.

Round: Think Paula Deen, Penelope Cruz or Cameron Diaz

The ROUND Shape Face is characterized by a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. Sometimes extra weight can make face appear round and the neck may appear short. These faces look very good with a geometric or linear style. Add height, when possible, and long, wispy side areas to make the cheeks look narrow. Comb hair close to the head on the side and at the nape.

Oval: Think Kate Middleton, Tina Fey or Julianne Moore

The OVAL Shape Face is longer than wide, with a jaw that’s narrower than the cheekbones. Because the oval shaped face has no dominant areas and is so proportional, this face looks good with just about any hairstyle, length or texture. If you were born with an oval face, consider yourself a lucky girl. This is probably the most normal face shape there is, because it has perfect proportions—it’s not too square or too round allowing you a multitude of options for hairstyles.

 

If you can’t decide what shape  best describes your face then setting up a private wig/hairpiece consultation will help you determine what styles can work best for you. Contact (203)987 5948  ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com and fill out a consultation questionnaire.

What can I expect to spend on hair?

How much will my wig cost?
How much will my wig cost?

 

As the Director of Client services one of the most frequently asked questions is “how much will hair cost me”? Since every one of us has different needs, expectations and spending habits, my recommendation is that you evaluate and total your current hair related yearly expenses. Include

1) How often you cut your hair and what does it cost.

2) How often you color your hair and is it a single process, highlights, lowlights

3) Maintenance/ special event styling -glosses, blow outs

This is a good starting point and will give you a realistic budget for the price range that you are in the market for. As with anything, there are vast price ranges for product. Depending on whether you are looking for a wash and wear synthetic that requires no upkeep, a high heat option that can be blown dry and styled, or the many different levels and lengths of human hair which will require much of the same upkeep as your natural hair ,all these factor into the price point.

If you are shopping for medical reasons, be sure to check with your individual insurance carrier. Many health plans cover a cranial prosthesis and with the proper prescription and coded receipt ,you may receive reimbursement for the dollar amount as governed by your plan.

If total head coverage is not needed and you want an option for area replacement that can be worn 24/7, there is non-surgical bonding available. We offer a loyalty program that includes all hair services, as it does require regularly scheduled maintenance.

We offer a one hour complimentary consultation, by appointment only. In our private studio, you can discuss your preferences and experience what we have to offer.

 

Contact www.althairsolutions.com or call 203 987 5948 ext 1 to set up your appointment for you or a loved one.