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

Synthetic Hair or Human Hair, which is right for me?

human hair
human hair

Synthetic Hair verses Human Hair in both wigs and pieces.

Before I share the options and pros and cons in each direction, my first question to you would be why are you considering alternative hair options?

There is no cookie cutter approach and no one right answer.   Is it because of chemotherapy or other drugs that you may experience thinning or total hair loss which in many cases can be temporary?  Or is it permanent (some medical conditions or different kinds of alopecia’s)? Or is it simply a wardrobe accessory?

Defining how long you will be wearing hair is important.  Human hair wigs or hair pieces last much longer then synthetic options. One good quality human hair wig can out live up to four synthetic wigs depending of course of quality and care.

Synthetic wigs are in most cases less expensive and wash and wear. There is not much styling needed, making it not only quick and easy but also fun. Rain or humidity has little effect on it. The downside is it is not radiant heat durable which means if you like to spend time in the kitchen preparing your favorite pastas and soups over the stove top or opening the oven door; this is definitely not a good choice for you.

Human hair wigs and hair pieces are exactly that.  Just like your own hair it is absolutely beautiful when you spend the time to blow dry and style it after each washing using good hair care products meant for your wig or hair piece. It takes both time and effort to get it looking the way you would like. Rain and humidity is not a human hair wig or pieces friend. Stepping out into the weather can make it look frazzled and will require restyling if you get caught in the elements but it is durable in the kitchen and long lasting.

Answering these few questions will help us help you to narrow down the right hair for your lifestyle. Sometimes the best answer it to own a few different pieces to suite your mood.  When you meet with us for your complimentary consultation you will have the chance to really experience what each type of hair looks and feels like. That is an option that we as a private salon can offer you.  Your time with us is yours alone.

Contact us at www.althairsolutions.com or call 203 987 5948 ext 1 to learn more about what we can offer you or a loved one.