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 |
Tag: synthetic wigs
Don’t Say Wig
Some of the most popular questions that we receive are about insurance coverage. First, insurance coverage answers may vary from company to company, and the amount of coverage also can vary. The insured patient should have a benefit booklet, and details should be outlined under prosthetic devices. You may call your company direct, but do not say the word “wig” as it can have several meanings. Most importantly, it implies that it is cosmetic in nature. Hair loss stops being a cosmetic problem and becomes a medical issue when it interferes with your life. If a person does not want to go out because of hair loss then it directly interferes with their quality of life.
When speaking to your insurance company, you should say: “I am going to get a full, cranial hair prosthesis, and I have a prescription from my physician. Does my insurance policy cover it?”
As a patient, you will need a prescription from your doctor. It must be written for a full, cranial prosthesis on a standard prescription form. You will also need a paid receipt from the place of purchase.
Keep a copy of your prescription and a paid bill for tax purposes. Sales tax is not charged in most states for a medical prosthesis. Check with your accountant – there is a possibility for a full, cranial prosthesis to be written off (if a person itemizes deductions). When you file, do not include head ware or hats even if you wear them for the same reason.
Finally, if you lose your hair for medical reasons, it can no longer be considered a cosmetic issue.
Upcoming Cancer Awareness Suppport
Life leads us down many paths and the impetus can be a frightening root cause. Alternative Hair Solutions in Greenwich, Conn was spawned when cancer reared it’s ugly head once too many times. As a stylist, Diane D’Angelo’s niche has always been women with hair challenges. Her total focus and commitment is to help ease the angst associated with medical hair .
loss.
In the upcoming cancer awareness months we are proud contributors/sponsors to the following events:
October: THE SUPPORT CONNECTION annual breast walk on October 2, 2016 http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/daria-rocco-1/walk2016 to donate. Support Connection is an amazing organization located in Westchester County. The walk takes place at FDR Park Yorktown Heights, NY. Our team is Daria’s Angels which was founded in 2003. We will meet at 9:30 am under the big oak tree. Just look for our team banner Daria’s Angels
November: We will support THE LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION/THE PAUL FOUNDATION-Swirl NYC on November 10,2016 if you would like to join us you may go to: lymphoma.org/swirlNYC or if you are unable to attend you may donate directly at http://www.pwsfoundation.org/
We are trying to do our part to help eradicate cancer in our lifetime.
Please join us in any way you can to support the heroic efforts of these wonderful organizations
Or call (203) 987 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com to learn more.
Private Salon: Is it right for you?
Why a private salon?
In this big, global world sometimes we can become overwhelmed with options. When faced with hair loss, there are many choices to make. If your goal is to find the least expensive option and you really don’t need a professional, then the internet can serve you well. However, if you’re looking for value and individualized attention, a private salon can provide all of that and more for you.
As a private salon we have years of knowledge, experience in the field, we consistently comb the globe for product, and pursue continuing education all to bring you the very best. We work hard to make sure the product that we offer you isn’t something you’ll find all over the internet. Pictures can be quite deceiving; what may look beautiful online oftentimes has been styled and adjusted by a professional.
Are wigs sold online less expensive? Some are, some are not. Continuity is not always a guarantee – I have spoken with clients who ordered the same product twice and have received completely different versions. There can be hidden costs such as restocking fees that can be as much as 20% of the purchase price if you need to return. Every wig needs some adjustments or styling which can require a work from a professional. The picture in this post features a synthetic hair wig taken directly out of a box; unless you are adept at styling, using the proper tools and understanding variables that can damage a wig (e.g., heat tolerance) it may become a challenge.
A brick and mortar, private salon excels in personalized customer service and devotes the time needed to deliver that will not be competitive with prices online. If you’re someone who appreciates having a stylist that can work with you one-on-one to achieve your personalized look, then booking a consultation is your next step. Given the large amount of diversity in product, it can take more then one appointment to achieve the perfect fit or style.
Consider how much money you spend to maintain your hair. Now factor in hair cuts, coloring, and highlights over a year. You’ll realize that many hair options will cost you about the same (or sometimes even a little less) than what you would normally spend on hair maintenance in a year.
Here is an excerpt on Yelp from just one of our clients::
“In her intimate salon, Ms. D’Angelo keeps everything very personal and very private. She works one-on-one with her clients, by appointment only. She has created a warm and welcoming environment where she focuses on what is best for her clients. What she does comes from her heart. It is clear that she is not driven by “selling,” but rather by helping her clients through what is most likely the most difficult time of their lives. With her expertise in all types of hair, Ms. D’Angelo was able to help me understand all of my options and help me choose the best solution to meet my needs. We discussed the differences between real hair and synthetic. I was able to pick the style, color and cut to my complete satisfaction. Throughout, she was extremely patient and very creative. Her work is amazing and I can honestly say that she exceeded my expectations. “
Visit our website at www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987 – 5948 ext. 1 to learn more.
Bridge the gap of temporary female hair loss
Hair loss can happen quite rapidly.
Why me? Is a very common reaction to hair loss. Whether hair loss is from stress, chemo, nutrition, over styling, medications, Androgenetic alopecia or an auto immune disease it really doesn’t matter as much physiologically as the initial shock of why me? One day you can have a full head of hair and then the next you notice it is thinning quite rapidly. Knowing your options to bridge the gap is important to reduce the stress that is associated with hair loss.
My personal experience with hair loss was chemo driven however the emotional cycle was not very different then my female friends who have experienced both thinning and total hair loss for different reasons.
I found it helpful to know the human hair growth cycle and that more then 97% of female hair loss is temporary and not permanent. Every one of us both male and female are losing hair every day. One look at our hair growth cycle and we understand that every hair is at a different stage of the growth cycle. Sometimes we simply need to bridge the gap of female hair loss. Wigs and hair pieces are great options.
- Anagen (Growing Phase) lasts 2 – 7 years
- Catagen (Regression Phase) hair follicle shrinks. Lasts approx 30 days
- Exogen (Shedding Phase) resting hair becomes terminal and gradually loosened. Lasts approx 10 Days
- Telogen (Resting Phase) Lasts approx 3 months
If hair enters the resting phase too early, excess shedding and noticeable thinning of hair can occur. Over time the length of the Anagen stage decreases. Hair can become weaker and thinner after each cycle. This is just one of the reasons it is important to have a diet that is rich in specific nutrients to maintain normal, healthy hair growth.
Supplements like saw palmetto can be beneficial to help block DHT. Having your scalp cleansed with a DHT blocker shampoo is one more tool in you hair loss tool belt. You should see a dermatologist to help you discern if either of these may be helpful in your individual situation.
You may find comfort in knowing that there are many solutions to bridge the gap of your temporary or permanent hair loss. There are non surgical options that are not only painless but they offer instant gratification with a lush, beautiful head of hair that can be either bonded or not. Come visit our private salon to see which option is best for you.
Call (203) 987 – 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com
Synthetic Hair or Human Hair, which is right for me?
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.