Looking for a new, younger, more modern hairstyle? Dealing with thinning hair? Love a celeb's latest do? Hairpieces are the answer (and they're not your mother's old, bulky wig)!
My closest friends already know my "secret." Yes, I occasionally wear wigs. One, because I have thinning hair (a hereditary condition). And two, I love to change up my look! My natural hairstyle is a short, highlighted pixie cut, but I love the longer looks and the fact that I do look a little younger in them doesn't hurt, either! Here are some of my favorite current wigs:
If you're fortunate enough to have a local wig shop, it's a great way to familiarize yourself with different manufacturers, styles and colors. However, you will get lower prices generally online because these sites don't have to monetize brick-and-mortar stores. The sites I recommend include wigs.com, wigsbypattispearls.com and namebrandwigs.com, which offer most of the same brands and wigs. Some offer free exchanges and others may charge a restocking fee, so check their policies carefully. All have frequent sales of between 20% and 30% off, too, which is the only time I purchase a wig!
Not only can you experiment with a whole new look, you can also try different hair colors, as well. It is smart to request a color ring before purchasing, though, as the colors on your computer monitor can hugely differ from the actual hues.
Several things to keep in mind:
1. The most realistic wigs have a lace front (very fine mesh) which covers your own hair in front, mimics your hairline (only thicker), and makes the hair look like it is growing out of your scalp. I always choose wigs with lace fronts.
2. Mono (monofilament) tops, parts and crowns make the part in your wig look most realistic, as if your scalp were showing through. If it is a full mono top or 100% hand tied (you will pay more for these), you can part your hair on either side or even in the middle. If you do not choose a mono top, you can expect what is called "permatease," which is exactly how it sounds. Permatease can make the wig look very thick on top and sometimes "wiggy." It is difficult to thin out.
3. You can choose human hair, synthetic and heat-resistant/defiant synthetic wigs. Human hair will have to be washed and styled just like your own hair (not my choice). Synthetic has its style built right in, so you don't curl or straighten the style (unless you want to melt the wig fibers!). Heat resistant does allow for curling and straightening on cooler settings, and the fibers are generally less shiny than their synthetic counterparts. However, you can just spray dry shampoo on any wig to make it less shiny and more realistic. I always have a can of dry shampoo at the ready!
4. Most wigs will require some cutting and/or thinning to take length or volume out of a wig. You can usually find a hair stylist in your area who knows how to cut and thin wigs. (However, my own hairdresser styles my wigs and she had no experience with wigs before. She is very careful, of course, since you can always take more hair off a wig, but you can't add it back on!)
Before choosing a wig, I always read reviews and look at customer photos to see what issues might arise and how it looks on someone else. I also look up the wig on YouTube, and you can learn so much! It's a whole new world to explore, and a very fun way to keep your anti-aging attitudes and personal style alive and well!
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