What types of wigs are there?
Wigs have been made from a variety of fibers, both natural and synthetic. Today, most wigs are made of either human hair, Animal hair Yak (In case you didn't know - a Yak is Central Asian ox), or synthetic fiber such as acrylic or PVC. Because of great advances in technology and quality - the majority of wigs sold today are made from synthetic materials.
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What are the differences between synthetic wigs and wigs made from natural fiber?
Cost
Most Synthetic wigs are generally less expensive than human hair, often ranging in price from $50 to $1,000 for fully custom-made. Human hair wigs are usually at least $200 (not very good quality) and can cost several thousands of dollars for a fully custom piece made by a highly skilled wigmaker.
Style
The majority of synthetic wigs are pre-styled and ready to wear out of the box. Their style still generally holds with even after washing. Human hair wigs are sold to be styled and cut. Just like you’re your own hair, they must be restyled each time they are washed.
Care
A regularly worn synthetic wig can maintain it's look and style for a year and even longer with proper care. Regular shampooing and conditioning about every 10-12 wearings using products designed for synthetic fiber will keep the wig fibers looking shiny and new. The downside of synthetic hair is that it cannot be exposed to excessive heat with rollers or even hot hair dryers and cannot be treated with chemicals such as dyes or tints. However, some designers have recently developed wigs from synthetic fiber can tolerate heat blow drying and curling on low settings. Examples are Imagination wigs by Aspen and some Alan Eaton wigs.
Human hair wigs, like human hair, can be styled using rollers, curling irons and blow dryers. They can even be permed, tinted and dyed. However, they should be washed more frequently and restyled afteer each wash.
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What do I have to know before I buy a wig?
The major issues to be concerned with are your head size and face shape, the wig color and the wig style.
The average woman's head is between 21.5 and 22.5 inches. Petite sizes are under 21 inches and large wigs are over 22.5 inches.
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How do I determine my head size?
We want you to find the perfect wig for your head size. This is how to measure your head correctly:
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Flatten your hair |
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Use a cloth tape measure |
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Measure around your head at the hairline. The tape
should be just above the ear and along your natural
hairline. |
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Measure your head from the nape over the crown to
the top of your forehead where your natural hairline
is. |
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Measure your head from the top of one ear, over the
crown to the top of the other ear. |
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* Take care not pull the tape measure too tightly
just rest it over or around your head. Pulling stretches
the tape and will give you the wrong size. |
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What sizes do wigs come in?
Petite
Petite/Avg
Average
Avg / Lrg
Large |
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21" 13 ¼" 13"
21 ¼" 13 ¾" 13 ¼"
21½" 14¼" 13½"
22¼" 14¾" 13 ¾"
23" 15¾" 14"
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How can I determine the right style for my face shape?
For many of us, the most important aspect of choosing a wig is how it will look on our face. Instead of trying on
every wig in a salon to find out how each one looks, why not narrow down your choices in advance?
We carry a great variety of styles, from short to long, curly to straight. You can purchase a wig ready to wear
or you may choose to have it cut and styled by a stylist for a custom look.
Let’s guide you through the steps to choosing the right wig for you!
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As its name implies, 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.
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The ROUND Shape Face is characterized by a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. The client may be overweight 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. |
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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. |
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The DIAMOND Shape Face is characterized by a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Diamond shaped faces need narrow sides and fullness at the chin. Bobs work very well for this shape. Avoid wearing height on top or volume on the sides. Use some fringe or bang to cover narrow forehead. |
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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. |
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The PEAR Shape Face is characterized by a small or narrow forehead and a rather large pouchy-appearing jawline. Comb hair to add width from the eye level through the crown of the head. Set and comb hair close to the head on the sides and at the nape. |
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The OBLONG Shape Face is characterized by a very long and narrow bone structure. The client who has an oblong facial shape often has a long, thin neck. Use a fringe or half-bang across the forehead by creating soft waves or curls in the crown and nape areas. This helps to create the illusion of an oval. |
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How do I determine what colors are right for me?
Choosing the right color for your new piece can be a challenge. Here at WigDeals, we will do our best to make sure that you can find that perfect color for your piece. Here's how we can help:
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What is the difference between a monofilament wig and a regular wig?
Monofilament wigs are constructed from wig caps which distribute the hair more evenly throughout the wig than the distribution of hair you might find on a regular wig. They look more natural and cost more. The ultra fine mesh monofilament fabric takes on the appearance of your own natural skin tone like magic. The single layer allows your own skin to show through for the most realistic look. Regular wigs with a double mesh layer can be lumpy and may not look as natural on darker skin tones.
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Is a monofilament wig for me?
Monofilament wigs are specially designed for those who have experienced hair loss, have a sensitive scalp, or who simply desire the most natural looking and comfortable wigs available. They are more expensive, but you’re worth it!
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I Have Cancer and I’m losing my Hair what can I do?
Some cancer treatments will cause some people to lose some or all of their hair. Chemotherapy, drugs travel throughout the body to kill cancer cells, and some of these drugs damage hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out.
Hair loss is highly variable. Some people experience it and others do not, even when they are taking the same drugs. While some drugs can cause hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body, others can cause only the loss of head hair. If hair loss does occur, it usually begins within 2 weeks of starting chemotherapy and gets worse 1 to 2 months after the start of therapy. It may come out in clumps that appear on the pillow in the morning or while shampooing or brushing your hair. Hair re-growth often begins even before therapy is completed.
Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the head often causes scalp hair loss. Unlike hair lost because of chemotherapy, however, hair lost as a result of radiation therapy to the head may not grow back naturally.
It is normal for someone undergoing cancer treatment to feel distressed about hair loss. But it can help to understand why it happens, to know that hair will probably grow back, and to take some steps to minimize the problem.
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Should I Cover My Head?
Some people who lose all or most of their hair choose to wear turbans, scarves, caps, wigs, or hairpieces. Others leave their heads uncovered. Still others switch back and forth, depending on whether they are in public or at home with family and friends.
If you choose to cover your head with a wig or hairpiece:
Shop for your wig or hairpiece before you lose a lot of hair so you can match your natural color, texture, and style.
If you need a hairpiece because of cancer treatment, it is a tax-deductible expense and may be at least partially covered by your health insurance. Be sure to check your policy, and ask your doctor to write a prescription for a "hair prosthesis."
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Where can I get more information on beauty techniques for cancer patients?
The Look Good...Feel Better program is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Group Program
Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to ten women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.
One-on-One Salon Consultations
For patients who are unable to attend a group workshop, a free, one-time, individual salon consultation with a volunteer cosmetologist may be available in your area. These trained beauty experts help each patient address her specific skin, hair, and related appearance needs.
Self-Help Materials
Self-help materials can be obtained free of charge by request through the Look Good...Feel Better toll-free number, 1-800-395-LOOK.
The self-help materials include a 30-minute video entitled "Look Good...Feel Better Just for You," a step-by-step instructional booklet and an evaluation form. The videotape features cancer survivors and volunteers discussing appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment, as well as detailed skincare information, "how to" makeup tips, wig information, and pointers on head coverings. The companion booklet also covers nail care.
Materials are also offered in Spanish, and bilingual programs are available in some areas.
For more information, call their toll-free number at 1-800-395-LOOK. Also, visit the Look Good...Feel Better web site at
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.
The Look Good…Feel Better program was founded and developed by the
Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation, a charitable organization supported by the cosmetic industry, in cooperation with your American Cancer Society (ACS) and the
National Cosmetology Association, a national organization that represents hairstylists, wig experts, estheticians, makeup artists, and other professionals in the cosmetic industry. All cosmetology volunteers attend a 4-hour certification class in order to become a Look Good...Feel Better volunteer.
Look Good...Feel Better is product neutral. Volunteers and program participants do not promote any cosmetic product line or manufacturer. All cosmetics used in the group program have been donated.
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