Going through a tough breakup? Desperately craving a head of fiery red locks? Think bangs would look really great on that face of yours? Trust me, Girlfriends, I have been there. I have drastically cut and colored my hair for any number of reasons — because, on a whim, I wanted something different, because I was going through a difficult life experience, or simply because my hair wasn’t behaving.
If, like me, you have cried on bathroom floors and called in sick because your new auburn hair is actually Ronald McDonald orange, then keep reading because your mood (and hair) may get a much-needed boost.
Wigs Are Trending!
Enza Piazza, a hairstylist and color consultant at Coloured Hair Care, says wigs are trending thanks to the growth in popularity of hair extensions. “Wigs are just a natural step up,” says Piazza. They’re perfect “for people who want a more radical transformation.” Keira Knightley, Katy Perry, and Katie Holmes are all said to have experimented with wigs. Piazza believes “women are catching on.” It’s a fun way to make a statement, and today’s wigs are so well-made it's likely no one will even know you’re wearing one. If they do, no one is judging.
Who Are They Good For?
The better question is, who aren’t they good for? Wigs offer all the fun and excitement of a brave and impulsive hair change-up without any of the commitment. They’re fun and convenient, but they can be more than that, too. “For those experiencing hair loss due to alopecia or chemotherapy,” wigs offer comfort, confidence and convenience, says Kate Ross, a hair specialist at Irresistible Me.
Wigs also help those “who are looking for a big transformation but have damaged hair, which may not be able to handle it,” adds Piazza. “A wig can buy them some time to help their hair recover and grow [while they] try out a new look.” Her team even cuts and styles their clients’ wigs.
Think Before You Buy
While it may be tempting to buy the first wig you see on Amazon, Piazza suggests you fight the urge because there are a few things to consider first. Ross recommends you decide whether you want a wig made from real or synthetic hair. Human hair will cost you more money ($150+) but offers a “more natural look and style versatility.” Piazza says that human hair wigs are “best for natural colors” while “synthetic wigs are best for fashion colors but won’t look as realistic.” They’re also more affordable ($40) and lower maintenance, making them perfect for experimenting (try on the red before you dye your locks), one-off events, or surprising loved ones.
Consult Your Stylist
“A professional can style and cut a wig to suit your face shape,” says Piazza, who emphasizes that a professional hair stylist can not only help you pick the right wig but can help you with a plan for your long-term hair goals. And she shares one more important tip: “It's important to take care of your scalp. Wigs can get hot and itchy. [Choose a wig] with a lace cap as they're more breathable.” Be extra nice to your scalp by massaging it with a good sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner when you wash your hair. If your scalp bothers you at any time while wig-wearing, it’s best to take it off and give your head a rest.
A wise woman once said, “My mood depends on how good my hair looks.” Whereas, for some of us, bad hair days can be filed under the luxury problems category, for others, they’re a symptom of more serious medical problems. Either way, they can negatively impact a woman’s confidence and overall contentment. And good hair? Well, it can make us feel like a million bucks! And who among us doesn’t deserve to feel like a million for the cost of about $40 and up?
If you or someone you know needs a wig due to a medical condition, these non-profit organizations can help: Wigs and Wishes by Martino Cartier, Hair We Share and TLC Program at The American Cancer Society.
Have any of you ever worn a wig? Let us know in the comments below.
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