Wigs have been around since the 1800s, but they’ve only gained popularity in recent years. Today, wigs are used for a variety of reasons including medical purposes. In addition to the health-related reasons, many women wear wigs for their personal style or to cover up hair loss from various conditions such as alopecia and chemotherapy. The wig industry has been on an upward swing in recent years, with some experts predicting a new record year in sales. Here is a guide for people who are curious about wearing a wig and need some help.
Hair Loss and Wigs
Wigs, or hair pieces, are worn by many people who have a loss of hair for a variety of reasons.
The most common is alopecia, a condition that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles and stop hair growth. Alopecia can come with many side effects like baldness or thinning hair. The other major reason people wear wigs is due to chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy can cause significant hair loss in patients. Wigs are also used by cancer patients to cover up their baldness caused by the treatments.
The Purpose of a Wig
Wigs come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Some people wear them to cover up thinning hair, while others may wear them simply because they like the style. There are many different reasons for wearing a wig, but the most common one is medical related. A lot of people who experience hair loss either from chemotherapy or alopecia opt to wear a wig rather than shave their head.
A wig can also be seen as an accessory that can complete your outfit and look. It's often worn as a fashion choice, but it does have practical benefits as well.
Types of Wigs for Different Hair Needs
The first thing you need to do when considering a wig is determine what type of wig will work for your needs. There are several different types of wigs to choose from, each with their own specific functions. Here are the most common types of wigs.
Full lace wigs: Full lace wigs offer a natural look and come in various lengths and colors. They can last up to 8 months and some people consider them more comfortable than other types of wigs because they can be styled with heat and hair sprays.
Half lace wigs: Half lace wigs cover the hair line on the top but not around the entire scalp, which is why they’re usually less expensive than full lace wigs. They’re made from synthetic materials, which makes them more durable than human hair and also more affordable.
Monofilament/synthetic hair: Monofilament or synthetic hair is an affordable option that still looks natural and realistic because it blends in with your existing hair color. It can be touched up or dyed to match your current color, so it looks like real hair instead of something synthetic. Monofilament is made of keratin protein fibers that look like human hair
Getting the Right Fit
If you're thinking about wearing a wig, the first thing to do is find one that will fit your head. Styling your wig can be easy if you choose the right size.
There are three things to consider when buying a wig: the cap size, mesh density, and skin top. The cap size is measured in centimeters and goes by the circumference of your skull. Mesh density refers to how much hair is on the wig, with denser wigs requiring more products for styling. Skin top means how realistic the scalp looks at the base of the wig. Wigs come in all sorts of different colors and lengths so finding one that fits your needs shouldn't be too difficult.
Styles and Colors
Before you purchase a wig, take the time to think about the style and color that would work best for you. For example, if your natural hair is black but you want blonde highlights, then a blonde wig might be perfect for you. Likewise, if your natural hair is brown and curly and you want straight long hair, then a wig with straight locks may be perfect for you.
Wigs come in different lengths as well as different colors and styles so it's important to choose one that matches your personality. There are wigs designed for every lifestyle so there’s bound to be one out there that suits yours!
Styling Your New Look
Buying a wig doesn’t mean your new look is complete! Once you have the perfect wig, you need to know how to style it. There are so many ways to style a wig and there are really no rules. You can style it formal or casual, messy or sleek, curly or straight. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some tips for styling your wig:
- Put on some quality hair product. Your hair will not feel like real hair if it does not feel soft and silky. A great wig needs great products, don't be afraid to try different brands until you find what works best for your wigs.
- Use a hairdryer on low settings to make the hair more manageable.
- Add texture with flexible hold hairspray (or another flexible hold product).
Conclusion
Choosing a wig is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Once you’ve made the decision to get a wig, the next step is to figure out what type of wig is right for you.
Wigs come in all shapes and sizes and can be customized to meet the needs of your hair type and your style preferences. For example, if you want a new hairstyle but don’t want to cut your own hair, you can choose a wig with hair that matches your preferred cut.
This post will give you the information you need to make the right choice and get the most out of your new look!