A wig is a head of hair normally made from either human hair or synthetic materials. The word wig is short for Periwig and first appeared in the English language around 1675. Historically wigs were classed as a status symbol hence the term “big wig”.
Wigs can be used for many purposes: as a cosmetic accessory for a fun change of style, sometimes in the context of religious practice of cutting or shaving one’s natural hair. Actors of course often wear costume wigs in order to portray characters in film or theatre, but most commonly people use wigs to disguise hair thinning or hair loss. In recent years the demand for Human or Real hair wigs has surpassed the demand for synthetic wigs but it comes down to personal choice and there are pros and cons for both.
Synthetic Wigs
Synthetic wigs are made of artificial fibres. They can be handmade or machine made and are normally created on a base of lace. The key points about synthetic wigs are:
They are relatively inexpensive (prices range from approx £70)
They hold their style very well so this eliminates the need for daily styling
Synthetic Fibres hold their colour permanently, no dying required!
If you are open about wearing a wig then you can experiment with fun colours
Synthetic Wigs are normally what is supplied by the NHS for clients having chemotherapy or for clients with hair loss problems.
The Bad
They need to be washed carefully (not whilst on the head), it is important to follow the after-care guidelines of the supplier or manufacturer. You cannot treat synthetic hair like your own natural hair.
Synthetic hair has a shine to it which can look unnatural (like a dolls hair)
The strands can burn easily so you need to be careful with heat from a hair dryer and you cannot use straightening irons or curling tongs
These wigs are often ill fitting unless you pay for one to be made to measure
They can have too much volume, making them appear unrealistic
Human Hair Wigs
Indian or Chinese hair are commonly used to make real hair wigs but European hair and Virgin Russian hair can also be used. It’s all about what suits your budget but Russian Virgin hair is apparently the best hair that money can buy. Here are some points to consider when thinking about getting a real hair wig.
The Pros
They are made with real hair so can be very natural looking
They can be treated like your own hair in terms of styling products, styling tools and hair dye
As well as looking natural, the hair is real so it feels real to the touch
You can wash it and brush it just like your own natural hair
The Cons
They can be expensive; especially if you are buying a bespoke one
They don’t tend to hold colour well and the quality can be affected if repeatedly dyed
Human hair wigs will need to be styled almost daily or at least every time you wash your hair
They have a limited life span
The Problems with both Human Hair Wigs and Synthetic Wigs
While there may be arguments for and against for both, the common negatives for both synthetic wigs and human hair wigs are:
They have to be removed at night, you cannot sleep in them
They could come off at any time as they’re not secured to the scalp
You cannot swim in them and many activities would be impossible whilst wearing a wig
Choosing a More Permanent Option – The Intralace System
Those three factors are the main reasons why many women choose to use something more permanent like the Intralace System.
If you’re suffering from partial hair thinning or hair loss then the bespoke Intralace System will give you more freedom than a wig and it also looks incredibly natural. It is integrated with your own hair so you can wash it, brush it, sleep in it and swim in it. You wear it 24 hours a day. You can use it while you are waiting for your own natural hair to regrow or if you are managing a permanent type of hair loss or thinning then you may choose to use it as a hair management option for life.
If you have total hair loss then you may choose to use the Intralace Freewear as this can be worn for longer periods of time than a wig or hairpiece. It is secured to the scalp using a combination of skin-friendly tape and liquid adhesive. You can sleep with the system still in place. The most scrutinized part of our hair is our hair line and the hair line created by the Intralace Freewear option is convincingly natural looking.
Wigs May Still be a Good Choice for Some
Wigs can be a good choice for many women while they are managing their hair loss. Perhaps they are more appropriate for temporary types of hair loss as it seems inevitable that you would get tired of the restrictions associated with wearing a wig. Much depends on your budget and your life style. Thankfully the appearance of wigs has improved dramatically over the last few years so take your time when choosing the right style and the right colour. An initial consultation with your chosen provider is the best way forward.
Here are some helpful contacts:
Trendco (large selection of both Human hair and synthetic wigs) head office 0207 221 2646, www.trendco.co.uk .
Mandeville Wigs (High end Human hair wigs) 020 8741 5959, www.mandeville-wigs.co.uk Update 2023 – they appear to have changed their name and site address to www.mandevillelondon.com
and of course ourselves Lucinda Ellery Consultancy (Intralace System and other permanent hair loss solutions) head office 0208 741 8224, www.lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk
Not only can they feel unpleasantly hot to wear but they can cause headaches, itchiness and even rashes. Limits Your Activity: It's impractical to exercise, swim or sleep in a wig. They can also come off at any time as they're not secured to your scalp.
Not only can they feel unpleasantly hot to wear but they can cause headaches, itchiness and even rashes. Limits Your Activity: It's impractical to exercise, swim or sleep in a wig. They can also come off at any time as they're not secured to your scalp.
One of the most uplifting benefits of wearing a wig is that it can help you to restore confidence and feel great again. Wearing a wig and viewing yourself with a full head of hair can help to increase self-esteem and improve identity worries.
Permanent wigs (Cosmetic Hair Patches), despite their benefits, come with a few drawbacks. These include the need for regular care and maintenance after a specific time, potential damage to your natural hair and hairline, and a less natural appearance and feel than your hair.
We often get questions like, “Do wigs cause hair loss?” However, the belief that hats or wigs can lead to hair loss is nothing more than a myth. The truth is that hats and wigs made from breathable materials and worn loosely do not suffocate the scalp or cause hair loss.
Proper upkeep also relates to how long you keep your wig on, especially at night. “If you can take your wig off while you're sleeping, please do so,” says Johnson. “This gives your natural hair time to breathe, maintains the longevity of the wig, and cuts down on styling time.
You may worry that people will notice you are wearing a wig or that your hair looks fake. That is normal. Try to remember that most people are so consumed with their own lives that they probably won't notice changes in your appearance like you think they do.
If so, chances are you've been wondering whether to divulge to others that you're wearing hair. Disclosing your wig-wearing is a deeply personal decision. There's no right or wrong answer to the question - should I tell other people I'm wearing a wig?
The easiest place to spot a wig is starting right at the root. A bad wig's hair part will usually look like a folded over magazine page, with no visible scalp underneath. Meanwhile, a good lace front will usually cover up any abrupt seam between the wig and one's forehead...
When it comes to natural-looking wigs, two main options are available: human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs offer the most realistic look and feel, allowing for greater versatility in styling. On the other hand, synthetic wigs are more affordable, require less maintenance, and often come pre-styled.
Can You Sleep in a Wig? Though it is possible to sleep in your wig, and it may be incredibly tempting to do this after a long day, we highly recommend that you don't. If you sleep in your wig regularly, you will most likely wake up with knots and tangles, and it will take longer for you to style your wig the next day.
A properly fitted wig should never fall off. Most wigs include adjustable straps so that you can tailor the fit to your own head. If you require some extra security, wig tape and wig clips also do a great job of keeping everything in place.
No, wearing a wig does not stop hair growth. However, if the hair underneath your wig isn't properly protected or looked after, damage to your hair can be caused, affecting growth.
You could potentially end up with traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling, tugging, and pressure on the hair follicle that can damage your edges. To learn more about wig hair loss, we spoke to Dr.
Life can be unpredictable and hectic at times, and sometimes that means taking a shower with your wig on. While we don't recommend it because it can slip off your head or become tangled and matted, we'll share some simple steps that'll make showering easy and safe for your wig.
You can often use waterproof wig glue or tape to keep a basic synthetic wig in place. We also recommend that you wear a swim cap to ensure your wig will stay on in the water. Be careful when you remove it. It's easy to accidentally remove a wig while removing a tight-fitting swim cap!
The short answer is, no, it is not bad to wear a wig every day if you take proper care of your natural hair and scalp. Your hair and skin cells will grow regardless of whether or not you cover them with a wig or accessories like hats and scarves.
Human hair wigs tend to be much more expensive than synthetic hair wigs, and need to be maintained daily just like you would your real hair. Human hair wigs also have a limited life span to them, and for the extra money, it may be difficult to keep up with a human hair wig.
No, wearing a wig does not stop hair growth. However, if the hair underneath your wig isn't properly protected or looked after, damage to your hair can be caused, affecting growth.
While experts generally agree that you should take a break after six weeks, don't hesitate to remove it sooner. In fact, some adhesive types are designed for short-term use only, so the maximum length of time you should wear a lace front wig depends in part on the type of adhesive you use.
Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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Synthetic Wigs
Synthetic Wigs
