Back to results

Let’s Talk About Wigs...

Share

Here at Simone Thomas Salon and Crowning Glory, the leading and much respected wig supplier in the South West, we understand hair loss can affect you on many different levels and the anxieties this can cause.

If choosing to opt for a wig, it is essential for it to look as natural as possible and that the wig fits snugly and close to the scalp. A wig can look more natural when customised to suit your face shape. It’s about getting the right advice and having the wig cut and shaped to suit your face.

The quality and variety of wigs that are available increases all the time, wigs are no longer seen as cheap and unnatural looking. You will be amazed to discover the celebrities who wear wigs – they are so good nowadays that people will never know you are wearing one! Whether you are someone who simply wishes to match their hair colour as closely as possible or you would like a complete change, there is something that will be just right for you.

Frequently asked questions...

Will the wig fall off and how does it stay on my head?

Traditionally, there was a stigma attached to wearing wigs. They were expensive, ill-fitting and unnatural looking, but Simone Thomas Salon have bucked this trend by developing top quality products which are fashionable, comfortable and also incredibly natural looking.

There are various ways a wig can be secured onto the head. The most common is a tightening belt which is built into the wig. This can be easily tightened or loosened by you according to the size of your head, and holds the wig firmly in place. Here at Simone Thomas we advise you on how to correctly put on your wig so you are confident in doing so at home.

If your wig is covering hair then you may be advised to wear a wig cap which will cover your natural hair and allow a wig to be held in place without slipping. A wig cap may also add an extra element of comfort when wearing the wig.

Some wigs have areas where you can apply wig tape that will make you feel more secure when wearing your wig.

Don’t worry about your wig falling off, wig manufacturers understand that you want the wig to stay firmly on your head and design them with maximum staying power.

How do I care for my wig?

It is extremely important to take good care of your wig. It is important to wash and clean your wig regularly and understand the types of products that you can and can’t use. For example, a synthetic wig is not real hair so you can’t use tongs or straightening irons on these as they may melt the hair! Close proximity to heat sources in general should be avoided when wearing a synthetic wig, for example opening the oven door or sitting under an outdoor heater in the garden must be avoided.

The more care you take in looking after your wig the longer it is likely to last.

All Human Hair wigs supplied by Simone Thomas can be set using conventional curlers and hood dryers. Heated rollers will offer a quick but temporary curl. You can also use hair straighteners for a straighter look. All Human Hair wigs will fade with exposure to the sun, as with your own hair, so if it is coloured please be aware if you are in bright sunlight that you should use a UV protection cream and or a hat. Longer hair should always be brushed in a gentle downward motion from the ends first, gradually working upwards.

Should your wig need re-colouring we recommend that you always seek professional advice. At Simone Thomas Salon we have colour technicians who can provide this service. Please note, human hair wigs can only be coloured a darker shade

When it comes to washing your human hair wig, rinse the hair in the same direction that the hair is falling with lukewarm water. Evenly and gently massage shampoo onto the hair into a lather. One shampoo treatment is generally enough but repeat if necessary.

Rinse your wig using lukewarm water until all traces of shampoo are removed. Never rinse the hair under a high pressured tap. Apply conditioner evenly throughout. Gently work the conditioner into the hair and comb through carefully from the ends gradually working up the wig. Rinse the conditioner out with a gentle shower spray of lukewarm water.

Blot the excess water using a towel, then leave to rest in a dry towel for five minutes for the excess water to drain. Place the wig on a wig stand or a poly head and brush into style. Brushing from the ends and working your way up. If you wish you can work gently with a hairdryer with the appropriate brush following day of washing. For any major styling you should take your human hair wig to a reputable salon.

Customized or Ready-to-Wear Wigs?

There are so many choices available on the market today that it really comes down to availability and suitability. It is important that you find a wig that is suitable for you and your circumstances, for example if you are having chemotherapy it may not be viable for you to wait for a custom made wig to be produced. There are also cost implications to think about – of course a custom made wig will cost more than a ready to wear wig, however it is our experience that you look at everything available to you and you choose what is RIGHT for you.

You can buy some wigs that you can wear immediately but, in our experience, most wigs look more life-like when they have been trimmed to suit your face shape. Many wigs have over 40% too much hair in them and need to be thinned down to look more natural. This is done whilst you are wearing the wig so that it is styled to suit your face shape.

When selecting a wig it is important to choose a wig as close to your desired style as possible. Wigs can be trimmed but shouldn't be cut drastically.

Just as when cutting real hair, a wig should be customised to the individual, for example layering around the face or trimming a fringe – it really does make a big difference and with a wig this is what makes it look more realistic and personal to you.

Made-To-Measure Wigs?

We wouldn't generally recommend this service to people undergoing cancer treatment, as a made-to-measure wig can take up to two months to make and will normally not be ready before your treatment begins. How

ever you can still have your consultation and fitting and have a ready to wear wig in the interim. All this can be discussed at you free initial consultation with one of our hair loss specialists.

Made-to-measure wigs are normally worn by people who suffer from alopecia, which can be permanent hair loss, or those who are unfortunate and do not experience hair regrowth.

Human or synthetic hair?

Wigs have been a popular choice for women's hairstyles for decades, you will be amazed at the amount of celebrities who wear wigs and you didn’t even realise! There are many reasons women choose to purchase a wig. For some it is the desire to occasionally change their hairstyles without the need to grow or cut their real hair. For others it is for medical reasons such as hereditary hair loss, or thinning or serious conditions such as cancer treatments. It is estimated that 8 million women are suffering from hair loss in the UK today, so if you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone. Whatever the reason for wanting to purchase a wig, the choices can often be confusing. When looking for a wig, especially if it is to cover up baldness due to chemotherapy, it is not the time to let emotions dictate an impulse purchase. Take your time and find the perfect wig that will make you feel good about wearing it. Here at Hair Loss Bournemouth we have privacy to allow you to discuss your requirements in confidence. We encourage you to try a wide variety of wigs so that you can make an informed decision on the right wig for you. We encourage this to ensure that the design and style you choose is comfortable for you to wear. This is particularly important if the wig is for everyday use rather than for occasionally changing a style or for a special function.

Some of the main differences between synthetic and real hair wigs are:

Weight: Synthetic wigs are often much lighter than real human hair wigs. This can be an important issue if the wig is intended for daily use as synthetic is easier to wear and carry. Many patients are looking for a wig to cover up hair loss that is permanent or longer term. These patients do not want a wig that will make them feel uncomfortable and are more likely to choose synthetics. Women who are looking for a wig to wear on a regular basis for style reasons also may prefer synthetic to real hair for easier wear-ability.

Style: Most synthetic wigs come pre-styled and will hold that style for a long time. Real hair wigs often come un-styled for the user to create their own design. This is mostly because real hair does not hold a style for long-term storage or shipping. It will hold a style as long as your own natural hair normally would. This is great for women who love to style their hair and create new looks with their wigs. Women on the go often choose synthetics because they do not have to bother with constant styling but can simply slip on their wig and be on their way.

Care: While synthetic wigs are much easier to care for overall, the most important thing to remember is never to expose your synthetic wig to heat. Any heat source from blow dryers to heating vents or, of course, open flames will seriously damage the fibres of a synthetic wig, whilst real wigs can be styled using any device normally used on your own hair without damage. Real hair wigs need to be cared for in much the same way as your real hair. This includes washing and restyling, whereas most synthetic wigs are of the 'shake and go' variety requiring very little maintenance, although longer styles may require light picking or finger combing.

Cost: This can be a real issue for some, but considering the fact that a wig will last for many years, often the lifetime of the user, you should buy the best wig you can afford. Synthetic wigs often cost less simply because the product is easier to make than one of real hair. A quick search will find bargain-basement prices in the thirty to forty pounds range, but in those cases it is very much a matter of 'you get what you pay for'. These cheap wigs are designed for one-off use, perhaps for a fancy dress party. On average you should expect to spend between £200 - £400 for a good quality synthetic wig - a wig that has been correctly fitted and then styled specifically for you. A designer wig made with human hair and bought from an exclusive wig specialist might well cost £1,000 or more. The best thing to do is do your research. Here at Simone Thomas Salon we have a wide variety of wigs for you to choose from, our consultations are designed so that you can find the RIGHT wig for you and your lifestyle!

Whichever style you choose, wigs are a vibrant and fun addition to your wardrobe and can give you a bold new look in the blink of an eye. Perhaps even more important, for those dealing with illness, a wig can provide a sense of normality and well-being during their difficult struggle and allow them to lead their daily lives with dignity.

Face Shapes and Wig Style

What style wig will suit my face shape?

Oval - many choices

As its name implies, the oval-shaped face is longer than wide, with a jaw that is 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.

Round - avoid width

The round-shaped face has a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. The client may be overweight and the neck may appear short. A geometric or linear style looks very good. Add height and long wispy sides to make the cheeks look narrow.

Diamond - reduce width at sides

The diamond-shaped face has a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Diamond shaped faces need narrow sides and fullness at the chin. Bobs work very well. Avoid height on top or volume on the sides. Use a fringe to cover a narrow forehead.

Heart - add volume at the chin

The heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider 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.

Pear - add volume above the jaw line

The pear-shaped face is characterized by a small or narrow forehead and a rather large pouch-appearing jaw line. 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.

Oblong - add softness

The oblong-shaped face has a long and narrow bone structure. An oblong facial shape often has a long, thin neck. Use a fringe or half-bang across the forehead by creating the soft waves or curls in the crown or nape areas. This helps to create the illusion of an oval

For an appointment to discuss your wig requirements, please call one of the hair loss team at Simone Thomas Hair and Crowning Glory on 01202 760003 or pop in to see us.