Archive | September 17, 2017

Buying Wigs-101

Happy Sunday! I’ve been on a wig buying kick recently. I posted this wig review a few weeks back and have fallen in love with fake hair.  My own hair is okay, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s getting thin, frizzy, basically blech to me.  While I’m fortunate to have all of my own hair, it’s fun to switch things up.

I’ve been doing a lot of research online about in the ins and outs of wigs. It’s amazing what you can learn on YouTube!

The wigs I purchased a few weeks ago ended up being great, but I was unable to try them on before hand.  I wouldn’t recommend this.  They were super cheap at $9.99 each, so I thought what the heck. Wigs are generally non returnable.

Here is what I’ve learned.  You have to try them on.  The mannequin heads are about 75% smaller than the normal head (or I have an abnormally large head). Looking at the wig heads the wigs looked great, once on they were too short.  Looking in the mirror is one thing, taking a selfie with the wig on, a whole other ballgame.  I think you can really see how the wig looks by taking a selfie. A lady who was trying on wigs next to me told me she had over 100 wigs! They really are an inexpensive way to change up your look.

You don’t have to spend a big bucks for a nice wig either.  Here is a human hair blend wig that was only $25!

Brown wig 9-10-17-me

When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t really care for it, but I love how it looks in the photo. I didn’t buy it, as I was looking for a more blonde color.

You don’t want a wig that is too shiny. Most inexpensive wigs are synthetic, but you can use heat on them.  If you find a super shiny wig that you love, use dry shampoo to dull it. Lace front wigs are great if you wear your hair off of your face,as the hair does look like it’s growing from your scalp.  I go for bangs as I have a big forehead.

Best place to buy wigs?  Find beauty supply stores in your town. I could have stayed in this store for hours.  They had great prices on hair care, make up, jewelry, clothing.  I bought something that sells for $7 at Sally Beauty, and I paid $2.79 for the exact item.

Sally Beauty has a few hair pieces, but not full wigs.  I live out in the suburbs, and the only wig shop close by is over priced and the staff was rude. I asked a former co-worker for suggestions.  She wore her hair different every day, and always looked fabulous. She gave me some great stores to check out. I took my husband along who ended up being very helpful, as in “does this make me look stupid?”

I have to say when looking at wigs online, the sites that cater to African American women have great prices.  I don’t need a name brand wig, nor does it have to be human hair.  Synthetic wigs have come a long way.  I’ve seen wigs online for over $400 for synthetic hair.  I’m not looking for everyday wigs either. I’m just wearing mine on the weekends.

I bought a few wigs on Ebay.  They are going back, as the color was not what was pictured. Now they were cheap, only $13 each (which should have been my first clue), but after watching YouTube videos on how to make a cheap wig look good, I gave it a try.

Here are the ones I ended up buying.  They are both pretty much the same style, just slightly different colors. Wig on the left was $22, and the right $20! I bought wig caps, but they made the wigs slip.  I think they look pretty good.

These wigs are both adjustable, and have realistic looking scalps. I may buy some wig clips and sew them in, just to make them more secure.

I tried these on, but took a pass.

I thought the one on the left looked good, that was until I saw a picture of myself.  A little too short for me.  The wig on the right was super fun, but it was $30, so I passed.

Many YouTubers said it’s difficult to wear a wig right out of the box, and often times you need to cut it.  I was pleasantly surprised that both wigs didn’t need any adjusting.

I liked my new wigs so much, I wore one for our evening out.

Wig dark blonde 9-16-17 outside

Tags for both wigs and some free wig spray for buying the last one.

Thanks for stopping by.