Wig Studio 1 News
Going Somewhere? Summer Wig and Travel Tips
Wig Shown Above Best In Class Wig by Gabor | GF6/30
It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about our wigs in an entirely different way. Is that wig too hot, too long, too much trouble?
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NEW | Carefree CURLS by Ellen Wille | May 2023 Launch
NEW Toppers by Ellen Wille | 7 Styles Launching April 2023!
WS1 | First Access Launch with Gabor! 2023 Spring Luxury Collection
4 NEW SmartLace Styles from Jon Renau | Spring 2023 Expansion
What’s With All the Wigs? And What’s With the Dark Roots?
Wig Shown Above NEW Alexandria by BelleTress in Butterbeer Blonde
Recently a friend asked me, as she was trying on my wigs, “why do you have so many wigs?” Since she is not an everyday wig wearer, she had many questions about my wig collection.
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3 New Styles by Raquel Welch
Fierce and Focused Wig by Raquel Welch
Make a subtle power play with this gently waved short crop. The fuller crown, snug bangs and sides, and tapered lengths exude an intensely chic and polished vibe. Style piecy or smooth and sleek, depending on your mood!
“Why Wear a Wig Cap?” and Other Good Questions
Wig Cap Shown Above: Bamboo Wig Cap by Henry Margu
Why Bother with a Wig Cap?
That’s a question that I see and hear at least once a week. Like so many things pertaining to wigs and wig wearing…well, the answer can be the same. “It’s a personal thing” and that answer can sometimes be frustrating.
Let us look at some of the pros and cons and then decide:
Pros:
- If you have minimal to no hair a wig cap can give you a layer of comfort between your scalp and wig, especially a wig with wefts.
- No direct contact with the wig material or fibers can help those with sensitive scalps as well as those with little or no hair.
- It can help prevent the wig from slipping.
- For wig wearers with no hair loss, or minimal hair loss, the wig cap can help contain the bio hair so that the wearer is more comfortable, and more secure about their bio hair not showing.
- Some wig wearers do not like the added layer on their heads and might feel it makes the scalp too warm. Some also feel that nylon caps can cause the scalp to sweat more than it would normally.
- The other con that seems popular is that the cap can feel restrictive and cause headaches.
What is the Best Way to Secure your Wig?
This question is one of those “everyone has a favorite” answer. But it is true, there is no best way, there is only the way that works best for you. Each answer/solution has pros and cons, and if you need more expert advice, please consult the helpful employees at Wig Studio 1 support. They also have several videos about the many ways to help you feel more secure in your wig.
Here, I will list a few wig security options with a brief description of how they might work for you:
- Wig Cap: As noted earlier in the blog, the wig cap has its pros and cons, and it all depends on your personal situation. Do you have all your bio hair? None of it? Or do you have hair and wonder how that will work with a wig cap?
- Wig Grip: I believe the grips have gotten better over the years. Now they are made with better adjusters in the back, and that are also thinner and easier to lay flat. They also now have lace front grips that line up with the front of your wig, giving a seamless look. This is such a great idea. I have heard some say the grip gives them headaches, but I think that may be due to incorrect adjustment. However, some people may just be prone to headaches, and this could be a factor. I know a lot of people that love their grips.
- Wig Tape: This is just like it sounds. You use tape strips to secure the wig. It is a double-sided, medical-grade, sticky tape that you place on your skin. It can be removed with an adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol simply by dabbing it along the hairline.
- Bobby Pins: The easiest and quickest solution. If you have a well-fitting cap, this seems to work great; all you must do is slide a pin above your ear on each side and put one at the nape if needed. This will only work if you have enough bio hair to pin it to, so that is the one drawback.
- Other things: Roll on adhesives that are similar to tape. As well as metal clips or silicone strips sewn in or roll that can help keep the wig from sliding.
Each of us will find the best thing for ourselves with a bit of trial and error. I go with the bobby pins mostly though I am thinking of getting one of the new grips now since they have improved so much.
In conclusion, do not get discouraged or frustrated and give up on your wigs too soon. You will find the right wig style, color(s), and ways to secure it if you just give it some time. I promise.
Until next time,
Vickie Lynn
New to Wig Wearing? You Are Not Alone.
Wig Shown Above: Fenix by Rene of Paris | Milky Opal R
Wig or Topper? Synthetic or human hair? Wefted cap or hand-tied? Yes, these are just a few of the many questions that all new wig wearers ask themselves, when beginning their journey with alternative hair. If you are like me, you have, most certainly, drooled over a human hair wig or two. Early on in my wig journey, I bought one. As with anything, there were pros and cons to the choice I made. While I did love the human hair wig, I was not sure it was the one for me. I often had to wear that wig ten hours every day. The care, the cost, and time to style, all came to weigh heavier on the con scale due to my circumstances then. After learning more about synthetic fibers, and a lot of experimenting with several different brands and cap types, I finally settled on the wigs that work best for me.
We all have different wig priorities. If you have little to no hair, or sensitive scalp, the wig cap construction will be very important. If you can’t stand wig bands, clips and pins, the kind of cap and the way it fits will play an even larger role in your choice. For me, the less on my head the better, so a good fitting cap is very important to me. The better my cap fits, the less security measures I feel the need to use. I can go out without any extra wig securing accessories when wearing my Muse, for example. It happens to be a perfect fit for me. If I am wearing it to the dentist, I might put a decorative bobbie pin in on each side. This holds my hair out of the way and keeps my wig steady on my head while I am in that dreaded dentist chair. But if you have an in-between size head, and can’t find that perfect fit, you will need to make decisions about how to best secure your wig. I, personally, use more security when I know I will be outside for any length of time, or if I am going to a special event where I know it won’t be a simple task to adjust my wig in public.
We all know by now that we get what we pay for. Getting a hand-tied cap with a mono-top and lace front will cost you more because it costs the manufacturer more to make. That’s easy to understand. And ideally, you’d think everyone would want or need this. But that is not necessarily the case. Many wigs, with a basic cap, can work well for many people. A lot depends on the wig style. Is the style one that doesn’t really have a part and may have bangs? In that case, a mono top and lace front may not be necessary for some. Also, for the same price, you can often get two or three of the basic cap wigs compared to maybe just one of the wigs with all the bells and whistles. That is appealing to a lot of people, especially if you wear a specific style more frequently, or if you just like to change styles a lot.
All fibers are not created equal. This too, you may have already learned. Some look and feel better and seem to last longer than others. Every manufacturer seems to do them a bit differently, as well. They have their own vendors, processes, and crafts people. Human hair wigs are just that, so we all know how to take care of human hair, and the pros and cons of this. It is when you get into different fibers, such as synthetic or heat -friendly, that it can become more of a challenge. Over time, the coating of the fibers, the color, and strength of the fibers will change. Factors such as, how much you wear your wig and how you care for it, can shorten, or lengthen the life of your wig, but eventually the fibers will show their age and wear, just as well all do.
Decisions that will be made next, and we must decide, do we want the best of the best, the middle of the road, or some less costly ones that will do the job just fine? Fortunately, we can have one of each if budget allows. I doubt I will ever return to human hair wigs. This is just as a personal preference combined with my definite lack of styling skills and patience. I seem to have landed in the middle of the pack with lace front, mono-top and hand-tied wigs, as my preference. However, a basic cap is not a deal breaker if I can have the other two features. I still have a couple of basic cap wigs that I bought early on and can still wear but I now find them hot and scratchy because I have lost more hair over time. My scalp is more sensitive now as well, and I have to be picky about my caps more than ever it seems.
The little extras are important. I like to get a wig with soft ear tabs and an extended nape, along with the ability to adjust the fit. In the end we all find our sweet spot. We must decide what we can live with or what we hope we don’t have to live without, as the case may be.
Here, I have linked a video about hand-tied caps that you might like to watch. To book a free consultation, with one of our Personal Hair Consultants, who can show you how to measure the circumference of your head and help you find your best fit, visit us at Wig Studio 1 Support.
Until next time,
Vickie Lynn
What are Your Wig Expectations?
Wig Shown Above: Applause by Raquel Welch
How do we deal with false expectations? The best way is to be honest with ourselves. Is our face too round for that style that we love so much on the model? Is our neck shorter than the model’s and therefore, making the wig longer on us, perhaps hitting us farther below the chin then we would have liked? Does that long hair on the model, so appropriate for her face shape, make our face look as if it is dragged downward? Does that pixie style on the model with the cute petite face make our larger and/or rounder face look even more so? What about color? Do we know our best colors or are we open to making a few trial and error purchases?
Reality—that is the thing most of us want—we want to look as if we are not wearing a wig, so that means we need to wear the style and color that suits us best. We want people to look at us and see us, not see a wig. As to age bias, it is not to say that no one over a certain age should rule out all longer wigs, or certain styles, not at all. We just need to be comfortable with what we will look like in those lengths and styles.
As you have likely heard or read, it is important to see real people in these wigs and that is why I always encourage everyone to look for the wig that you like on every available media outlet. See it in different lights and on different people. Get the model’s photo out of your head and try to see how it will look on you. You can see lots of different styles and faces on the Wig Studio 1 YouTube Channel.
We know more than we realize. We all know that our face changes with age. Our skin color even changes as pigments fade, and the muscle tone in our face is less defined. We have that to deal with, along with the development of creases and wrinkles. But a good wig choice can make all the difference in how you look.
Yes, the first time out of the house with your first wig can bring you to your knees. No matter how good you think you have secured it, how good it feels, or how good you believe you look in the style or color, you begin to doubt. Doubts lead to fear, and fear leads to paralysis. Remember that most people are too busy worrying about what they look like or what they are having for dinner, or if they need to lose ten pounds. So, the sooner you can get out there and go about your life in your wig, the better. It will just become part of you, and one day you won’t think about it at all. You’ll just be glad you look so nice and that it didn’t take an hour to fix your hair.
My favorite go-to wig below:
Muse Wig by Raquel Welch
Until next time,
Vickielynn
Afraid to Try Wigs?
Wig Shown Above: Muse by Raquel Welch
There are many women still on the fence, I’d bet. There are those who have been trying to get by using various methods to make their hair loss as undetectable as possible. There are those who have been wearing toppers and now find they are not working for them anymore. There are several things to worry about. Which wig is best for me? What about the style, the color, the cap size…and the cap itself? Must I get heat friendly for it to look realistic? Can I deal with a wig with no mono top or mono part? Do I need a lace front? And what about permatese? Can I cut bangs in the wig? How do I wash it, dry it, thin it out, store it, and keep it looking good? You see what I mean when I say endless.
The good news is that there are people who have gone down this path before you and have left you a wealth of knowledge to save you some worry. If you have gotten this far, to be reading this, you are likely familiar with the great customer service at WigStudio1. There isn’t much they don’t know about wigs and wig care. Between their amazing customer service and the fabulous wig reviewers they work with, you are in good hands.
Among the many things to consider, you need to think about your skin tone (and under tone), and face shape. The idea is to make the most of your personal attributes by picking hair colors and styles that flatter your face shape, and their skin tone.
A sad fact is that our biological hair thins, fades, and gets more brittle as we age. But we have wigs to help. Our skin color and tone also fade, and we can’t stay stuck with the same hair color, hair styles and makeup colors at 50, 60, and beyond that we had at 20 or even 30. Though styles and cuts will come and go in and out of fashion, what is always in fashion is a good style for YOU, and the right color for YOU.
As always, there is the long hair issue. Yes, of course, you can still wear long hair after 40, 50, if it is the right style/cut for you and your face shape. The best thing to remember is that long, straight hair can drag the face down, especially in older women. If you have a long neck too, it’s even more of a challenge. The experts tell us that adding some waves or curls around your face and lightening up the hair around your face can make a big difference.
If you were blonde for years and now you think “too blonde” is not for you or that the color looks unrealistic or harsh for your age, go with a wig that has highlights around the face instead of an all over blonde. As for bangs, the experts say that side-swept or wispy are usually the best for older women.
Layers are little miracles, I hear. Not only do they give the hair/wig more body and life, but they also give you more styling options. Don’t rule out the classic bob or pixie cut. If you have the face shape for it, go for it. They don’t drag the face down, they look youthful, and are easy to work with and style.
In the end, it all goes back to one thing: wear what makes you happy. And if you learn what works best for you, and you like the way you look, you will be happier. Can the right wig style and color make you look ten years younger? I can’t guarantee that, but I’d almost bet on five at least. That’s what I was told when I shortened my styles and lightened my colors. I’ll take it.
Don’t be afraid to take the plunge. There are so many beautiful wigs just waiting for you. And there is so much help at Wig Studio1 to help guide you through the process so that you can make the best decision for your particular needs. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of their expertise.
Also, tune in to all the many helpful videos that are made just for you. You can pick up tricks and tips, learn about everything from how to measure your head to the difference is wig caps, and everything in between. Also, you get to see how to put on and take off wigs, and what many of the wigs look like on a real person rather than on a model on the website.
Until Next Week, Vickie Lynn (in my favorite grab and go wig, Muse by Raquel Welch in Shaded Cappuccino.)
What I Wish I’d Known Before Buying My First Wig
(Wig shown above: Kenzie Wig by Noriko)
When I first started wearing wigs, making them last longer was not even on my radar as something to think about. I was busy thinking about how I looked, if the wig would fall off, and did I buy the right color and style. It was around wig number two that I started thinking about all the other things—the difference in fibers, cap construction, and how to style wigs to make them work better for me. In other words, I was getting over the fear and into the basics.
Here are the things I had to learn along the way. I hope that if you are a new wig wearer, having the information here all together will help you and save you time and frustration.
- Understand your wig cap’s construction: Is it hand tied, machine wefted, lace front, mono top, mono crown, mono part?
- Respect Your Fibers: Read any manufacturer’s care instructions or do a search to find out how to care for your wig fibers. Fiber composition makes a big difference in how to care for your wig. Human hair, blended (human hair with synthetic), heat-friendly or not—they all have different needs.
- Use the correct brush or comb: It’s helpful to get into the habit of combing through your wig after taking it off. Gently (and with the appropriate comb type) remove any tangles. Smoothing and separating the hair fibers before storage will not only keep your wig looking its best, but it will be ready for wear the next time without worry. Always comb in small sections, slowly, starting at the ends and moving toward the crown. Careful of pulling too hard. You don’t want to unknot any fibers from the crown.
- Store Your Wig with Care: Everyone seems to have their own method. If you rotate your wigs a lot, keeping them out and on wig heads/stands is fine. If you have too many for that, you can store them in the box they came in, be careful to make sure the fibers are not twisted or out of shape if you will be storing them for longer periods. Some people hang the from pegs or similar setups. If you are using boxes, remember to store them so that you can read the name on the box for easier access.
- Watch that heat, please: This is always a scary thing the first time you try it on your wig. Remember that synthetic hair does not respond like human hair. Start with the lowest temperature that is advised rather than the highest. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to high temperatures will shorten the life of your synthetic wig or topper.
- Don’t over Wash! Washing your wig, especially over time, will cause some shedding and a slight loss of density, no matter how gentle you are. Everyone is different, and you can adjust the when-to-wash rules to you based on several things: how many hours a day your wear the wig, does your head sweat, and how many products do you use, to name a few. If you take the wig off and can smell the wig cap, that’s a clue. If your fibers seem to be sticking together, that’s a clue. If your fibers look dull and lifeless…yes, a clue. You get the idea. Use good judgment, and with the idea in mind that the more you wash, the shorter the lifespan. Use Silicon Based Products (and other products) On Your Wig, sparingly. Over time, the use of any product will cause a buildup that can result in a lifeless, dry, and flat look. A thorough washing is the only answer.
- Don’t Sleep in Your Wig: Both static and sweat cause frizz, often resulting in tangles which will result in damaged fibers, and so on. It’s not worth it.
- Don’t Wear Your Wig to the Gym: No matter how cute that guy is at the gym that you want to impress or how much more attractive you feel with your wig on in general, think twice. If you must wear a wig, set aside one wig, maybe one that is shorter, and aging, one that you only wear for this one thing. Otherwise, opt for another type of headgear.
- Don’t Wear Your Wig in a Swimming Pool: The chemicals in the water are not your wig’s friend. Invest in a head wrap, or bathing cap, or if you do go in and don’t plan to get your wig wet at all…. but you do, rinse it out immediately and condition it lightly, letting it air dry overnight before trying to comb through.
Your Wig is an investment, both financially and emotionally. With a little thought and care, it will last you a long time and help you look your best along the way.
Until next time, have you seen all the new Gabor wigs? I have my heart set on Trend Alert.
Vickie Lynn (wearing RW Crowd Pleaser in shaded cappuccino)
