Wigs
Hi Tara,
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling down :cry: . As far as wigs go, it really is personal preference. I work for myself and do not have a drug plan that covers any of the costs, so I like the better quality synthetic wigs, as they are usually less expensive than human hair ones. In the past I have purchased expensive human hair wigs, and also had them custom made - however my dollars can work harder in other areas than on the top of my head. Other women would beg to differ and have no problem spending $800- $3000 on a wig - but not me. Some swear by by the human hair ones, saying that they look much better etc. etc. But I think that one can find a lovely synthetic wig that looks just as good.
As I mentioned earlier, I like the Raquel Welch line of wigs. They offer a petite size that fits very well and they don't have too much hair. When you're shopping for one, check out the "crown" or the top portion of the wig. The Raquel wigs have some that are a "monofilament top" (all that is - is an area that is a very thing lacing with hand tied "hairs"). It creates a crown of hair that can be parted in any direction, looks natural, and lets your head breathe. Along the front forehead line is a clear membrane that I find is helpful in preventing it from slipping all over the place. It just naturally "hugs" your bare skin. With these wigs that I am describing the top is the mono style and the back has wefts (essentially rows of machine produced hair that create a net and form the back area of the wig). The wefts are sometimes a bit of a drag. If you like to pull part of you hair up into a barrette (from the sidees and leave the back down) you have to finesse it a little so that you son't see the wefts (or even bare skin through the wefts if you pull it too tight) . All I do is put the barrettes in and then loosen the hair gathers a bit. It looks totally natural then. The other darg about the wefts - sometimes if its super windy, the hair can be blown apart and you can see the wefts - but I just use my common sense, and I'll throw on a cute baret or little hat of and it keeps every thing in place just fine.
Other wigs are hand tied all over. They for sure are "nicer" in the fact that there is no chance of seeing a weft of hair, and are easier to style sometimes - but for me I can't jsutify the extra $. Especially when I wear different ones all the time.
If you're in the UK I'm not sure what salons or stores there are available to you. Obviously you have access to the interent, why don't you start your search there? In addition to that I would suggest checking your business directory for them first. If you do find a store that carries them, go check it out! You'll never know if you like wearing one unless you give it a try. I know some ladies find them uncomfortable, but sometimes its just a matter of finding one that fits you well and is made of quality materials. (Some cheap ones are are really scratchy and not comfy at all). In addition to the wigs there are also "hair systems" available. I don't know much about them yet, as I am just learning about them myself.
And hey - don't be discouraged! I can't tell you how many ill fitting wigs I've had on my head :hairy: . Ones that look absolutely ridiculous (most often they are just too big with way too much hair) other wigs may have been the wrong colour and made me look like death. I remember the first time I went to try a wig on when I was 8. I cried the whole time, I felt like I looked so silly and that every one would know. Well when I look back on those pictures I realize it didn't look that bad at all!
There's so many things I could share - but I will not bore you with that. If you have any more questions just ask. Also you may want to check out he sister site to this one
http://www.heralopecia.com (it was suggested to me and I find it quite inspirational, strictly for women and there's a great circle of strength there). On the website there is a member from the UK It think her name is Sally Turney. She is a wig consultant (her background is in TV and movies) and she offers her services to people liek you and me who have tons of questions and just need some good honest advice - she seems to know whats going on and has pretty good insight - I would maybe recommend speaking to her (although I never have personally spoke to her. Her online contibutions seem genuine and she's not trying to sell you something).
Anyway I hope that helps! Good luck Tara - and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone and this will not ruin your life! You WILL be a better person having lived with this - after all, its ONLY hair
Orbit
