Wigs are used by men, women and children whenever they want to change their look or to regain the self-confidence that hair loss may have taken away. Wigs are either taken from a donor of human hair or made from synthetics to resemble real hair. There are a variety of styles, colors and designs to choose from, depending on need and budget. Wigs are acceptable in most social settings and are able to accommodate a broad age group.
Reasons
People wear wigs for different reasons. The biggest reason is because they are experiencing hair loss or alopecia. This could be from a number of factors, including natural baldness, trichotillomania (manually pulling out hair), chemotherapy, hair damage or skin burns. The wigs can help people with baldness regain their confidence and look similar to when they had a full head of hair.
Some people use wigs to add style and depth to fine or limp hair. Hair extensions, bangs or partial wigs may be glued, clipped or weaved into the natural hair. Another reason someone may wear a wig is to change her overall look for a special occasion.
Types
Wigs are made from two main types of materials---synthetic and human hair. In some cases, synthetic and human hair can be intertwined for a more inexpensive option. Human hair is the most sought after, but it is expensive---especially Caucasian or European hair. Human hair wigs cost on average $100 up to $1,000 for full wigs. More popular options include Indian, Indonesian and Chinese hair. The upkeep bears a close similarity to regular human hair, so you would care for the hair as if it were your natural hair. It appears natural looking and resists fraying and frizzing commonly found in synthetic hair wigs. Synthetic hair is economical and contains monofilament fibers that withstand non-heated styling tools and brushes. Synthetic wigs range between $20, all the way up to the mid-hundred range.
Features
One of the main features of wigs is the style options they offer. Almost every style option is available---long, medium and short, with bangs or without. Colors of all shades, including some with highlights and lowlights, are available.
Most wigs contain a standard cap that holds the hair together and provides style and shape. A skin-top cap is likely used for wig styles that have no bangs, so that the cap matches the scalp color. Monofilament caps allow the natural cap to show through and reduce the traditional wig look. This type of cap also allows the hair to be parted in different ways, lending to a more authentic look.
Capless versions are also available and are constructed of lace strips as opposed to an outline cap. They are generally lighter and allow the scalp to breathe better than traditional caps.
Use
When it comes time to wear the wig, keep in mind several things. Make sure all natural hair on the head is pinned tightly to the scalp. Before every use, the wig should be lightly shaken to remove any debris and to separate hair fibers in the wig.
Grab the wig on either side, make sure the tag is facing the back and line it up with the back of the neck. Adjust the wig so that it just lightly covers your natural hairline for a secure fit. There should be ear tabs on either side that act as a guide to assure the wig is lining up correctly. Style the wig with a brush or comb.
Benefits
There are many benefits to wearing a wig. Wearing a wig can give a cancer patient a sense of self renewal to have hair coverage when all or most of her hair is lost because of chemotherapy. It can also save time on styling and preparing for a special event or occasion.
Most wigs are easy to care for by using a gentle brush after each use. They can easily be stored on a mannequin or in a closet out of direct sunlight. Wigs are interchangeable, so the wearer can implement different styles to suit individual moods. Over time, wigs can save money on salon treatments and expensive hairstyling products.
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