Wigs - Human hair vs Synthetic

[byanyothername]

Evening ladies,

I have booked an appointment to go for a wig consultation in a month or so to see if I can't find a good quality wig which will suit me. I can see myself sending a lot of wigs back if I start buying online and I'd prefer just to get it right first time!

I'm only really after one wig whilst I'm growing my hair out and I was wondering what peoples opinions were on human hair vs synthetic hair? My budget is between £100-£250 but the high end would have to be something special really.

Thanks,

Emily x

[Dena]

I went with a good quality Synthetic as the cost was low and I only needed it for as long as it took for my hair to grow out. If I had hair growth issues, I would have considered a Human hair because they are a better wig. I suggest you when you have your consultation you look at both side by side before making up your mind as sometimes the Synthetic can appear as real as human hair.

[islandgirl]

I think that it is important to find a good shop and go in and get a consultation from the stylist. I found it a bit nerve racking but got over it and was helped by both the stylist and the owner. Turned out to be a great experience. I ended up with a synthetic wig.

[Miril]

I agree, a good wig shop will help you find what looks good on you, not necessarily what you want.  I love strawberry blonde, but I look better in black with streaks of grey.   The streaks of grey look age appropriate and a bit classy. 

Going with a good quality synthetic will let you experiment without breaking the bank or while waiting for your real hair to grow in.  In any case they can really look pretty darn close to human hair.

I am follicly challenged so I am in the market for a human hair wig now.    (I did keep rest of my collection tho for fun and games - sometimes blondes DO have more fun!)

[byanyothername]

Thanks

well I've got my appointment with http://www.dianehairint-hairloss.co.uk/wigs.php at the start of December. It's £40 for the consultation, but that fee is waived if you buy a wig. I asked about prices and she told me that the wigs start at around £175. Does that seem reasonable to the more seasoned wig owners out there? The website looks very professional but I'm wondering if I am going to get fleeced...

[Mariah]

It's best to let them find what suits you best, but something that is at least partially human hair if this going to be a long term route is probably best. For now that is what I had to do. Hugs
Mariah

[islandgirl]

Love the cut of my wig! A question: I know that it may take a while to get used to wearing a wig, but, does the itching go away? This does not happen all the time but it is bothersome.

I wore my wig to my endo appointment last week and the Dr. called it cute and that it suited me.

Thanks to my stylist! Consultation worth it.

[Lyric]

I've owned many wigs, often just for the fun of it. I tried some synthetics before buying my first good quality human hair one and for me there is no comparison. The best a synthetic can do is look "kind of" like real hair, but a good quality human hair wig well fitted and styled always will. The best looking synthetics are those in darker shades. Blonde synthetics easily look glossy and plastic-like.

Human hair wigs can run from surprisingly low to ridiculously high in price. Quality can vary hugely. The really cheap ones often look OK out of the box, but turn to fuzzy crap after the first washing. You really have to pay for better quality. I've had luck scoring good quality human hair wigs at good prices on eBay, but you do have to be a smart shopper there. A wig store is the best way to get something that fits your looks and you can have it trimmed and styled there, but you will pay much more for it that way. Good luck.

[kaitylynn]

One of the best things I have done for myself is taking the time to get a professional fitting for my hair.  The person I went to in my area worked with me to determine the best color to match my complexion and face shape.  She was able to customize the cap and I ended up with a piece that melts into my scalp.  This means I can style it about a million different ways, including parts and ponytails.

You will spend more up front, but will have something that will serve you very well and will be really what you want.

As for human or synthetic, I went synthetic.  Easier to care for and with quality, it is indistinguishable anyway.  A good friend went with human hair when she was being treated for breast cancer.  We became roommates so that I could help her through that period.  I can recall the amount of work needed, but there were some advantages as well.  She was able to style it...I mean honestly STYLE it with irons and such.

Once I am a few years in to HRT and my face shape begins to really set, then I will consider HH.  Also, HH is expensive!