Wig Styles and Colors

[Sally Stone]

I am curious to know what most girls think about a wig style and a hair color.  I own several wigs but tend to choose the same one when I dress.  I guess I identify with it.  It fits my personality.  It's a blond wig and it looks really good on me.  Occasionally I'm adventurous and wear other styles and colors but I always tend to come back to my blond wig.  I guess ultimately I identify as a blond. 

Hugs Sally 

[Vicky]

UGH!!  I am up to about 30 wigs, and the only color that I do not wear out, and really doesn't look good is my natural hair color!!    The other item is that I do not look good in short wigs , so shoulder length or below, red, blond, chocolate, redblond, anything other than brown looks good on me.  I sometimes coordinate my hair and my outfits with darker hair for lighter tops or dresses, and my lightest blond with my little black dress.  My face type needs to have some framing at the chin line to narrow my jaw a bit, but other than that, its ladies choice.  I was in a wedding enfemme about a year ago, and the "Bride" whose side I was on chose emerald green for the maids outfits, so out came the bright red-auburn hair.  I had fun, and found out I could wear a strapless gown.  Yummy!!!

Be sure that you buy GOOD wigs, and learn how to take care of them.  I have a person who is wonderful with wigs, and I let her style them and cut them to my face.  I do wash mine in a wig shampoo about every 4 to 5 wearings if it has been under 8 hours at a shot and I do see that they are not becoming matted or the ends are splitting. I also have learned how to properly comb (brush) mine out so I do not ruin them.  If you have washed a wig, be absolutely certain they are DRY before combing them out!!  Find a professional stylist if you can.  Some of the companies that are in the Resource Guide here have professional stylists that enjoy working with the gender girls. !!  I do have a couple of wigs that are drag queen HUGE, and they are fun and also a couple others that are goth or hard metal, but most of my "hair" is modest and age appropriate but not Soccer Mom do's. 

Have fun and be gorgeous

[Kallisty]

I've got two wigs here - a "Cleopatra" one and a cosplay one, where both came from friends.  The Cleo one is in much better shape and I tend to prefer it, but I need to try to get a couple extra later on.

Laura

[Amy85]

I've got a question about the care of wigs. What's the best way to keep them in good condition when you're not wearing them? Wouldn't keeping them in a drawer make them all messy or something?   
Also, what are the price ranges you've seen? Thanks.

  Amy 

[paulault55]

Hi Amy.

You can get wig heads at Sally Beauty and they only coat a few dollars. and no i wouldn't put them in a drawer.

Paula.

[Vicky]

PLEASE, not in a drawer without something else on them.  Wig heads are excellent, and the best, but they take up a lot of room. With a wig head, get an old pillow case to put over them to keep dust off of them. As I mentioned above, I have quite a few wigs, and I use the clear plastic shoe boxes you can get from on of the big box stores for about $2.00.  One wig per box, and the cap keeps its integrity fairly well.  If it is a long wig, gather it up with a gentle twist, and put the ends in the cap when you put it in the box.  This is gentle and will keep it from tangling.  Brush/Comb the wig just before doing this to straighten out the fiber a bit. Use a little bit of sachet or pot pourri flowers in a piece of cheese cloth in the box, and it comes out smelling nice and flowery.

You can get wigs for under $100 but they are just a notch above grabbing a road kill racoon and using it for a wig.  Find a gender friendly wig or TG store in your area and let the stylist there help you. One or two places do have good wigs that will last a year or more for just about $100, but know the brand name ahead of time. I like the Jon Renau, Rene Of Paris, and Noriko brands that are sold by several of the online places, that are listed on Susan's resource page, but I prefer to go to a real store if I can, and here in Calif, they do exist in several places.

[Amy85]

Thanks for the answers 

I've done a little research online and I'll likely end up buying one online eventually once I squirrel some money away, I just need to find one that looks and fits right but it seems I still have some reading to do on proper care.

[gennee]

I prefer shoulder length wigs in a dark brown. I don't mind a streak of gray, either. I have two wigs I wear regularly. I need to get a couple more. The first wig I had was a short one but I didn't feel it accentuated my features.

Gennee

[Sally Stone]

If I can make a recommendation I would encourage anyone that plans on buying a wig to go, in person, to a wig shop.  You can go en femme or in bubba mode but it is a wonderful experience either way.  Having the ability to try on different styles and colors and get recommendations from a professional gives you the most bang for your buck.

I have purchased wigs via the internet and by mail order and without question, the satisfaction I have gotten buying at a wig shop far outweighs the other methods.

Keep in mind that wig vendors have many TG clients so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable.

Hugs,

Sally

[Vicky]

Sally;  ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON!!!!!

[tamarav]

Although I am new to this forum, I have extensive experience with wigs and wig styling.  If you are so totally uncomfortable with going in person to a wig shop to try on wigs and get advice from the staff, try taking a look at wig vendors on eBay.  Many of the vendors are very CD friendly and offer some great bargains on wigs that can look very realistic. Try looking at CD's web sites for wigs that they wear and email them for information on how to find similar wigs.

Tami

[Donna2468X]

I agree with nearly all that has been said.  Remember the prof. wig stylist are in business to make money and are almost always happy to set up a private fitting time if you ask and explain why.  Those that might be uncomfortable would best be approached in bubba mode.  It lets them know that your not some wierd-O.
Two points I would add, wigs that do not bring attention help you pass.  On the other hand if being noticed is what you want, then wear the blonde wig.   I am older and therefore have 3 identical wigs (Shoulder length) they are dark brown with just a little grey.  I prefer when I go out to blend in completely and draw attention to myself, and I never have had any problem being read.  But then I don't wear blonde wigs, bright lipstick, and heels.  Sit at the mall sme time and study the women.  See how many are in skirts, flats, and not a lot of makeup.  Another point for the girls that have not been "out" yet because they are afriad they will noy pass.  Look at the mall, thereare women of all shapes and sizes, looks, etc.  Dress like them and you will not draw attention to yourself that may make someone look more carefully at you and if they do look just smile and say hello.
Donna J

[DawnAlicia]

What is a good site (s), other than ebay, to look at wigs?

[Vicky]

Go to the main page here at Susans on the Resource page, there are 60+ stores listed there under the Wigs category.  I have dealt with three of them and have been happy with what I got.  One site near the end is for WWW.WilshireWigs.com.  They are close enough to me (In the "other" So. Cal valley)that I have been to their store a couple of times and gotten some very good wigs at reasonable prices.  A couple of other times when I went to the store, they did not have the color I wanted, but by looking at the same style in a different color and checking the color rings, I was able to go home and order online, which got them to me in plain packaging in about 72 to 96 hours.

If you see one of the stores on the directory here, and it is in your general area (say a 3 day weekend) go to the store, its much better than the road kill you are likely to get without seeing the wig before you buy it, even if you do what I did above about actually buying it on line.  Some wigs look very good on the computer screen, but the fiber will make you itch for a week after wearing it, or you will have to take professional styling lessons to make it acceptable in a very dark room when you find out how much lacquer they used to make it look good.   :icon_eek:Most of these places sell to actors and performance artists in the area too, and I have met two or three "name" artists at them since I am in the So California entertainment neighborhood.  FUN!!. 

[DawnAlicia]

Thanks for the Tip Vicky!

[Kendall]

I like my two-tone wigs, with highlights. Even the synthetic looks nice, I think. I do the baby powder thing to them to dull the shine of the synthetic material. Works somewhat ok.

This wig cost me $65 USA

Here it is dulled down with baby powder. A more recent pic.


Here it is shinny. From a while ago, I think two years ago


My favorite colors are auburn, with blondish highlights. My natural hair is dark brown. I don't know if my tastes will change, though I would like to try being a redish maybe, if it goes ok with my skin. Auburn might be the closest that I can come to reds.

[Genevieve Swann]

I own five. Dark brown, long. Blond with highlites,long. Auburn,long my favorite. Two short blond one with highlites.  I have paid from $75.00 to $150.00. I go to the wig shop in person and they are very friendly. One was free. A lady friend gave it to me. I wear a shorter wig to show earrings. I think the color of the clothing along with the wig are important. Maybe it's similar or contrasting colors I have'nt decided. When shopping in person they will style a wig for no charge I found. Genevieve
Post Merge: February 25, 2009, 07:11:51 PM
I think maybe a gray/silver would be more appropriate for my age. I'm 54. That's more than a half century. Vicky, if you read this, I love your hair. You look very good. Genevieve

[Vicky]

Thanks Genevieve-- I am actually serveral years older than you are,  and the only wig I use with grey in it, makes it look like a high priced color highlighting job!!  I wore it out one time and was asked where I had my color job done??   OH wow!! 

The hair in my picture here actually has about 10 different colors in it, and was a little expensive.  It was designed by the owner of the shop I bought it in, and she trimmed it to my face as part of the purchase price. 

[Carmen]

During 80iger and 90iger years I have bought my wigs always anonymously. However, besides, I had to find out that the wigs looked always different like in the shop-window in my face.
Since 2004 I buy wigs only revealed. One gets with this real purchase always a very good consultation.
Besides, I have not gained bad experience with the shop assistants.

[Cindy]

I bought my first wig online, and of course it was waist length blonde. Boy did I pass (not). I ended up buying a shorter wig and then went to a wig shop as Cindy. Absolutely no problems. What is you name dear. Can we make you a tea or coffee. We went through shapes styles and quality. Lots of advice. In the end I bought what I liked, and in fact bought two of the same style and fitting. That way I can wash one and have one to wear. I call into the wig shop everynow and again. They are always willing to let me try new syles with no pressure to buy. I think you will find wig shops are VERY TG and chemotherapy friendly. That's who buys them, except for Dolly Parton

Cindy