Susan's Place Transgender Resources

For the ladies who invested in some sort of wig during transition, what type did you go with??

From my understanding, synthetic is cheaper but lower quality/less natural, whereas human hair is expensive but natural looking. Does this tradeoff always hold true?

I definitely doubt that I will have the money for human hair, what are your takes on it?

Chrissi

Mine as all synthetic.  Cost is the factor here.  But brushing and combing can be hard on the hair.  By using a silicone based shampoo and conditioner helps.  Use a wide toothed comb and brush and comb gentle.

Human hair are nice, but again expensive.  I spent $100 on my last one.  I am hoping to get a topper to cover the thin spot and grow out my own.


Janet

I have no experrience with wigs, but I've heard human hair is best everywhere I've seen the topic come up. The one thing I do know is if were shopping for one, I would want to be able to try it on, see how I look in it, & inspect it carefully up close as well as finding out return policies.   

Janet, in your experience, can you wash a synthetic wig under running cold water when you are soaking it? I was advised not to, just swish it around, but I was also told this was ok.

And is wig conditioner necessary?

with synthetic be prepare to buy every 4-6 weeks a new one, since the hair gets really hard and brittle

its cheaper though

go to korean beauty shops

Sally's Beauty Shops sell a wig shampoo and conditioner in one.  Swish, but don't run under running water.  Place the piece in a towel, fold over the sides, and press to get most of the water out.  Don't twist or scrunch it, causes tangles.  Place on a wire head form to allow drying.  Comb and brush gentle.  Use a silicone based leave-in conditioner.

If cared for a synthetic wig will last 6 months at least, if cared for.  Wash only once a month or so.  And get the best you can afford.  If you change styles a lot, buy cheap is fine, but remember you get what you pay for.  The least I ever spent was $30 from a costume shop.

And use a wide tooth comb or wig brush, not a regular one.  You will strech and break the hair.  A conditioner will help to keep the hairs from geeting brittle.  And make sure it has a sunscreen.  That is what kills a wig quickly.

Janet

That's all they last for? It might almost be worth it to spend an extra $100 for the extra wear.

Thanks for the tips. So how does running water damage it? I would also imagine that you would have to swish it twice, once in the water w/ shampoo, and another time with clean water to rinse it??

Yes swish as required to rinse.

Wigs can and do last a long time if cared for.  Running water cause tangles.  If you want human hair, by all means get them, but they don't last for much longer.  It is all about the care you give them.  Be rough and they will not last long at all.  Treat them witn a gental touch and they can last a long time.


Janet

Now I'm curious, how long will a synthetic one last in general if you take care of it but wear it everyday??

Or, what if I buy it and leave it in storage, for a few months until I begin transition? Will that affect the life of it??

I still have the original wig I started with and it is as good as new.  If you care for them they can last for a year.  Be very careful when cooking heat will cause them to frizz. 

Don't use curling irons or blow dryer on them.  Unless stated safe for wigs.  Curlers are OK, if they are not heated.

Again comb or brush gentle.  That I can not emphasize enough. 

When storing a wig.  Keep it in the net it comes, and in an the packaging.  Purchase wig stands if you can not or do not wish to store them away.  They are very cheap at Sally's.  When you go to store them, wash them with a wig shampoo, allow to dry thoroughly and store.  Human body oils are what can kill a wig.


Janet

Just one more thing, so if I buy it now but don't use it at all for another 5 months, will it still be ok??

As long as you A) Don't wear it or wash it if you do.  And B) keep it in in the hair net it comes in and the original package.  Or at least on a wig stand out of the light.  Sunlight causes oxidation.



Janet

I'm a professional Cosmetologist, I specialize in wigs and hair extensions and take it from me HUMAN hair is always the way to go! Cheap (or even expensive) Synthetic hair wigs always look fake, unnatural, and will get you clocked! The most natural wigs are lace wigs.They look 100% real when applyed corectly and can me worn in  an infinate amount of hair styles. They will last for years if taken proper care of and are the top choice for celebrity's. I've been wearing a lace wig 24/7 for the past 6 months and my hair has grown and is so healthy because of it. I highly suggest going with a lace wig! They can me purchased directly from china for about $150 to $300 depending on various factors that's a true bargain when you factor in the fact that if taken care of they can and will last for years.

Here's a video that will show you the application process-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1gp_0NNC7s#noexternalembed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1gp_0NNC7s#noexternalembed)

Oh I have had one of those Chinese made wigs from another company and I threw them away.  They shed within a couple of months.  Oh the company said I should have used another product to keep it from shedding.  It is BS.  They keep you coming back over and over.

If you go to a wig shop they can help you.  Besides I am trying to grow mine out.  And I have seen that video and yes it can be attached that way.  But it works best if you shave your head wat the attachment point.  Don't believe the hype.  Spend you money on a good synthetic.


Janet

Ehhh....I just let my hair grow out. That's very cheap you know.  😀

All well and good unless you have a bad balding spot on the top of your head.  :'(
Mine is getting there but I still have to figure out how to cover the spot.


Janet

Quote from: Janet Lynn on October 26, 2009, 07:38:57 AM
Oh I have had one of those Chinese made wigs from another company and I threw them away.  They shed within a couple of months.  Oh the company said I should have used another product to keep it from shedding.  It is BS.  They keep you coming back over and over.

If you go to a wig shop they can help you.  Besides I am trying to grow mine out.  And I have seen that video and yes it can be attached that way.  But it works best if you shave your head wat the attachment point.  Don't believe the hype.  Spend you money on a good synthetic.


Janet

I have never shaved my head or any of my 30 client's I see a month to attach a lace wig or any other type of hair system! There is no such sing as a good synthetic! I think maybe you don't realize how FAKE those synthetic beauty supply store wigs look!!!!!!!! Like I said they will and do get you clocked! I prefer not to look like a drag queen or a cancer patient, so I opt to wear the best! Not some shiny, synthetic MESS that looks like it came from a barbie doll.

Original Poster decide which one of these women do YOU want to look like?

Alexis Arquette (http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/pv/Alexis%20Arquette-9.jpg)

or

Tyra Banks

To me the decision is VERY obvious!!!!! LOL


Fixxed quotes and removed link ~ Miniar

Yeah and you would benefit,  That my dear is called spam.  I have done your system and it may look good and Yes you can sleep in it.  But the shedding is horrible.  Balding spots. 

I like my system but not a $500 per unit twice a year.  I can not afford your kind of spam.


Janet

Quote from: Kara on October 26, 2009, 01:44:42 PM
Ehhh....I just let my hair grow out. That's very cheap you know.  :D

I am definitely trying to grow it out, but I'm still in boy mode 99% of the time, and so I need to cut it a little bit once in a while. Plus, in boy mode, long hair looks like crap on me. I really don't think it would be long enought for girl mode by that time anyways.

Chrissi