I've had a lot of clients ask me about wigs recently. Do I think they should get one? Do I think they need one? What is it like to wear one?

I've been wearing hair pieces for a decade now. I switched over to extensions and wigs when even the thickest headband could no longer cover up my bald spot (before then I was the queen of headbands). In the passed two years, I've entered the world of wigs. They took some getting used to, but I don't see myself moving away from wigs in the foreseeable future (unless I'm rocking the bald look).

Just because I love wigs doesn't mean it's the right option for everybody. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be discussing all things wigs. Should you buy one or should you make one? What type of hair is the best? How do you take care of your own hair and the wig's hair? All your questions and then some will be answered. This week, I'm starting at the beginning - Is a wig the right option for you?

Do You Need a Wig? 

If there's one thing I've learned when talking to people about their hair loss it's one person's bald is another person's Chewbacca. Only you can decide if your hair loss warrants a wig. I decided to move over to extensions when my headbands could no longer cover up my bald spots. I've heard other women tell me that they couldn't stand to see the crown of their head look so thin. Everyone has their limit - it's up to you to decide how much hair loss is too much. 

Money, Money, Money

Wigs are an investment - they don't need to be a big one, but they are one nonetheless. I'll be discussing the difference in wig quality and pricing in a later blog. For now, you should understand that venturing into the world of extensions and wigs can mean at most adding a couple hundred dollars onto your budget every month. Purchasing a wig is a one-time investment, but it might mean going to a hairstylist more frequently for installations. Before you buy a wig or extensions, set a budget for yourself. 

Redefining Wash Day

Say goodbye to the quick wash-and-go when it comes to a wig. You now have two heads of hair that need to be washed, and more likely than not that means having two different types of shampoo and conditioner for your heads of hair. If worn daily, wigs need a good shampoo and deep conditioning treatment weekly. My Mondays are spent bald, while my wig is washed, deep conditioned, and air dried for the day. It's not only a money investment, it's a time investment. A decade ago, I was using three-in-one hair products and barely brushing my hair. Realistically, I would not have been ready to properly take care of wig back then. Now, I have a better hair care routine and know the time that needs to be allotted weekly to making sure both heads of hair stay healthy. 

Underneath that Wig 

Imagine living your entire life in a nudist colony and then suddenly switching over to wearing a three-piece suit everyday. Maybe not that extreme, but you're getting the picture of what it's like to wear a wig everyday. If you know you're not the type of person to like things touching your head, maybe a wig isn't the best option for you. If you're open to wearing a beautiful hair helmet, welcome to the club! Yes, it gets hot in the summer (I wear one throughout the New Orleans heat), but it can be done. 

Wigs vs. Other Hair Extensions

Wigs are the simplest and healthiest type of hair extension. No more fussing about how each extension is laying or if your hair piece is pushed back too far or too close. Your wig sits on your head all day long while your hair underneath continues to grow (you'll be surprised how much it grows!). Many hair extensions require pulling on a person's own hair for application (some have even been known to cause traction alopecia). Wigs allow your own head of hair to remain covered and unbothered. 

For My Fellow Trichsters

For my fellow hair pullers - a wig is a blessing and a curse. My wig is my hair jail. When it's on, I can't touch or pull my hair. But when it comes off, all bets are off. A lot of times, my trichotillomania urges are focused around times when I know my wig is about to come off. Having said that, it's something that can be managed.