What do I need to know about Wigs?

[Pancua]

I'm contemplating getting a wig for a costume this year. I've never worn one so I'm curious of a couple of things:

1) Best place to get one

2) Care

3) Supplies needed

Anyone care to share experiences/tips?

 

[Dalylah]

I know almost nothing but I am curious so I shall lurk in your thread

 

[Pancua]

No lurking! You must pay rent!   /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[DreamWarrior]

Synthetic wigs are the cheapest.  But, the better (thicker) the wig the more expensive it will be.

You can get a cheap one at the Halloween stores but make sure you "air" it out or shape it around a "head"  before you start using it.

Spend the $1 on a cap to hold your real hair in place and load up on bobby pins.

Buy a conditioning spray for your wig too.  Condition it a few times before you actually wear it, that way it wont get tangled or full of static when you finally wear it on your big day out.

I used to blow up a balloon inside my wigs before I bought a head to place some of my wigs on.  None of wigs are over $100 and all of them are synthetic... I keep them looking great with a conditioning spray specifically designed for wigs and a thick comb...

You dont have to wash out synthetic hair and you shouldn't curl it or hot iron it for obvious reasons.

I washed some of my wigs with a mild cleanser and conditioner and air dried it.  One of them got ruined, but the others survived.  It all depends on the quality.

Oh yeah, the majority of my wigs come from beauty supply stores mostly meant for black women - I find they have the best quality for the best prices AND the best selections... all colors all lengths.

 

[DreamWarrior]

Ps. my favorite wigs are full pieces.

I dont like the lace front 'cause its hard to hide the lace and I dont like half wigs cause I need a lot more boby pins than I like to use (it always feels like the wig is going to fall off).

Full wigs provide a more natural coverage (with or without bangs).

 

[Mss T]

If you plan to wear the wig regularly I suggest visiting local hair stores. Just browse and see what you like: whether synthetic or natural hair, long or short, etc. Please make sure to always wear a wig cap. This helps to protect and keep the your hair flat under the wig. Some people like to over charge but if its too expensive or cost more than you want to spend, use a kneel high stocking instead. They are like 98 cents or something. Remember to shop around before buying.

As far as care, you would most likely need a wig head to sit the wig on. Based on the type of wig, you can wash,blow dry, and curl just like your own. Always ask about how to care for the wig you're interested in from the seller (very important). Before wearing the wig, wrap the hair and pin it, especially if your hair is long.

If the wig is just for Halloween, go to party city or some place like that. I don't think their wigs are expensive. 
 I can't think of anything else at the moment but hope that helps.

 

[Pancua]

Thanks ladies! There is a hair store nearby that is meant for African American women, I will have to go and see what they have.

I'll post pics if I end up bringing something home with me! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Pancua]

I had to go by the halloween store at lunch and picked up a wig. This should be interesting. LOL

 

[DreamWarrior]

Yay! Post pics! Post pics!

 

[Pancua]

I will once I get it washed and not so flat from being in the package /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[DreamWarrior]

Originally Posted by Pancua /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I will once I get it washed and not so flat from being in the package /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

If you got it from the Halloween store then I wouldnt wash it... Its not a great quality and it may end up ruined.

Look into a dry shampoo if you HAVE to wash it.... and most definitely a conditioning treatment made specifically for wigs... trust me.

 

[Pancua]

Originally Posted by DreamWarrior /img/forum/go_quote.gif

If you got it from the Halloween store then I wouldnt wash it... Its not a great quality and it may end up ruined.

Look into a dry shampoo if you HAVE to wash it.... and most definitely a conditioning treatment made specifically for wigs... trust me.

I got this message after I sat down form washing the wig. So far it seems to have come out ok, I have it on a styrofoam head drying. I dont have any conditioner for it on hand but I will look to see what I can get.

 

[zadidoll]

Miss Jessie's products can be used on wigs so if you have the Creme de la Creme conditioning cream you can use that.  Depending on the wig you're looking for I would recommend Katie Bair, Cosplay Wigs and Karen's Wigs as those are three of the more popular sites cosplayers use for wigs (and there are hundreds of others but those three have been around for a very long time and are reputable).