Archived replies to: Wigs, Hair, Styling…. Help

Hi hon,

I haven't worn a wig for many years, but I got a good quality wig from a salon supply store. Chat with your hairdresser, they normally have good local connections and can help you find a great wig.

It's tough to keep it styled and in good shape without a wig stand. If you go for a less curly look you could get away with lying it flat in a drawer, as long as there isn't a lot of movement in the drawer and you don't put other things on top of it.

Just like real hair, it's important to brush it regularly to get the kinks out.

Hi Codille, I consider this an area of expertise for me so glad to help. First, what sort of look are you going for? (color, length, straight vs. wavy, etc.) And, what's your rough budget? Otherwise here are my general answers to your questions:

1) I've bought wigs in person and online. You'll probably get better quality fiber (doesn't tangle, feels more real) and cap construction (less hair falls out, more realistic part/hairline) by consulting a local wig shop and paying $250-$500 but a lot of the stuff you can buy in shops is also online, and sometimes cheaper. I've bought from wigs-us.com because the site works well and shipping/packaging is super discreet. For example, here's a wig I like that's less than $300 and has a realistic lace-front hairline: http://www.wigs-us.com/Zara-smart-lace-jon-renau.html

2) I don't think you need a wig stand at all. Just turn the cap inside out and lay the hair gently down in a shoebox or small drawer and it will stay nice. When it's time to wear, spritz (lightly) with a water spray bottle and comb out tangles with your finger, then brush with a hairbrush that has the little plastic beads on the end of each bristle. I only follow half these steps and still do fine 🙂

There are also tons of things you can do with any wig to achieve different styles -- half up styles, hair clips and headbands, etc. Glad to offer ideas or advice with more specific info. Have fun!

My Hero Lindsay, Though $300 isn't in the budget at the moment this is an awesome start. I have bought some lower end wigs and they aren't worth the shipping costs. The inside out trick ins a neat one. Will absolutely try that. And thank you for your offer of accepting additional questions. I am sure I will have more than a few and maybe other as well! You and awesome! Thanks! Codille

So far this is fascinating and very useful. Thank you to all of you for sharing your experience and wisdom.

My challenge is size. I have a large head - 7-3/4 hat size, almost 24" around. I have a large cap wig, but have to leave the elastic open for it even to kind of fit, and it still rides up in both the front and back sometimes. Short of a custom-made wig, are there any brands or shops with online service that sell wigs of reasonable quality and price for those of us with a a bunch extra all the way up on top?

Codille: glad my post was helpful. I have definitely bought some good wigs for under $60 too so glad to offer some additional ideas if you want.

Millicent (do you go by Millie?): hmmm, sorry to hear you've had trouble finding the right size. I know you can search most wig websites for 'large' versions of popular models, but I am not sure exactly what hat sizes are covered.

If you have some wigs you like but it's just that they ride up in the back or front, I wonder if you could solve that with a headband. Sometimes I use a simple plastic headband (the rigid kind that has little ridges on the bottom) over the top of my head to lock in my wig and keep the style in place. Here's a random example pic I found:

Let us know if you find anything, and when in doubt, go to a real wig shop and ask! I've only had good experiences and usually give them a call in advance to explain and ask for a private fitting area because I'm shy 🙂

Lindsay - first, yes, I use Millie a lot. Formally I am Millicent Teasedale. Informally I'm Millie and think of myself as Millie.

The headband sound like a good idea. I'll remember it. Unfortunately, the one wig I own looks odd with a headband - it's not 'big hair' but it's definitely not simple and straight and a headband makes it, but not me, look way too much like the goofy television insurance woman.

As for size, it seems most of the large cap wigs online are good for up to about 23" - which is close but not quite there. I did see one time a shop that modified wigs for a reasonable price, but I promptly lost the URL and haven't been able to find it since.

I also once tried a 3/4 wig and a headband, which fit better since the combs kept it in place, but even though the wig shop got the color close it didn't quite work - my bangs just weren't convincing enough.

A wig shop probably is my best bet. They were wonderful the first time I went so I probably don't have too much too worry about. I just have to find the time and place - I'm a bit nervous about shopping locally, and so have to find time when I'm travelling - which is not as frequent as it once was. And the nerve, but if I can buy and try on women's clothes at Goodwill or other thrift shops going to a wig shop again shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

Millie, you sound like way more of an experienced shopper than me! Way to have the courage to go to thrift stores and hopefully soon another wig shop. You deserve it.

Nice that you've already tried the headband thing. Sorry it didn't work out perfectly. Let us know how things turn out.

Ok, got good advice the last time I posted here, so let me pick your brains and ask another question.

Assuming colorwise I stick to something close to my natural hair color, how do I best pick a style? My current wig is shoulder length and wavy, with a side bang. I have read in a number of places that this is appropriate - the side bang conceals my larger forehead and the length helps soften my larger features. However, I have also read that straight bangs are good and that straight bangs are bad. And most women my age wear their hair short - even shorter than the hair in the avatar I'm using - although I like that hair style, but am not sure that it's appropriate for one pushing 60. If I were to let my hair grow out it would be fairly full and bushy more than straight and long - so is that an argument for something short and fullish?

Assuming you were not going for a drag queen look, how did you choose your hair style? What worked for you, and what didn't? As you can see from above, I've had only mixed luck with hair bands.

Thank you.

Millie,

Here is where I am starting. Don't know if will help you narrow things down but I am out there on the branch with you. First I need to find a shop that caters to CD/TG clients. Use this as an idea. And hope the ladies at the shop can guide from there.

http://www.crossdresser.com/learningcenter/how-to-choose-the-right-crossdressing-wig-style-for-your-face

Good Luck Lady,

Codille

Codille, thank you. That guide was very helpful. Now I just need the courage (and funds) to go to a wig shop and find the right one.

Millie,

Your welcome and if you find the funds will you let me know where to dig.....I need them too for a good wig. LOL

Codille

Any recommendations for places to get a decent wig? Mine is far from my ideal. But price is always  a contention.

Medium price range. I.e. less than giving up a kidney  for something  quality.

Thx

Claudia

Great thread! I'm fortunate to have naturally long hair (whats left of it) and wear a head band to cover what is missing in the front. I've heard there are clip-in bangs... had anyone had experience with these?

Thanks,

Jessica

Claudia,

I , have several Wigs from Paula Young  catalog and on line and TWC  Wigs also.

I prefer the Paula Young. Great prices  also

Stacey