How to Choose Hairpieces

Few women have the hair that they want. Those with curly hair long for straight locks while those with straight hair do every thing in their power to achieve those desirable curls. Women with short hair think they want long while their sisters with long locks ponder something much shorter. There are options available to help us change our look on a nearly daily basis. Wigs have been around for centuries and even some hairpieces have donned some of the most famous heads in history. However, never before has there been such a variety of hairpieces available in a multitude of colors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An idea of the style(s) you want to achieve with your hairpiece(s)
• Addresses for local retailers who handle hairpieces
• Online site addresses of wig dealers
• Wig/hairpiece catalogs

How to Choose Hairpieces

1. Decide the look(s) that you would like to achieve with your hairpiece(s). Do you want to make your hair appear longer? Do you yearn for thicker looking hair? Do you crave curls, lovely loose waves, bone straight hair or something else? Whatever your desire(s) might be, it is important to identify them specifically before moving on to the next step.

2. Determine if you want to maintain that color or return to your natural shade, ff your hair is dyed. If you purchase one or more hairpieces to match your dyed hair, you will need to be able to maintain that color in order to continue using your hairpiece. In many instances, it might be more beneficial to return to your normal hair color and purchase hairpieces that match your natural shade. Of course, if you purchase human hair pieces, you will have many more options with regard to color and style than if you choose synthetic pieces that cannot be dyed.

3. Make a trip to a local retailer who handles hairpieces. While there are few singular wig shops in today's marketplace, a lot of beauty shops and/or beauty supply stores do handle hairpieces. Visit one or more of local retailers to get a feel for exactly what you are looking for. In most instances you can even try on various wigs and hairpieces in order to narrow down your decision(s) with regard to exactly what you want. Jot down the names of styles and colors for reference in making your final decisions.

4. Visit online sites and/or obtain catalogs for wig and hairpiece dealers such as Paula Young, Toni Brattin, Hair Do, Paris HIlton, Feke, Raquel Welch, Dolly Parton, and dozens of others. Sift through styles and colors until you find what you are looking for.

5. Decide if you want to invest in human hairpieces or synthetic. While human hairpieces give you much more versatility than synthetic ones, they can be very expensive. Many are well out of the price range of the average woman. However, if you want or need the option to change the texture and/or color of the hairpiece, then human hair is the only way to go. On the other hand, synthetic hair is much less expensive; affording the opportunity to own several hairpieces for the price of one in human hair. Today, it also comes in a wide variety of shades that can match just about anyone's natural color.

6. Check out the return policies of the dealers you are considering in the event that the piece chosen does not meet your expectations. Eliminate any that do not have a liberal return policy.

7. Decide on the specific type of hairpiece you want such as hair extensions, a chignon, a pontail, a topper "filler", or something else. This may eliminate some of your retail options.

8. Determine the "type" of attachment form you want for your hairpiece such as hair comb, clip-on, snap-in, or pin-in. Clip-in ponytails and chignons can be uncomfortable when you attempt to lean your head back against a car seat or chair, while hair combs simply flatten to the base of the skull. Snap-in extensions often offer a stronger connection that those that must be pinned in with hair pins. This decision may further eliminate some of your retail options.

9. Decide on the length and style of the piece you want such as shoulder length, wavy or mid-back spiral curl. This will likely eliminate more of your retail options.

10. Research the limitations of the hairpiece(s) you are considering. For example, if it/they are human hair, can they be dyed, curled, and/or or cut without destroying the piece. If they are synthetic, how must they be maintained. The limitations of a hairpiece may help to eliminate it from your decision making process.

11. Identify the closest "shade" match for your hair. Many hairpiece dealers today make their products with anywhere from eight to twenty different shades of hair in any color. This allows women in a single shade grouping - - like strawberry blond - - but with differing highlights and lowlights, to wear the same hairpiece. The multiple shades in the piece blends with the different shades of the natural hair. Eliminate all retail choices that do not offer a "shade" close enough to blend with your hair.

12. Match your choices in the steps above against your budget to narrow down your final choice(s). This should further filter down your retail choices.

13. Make your final choice(s) and place your order. If you opt to purchase from a local dealer, have them help you fit, cut, and/or color the piece if necessary to achieve the best result. If you opt to purchase through an online site or catalogue, place order.

14. Check the received hairpiece against your natural hair color, style, and "sheen" to make certain the match is good. If not, return the hairpiece and begin the search again following the same steps outlined herein or determine if it can be altered to make it better match your natural hair. For example, pieces that are too shiny can often be washed to dull the excess sheen and obtain a better match.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase wigs and hairpieces only from reputable dealers.
• If you find a brand that you like and that works for you, stick with it.
• Once a good color match is achieved, don't change colors unless you change your hair shade.
• Opt for human hair wigs and hairpieces when you can afford them.
• Follow the instructions provided with your wig or hairpiece.
• Have fun with hairpieces to try different styles that you cannot achieve with your own hair.
• Don't use heating styling products on synthetic wigs.
• Don't use products on wigs and hairpieces that are not recommended for their type and style.

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