How to Use Hairpieces to Cover a Botched Haircut

Getting a good haircut is a challenge. Sometimes a woman must settle for what she was given, rather than what she wanted. A botched haircut can be disappointing, degrading, and disillusioning. Since hair grows an average of one-half inch per month, it can take a while to resolve the problem. In the meantime, one solution is to use hairpieces to hide problem areas.

Things You'll Need

• Hairpieces
• Comb
• Brush
• Hairpins
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Use a "topper" hairpiece, like those available through Paula Young Wigs. Toppers can hide hair that was cut too short on the top.

2. Choose a "crown" hairpiece, like those available through Toni Brattin, to add volume to the crown of the head. This type of piece can be found in various lengths and widths to disguise almost any problem in the crown area.

3. Try classic add-on pieces such as chignons, buns, or braids, like those available from Hairdo by Ken Paves. They can lend a polished look to a cut that is too short to put up. Secure the piece carefully with extra hairpins.

4. Add a ponytail to short cuts to add volume and length. Such pieces can be often be found at beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty Supply as well as local wig shops. They come in both human and synthetic hair.

5. Use comb style pieces, like those available through Toni Brattin, to create a different volume and texture or to lengthen the back part of the hair. The dual combs at each side of the hairpiece lock them securely into place anywhere you want to put them on your head.

6. Choose individual hair extensions that can be obtained from many beauty supply and wig shops. They can be targeted to cover specific areas where the hair has been thinned out too much. Be sure to apply the extensions as described in the instructions provided with the product chosen.

7. Try a complete hair extension, like Dream Catchers by Paris Hilton. This wide double or triple ply extensions add body and volume. Adjust extensions differently from time to time to create various lengths

8. Opt for full wigs, like those provided by Dolly Parton, to create temporary hairstyles like ringlet curls, straight long hair, or chic bobs.

Tips & Warnings

• Hairpieces will provide long-term hairstyle variety, even after your natural hair has grown back. While human hairpieces can be dyed, back combed, curled, and styled, synthetic hair must be chosen in a color and curl that will blend with your own hair. In choosing synthetic hair, select pieces that are a combination of 10 to 20 different shades within the hair color range. That is crucial for making the piece blend with natural hair. Stay away from synthetic hair that is too shiny or too doll-like in texture. Choose hairpieces that let you to pull your hair through it for maximum blending purposes. Choose synthetic hairpieces with the same type of texture and curl as your own hair since they cannot be curled. Hair extensions can be purchased in various lengths from around 10" to 25" and in various styles. Synthetic hair extensions range between $49 and $99, while human hair can range from around $150 to thousands of dollars.

• Do not use hot appliances on synthetic hair. It will burn or melt it. Do not forget to wash hairpieces regularly in order to keep them clean and in good condition. Dirty hairpieces can draw more dirt and take on an unnatural smell. Do not attempt to dye synthetic hairpieces. Even if they manage to take some color, it will be uneven. Most won't hold dye at all.

Resources

• Paul Young provides a wide variety of hairpieces in human and synthetic hair.
• Toni's human and synthetic hairpieces are exclusive to HSN.
• Many beauty supply shops like Sally's offer a limited selection of hairpieces.
• Paris Hilton hair extensions can be found in beauty supply shops and online
• Dolly Parton is famous for her wigs which are considered top notch by her customers