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Choosing Between Human Hair Wigs and Synthetic Wigs

How to Choose The Best Wig - Advice From Simone Thomas Bournemouth Wig Specialists

Wigs have been a popular choice for women's hair styles for decades, you will be amazed at the amount of celebrities who wear wigs and you didn’t even realise!

There are many reasons women chose to purchase either a synthetic wig or human hair wig.  For some it is the desire to occasionally change their hairstyles without the need to grow or cut their human hair. For others it is for medical reasons such as hereditary hair loss, or thinning or serious conditions such as cancer treatments.

It is estimated that 8 million women are suffering from hair loss in the UK today so if you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone. Whatever the reason for wanting to purchase a wig, the choices can often be confusing. When looking for a wig, especially if it is to cover up baldness due to chemotherapy hair loss, it is not the time to let emotions dictate an impulse purchase. Take your time and find the perfect wig that will make you feel good about wearing it.

Here at Simone Thomas wog shop and hairdressers in Bournemouth, we have privacy to allow you to discuss your requirements in confidence. We encourage you to try a wide variety of wigs so that you can make an informed decision on the right wig for you. We encourage this to ensure that the design and style you choose is comfortable for you to wear. This is particularly important if the wig is for everyday use rather than for occasionally changing a style or for a special function.

The biggest choice to make when deciding on a wig is choosing between synthetic and real human hair wigs. Synthetic wigs are often referred to as monofilament wigs, reflecting the fibre from which they are made. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, which we go into further down this article and which we discuss with you at your Wig Consultation. Properly cared-for wigs will last a lifetime so it is important to make a choice that you are comfortable with.

Some of the main differences between synthetic and human hair wigs are:
Weight: Synthetic wigs are often much lighter than real human hair wigs. This can be an important issue if the wig is intended for daily use as synthetic is easier to wear and carry. Many patients are looking for a wig to cover up hair loss that is longer term or permanent. At our hair loss clinic in Dorset, we find these patients do not want a wig that will make them feel uncomfortable and are more likely to choose synthetics. Women who are looking for a wig to wear on a regular basis for style reasons also may prefer synthetic to human hair for the easier wear-ability.

Style: Most synthetic wigs come pre-styled and will hold that style for a long time. Human hair wigs often come un-styled for the user to create their own design. This is mostly because human hair does not hold a style for long-term storage or shipping. It will hold a style as long as your own natural hair normally would. This is great for women who love to style their hair and create new looks with their wigs. Women on the go often choose synthetics because they do not have to bother with constant styling but can simply slip on their wig and be on their way.

Care: While synthetic wigs are much easier to care for overall, the most important thing to remember is never to expose your synthetic wig to heat. Any heat source from blow dryers to heating vents or, of course, open flames will seriously damage the fibres of a synthetic wig, whilst real wigs can be styled using any device normally used on your own hair without damage. Human hair wigs need to be cared for in much the same way as your human hair.

This includes washing and re-styling, whereas most synthetic wigs are of the 'shake and go' variety requiring very little maintenance, although longer styles may require light picking or finger combing.

Cost: This can be a real issue for some, but considering the fact that a wig will last for many years, often the lifetime of the user, you should buy the best wig you can afford.

Synthetic wigs often cost less simply because the product is easier to make than one of human hair. A quick search will find bargain-basement prices in the thirty to forty pounds range, but in those cases it is very much a matter of 'you get what you pay for'. These cheap wigs are designed for one-off use, perhaps for a fancy dress party.

On average you should expect to spend between £200 - £400 for a very good quality synthetic wig; a wig that has been correctly fitted and then styled specifically for you.

A designer wig made with human hair and bought from an exclusive wig specialist might well cost £1,000 or more. A quick Google search gave one specialist quoting "prices from £3,000", with some wigs more than double that! The best thing to do is do your research.

Here at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic and hair salon in Bournemouth, we have a wide variety of wigs for you to choose from, our consultations are designed so that you can find the RIGHT wig for you and your lifestyle!

Whichever style you choose, wigs are a vibrant and fun addition to your wardrobe and can give you a bold new look in the blink of an eye.  Perhaps even more important, for those dealing with illness, a wig can provide a sense of normality and well-being during their difficult struggle and allow them to lead their daily lives with dignity.

For an appointment to discuss your wig requirements, please call one of the hair loss specialists at the Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth on 01202 76003 or pop in to see us to book your hair loss consultation.

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