The Wig

I just can’t seem to get mine to look right. I think it is too thick over the scalp part and because of its length it flicks up around the neckline.

I was told I mustn’t use any “normal” products like hairspray, mousse, gel etc. and to only wash it in cold water and use a cold hair dryer.

It is synthetic but I am not sure what type.

Now, how do you ladies with wigs manage yours? Do you think I should get it thinned out a bit over the scalp part? I understand the reason why it is probably thick, so as not to look like a wig I suppose, but I think it does because its too thick.

The dilemma!

Hi peacock,

I’m sure some of your fellow forum users will be along shortly to offer their advice and support on your problem with your wig, but if you would like to give the helpline a call they will be able to put you in touch with someone in your area from BCC’s Headstrong team who I am sure will be able to give you some help and advice. The helpline number is 0808 800 6000, lines open Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00 p.m. and Sat 9.00am - 2.00 p.m.

Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

Dear peacock
When I bought my wig I also bought special shampoo, conditioner and oil to wash the wig in. I also bought the wig hairspray on the instructions it said you must not use ordinary shampoo,hairspray etc or hairdryer. If you have the wig stand let it dry on that mine just goes back ionto the shape it was after a brush.

Hi peacock,

Don’t know why but a lot of synthetic wigs have too much hair. Perhaps it’s cos they are meant to be styled for us as individuals after purchase. I have long term thinning hair problems due to my cancer medication so I was determined to find a comfortable wig this time. Fortunately there is a really good wig place about 20 miles from where I live with Headstrong volunteers from Breast Cancer care attached. I chose a very light weight fibre wig ( under NHS scheme ) which a hair dresser from the same place styled for me. When I first tried it on, I looked like some one out of Dallas. I only have a little face and the hairdresser was really able to thin out the wig. It took her about 15 minutes. Your own hairdresser might be able to do it for you if you ask her.

I also bought shampoo, conditioner, wig fibre oil and wig hairspray but I think you can use ordinary fabric conditioner instead of a special one.

Hope you get it sorted.

Wendy x

You can use ordinary baby shampoo and even fabric conditioner. Fill the sink with coolish water and a small amount of baby shampoo and gently swish the wig around in it. Rinse. Refill the sink again with a small amount of fabric conditioner (or hair conditioner) and gently swish again. Rinse and pat dry with a towel. Do not dry your wig on a wig stand as it stretches the base. Use a large upturned jar, vase, or the like, and leave the wig to dry on it overnight. A hairdryer shouldn’t be necessary, and NEVER use a hot one as the hair is synthetic. Shake it out and it should return to its usual style. Do not brush while it’s damp.

You can get it thinned by a competent hairdresser, or if you are in or near London contact the Trevor Sorbie salon in Covent Garden, he will do it for free.

I always tied a thin scarf or wore a headband (Accessorize do nice ones), around my wig to make it look less “wiggy” and to flatten out the top a bit, as well as to make it feel more secure!

You can buy specialist wigcare products online. Google Trendco.

xxx

Hi peacock

I’m still convinced I have an orangutan sitting on my head, even though people tell me it’s better than my own hair (how dare they?).

Apparently most wigs need about 40% cut off them, so that may be why you feel like yours is so thick on the scalp - there’s too much hair! I had mine done at Trevor Sorbie. The waiting list for Trevor himself is two months, so I saw his wig sidekick, Daniel. I think that the reason it still feels so alien is because the texture of the hair is so much thicker than mine (mine was very fine and silky) and it doesn’t fall the same way as mine did and it is more voluminous at the roots.

Hope you get it sorted!
x

My regular hairdresser did mine. It looked totally convincing when she had finished.

thanks ladies, I really must do something then to get mine thinned out a bit

xx

I’m a newy ladies. Just diagnosed and off to consultant today to be informed of treatment. Chemo first 4 months followed by mastectomy, reconstruction, radio and then … hey early menopause!! I’m 42. The way I look at it at this moment, is get it all over and done with now. Anyway, does anyone also know where to find some nice head scarves. I’ve got such a ‘mousey’ little face (will look bloody awful without hair) that I think I’ll stock up on some nice scarves too. Loosing hair - ok? But I’m seriously not looking forward to loosing my eyelashes or eyebrows. That really does bother me big time. I’m so fair and I need that bit of defination around my eyes and I usally have my lashes and brows tinted which makes a big difference to my appearance. Keeping positive. Not even started chemo yet. Off to buy some ginerale and a bucket!! x x

I made my own scarves, but here is sites with some colourful ones: scarfstudio.co.uk/latest_products.php

stores.ebay.co.uk/English-Traditions-Chemo-Scarves

My hairdresser thinned my wig and told me that they have 40% more hair than humans do…why do the manufacturers do this? Anyway, once thinned, and shortened a little, it looked really good!

Don’t try to do it yourself - wig hair is NOT like human hair and doesn’t behave the same way. Ask your hairdresser if they have ever DONE wigs before trusting them with it.

Am hopefully going to pick my wig up today. Why do they make them with such long fringes??? Hopefully I will be able to get mine trimmed somewhere, I cant stand hair in my eyes. Wig lady said they dont like to cut the wigs too much as they dont behave like normal hair and if the fringe is cut it may not lay down very well, great, but yes I will try n find someone who knows what they are doing. I dont want to look like a YETI !!!
Good wig hunting everyone,

bfn
Chris

LOL! Thanks for the advice. I didn’t even think of good old ebay! x