Wig Advice?

[Stephanie]

I'm starting to shop around for a nice wig for myself for the first time ever and I wanted some advice about good places to purchase wigs (online), recommended accessories, and any important tips about wearing wigs since I've never worn one before. Any friendly advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)

[celeste26]

first decide what shape your face is. The "ideal" oval, the "longer", the "square" etc. Then look for the shape of the wig to compensate for the "flaws" to draw attention away from the (out of oval) "ideal". Short square faces need longer hair, longer faces need hair that stands out along the side of the face. Most wig specialists will demonstrate for you in front of a mirror. That is why it is important to go to the wig shop

[Sweet Susan]

I can tell you what I know, which isn't much. I have found that if I keep my hair extremely short, wearing a wig is more comfortable and fits better and I don't have to worry about "stray" hairs falling out from under.

Color? Some believe that you should try to match your own hair color as best as possible. I agree, but I've found it fun to see myself as a blonde and a redhead. Frosted wigs are also fun. I've always enjoyed women with frosted hair, so perhaps that's a natural.

Length? That's a personal choice. I tend to like longer hair on women, and I like it on myself as well. Since much of what I have is gone on top, wearing a wig is my only shot at having long hair. Personally, I think it's more feminine, but that's my choice.

Enjoy shopping. I've never bought one on line, and I have to say that I've always been glad I had a wig shop which to go to, as many of the wigs I see that I liked, I didn't like as much when I put them on. That's a big thing, and you'll need to really know what you want. Good luck!

[Lucy Jayne GG]

Having never seen you,I cant suggest what style,or color is right for you,But I do know some links that might help...

http://www.hair-news.com/ this will help with styles,and how to accentuate your face with the right one.
http://www.wilshirewigs.com/ this is a good shop,Ive gotten some falls here before,and I really like their service.
http://www.wigs.com/ another good wig shop.
http://www.worldofwigs.com/index.php well priced wigs,and a great selection.
http://store.yahoo.com/iwig/index.html another really good place,Ive bought falls from before.
http://www.acewigs.com/shop/index.php cool site,good selection,and they sell cute shoes,and have sexy costumes,and swim wear...

[Sigrid]

I just bought my first wig a couple weeks ago. After searching for several days online, I decided to scheduled some private time at wig salon so I could try on a few different styles. I urge you at least consider calling one before buying online. Just ask on the phone if they welcome transgendered clients. The downside to buying at a solon, though, is that the cost is going to be higher than very same wig online. But at least you'll be certain its the best color, style and fit for you when you walk out the door.

I read somewhere that the best, most realistic wigs are, of course, made of human hair. They also happen to be quite a bit more expensive than synthetic wigs. Still, I opted for a synthetic wig. I figured I'd best not spend a premium only to find out over time that it really didn't suit me.

~Sigrid

[Tonia]

http://www.paulayoung.com/catalog/assets/catalog_images/C54/fc.jpg (http://www.paulayoung.com/catalog/catalog_viewer_all.asp?mscssid=&adsrc=aff1531s608&ccode=C54)

Very good prices......:) Tonia

[DonnaT]

My first was from http://www.BeautyTrends.com Good fast service.

[GypsyKaren]

I bought mine from wigsalon.com. They have a good selection and the lowest prices. I am going to buy a new one though, and for that I'm going to a wig salon that caters to the TG community. That way I can try before I buy and get some expert advice. I think that's the best way to go. Don't be shy!
GypsyKaren

[wendy]

I agree with what everyone has said, if you want a good wig that matches your facial structure, a wig shop is the best place. That way you can try on different styles and colours and find one that you like.

That being said, I recently bought my first wig, but it wasn't from a wig shop, it was from one of those costume places. Due to financial constraints, I could not afford a wig from those wig shops, so I settled on a costume wig for now. It at least gave me an idea on how to wear a wig and to see how I liked having a wig on my head without paying the higher prices.

[Deelite]

I am also, looking at buying a wig, but i have decided on which to buy from downloading the images of the wigs off the web site and photoshopping my face onto the wig image.

If you make your face layer a little translucent in photoshop you can line up your nose and eyes with the nose and eyes on the models face on the bottom layer, so you get your face the same size as the models. (sorry photoshop talk)

This has helped me considerably, plus i can mess around with make-up with out any mess!!

So if you have some photo editing software on your Mac or PC, go to it!!

Dee.

[Ava Mouse]

Definitely experiment with which styles look good with your facial structure. Best to visit a wig shop. It takes a lot of courage to go there, but believe me, you'll regret buying a wig that doesn't work for you.

Browse on the net first and bring a pic or two of your favorite styles. This will shorten your stay, too. Also, don't be afraid to ask what THEY think will look good on you! They probably have a good eye for it, as they are wig sellers after all...

[Ava Mouse]

The GIMP, http://www.gimp.org, is a free Photoshop clone. Lot's of tutorials on line, too. Start here before you drop $300 on software. Better to use that money on a cute outfit! ;-)


I am also, looking at buying a wig, but i have decided on which to buy from downloading the images of the wigs off the web site and photoshopping my face onto the wig image.

If you make your face layer a little translucent in photoshop you can line up your nose and eyes with the nose and eyes on the models face on the bottom layer, so you get your face the same size as the models. (sorry photoshop talk)

This has helped me considerably, plus i can mess around with make-up with out any mess!!

So if you have some photo editing software on your Mac or PC, go to it!!

Dee.

[Stephanie]

Thanks everybody for all of the advice. I may yet work up enough courage to go wig-shopping in person if I can find a TG-friendly store near where I live. Anybody know of any here in Indy?

[Sigrid]

Stephanie,

I just called three wig salons in my area and asked if they welcomed transgendered clients. All three without hesitation said yes. I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find one after just a couple calls.

~Sigrid

[Sigrid]

oops, a couple more comments.

When calling a salon, ask if they provide for private fittings. I also wanted to add that it's actually quite empowering when you start talking to an accepting stylist. The ones I talked with were chatty and made me feel very at ease.

~Sigrid

[sheiligh]

hi tonia, i like your's i'm gong to give the company you suggested a try, thank's luv sheiligh

[Cathe TV]

I'm starting to shop around for a nice wig for myself for the first time ever and I wanted some advice about good places to purchase wigs (online), recommended accessories, and any important tips about wearing wigs since I've never worn one before. Any friendly advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)

Well ... not to plug my website or anything, but I have a few really good and reliable (as well as discreet and friendly) Ebay stores on my links section. Girls from the UK especially need to look no further than Contrast Wigs for the most "real" looking wigs at great prices and an owner who is completely supportive of the community.

[Kath]

http://www.paulayoung.com[/url]
Very good prices......:) Tonia

You've gotten some great advice. I just can't dress, even for a quick little session, without putting a wig on.

I agree whole heartedly with Tonia especially if you aren't out. Fair quality, good prices and service, and once in awhile great prices in the mail catalog. (I turned the mail catalog off for home reasons, but wish they would have the same prices on the net. One of the few places where the net isn't always best.)

I bought one from a salon. Better quality, better fitting but more expensive. The shop was CD friendly according to the information on the web but I was sitting right out in the shop for the fitting. It was a bit intimidating. Perhaps a question to ask if you call any salons.

Hugs, Kath

[Inredsatin]

I have several wigs both synthetic and human hair. The main advantage of a human hair wig is that you can style it as a synthetic the style is set in the wig. My greatest advice is to get the best wig you can afford as a cheap wig will look like a cheap wig and you wont be happy with it. As others have said a wig store will almost always be glad to help you and offer suggestions. I havent been turned away yet. The best thing is to get to try the wig on. You can see what you are getting and can see if it is a quality wig. If you can afford it try and get a human hair wig that is hand tied(pricey but worth every penny).
Good hunting,
Brenda