Wig shopping advice needed!

[Marla GG]

Hi girls,

In your opinion, what's the best way for a CD to go about buying a new wig? Angel has one nice wig that we both love, but it's about 5 years old and starting to look a bit scruffy, like maybe it's lost some hair in places.

Do you all think it's necessary to buy a new wig from a shop where it can be tried on before buying it? Or have you had luck ordering online?

We live in a fairly large metropolitan area with several wig shops, most of which offer private fitting rooms. However, our city has a reputation for being conservative, and it's even more so out in the 'burbs, so I don't want to assume that these shops are going to be okay with Angel walking in (in drab) and trying on ladies' wigs. Going en femme is probably not an option either. So do we call first and ask? If so, what do we say? I thought of maybe going in by myself first and speaking to the manager....maybe they would be more at ease when approached by a woman.....but still, I'm not sure how to phrase my inquiry. I could ask, "Do you welcome business from the transgendered community?" but they may not be hip to that terminology. Or I could simply say that my husband needs to buy a women's wig, and ask if it would be all right for us to come in together and try them on.

Any advice? Maybe we should just stick to the internet :cool:
Thanks for your help!

[Billi49504]

Hi, Go to a local wig shop and try on different wigs. I was worried about doing this, but the wig shops are used to dealing with us. If not, they would lose a large part of their business. I brought my wife allong with me, for her opinion. That way I knew I was getting a wig that looked right for me...Best Billi

[Michelle I]

HI,
I agree go to the wig shop, I have been in several shops by myself and have purchased several wigs. The help of a good friend helps also. My last purchase came from a hair salon that I am now going to, she helped pick it out both style and color. When I picked it up, she styled it and gave me a ton of hints on how to wear it properly. I love the way it looks both on and off.

Melissa

[Tristen Cox]

I'm not sure how to phrase my inquiry. I could ask, "Do you welcome business from the transgendered community?" but they may not be hip to that terminology. Or I could simply say that my husband needs to buy a women's wig, and ask if it would be all right for us to come in together and try them on.

I think you have the right appoach down. Perhaps replace transgendered with crossdresser, as you said they may not understand the terminology. It's likely more easy than you think. If you want to put a bit of pressure on them go there in person not by phone. That will help them feel more comfortable about saying yes, and then they know who to look for when you both come back to try wigs on ;)

[cindybarnes]

Hi Marla,
I agree you may get the best fit and maybe a higher quality wig at a local wig shop. I have bought 3 that way now but feel I over paid for what I bought.
In the last 4 or 5 years I have bought maybe 8 online from Beauty Trends
http://www.beautytrends.com/
They allow returns on wigs that are not sold as close out deals, so no risk at all by trying one out. So far I have only returned 1 that I just didnt like the color. Their web page is fun if just to shop a bit too :)


Cindy

[GypsyKaren]

Going to a wig salon is definately the way to go. It's the only way you can try on different styles and colors to see what works for you. Don't worry about the clerks, they could really care less, they just want to make a sale.
As for on-line shopping, I've bought from Paula Young and wigsalon.com with good results.
GypsyKaren

[Wendy me]

well a grew my own hair out so i don't need a wig..but i would call a shop and say i would like to make a appominet to be fitted for a wig for my boyfreind/ husband...he is a crossdresser ...would that be a probleme????? i just wanted to call before we showed up just in case some one might not be comfy with it thankyou ...if so could you helpe me out as to who in the city might be able to helpe us out....

[MichelleH]

I guess it depends on how conservative your location is, but I've never had any trouble from the salespeople when I've gone by myself to buy wigs. My main problem is getting up the courage to go in the door.

MichelleH

[Jenny Beth]

I have found that a courteous phone call works best for everything from wigs to someone who can provide makeup sessions. They have the option to refuse or set up private appointments, it just depends on how much they need the business.

[Marla GG]

Wow, thanks for all the input! You gals are great.....

If Angel agrees, then I'm going to do what Tristen, Wendy, and Jenny-Beth suggested and ask them in advance if they'd be open to helping us. I'm leaning more towards avoiding labels entirely and just explaining that my husband wants to come in with me to try on and buy a women's wig. This will probably happen early next month, as we're going on vacation soon and are kind of busy at the moment.

On the other hand if Angel is too nervous, we'll go with Cindy's suggestion and check out Beauty Trends or somewhere else that allows returns.

[Wendy me]

in a small shop you might even be able to get a appomient before or after store hours just ask it could just work out better for everyone....

[ronna]

I've had good success buying online, for instance www.queenfashions.com
but since I'd never worn a wig before that, it's pretty obvious that I need some practice brushing and styling it for a natural look.

It's too bad I didn't get an earlier start with all this, when I was a teenager I had thick wavy hair down to the middle of my back. Sometimes people would whistle at me from behind until I turned around and they saw I was a guy!

[Holly]

Marla, one other possibility might be a transgender friendly full service store. You say you live in a fairly large metropopitan area and I notice you are from California (so am I:) ). If you are close to the greater Los Angeles area, I can personally recommend the Glamour Boutique in Studio City. In addition to wigs, they have clothing, makeup and lots of accessories for girls like me and Angel. Check them out at www.glamourboutique.com (http://www.glamourboutique.com/).

Just another alternative.

[Julie]

Hi Marla,
I agree you may get the best fit and maybe a higher quality wig at a local wig shop. I have bought 3 that way now but feel I over paid for what I bought.
In the last 4 or 5 years I have bought maybe 8 online from Beauty Trends
http://www.beautytrends.com/
They allow returns on wigs that are not sold as close out deals, so no risk at all by trying one out. So far I have only returned 1 that I just didnt like the color. Their web page is fun if just to shop a bit too :)

Cindy

I'm a Beauty Trends fan too. I just got my latest one yesterday. I've been very pleased with them and like you said, you don't overpay.

I'm looking into their line of Redi Hair and Hair Magic. It would be nice to have something where I can use my own hair too.

[DonnaT]

Got my first at Beauty Trends, fast response too. Got the second at a wig shop known to cater to CDs.

Beauty Trends is having a sale right now, just got a catalog in the mail.

The wig cap in both wigs appear to be made the same, and are adjustable.

But it was nice to have my wife go with me to the shop and give her opinion.

[racquel]

I went to a wig store after asking her while in drab if she had any problems with that,not at all she responded.(I think I may have overpaid after looking on line).
The positive aspect is she has asked me to come by dressed, which I did.
The next wig I buy at a shop I will go dressed and made-up as I believe a more realistic image will come from it.
my 2 cents.

[Mitzi]

I've bought a few wigs en drab from small Asian owned Mom and Pop shops. There's usually no more than one or two other customers around, so it's not intimidating, like going into a larger shop with a lot of others present. Plus, the prices tend to be pretty reasonable.

I did have an amusing experience though. The proprietor of one of these shops brought out a real short wig, for an exorbitant price. I hurried out the door, then it struck me...she thought I was looking for a man's wig...to cover my salt and pepper hair, I guess...:o

Mitzi