Wig Salon

Reading another post about buying wigs.I felt I had to share my recent experience (My first) in a wig salon.I hope it may help other Ladies who perhaps buy their wigs off the internet,as I have done and in some cases still do.Now I'm definately not an extravagant spender,but I really wanted to get myself at least one good quality wig feeling it w ould be a good investment in the long run

My two friends and I had booked an appointment by email,And the manageress said there was no problem seeing all 3 of us.When we arrived we were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome.I was first to be seen and was seated in dressing room,perused a few wig brochures and the manageress went to fetch,if possible the styles I liked,nothing was too much bother.Well after a few different styles I found THE ONE as soon as I had it on I knew I had to have it,she seemed delighted too.

My friends both went after me,and they too decided to purchase a wig.One of my friend's boldly asked for a discount as we all bought a wig (and her the non thrifty Scot too :)) which we got.We thanked Rachel for all her help,she was brilliant

I have to say this has to be up there with the best experience of my Femme life.If you get the chance to get along to a professional Wig Salon I urge you to go for it

Sophie

My funnest moments out were to the World of Wigs in Atlanta, the girls there had so much fun with me.

In my years of on and off crossdressing I have always been treated very nicely while shopping for wigs in wig shops (I have bought four) and also in an adult store (I have bought one there), everyone I have met there were very supportive and non judgmental.

Sophie,
I agree , I was given details of a lingerie shop that also supplied a wide range of wigs . I had to wait a few weeks for an appointment , it was well worth it , after trying on a good selection we both sighed knowing we had found the one , the only problem was that the SA sighed again and then said it's a lovely wig but you may not like the price . We did some friendly bartering and she offered £40.00 off . When I returned home I did some online checks and she had given the best deal . I agree if you want to feel comfortable and are thinking about going full time then a good wig is the way to go , I feel confident , it's so easy to style , and i's very breathable , even in the recent hot weather it isn't too hot . ( I must update my avatar as it shows my old wig ).

You've got me inspired as my current bob is a cheapy from China from 2006 so I think it's time for an update. So will have to brave it tomorrow early.

I feel very much at home when I visit a wig salon.

They seem to know how to deal with the likes of us.

It's on my bucket list!

there’s a wig shop in a mall near me but probably different from a wig salon though, i’m not sure . did everyone usually go en femme to the shop or guy mode? i’ve been used to amazon wigs so far lol

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Originally Posted by Teresa

Sophie,
I agree , I was given details of a lingerie shop that also supplied a wide range of wigs .

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Went shopping for a wig. Left the lingerie shop with a merkin (LOL)

gone both ways. Never a problem

Hi Sophie :hugs:, Over the years I have always had great experiences at wig stores,


I always figure on spending at least 1.5 hours there, It is fantastic. >Orchid ..o:daydreaming:o..

I can understand your point Tracii but i can tell you my friend is certainly not a rude person,Together we had spent over £350 and Rachel the manageress was only too happy to knock a little off.

I sent her an E-mail when I returned home thanking her for her help and telling her how much we enjoyed the visit to her establishment,which she in return thanked me for.I would doubt she thought us rude

Sophie

Wouldn't matter anyway she's English :)

I'm actually planning to go to my usual wig shop dressed, and actually try on and maybe get a wig styled properly, early next month! I hope it goes well - I usually go buy my wigs in drab, so this will be a little bit of a coming out eveny for me as well.

My first trip to a wig shop was unplanned and unfortunately pretty short. I went in drab and was a little nervous. Once I asked for some help the owner and SA were quite friendly and helpful. They recommended a couple of looks for me. I will say it was not easy picking out my first wig while in drab. I had to imagine how it would look with makeup and no beard. It made it more difficult to choose.

I have been to a couple wig shops, called ahead and was treated very well. My latest purchase (5 years ago) I was looking for a style and color to fit my age and look. There were to women at the shop and they were extremely helpful. they studied my face shape and I ended up with a wig that I really like, the look and style and color. It was also so nice to try several wigs to find the one I love how it works on me. They also spent time explaining proper wig care how to wash and style and said come back anytime if you need help with the wig! A great experience and having the opportunity to try different wigs and get their input was wonderful. I did go in drab and it would have been better with make up on as mscaseyjane pointed out, but it worked out for me.

Question: how does one deal with ones full coverage foundation coming off on the wigs you’re trying on?

Curious about this as well - I know I leave a lot of foundation on my poor wigs!

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Originally Posted by KatrinaK

Question: how does one deal with ones full coverage foundation coming off on the wigs you’re trying on?

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A high-quality wig is absolutely a worthwhile investment. I bought one a couple years ago after going through several unsatisfactory cheap wigs over the years, and I've been delighted with it ever since. Certainly not inexpensive (mine cost about $500), but, no joke, a life-altering purchase. Really gave me that "finished" look, which, in turn, gave me the confidence to finally get out in public.

The shop owner was a total sweetheart, super friendly, very knowledgeable, and definitely steered me in the right direction. I'm probably about ready to buy another wig to have a little variety, and I'll definitely be going back to her.

Fifi Mahoney's in New Orleans on Royal Street will do custom wig fittings for guys and makeup too - and they're spectacular at it. It's the French Quarter, so, nobody pays much attention to anybody dressed down there, but that's a really fun place to go. Only have two wigs from there, the rest are inexpensive jobs I've picked up off evilbay or at estate sales. One of my favorites though is just an $18 brown synthetic job I got off the web, pop it on, spend five minutes with it, and you're done!

I have purchased a couple of wigs at a local shop. One suggestion I will give everyone is spend a little time looking at different styles online. I bookmarked 3 different styles that appealed to me. My last trip to the wig shop I walked in, walked up to a (very cute) worker and simply showed her my favorites on the internet. She took me straight to a very similar style and color. She liked it and said it would fit my face well so I bought and was on my way. Made for a very short visit.

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Originally Posted by KatrinaK

Question: how does one deal with ones full coverage foundation coming off on the wigs you’re trying on?

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Kat,

Most wigs can be cleaned just like human hair; even the synthetics. Of course, ask your wig tech about how to maintain the specific wig you purchase. All my synthetic wigs (3) can be cleaned with normal hair shampoo and warm water. My wig tech recommends simple baby shampoo, but conditioning shampoos work too. Handle them gently. Pat them dry and hang it out; comb it. No special skills or supplies required.
On the other hand, I have also taken 2 of my wigs in for a professional cleaning and conditioning. They normally restyle it too. The shop cleaning is always great and I love the extra softness they bring to it. The cost depends on the shop. I've purchased from 2 local shops. One charges abut $45 for a full clean and restyle and the other $65. It's worth it.

A visit to the wig shop is usually a delight. [Side note: I was upset over rude treatment I received from the shop where I bought my 1st wig. I couldn't believe the tech "Sir" 'ed me twice, and they over charged me for a wig cleaning. I'll be going to my other shop for a while.]....... The wigger will treat you like gold. (even my first shop normally did). Go en femme. It helps shape the wig image you want. They've seen CD and TG before. They're an important part of the customer base. But GO!!!

Thanks Sophie

I haven't had the pleasure but am dying to do this. It has been hit or miss with buying wigs online. I have two that I love but have purchased five now and the others just don't do anything for me. Expensive habit!

I will definitely put it on the to do list.

Felicia

Sophie, I'm glad u found your perfect wig! I think wig quality and quantity r one of the big differences between CD's and TS's.:)

For your 350 pounds I have purchased 20 less expensive, but gorgeous wigs. And, quite unlike a TS who wants just one to wear daily, I need many differene shades, cuts, and lengths to match my outfit/costume of the moment!:battingeyelashes:

While u found that ONE SPECIAL go to wig? I have at least 6 special ones!:heehee:

Now that we are talking about wigs I have a question maybe someone can help me with. I bought I a new wig and just love the style but there is a synthetic kind of elastic band that goes shows on the forehead, its about 1/2 inch wide and visible when I put the wig on. Should I tuck the band under when I put on the wig or does it serve a purpose? It's visible when I put the wig on so obviously I don't want that, but I assume it has a purpose. Has anyone else experienced this? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

If you find the right place, it's fun. When I travel to Vegas I try to make a visit to Serge's wigs. They always have some on sale and in different colors. I go in male attire and they have no problem helping me. I have bought at least 6 wigs there and the ladies there always help. when I was there over New Years, the lady who helped me told me to stop back so she could see me dressed. Didn't make it back. Some of these are over a $100 but on sale in the $50-$60 range. You have to buy a cap for a couple of $$, no big deal.

Best to have a fitting at a shop. Buying online hit and miss.

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No reason not to serve you. Such places are used to it.

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Quality wigs are worth it. I always buy at the same salon and go dressed. £200 plus for the last one though previous ones were around £150. Nice to have a choice to go with different outfits and seasons!

I finally worked up the courage to make an appointment at a salon, some other posters have recommended as being TG/CD friendly in the Houston area. I went to the appointment today. It was great experience. Being able to try different styles and colors really goes along way to making a decision. I ended up getting a color I never would have thought looked good on me. It actually has blonde highlights!

So as not to derail the OP's topic, I'll make a new post about that experience and post of few pictures, too.


Updated : 9/16/2018. My post about my Wig Shopping excursion is up in Photos section. I'd love to hear your comments.

Finding a good wig is hard lol still looking for mine!

Some of us here have been saying for years go to a professional its so worth it.
I try to explain that what you think looks good on the display or catalog may not look good on you.
There is so much more to selecting a wig perfect for you that you just can't do online.
The shear number of wigs the shop has in their inventory makes your choices almost endless.

I'm so glad to see more new threads where people have finally taken the plunge and gotten help from the pros.
Well done ladies!!

Hi Sophie,

Thank you so much for this post. I’ve alway bought wigs on the Internet because I’ve never realized how welcoming a professional wig salon could be. I will definitely put this on my list of things to do this year.

Anne

Getting a wig professionally styled is worth every penny. Even if you buy something online at some point in its life it will need to be rejuvenated. I hope you have a wig stand to keep it on and not a box to throw it in crumpled up Etc. You can shake it out but it won't last for long that way. Getting a wig restyled professionally will add years to its life and improve your look immeasurably. Back when I was wearing wigs there was a place I could send it to in the mail and it would even come back restyled nicely. Can't beat that for convenience. Never use that service because I saw her once a year at one of the bigger events.

Anne E
I hope you do get to experience the whole wig salon experience, and remember to let us know all about it

Sophie

It is very important to have the pro at the wig salon tell you how you should care for it and how to comb it out after you wear it.
I have one that is 10 years old and it still looks new because I have taken care of it and cleaned it regularly.

My first experience was very similar, but I went alone. I didn't have any friends to accompany back then.

Many of my firsts were accomplished alone.

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Originally Posted by Tracii G

It is very important to have the pro at the wig salon tell you how you should care for it and how to comb it out after you wear it.
I have one that is 10 years old and it still looks new because I have taken care of it and cleaned it regularly.

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Too bad I don't have a pro in my area and still buying wigs online. It's a lottery each time.

Thanks for the report. I will have to try out a local wig shop. I've bought a couple of wigs but always from an adult sex toys shop. They were not the best quality and I usually purge them at the end of my business trips.