Wig Studio 1 News
Why do You Have So Many Wigs? And What’s a Rooted Color?
Recently a friend asked me, “what’s the deal with all the rooted wig colors?” She was looking through my collection as I called it. “And why do you have so many wigs?” Since she is not a wig wearer, she had many questions about my wig collection. “But you can only wear one at a time,” she said as she opened my wig boxes.
I took a deep breath and I tried to explain to her about the realities of wig wearing.
· We fall in and out of love sometimes
· We like to try new colors
· We like different styles for different occasions
· Our tastes change
· Rooted is a personal preference I explained & there are many other options
Still mildly confused, she shrugged and tried on one of my wigs and stood looking at herself in the mirror for some minutes. “Oh, I look so different, a bit younger,” she said as she looked at me for confirmation.
Yes, I think you do, but you’re not getting my wig, but if you want to wear it for a day or two to decide if you want to order it, you may. Of course, then I had to give her a brief tutorial about wig care and how to secure it. By the time I was finished with my mini-lecture I know she wondered if it was worth it. But hey, she was going to walk off with one of my favorite and not inexpensive wigs.
Explaining wigs and wig-wearing to someone who has never even touched a wig before can be a challenge. But I knew if I took the time to explain things, my friend would walk away with a new understanding and appreciation for those of us who wear wigs, and she might decide to try it herself. She kept looking at herself in every available mirror as we finished the task we had before us. She might, just might, have been bitten by the wig bug herself.
As our opening of boxes, inspecting wigs, re-labeling boxes, and putting aside the ones I wanted to donate continued, she asked more questions. “Tell me about the caps, the fibers, and the colors,” she said as she continued to hold up each wig to her face. I began to worry she may walk out with half my wigs. “But first, tell me about the rooted colors. When did showing roots become a good thing? I grew up coloring mine at the first opportunity.”
I don’t know exactly when the root thing started or why, but experts seem to agree that the best way to get the most natural look from a wig or topper is with rooted colors. Ideally, the process is all about the art of starting with a darker (and complimentary) darker root which gradually blends out into a lighter tone or color through to the ends. Well, some brands do this better than others. Also, there is a personal preference involved. For example, I don’t like and won’t wear the high contrast styles/colors that have super dark roots and light blonde fibers/hair. But, some like it and some wear it well.
In theory, the root color gives the appearance of re-growth from the scalp thereby making it look “natural” as it would if one had their hair colored or lightened.
Rooting is, no matter your personal preference, a bit tricky, especially with the blonde shades. Again, some brands seem to do it better than others. There are so many blonde shades, that it can be overwhelming to decide on one, and then add rooting or not-rooting to the equation, and it might take a long time to decide on a wig and wig color.
Most women do seem to consider a rooted blonde to be more natural-looking. This said, others don’t like the idea of a dark root, and some find the root to be too dark in contrast to some wigs (I am one of those). Another thing to consider is the “lace front dots” are easier to see against the skin color. Again, some brands are better at addressing this issue than others.
The blending factor—what I love and so many others seem to as well, is that if your bio hair is darker than the lighter shades you love, having a dark root will allow you to pull out your bio hair on the side for a very realistic look. Any hair at the nape or if you put the wig into an up-do will also be much better camouflaged.
As always, your opinion is the one that counts, and you are the one who must like the wig you choose. Everyone that I know has made a mistake is two, and we learn.
As lovely as some of those all-blonde wigs look on some (I have one in the closet that has never been worn), I can’t see myself ever giving up a rooted wig.
I am grateful we have so many choices in wigs, colors, and styles, and that we have access to the wonderful instruction videos, and wig reviews that those at Wig Studio1 do for us.
It’s a great time to be a wig wearer!
Until next time,
Vickie Lynn
Wig Wearers Ten Biggest Mistakes
(Shown above: EASIPART T HD TOPPER 18" BY JON RENAU)
1. Wearing wrong size caps – This is a common problem because wigs are made to a pattern and our heads are not. But trying to make your head fit into a wig too small or too large can mean all kinds of trouble. Not only will the wig not look right, or flattering, it can cause headaches, slip into wrong positions, and in general, make you want to forget about wigs.
2. Not securing the wig correctly – This is also a common mistake, especially for new wig wearers. There are so many different ways to do it that a lot of people get overwhelmed. There is a learning curve in this area, but it is worth learning. There is no best way or right way in that every wig wearer will have their preference. Do your research and find the best security measure for your comfort.
3. Having unrealistic expectations – Most of us look at pictures of highly styled wigs on models, or on experienced wig reviewers who know how to train and style a wig to its best advantage. We can learn from them. But it is not realistic for us to pull a wig out of a box, put it on her head, and expect it to look like those highly, professionally styled wigs you might see on television or a website.
4. Not being willing to work with your wig to make it your own. It’s easy to get frustrated when you pull a wig from the box and it’s just a bundle of fibers that won’t stay where you put it as you are working to figure out your styling techniques. At this point, some new wearers just give up. Know that there is an army of experts out there to help you with this. Some videos show us in detail, how to tame your hair, get rid of “box hair” and make a wig your own.
5. Trying to alter your wig when you don’t have the skills. I have seen more than one wig ruined by a new wig wearer who thought they could avoid the cost of a stylist by “doing it themselves” and some people can. But if you know that your skills are limited to a bang trimming, don’t attend any more than that on your wig. Yes, there are many YouTube videos out there showing you how to thin a wig, pluck, trim the lace, and make an artificial root—is this something that you feel comfortable doing? Are you saving $50 to lose a $300 wig?
6. Not learning how to style your wig – If you aren’t going to spend a little time getting to know how to work with your wig, style it, and care for it, then you will likely never be completely happy with it. We all love the shake-an-go wigs but if you are looking for something different, know that there is some work involved in learning how to style your wig.
7. Not using the right products on your wig, or not using them correctly. Again, there is a wealth of information out there about wig care products. It’s up to us to do our homework, and my advice is to do it long before you get that first wig. The more you know, the easier the process will be, and the more confident you will be in wearing and caring for your wig.
8.You are not perfect, your bio hair is or was not perfect, and your wig should not look perfect. Looking too perfect is a “this-is-fake” giveaway. Too much styling, and an over-sprayed, nothing moves style screams “wig” so don’t use a heavy hand with the spray or styling products. Less is best.
9. Positioning your wig incorrectly – I still see this even on some seasoned wig wearers. The wig is set too far back from the natural hairline or pulled down too low. This is another big mistake that is an instant giveaway. If you don’t have any bio hair to guide you to what was your hairline, use the four-finger rule. Hold your hand up over your brows to see if you have four fingers worth of space between brows and hairline. It’s a rough guide but is pretty accurate.
10. Not everyone should be a blonde – and I think we have all seen this mistake. Maybe you spent your life in your natural color, wanting to go blonde but it was too drastic. Now, it’s so easy to buy that pretty blonde wig that looks so beautiful on the model on the website. But STOP….and ask yourself if blonde makes you look BETTER or just different.
Until next time,
Vickie Lynn
What’s Your Biggest Wig Worry?
(Wig shown above: ZANE WIG BY NORIKO)
Are you, like so many others, thinking about many things when it comes to wig-wearing? There is, after all, an endless number of things to worry about. Which wig is best for me? What about the style, the color, the capsize…and the cap itself? Must I get heat-friendly for it to look realistic? Can I deal with a wig with no mono top or mono part? Do I need a lace front? And what about permatese? Can I cut bangs into the wig? How do I wash it, dry it, thin it out, store it, and keep it looking good? You see what I mean when I say endless.
The good news is that there are people who have gone down this path before you and have left you a wealth of knowledge to save you some worry. If you have gotten this far, to be reading this, you are likely familiar with the great customer service at WigStudio-1. There isn’t much they don’t know about wigs and wig care. Between their amazing customer service and the fabulous wig reviewers they work with, you are in good hands.
Other than all the questions we wig wearers have as noted above, there are plenty more that are not as easy to answer. What wig style is best for me—the me that is now over 40, 50, 60, 70, and so on? Can the right wig style and color make me look ten years younger?
I’m not big on giving promises about things that I can’t control, but I can tell you that I did see the difference for myself when I lightened my color and shortened my hairstyle. No, you don’t have to have an old-style short, boring look. Look at Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, for example. They have different skin tones, face shapes, and they make the most of their personal attributes by picking hair colors and styles that flatter their face shape, and their skin tones. There are many more examples that you can find in older women as well. Sharon Stone (63) and Helen Mirren (76) come to mind. Though of different generations, both are over 60 and both are currently sporting short hair that is not only stylish but sexy as well.
Like it or not, and we do NOT, our biological hair thins, fades, and gets more brittle. But we have wigs to help. Our skin color and tone also fade, and we can’t stay stuck with hair color, hairstyles, and makeup colors at 50 and beyond that, we had at 20 or even 30. Though styles and cuts will go out of fashion, what is always in fashion is a good style for YOU, and the right color for YOU. Sometimes, it takes a while to realize that time has moved on, but maybe, well—we didn’t move on so much with our look. Are you still trying to pull off the look you had 10 years ago?
Another worry I hear about constantly is the long hair issue. Yes, of course, you can still wear long hair after 40 if it is the right style/cut for you and your face shape. The best thing to remember about this subject is that long, straight hair can drag the face down, especially in order women. If you have a long neck too it’s even more of a challenge. The answer is adding some waves or curls around your face lighten up the hair around your face and consider bangs. If you were blonde for years and now think “too blonde” is not for you or looks too unrealistic or harsh for your age, go with a wig that has highlights around the face, and many do. As for bangs, the experts say that side-swept or wispy are usually the best for older women. Layers are little miracles, I hear. Not only do they give the hair/wig more body and life, but they also give you more styling options. Don’t rule out the classic bob or pixie cut. If you have the face shape for it, go for it. They don’t drag the face down, they look youthful, and are easy to work with and style.
In the end, it all goes back to one thing: wear what makes you happy. And if you learn what works best for you, you will be happier for sure. Can the right wig style and color make you look ten years younger? I can’t guarantee that, but I’d almost bet on five at least. That’s what I was told when I shortened my styles and lightened my colors. I’ll take it.
Until next week, stop worrying decide what looks best on you, and go for it.
Vickie Lynn
CrazyWigLady's Blog Tressallure Lana Frosty Blonde HL
CrazyWigLady's Blog Henry Margu Skylar 16H
Hi and welcome back to the CrazyWigLady blog here at Wigstudio1! I am so happy you stopped by the blog today to have a look at this adorable style from Henry Margu, Skylar in the color 16H. I know the weather is cooling off but I still love a fun pixie in the cold weather just as much as I do in the hot summer. One reason is during the cooler months we wear lots of layers, coats, sweaters and scarves, many longer styles will rub against my clothing causing the ends to fray a bit; but a pixie will stay looking great throughout the winter months. Skylar is part of the Henry Margu Naturally Yours Professional Collection and is available in around 25 shades. If you are looking for a nice blended blonde you might like 16H, this is not a chunky highlighted style but more of a blended ash blonde with wheat highlights.
Skylar has a short 2 inch nape, the bang is 2.5, top 2 1/4 - 3 3/4 inches and the back is 1 3/4 - 3 3/4. The nape on this style stays snug to the neck with no lifting.
Here are a couple more views of Skylar showing the color 16H.
This style is just begging for some piece out cream or styling spray to create some fun texture and separate the fibers. In my opinion these styles are worn best messy and fun, spike it up, put a small clip in the front, add a headband, make it your own!
Above are some photos of 16H in outdoor lighting. Again, this is an ash blonde with wheat/blonde highlights. (The website describes the highlights as platinum however my eye sees more wheat than platinum). Also, if you find the fibers too shiny a bit of dry shampoo will help as well as washing.
Above are a few photos of Skylar in 16H in indoor lighting. Now let me show you the beautiful cap construction on Skylar.
How beautiful is this cap? Look at that large mono top and the contoured lace front, there is a hand tied section and open wefting. This cap has it all! I found this one fit me a tad large, I have a 21 1/4 head circumference but can use the adjusters to get a great fit. These mono tops are wonderful on short styles, I love to spike up the front and you can basically spike up the entire top of this without fear of any wefting showing! Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today on the blog, I hope you enjoyed this short review of Henry Margu Skylar in 16H, if you would like to see my full video review you can click here. Also, please follow Wigstudio1 on Instagram, we post twice daily! Thanks again for joining me and I'll see ya next time!
xoxo
CrazyWigLady
