Buying a wig

There are a number of options for wigs, though someone has to pay for it! Show this information to your parents or guardian so that they have all the information they need to explore buying a wig, if they're able.

Some of these wigs can be purchased over the internet, most from wig shops, but some of the special wigs that are custom made such as the net hand knotted, dermalite and vacuum wigs may need you to visit a wigmaker and have two or three fittings as the wig is being made. 

Wigs can be made with real hair or alternatively with synthetic fibres.  

Real hair wigs tend to be more expensive but usually last longer and can feel cooler than synthetic wigs, particularly in the summer. They need to be styled after washing as you would a normal head of hair.  

Synthetic wigs are available in many different styles and they bounce back to that style after washing.  The fibres in a synthetic wig can be damaged by overheating, for example if you were to open an oven door.

Real hair or synthetic fibres are sewn or tied into a foundation, that should fit snugly to your head.  The following are some of the different types of foundations available:

• Wefted foundations are machine made and consist of a cap made out of ‘wefts’ or rows of hair.  These types of wigs are not custom made and can be bought in various different styles.
  

• Net foundations consist of a cap made out of mesh into which hair is knotted by hand. The foundation is usually made to fit your head exactly, by first taking a mould of your head.  You can usually choose the length and colour of real hair to be knotted into the cap.  Once the wig has been made, the wigmaker or a hairdresser will usually cut the wig to a style that suits you.
  

• Supplex and Dermalite wigs are suitable for people who have no hair on their head.  They are made from a thin transparent skin like material that clings to the head and into which the hair is tied.  The supplex is cheaper and is available as an ‘off the peg’ wig, whereas the dermalite is made to measure and therefore more expensive.
  

• Vacuum fit or suction full scalp wigs are also only suitable for people who have no hair on their head.  They are custom made to fit your head exactly.  Generally, vacuum wigs are made of flexible silicone and look like a scalp.  The hair is knotted into the silicone base.  It is possible to swim in a vacuum wig. 
  

Date: 21 June 2007