How can I tell the difference between a
machine and a hand made wig? What are the
advantages of each?
Machine wefted wigs are made on a wefted
foundation, hand knotted wigs are made on a
light net foundation, the advantages of machine
wefted wigs are the huge selection of styles and
colours. Hand knotted wigs are lightweight but
come in a smaller number of off-the-peg styles.
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Supplex and Dermalite wigs are advertised as
suitable for people with complete hair loss. Why
are they only suitable for people with complete
hair loss? What is the difference between the
two?
The Dermalite is a completely custom made wig,
made to a client's individual specifications,
and a template is taken for size. This wig, due
to it’s construction, is only suitable for
people with 100% hair loss. However very small
amounts of hair still growing can be removed if
the client is happy about it. The Supplex is a
piece, kept as a stock item in shops and comes
in 2 sizes, and a selection of colours, and can
be worn with complete or partial hair loss.
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What should I consider when deciding whether
to have a man made fibre or a real hair wig?
Colours and style availability, your lifestyle
and whether you have the time to care for a
human hair wig.
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How can the different types of wigs be cared
for, washed and styled?
All good wigs should come with washing
instructions! Fibre wigs are left to dry
naturally and human hair wigs need washing like
your own hair and styling to achieve the desired
effect. Firstly always follow the instructions
given with the wig and always use tepid to cold
water to shampoo, rinse and condition. And of
course avoid heat on the fibre. Do use a
conditioner for fibre, not human hair. In
between washes it is recommended you use a
“Fibre Oil Conditioner” which should be
obtainable from your supplier or contact us for
an address. This is an anti-static conditioner
designed for fibre wigs and should help to avoid
the wig becoming “bushy.”
Regarding the useful life of wigs, many are
made nowadays of a finer KK fibre with a very
natural appearance but which is unfortunately
more susceptible to wear, especially friction -
worse of course when wearing scarves or high
collars. If possible try wearing a silky scarf
to protect the ends of longer wigs to stop the
ends rubbing on clothes.
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Are there products for covering small
patches of hair loss?
Yes, Couvre and Mane are both products that can
disguise hair loss by colouring the skin on a
patch a similar shade to the hair around it.
Also small hair pieces can be custom made for
these areas.
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What financial assistance is available when
buying a wig?
If bought privately the VAT of 17.50% can be
deducted from the price,(and some shops offer a
10% discount if 2 or more wigs are bought in a
year).
You can have a referral from your GP to a
specialist and you may get help from the NHS.
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What other products are available for people
with alopecia?
Apart from wigs a selection of Turbans, scarves,
bandannas and sleep caps are available.
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Is there such a thing as an NHS wig?
The UK NHS does not make wigs as such but has a
list of contractors around the country to which
a hospital can refer you. They will offer a
range of wigs provided by their suppliers which
may vary from hospital to hospital.
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Are there special ranges of wigs for
children and people with small heads?
Some children’s wigs are available and also
petite ranges are suitable for older children or
young teenagers.
