Wigs: varieties and tips for choosing

Hair plays a significant role in shaping a person's appearance, reflecting his character and characteristics. And for those who do not have such a thick head of hair, a wig correctly selected in color and structure will be a good solution to any hair problems.

The first artificial hair was obtained from synthetics in the middle of the last century. A new fiber - nylon was just invented and immediately became a part of the fashionistas' everyday life. The synthesized polymer began to be actively used for the manufacture of all kinds of wigs, onlays and hairpieces. Translated from French "wig" means "hair strap". The attitude to the wig has changed depending on the era. So, in the Middle Ages, wearing this device was considered criminal and was prosecuted. There is evidence in history of how people were excommunicated for wearing wigs.

At the beginning of the 18th century, without a wig, it was a shame to appear in a decent society. At the same time, the first "comprehensions" appeared - overlays imitating hair. And they were made by masters - composers. The linings were worn in fashion, lightly powdered and processed with lipstick to keep their shape. During the Renaissance, people wore these powdered gadgets as fashion accessories. They were especially common among aristocrats and nobles.

But the finest wigs were made by barbers for royalty. These were complex compositions with flowers, lace, beads, feathers and other decorations. Some inserted compositions from fruits and models of ships into them. Such structures cannot be called practical for sure.

Historically, the fashion for wigs originated in ancient Egypt. Long curls were of particular value there. They were sacrificed to this or that temple in order to propitiate the deity. Women weaved precious stones and pearls, lotuses and other flowers into long braids, adorned their heads with gold chains, tiaras and pendants. Hairstyles were designed in the form of clear geometric shapes: trapezoid, semicircle or oval. At the same time, the hair was cut in a stepwise or cascade way.

Often, both male and female heads were decorated with false pigtails in a horizontal or vertical form. Children were also provided with such a device, attaching one or two pigtails to their temples, which meant that this child had not yet matured. Wigs were made from their own hair, but sometimes slave hair was used. There were wigs made of wool, grass and shavings, which were carefully styled and dyed in various colors. For example, the Egyptians' favorite shades were red, black, orange and blue.

The ingenious inventions of hairdressers of the time included oil cones placed over the top of the hair. They were used to scent and irrigate the hair, thus protecting it from drying out. Members of the pharaoh's family and his entourage wore strict, intricate wigs, which were complex geometric structures in the form of cones, pyramids and ellipses. Aesthetics combined with practicality: the devices performed a protective function, protecting the head from the scorching rays of the sun.

Wigs came to Greece much later. They were used in theatrical performances. Then this subject from the category of the stage passed into the everyday sphere. Wigs began to be worn in everyday life. Their variety was great: from light Gaulish to dark Indian. White hair was very expensive and was used to make the most elite aristocratic wigs.

The ancient Romans came up with sophisticated ways to style false hair. They invented all kinds of curling methods using chemicals and oils. To give the hair the desired shape, the Greeks began to use the first hot curlers - the prototype of the modern curling iron. For this, special metal rods were made, which were heated on coals.

Roman beauties were regular clients of beauty salons, where they performed many hours of hair curling and styling operations. It was easier to purchase multiple pre-made wigs to save time and money. Wealthy matrons adorned their hair with accessories with pendants and precious stones, women of simple classes weaved bright satin ribbons and fresh flowers into their curls.

Each type of wig has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. There is a conditional gradation into "live" and "dead" wigs. Some are made from natural hair, others from artificial strands. Artificial products include products from kanekalon - extracts of seaweed, synthetic ones are made from nylon, modacrylic, canton and vinyl. The natural product is purchased from Europe and Asia.

The most popular product is from India. It is considered an honorable and profitable business there to donate your hair for processing. In this country, there is a custom to completely cut off hair after significant events in life: healing from serious ailments, long-awaited recovery and other "gifts" of fate. The hair is donated to the temple as a sign of sacrifice, where it is bought by dealers and, after processing, is sold to distributors. Temples earn several million a year from the "sacrificial" temple hair. Indian hair grows well, so this business is booming.

Raw materials are sorted, processed, discolored and painted again, and then put into production.Hair of different structure and quality can be used to make one wig. This is due to the imitation of "their" hair, heterogeneous in structure, color and appearance. The strands can be pre-dyed in the desired colors.

Inexpensive models will be relevant in the case when a person wears them from time to time or constantly changes them, buying new ones.

Quality wigs are made from thermal fiber. They look real and are resistant to heat, bake and styling. Piggy products include not only wigs, but also semi-wigs, as well as false hairpieces, "tails", braids and other aesthetic devices and accessories.

Some people are forced to wear wigs as needed to hide traces of biochemistry, for example. Others believe that such accessories are very convenient, do not require a constant investment of money and time. Still others buy wigs in order to radically change their image, image. Depending on the motivation, wigs perform different functions and also have their own characteristics.

The structure of this device is folded in such a way that it looks like a hat with tufts of hair attached. The fit of the product depends on its quality. For example, the base of wigs - montyur, is a separate strip with fixed hair, sewn together. They are arranged in a stepped overhead manner: tier to tier. At the place of the parting and crown there are always special overlays that cover the monture. As a result, the hair is arranged in steps, but in such a way that the base is never visible - one tier will always overlap the base of the other.

To hide the hairline, all wigs have different bangs. In her absence, cross-over half-wigs are used, partially covering the head. A good quality wig is almost indistinguishable from "native" hair. Transformability is one of the benefits of a wig. To increase volume, create highlighted or colored strands, as well as hide unwanted areas of the head and face, special lightweight models have been created. They are heterogeneous, equipped with special cells in which their own hair is embedded. In the reticular structure of such products, parts of the occipital or parietal region are absent.

Historical wigs are used as attributes to create a particular stage image. Stage wigs designed for performances, masquerades and shows are not so demanding in terms of naturalness. They are much lower in price and quality, but they create a mood and help to enter one image or another.

The types of wireframes can be as follows.

• Some of the best wigs are handcrafted. Their frame has a dense mesh base, to which each hair is manually attached. Therefore, they are as close as possible to natural hair.
• Usually, the hair in a wig is attached to a frame base, which is a strip with curls, fastened from the inside with lace nylon ribbons. When lifting the hair, weft can be detected. In a stationary state, the mounts are not visible. These wigs are inexpensive, highly sought after, and easy to wear. They are available with or without imitation of parting.
• Also very popular are wigs with a mono mesh that covers the gaps at the crown of the head. Such products can be combed and laid in any direction. The mesh provides convenience and comfort.

Additional differences.

• Natural hair wigs can be easily dyed, curled or, conversely, straightened, they can be cut and styled in any way. Artificial ones are deprived of such an opportunity, therefore, it is better to decide on the shape and color of the wig in advance.
• Natural products are susceptible to the effects of atmospheric precipitation, while artificial ones are not afraid of either snow or rain. They are afraid of hot tongs and heat treatment.
• Natural hair is always heavier than artificial hair by about 50 grams. The weight of a single wig made from natural hair starts from 130, and artificial - from 100 grams.
• Products made from real and blended hair are poorly breathable and much hotter than their synthetic counterparts.

• Natural wigs last on average 5 years, while artificial wigs can last up to 2 years with constant use with proper care.
• Real hair wigs are often made to order, while synthetic ones are on stream.
• Organic products are much more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. The average price varies depending on hair length, manufacturer, quality and is about 800 euros. Artificial models will cost significantly less - only 200 euros.

All wigs are categorized according to their appearance. There are ordinary ones, with short or long hair, with bangs, curls or flowing curls, as well as African or Asian. African wigs and braids are African.

• "Afro" are considered semi-ethical and are not suitable for everyone, but only for those who have the appropriate appearance. Often these products are thick, dark hair made of curly hair of medium length. Hair can also be light (but not red), natural or artificial, and have varying degrees of curl. These wigs are very popular among young people, they look very impressive and natural.
• African braids wigs or hair pieces are gaining popularity these days. These exotic products look unusual and fashionable, they can be natural or synthetic, short or long, multi-colored, monotonous, with interwoven elements: beads, ribbons, multi-colored ropes, hairpins and other accessories.

• Neat bob wigs can be low-haired and thick, long or short, natural, mixed or synthetic. Their appearance and shape depends on the quality of the material from which they are made. A bob is an elegant, clear haircut with a strict shape, with or without bangs, with a device or free combing of hair in natural shades. The most popular are natural black, chestnut and light brown tones, as well as blond and highlighted.
• Cascading wigs are always at the forefront of fashion. They are comfortable, they look natural thanks to the flowing strands. They come in various shapes and colors. Synthetic models made of algae and thermal fiber are very popular.
• Curly wigs often made from natural hair, as they keep frizz well and lend themselves to heat treatment better than synthetic ones. Their variety is great: from slightly curled ends to tight "shavings", from hairpins falling in waves to lightweight products with the effect of "wet" hair.

Quality wigs always mimic the natural hair color. The color palette is varied: from pure natural colors to creative options like colored strands. Light ones are divided into light brown and blond, dark ones have a wider range: from red to natural black. Shop colors can be complemented with your own dye if the quality of the wig's hair allows.

The market for this type of product is filled with different brands offering different types of wigs, designed for every consumer. Hence the wide range of prices for post-production products. Chinese products are significantly lower in quality compared to European brands from Germany, America, Italy and Poland. The best among the leaders is the German brand Ellen Wille. They produce traditionally high quality post-production products.

The company was founded by Helene Ville, literally making a breakthrough in the market for this type of product. It was based on the best centuries-old traditions of making wigs and hair extensions. Each wig is a high quality product that is comfortable to wear and easy to maintain. Among the advantages of the models, in addition to high quality, it can be noted: comfort, hidden frontal lines, natural hair coloring and styling.

The Ellen Wille collection contains models from natural and artificial hair. Natural ones are made exclusively from hair of the Slavic type, softer in structure. Synthetic wigs are as close to natural as possible, with a matte sheen, do not lose their quality after long wear, are resistant to heat, water and light, precipitation, drying and styling.

NJ Creation wig models are specially designed for everyday wear. The products of this brand are manufactured using the innovative technologies Modulcap and Novicap Liberty, which allow adjusting the cap in size, and are also equipped with polyurethane retainers that ensure the maximum level of fixation of the product on the head.

The choice of a wig depends on some features of the appearance. There are a number of rules for choosing products of this type.

• For a wig to look natural, you need to purchase models in natural shades that are as close as possible to your hair color.
• When choosing, consider not only the quality of the wig, but also the haircut model that is right for you. Beautiful wigs on display can look very different on different people. Each wig will fit differently.
• To make your face look smaller, choose wigs with short or cascading haircuts with a voluminous top.
• Wigs-squares are not suitable for everyone, but only for those who have a neat oval face. This haircut visually burdens the chin, due to which the oval seems to blur. If you still choose a square, then it is better from the number of models without bangs, with long hair.

• All wigs eventually take the shape of the wearer's head. This must be taken into account when buying. Usually after a week, the product fits well on the head and does not cause discomfort.
• The highest quality products are made by hand on the basis of monofilament - tulle, imitating the surface of the head. The invisibility mesh along the hairline makes this accessory invisible, so it is impossible to tell if you have natural hair or a wig.
• A quality real wig should fit properly with the wearer's head. To do this, you need to choose the right size for the cap. The size of wigs are: small (mini) - up to 54 centimeters, medium (standard) - up to 57 centimeters and large (maxi) - up to 60 centimeters in volume.
• According to hair length, wigs are divided into short - up to 25 centimeters, medium - up to 35 centimeters and long - from 35 centimeters or more.

• The structure of products can also be different: straight, wavy or curly.
• The manufacturer plays an important role in the selection. Quality brands cannot make cheap wigs. The exception is the models for the holidays, for example, for the "Jewess". Such products are always cheap due to their low quality. But it would never occur to anyone to wear costume wigs every day.

Getting used to a wig, a person wears it like clothes, without psychological discomfort. It is important to choose your model and adhere to the basic rules of care and wearing of this type of product.

Wearing a wig does not require cutting your hair. It is enough to remove them under a special mesh hat. Then, if necessary, fix and lay, giving a natural look. You can comb, style and curl the curls as you like.

Products of mass production are equipped with special devices: hooks, elastic bands, clamps and Velcro to create maximum "grip" with the surface of the wearer's head. You can put the product on almost any head, since there are many options and adaptations for this.

Caring for the postage products ensures their durability. The lifespan of a wig depends on proper care. You can put on and wear an artificial wig for many years, or you can “kill” it in a couple of months. Care for wigs should be the same as for your own hair, regardless of the degree of their naturalness.

• Among the features of natural wigs is the need to style after each wash. In case of rain and dampness, they also need special care. There are special sprays that protect these products from the effects of atmospheric precipitation.
• Natural products with the addition of thermal fiber are more resistant to various kinds of influences. They don't need extra styling even after washing. They are combed whatever you like. Natural products are best given to specialists. They know how to properly wash a wig without ruining it. If you decide to do it yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, they wash natural wigs, on average, once every two months with a good shampoo, in a special net, and then use a conditioner.

• Synthetic hair wigs are washed much less often - once every four months and also use mild detergents and rinses.
• Dry wigs on a special basis so that they do not lose their shape. Sometimes, when you need to quickly tidy up the product, you can use a hairdryer, but it is better to dry it naturally. Comb artificial and natural hair only dry, gently, avoiding contact of the comb with the base of the wig cap.

Using expert advice, you can count on your wig to serve you well for years to come.

How to choose and wear a wig correctly, see the video.