Wigs
Simon Beale, the founder of Great Looking Hair, has been changing the face of the hairdressing industry for over three decades pioneering new hair replacement systems, concepts and management, constantly driving the market for better resources and products for his clients.
Here he exlpains all you need to know about wigs.
Certified Full Wig and Volumising Systems
There are so many wigs and hair systems to chose from on the market how do you know which one is right for you? Firstly, if you are considering having a bespoke wig made you should take into consideration that the company you are using is a certified Wig Maker.
To create and complete our bespoke Wigs, as an example, we hand craft and knot 70,000 individual hairs. - Craftsmanship! It takes an enormous amount of intricate skill, technique, know-how and patients to complete. In the UK alone statistics show that over 70% of people are unhappy with their natural hair quality or hair quantity and therefore may require one of our bespoke made to measure wigs.
Specialists certified in Wig Making can create many different styles of wigs such as a Full Lace Wig, Front Lace Wig, custom bespoke hand made wig, wavy or curly wigs, even high-lighted wigs. Choosing the right system should be as hassle free as possible for you. Below, we have some of the most commonly used terms and what they mean, as well as all the information you need to help you choose the right system for you.
SYSTEM: This is the technical term for wigs and volumising hair replacement products. These include full wigs, partial wigs and volumising systems.
FULL SYSTEMS: These are full wigs, generally structured from thin translucent, breathable skins and/or very fine lace to give a very comfortable and natural fit.
VOLUMISING (partial) SYSTEMS: These are used to help with partial hair loss and are normally are situated on the top part of the head. They can be constructed from various materials, such as very fine lace and are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
Volumising system/ Toupee Base Cap
MEN'S SYSTEMS/ TOUPEES: These are just like Ladies' Systems but are specifically designed with men in mind. They are normally structured from a fine breathable material and can be used to cover full hair loss and partial hair loss. Ladies' and Men's Full Systems are made from the same materials and using the same techniques - the main differences being the styling and lengths.
Lace Fronted Full Hair Replacement Systems and Hair Types
Hair Loss sufferers need not worry anymore. At last it is now possible to have an incredible natural look with lace. Lace gives the complete look of natural, growing hair.
Front lace and Full Lace systems use technology widely used by world renowned film stars and singers for years. Now through Great Looking Hair, their secret it is available to you at very affordable prices. Our Lace is so fine, it is virtually undetectable. Each individual hair (up to 70,000!) is lovingly hand-knotted to the lace giving an incredible natural hairline.
Swiss Lace Base for Bespoke Wigs
Only the highest quality human hair is used for our wigs, using fine Swiss lace for durability and comfort with this also used for our bespoke made to measure range. -Most of these wigs can also be made in synthetic fibre. The base caps of these wigs are hand tied, lace/ mono tops and machine wefted sides and backs. These wigs are semi custom made in small, medium and large and colour variations such as highlights and lowlights can be added as required-. Full lace/mono hand tied wigs are bespoke and only custom made.
HAIR TYPES
Hair can be matched from a very wide selection of human hair varieties.
European Hair - This hair has not been colour processed and as it is in a virgin state, it holds its colour perfectly. It is straight and soft. This hair is the purest but most expensive.
Asian Hair - this hair is as European Hair but is just fractionally coarser than European.
Asian Processed Hair - this hair is the same diameter hair as Asian non-Processed hair but as the hair is coloured, it is just slightly more porous. This hair is the most widely used in all our systems and has the most wonderful texture together with excellent condition. Perfect for Caucasian hair.
Chinese Processed Hair - this is slightly coarser than Asian hair and is most commonly used for people with thick hair and for Afro - Caribbean hair. This hair will normally have a Yaki texture (similar to the texture of relaxed hair) which makes it ideal for Afro/Caribbean clients.
All of our hair is Remy aligned. This means that the cuticles on the hair surface are aligned leading to a more natural flow and less tangling.
Volumise
So simple to do! For the client with fine or thinning hair, Volumise is a custom made hair piece. Volumise is attached to the hair using the Link System™ and then inter-woven with the client's hair. -the blend is so natural you forget it's not your own hair!
How to Care For Your Wig
Do Not...
DO NOT expose to heat in excess of 160* (example opening an oven door)
DO NOT use any heated appliances on synthetic fibre Wigs.
How do I put on my wig?
Fix your own hair by pinning back or wearing a wig cap. Hold wig by the back for first time use shake it out! Loosen any Velcro straps or hooks in the back of the wig used for adjusting. Hold the wig by the sides and put it on your head. Position the wig until it is comfortable and in a natural position.
Caring for a Wig
1) Place your wig into bowl of warm water.
2) Add 2 tea spoons of Great Looking Hair Moisturising Shampoo.
3) Gently massage hair and rinse in fresh warm water.
4) Pat hair and add a little Great Looking Hair Moisturising Conditioner and combthrough and rinse.
Caring for my Human Hair wig
After following the wash instructions as above it is very important to hold with one hand the root hair together with the wig base and then with the other hand gently brush the hair starting from the ends going up to the roots. Brush very gently at the area of the root and the wig base. It is recommended to have two or three wigs a year so that you can interchange them.
Can I use styling products with my new wig?
You can use styling products such as mousse, serum, sparkle and shine and light hairsprays. Make sure you read the instructions on the Great Looking Hair products.
Styling a Wig
Use a wire brush, or your fingertips. Whilst your wig has been designed with a basic style, you can achieve many variations of styles, by gently lifting or gentle back combing. To regain the original style just brush thoroughly and when cleaning allow to air dry.
You must...
Brush Synthetic fibre Wigs ONLY when dry.
Use products specifically designed for wigs. For example the Great Looking Hair range of hair care product.
These are unique as they can be used on synthetic fibre and human hair.
What is the difference between Synthetic Fibre Hair and Human Hair?
Synthetic fibre is pre styled and therefore easy to maintain and much cheaper than Human hair wigs. However Human hair wigs need styling but are more natural and will last much longer and can be coloured to some degree.
How long does a synthetic fibre wig last?
You will get up to 12 weeks wear from your wig, if you are a daily wearer, after which it may start to go dry on the ends and loses its shine, where as a human hair wig can last 18 months.
Monofilament Wigs
The monofilament in the wig is the cap within the wig. This has a special construction which gives great comfort and wearability. As shown in the diagram, the construction is very comfortable because of the weaving technique, which provides excellent ventilation. And will match your own individual scalp colour.
What makes some wigs more expensive than others?
The price of a wig depends on the materials used in the construction of the wig. Synthetic wigs are generally much cheaper than Human hair, and a more durable lightweight wig will raise the price. The expertise of the wigmaker and the beauty and quality of the eventual product will also determine the price, as will the method used in its construction, with a hand-knotted wig being more expensive.
Can a wig colour match my own hair?
Yes, all you have to do is supply a sample of your hair and a colour can be selected to match it to your exact specifications.