Wig out! The 411 on wearing wigs

Jet,  Oct 11, 2004  

It's hard for a Sister to make up her mind when it comes to her hair. So don't. You never have to settle for just one hairstyle at a time--if you get hip to wigs. And forget about those tacky granny joints. Good quality wigs come in every "divalicious" color, texture, length and style imaginable. Hobnob in a sleek black bob, flip the script with platinum twists, go retro with a 'fro or rock waist-length locks. Change your mane seven days a week or seven times a night if you like. So whether you want a long-term wig commitment or a fun one-night stand, here's the deal:

WHOSE HAIR IS IN THERE

There are two types of wigs: human hair and synthetic hair. A human hair wig is made from, you guessed it, human hair. People, often in Asia and Europe, are paid to grow out their hair, then their hair is "harvested" and made into wigs. Synthetic hair wigs, on the other hand, are made from very fine plastic filaments. That's right, plastic.

Human hair is more durable than synthetic, and since it's real hair, you can style it with a curling iron or blow dryer. But it also acts up like human hair, especially when it gets wet.

Unlike human hair, synthetic wigs retain their style after shampooing or exposure to humidity. They're usually less expensive, and good quality synthetic wigs look very natural. The biggest disadvantage: If you expose synthetic hair to heat from styling tools or the kitchen oven, it will shrivel into a frizzled mess.

WHERE TO SPY THAT FLY HAIRSTYLE

Scout the neighborhood for wig shops, surf the Internet, check out mail order wig catalogues and ask your wig-wearing Sistergirls where they find signature styles. Visit a wig stylist or hair stylist who can custom-cut the wig to fit your face. Experiment. Part of the fun is road-testing different looks.

CARE FOR THAT HAIR

Styrofoam heads or wig stands keep wigs in shape when they're not on your head. And keep those wigs clean. For synthetic hair, gently brush or finger comb to untangle, turn inside out, soak in lukewarm water with wig shampoo and rinse in cold water. Place on a wig stand to air dry, and don't comb while wet. For human hair, soak in warm water with a mild shampoo and conditioner, rinse with warm water, towel-blot, then gently comb with downward strokes in small sections. Let it air dry. Use a blow dryer or curling iron on low heat to restyle your 'do.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group