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Did you know that up to 50% of women will experience noticeable hair thinning in their lifetime? Hair loss can be an extremely distressing experience, and if you’re feeling self-conscious you may be considering a wig that not only gives you a full head of hair but also helps restore your confidence.
At Daniel Alain, we understand the profound impact hair thinning can have. Our expertise lies in creating the most beautiful, natural-looking human hair wigs and toppers. Our goal is to provide high-quality human hair that looks natural. We want people who wear our hairpieces to feel confident, comfortable, and more like themselves.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the causes of hair thinning in women, and guide you through how to pick the best wigs in 2024. If you want to learn more about different hair types and qualities, the intricacies of lace tops versus skin tops, and the differences between hand-tied and machine-wefted wigs, we’ll talk you through it all.
We know choosing a wig can be an overwhelming and potentially vulnerable experience, but we’re here to help you take control and make the best decision for your needs.
What causes hair thinning in women?
Hair thinning in women is a complex issue with various underlying causes. While many people seek thinning hair solutions to regrow hair, the reality is that these methods aren’t always effective for everyone. Human hair wigs can be a quick and guaranteed fix for those who haven't had luck with hair regrowth treatments.
Let's take a look at some of the common types of hair loss in women.
Postpartum hair thinning
Hair loss is a common side effect among women who go through hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and often lead to hair thinning.
Daniel Alain customer, Marlo, began to notice postpartum hair thinning after giving birth, and shares that, “experiencing hair loss was crippling. I noticed I was losing hair from around my face and from my crown. Then I started noticing my part was widening and I could see more and more of my scalp.”
Health-related hair thinning
Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, which affect your hormone levels, or alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, can cause hair thinning or bald spots. Even scalp infections can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Daniel Alain customer Barb was diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s soon after noticing excessive hair shedding. “My initial reaction was fear. Then confusion, stress, overwhelmed…I had it all,” she recalls. “The amount of scalp you could see was becoming significantly more noticeable and that made me feel extremely self-conscious.”
Hair thinning and vitamin deficiency
Just like the rest of your body, your hair needs the right nutrients to stay healthy. Lacking essential nutrients like iron, protein, or certain vitamins can lead to noticeable hair loss. This is why a balanced diet is key not just for your overall health, but also for keeping your hair on your head.
Hair thinning from stress and Lifestyle Factors
Our modern lives can be stressful, and believe it or not, stress can impact your hair. High stress levels, along with environmental factors like pollution, and even certain lifestyle choices, can contribute to hair thinning. Managing stress and taking care of your overall well-being can make your hair grow.
Tips for choosing the best quality human hair wig for hair thinning
Tip #1: Understand hair quality
At Daniel Alain, we unfortunately know that buying an expensive human hair wig does not always mean you’re investing in a high-quality piece. One of our customers, Mirna, sadly experienced this for herself, at a time when she was desperate to find a wig for thinning hair.
“I walked in [to the wig shop] and I had no idea what in the world I was doing. They didn’t take my measurements or offer me a range of choices.
I didn’t even know what questions to ask. I told them I wanted a brunette human hair wig and they simply put one on my head and I bought it. I wanted to rip it off every 3 seconds as it was so uncomfortable.
I didn’t know any better. I thought that was just how wigs were. I tried to do things that would make me feel better in it, but ultimately, it just wasn’t me.”
Choosing the best wig for hair loss involves more than just choosing one made from human hair. It’s important to understand the different levels of quality among human hair wigs. Not all human hair wigs are created equal, and the type of hair used significantly impacts the wig’s overall look, feel, and durability.
Floor Hair
Floor hair refers to hair that is collected from hair salons, brushes, and shower drains without the specific intention of being made into wigs. This type of hair is often low-quality hair due to the mixed and uncertain origins, as well as the lack of cuticle alignment.
Floor hair can be prone to tangling and may not last as long as other types of hair used in wigs. Usually, silicone is used to make it look better, but this can wear off over time and show the real quality of the hair.
Ponytail hair
In contrast to floor hair, ponytail hair is considered to be the highest quality hair used in wig making. Ponytail hair has all its strands flowing in the same root-to-tip direction, just like natural hair. This is key to preventing tangles and ensuring the hair remains smooth and manageable.
Ponytail hair has a reputation for strength, shine, and ability to hold styles well. Wigs made from ponytail hair are more durable and offer a more natural look and feel compared to wigs made from floor hair.
Chinese/Indian Hair
While widely used in the wig industry, Chinese and Indian hair come in varying qualities. High-quality Chinese hair is known for its strength and thickness, making it ideal for wigs that require a more voluminous look. Indian hair is typically finer than Chinese hair and has a natural wave pattern.
European Hair
European hair is often considered the gold standard in wig-making due to its fine texture and natural sheen. This type of hair is lighter, softer, and has a natural movement that is hard to replicate with other hair types. European hair wigs are especially sought after.
However, not all Chinese, Indian, or European hair wigs offer the same quality, as the hair’s source and processing methods can greatly affect the end product. It’s essential to choose a wig from a reputable brand that prioritizes high-quality hair.
Tip #2: Understand cap construction
Choosing the right cap construction is an important factor in finding the perfect wig. Lace tops and silk tops are both popular options. Knowing the differences between them can help you choose the one that suits you best.
Lace Tops Wigs
Lace top wigs are lightweight and breathable. The lace material used in the cap’s construction is fine and sheer and allows for excellent air circulation. This makes lace tops wigs a comfortable choice, as they reduce heat underneath the wig. Lace top wigs don’t offer the appearance of a true scalp.
After Mirna’s unfortunate experience with a human hair wig that did not long up to expectations, she found a Follea René wig that features a lace top and she couldn’t be happier.
“When I first tried on my Follea wig, I was shocked at how amazing it looked. It was so realistic and beautiful. It was such a different experience. I was finally experiencing the feeling of being beautiful I had been searching for.”
Silk top wigs
In contrast, silk top wigs have the ability to create the highly realistic appearance of a true scalp. The skin top is made from several layers of material which may feel warmer to wear, especially in hotter climates.
Our customer Barb, who experiences hair thinning due to Hashimoto’s, wears a Follea Style wig that features a silk top. “The silk top gives me that natural scalp look. It’s a boost to my confidence knowing it looks completely real,” she explains.
Tip #3: Understand the importance of proper measurements
Choosing the right wig means more than just picking the right color, length, and hair type. Accurate measurements are important for a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
If the cap is too big or too small, it can cause the wig to move around or be uncomfortable. A correctly sized wig also helps in maintaining a natural hairline.
Mirna recalls her first experience in a wig shop and ultimately choosing the wrong piece, “I can’t believe I didn’t get measured! Measurements have so much to do with a wig’s comfort.”
How to Measure Your Head for a Wig:
- Circumference: Using a flexible tape measure, start at your natural hairline, follow along your hairline to the base of your hair at the nape, and then back to the starting point. This measures the circumference of your head.
- Front to Back: Measure from your natural hairline at the forehead straight back over the crown to the bend where your head meets the top of your neck.
- Ear Crown Ear: Measure from the hairline at the base of your sideburns, up and over the crown, to the same point at the other side.
Daniel Alain’s Personalized Fitting Process
At Daniel Alain, we understand the importance of a perfect fit. That's why we offer a personalized Fit Kit via a complimentary consultation, to ensure your wig fits your specific measurements. Our experts can guide you through the measuring process, either in person or virtually, to guarantee accuracy. We then use these measurements to determine your correct size wig cap, ensuring maximum comfort and a natural look.
Marlo, whose postpartum hair thinning ultimately led her to purchase one of our toppers instead of a wig urges others to seek expert advice. “Without talking with someone who is really familiar with human hair pieces, it would be very challenging to find the right piece by yourself,” she explains.
What’s the best choice in wigs for my hair thinning situation?
If you’ve been experiencing the emotional and physical challenges that come with hair thinning, you’re probably looking for a solution that truly makes you feel like yourself again.
Now that you have gained some knowledge about some of the main things to consider when choosing the best wig for you, you should be feeling more confident about being able to make the right decision.
If you still have questions or concerns about choosing the best wig for your situation and would like to talk through them with an expert, book an appointment for a consultation with one of our experienced consultants. They will be happy to guide you through making the best decision for you.