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Here at Daniel Alain, we’ve spent over two decades creating exquisite European human hair wigs that look and feel completely natural. We’ve heard every kind of hair loss story, and we’ve helped countless women regain their confidence and feel beautiful again. We firmly believe that people shouldn’t be defined by their hair loss, and we are inspired by our customers’ real-life experiences. Today, we’re drawing on one of those stories, and Ashley Demshki is sharing her tips for finding the best wigs for someone with total hair loss.
Ashley was diagnosed with alopecia universalis as a baby and started wearing wigs before she began kindergarten. She cannot recall a time she ever had hair. Living with hair loss has been a reality that Ashley has learned to embrace as a part of her identity, but it wasn’t always the smoothest ride, especially when she was younger.
Her relationship with alopecia has had the usual ups and downs for anyone who lives with a physical difference, but it’s safe to say that Ashley’s hair loss is something that has helped shape her into the kind, empathetic, fun-loving person she is today.
If you’re exploring wigs for someone with total hair loss, read on! Ashley firmly believes that you can be comfortable and secure in your wig, without having to sacrifice wearability and a natural look. She’s going to reveal the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing a wig for total hair loss and will show you how you can have it all.
Will my wig stay in place?
One of the biggest concerns for anyone who wears a wig regularly, is wig security. Wigs need to feel safe and secure on the head and nobody wants to be caught in an embarrassing situation on a windy day or during a close embrace. Over the years Ashley has worn a variety of wigs, with different methods to ensure they stayed in place.
When she was younger, Ashley wore wigs that required wig tape and adjustable straps to stay put. These days, she wears a Gripper Actif Follea wig by Daniel Alain.
“I have an active, busy lifestyle and I don’t have time to apply tapes and other adhesives like I did when I was younger. It’s possible to have maximum security without those extra steps.”
The Gripper Actif wig has a wefted, medical-grade silicone cap and is made especially for someone with total hair loss by offering maximum hold. It features a silicone perimeter and additional silicone down the back of the cap to the nape. The silicone grips the scalp and doesn’t slip or slide around, even during strenuous activities, making it a great option for people with an active lifestyle.
“I think most people with total hair loss like the added security of a silicone cap and ear tabs to keep a wig in place. It’s such an advantage not having to use tape or other messy adhesives. I like having peace of mind and knowing my wig isn’t going to hold me back from doing anything I want.”
Ashley also wears the Style wig by Follea, and although it doesn’t feature a silicone cap, it’s safe and secure on her head. “I never worry about my Style wig falling off because it fits me perfectly and it’s snug on my head. It’s worth trying different styles - even ones that aren’t made specifically for people with total hair loss. You don’t know what’s going to work the best for you until you explore all the options.”
Will my wig feel comfortable on my head?
Unlike people with bio hair, people with total hair loss have no buffer between their scalp and the wig cap. The materials used to make the wig caps and the methods used to secure them, must therefore be exceptionally kind to the skin.
“You definitely don’t want anything itchy on a bald head.”
The wig tape Ashley used in the past had its downfalls when it came to comfort and long-term wearability. “When I used wig tape to keep my wigs in place, it would irritate my skin. It would be red and raw around my hairline and the back of my head where the tape was applied. Not having to apply adhesives means my skin is much clearer and I can relax that I don’t have to put up with discomfort."
Getting a wig that properly fits your head is key to a comfortable experience. Here at Daniel Alain, we don’t believe in a one size fits all philosophy. We know that achieving a perfect fit leads to maximum comfort. Our Gripper wigs are available from sizes XXXS to XL and we can help with taking measurements so that our customers can feel confident they’ll be comfortable in their wigs.
It’s important to mention that silicone caps aren’t as breathable as lace caps. In addition to the Gripper Actif, at Daniel Alain we also offer a Gripper Lite. The Gripper Lite features a lightweight cap that has a silicone perimeter to hold the wig in place while offering maximum breathability and comfort.
Will my wig look natural?
After considering wig security and comfort, Ashley suggests that the next thing to think about is making sure it looks completely natural. The very best wigs are made from premium 100% European human hair and have a natural movement and bounce identical to that of a real head of hair.
“When I was younger, hair quality didn’t seem as important as it does now. But in this season of my life, my priorities have changed. When I first got my Follea, I knew I had an exceptional piece. The hair quality was much better than anything I had been wearing previously. You can see and feel the difference.”
Human hair wigs can be machine-wefted or hand-tied. If you want a wig that’s indistinguishable from a real head of hair, Ashley recommends looking for a hand-tied wig with a temple-to-temple lace front. A hand-tied wig gives amazing body and volume, and a temple-to-temple lace front gives the most natural hairline around the entire front of the wig.
“Another important consideration is how the top of the wig is made. Wigs can have a lace top or a silk top. A silk top gives you the most natural look - it truly resembles a real scalp. A lace top looks less natural because you can see the lace fabric along the part line. You can make it look more realistic by plucking out some hairs, or by covering it with makeup, but that can be too much work for some people.”
Will I be able to style my wig?
A benefit of human hair wigs is that you can style them as you would bio hair. With proper care and maintenance, you can use the same products and tools to personalize your look. Hand-tied wigs allow you to switch the part, change the color or even get face-framing pieces cut so that when you look in the mirror, the wig looks and feels like a part of you.
To say that Ashley celebrates the versatility of wig-wearing by switching up her looks is an understatement. She thoroughly embraces being able to wear different colors, lengths, and styles, and she has an updo for every outfit. She chooses her wig of the day as others would pick out an outfit, and her wigs must give her the flexibility she expects.
“I love wearing my hair in a high ponytail, a French braid, or bangs. The best wigs don’t look like a wig at all, no matter how you wear them. I love wigs that are easy to wear. I can style them the day before and they still look perfect the next day.”
For maximum flexibility, find a company that offers a range of wigs and a variety of colors and lengths. For example, the Gripper wigs by Follea at Daniel Alain are available in 17 colors and 4 lengths.
How much does the best wig cost?
Quality wigs that come at a higher price outshine cheaper wigs in every way. For someone with total hair loss, a wig is likely to be a workhorse and needs to fulfill every need. While cheap wigs are an affordable choice for experimenting with color and style, they won’t last a long time.
“I firmly believe people should explore their options before investing in any wig. Cheap wigs are great if you want to play around with different styles, but they’re a temporary solution. They don’t last very long and they don’t look very natural. Long-term wearability comes at a price.”
At Daniel Alain, our Gripper wigs start at $4,460, and the price increases depending on the color and length of the hair.
is a gripper right for me?
Looking for a wig for someone with total hair loss can be a journey. When you don’t know what else is available, it can be easy to be stuck in old routines. Ashley used tape and adhesives for many years until she discovered silicone caps that stayed firmly on her head. She put up with lower-quality wigs that lost hair over time and she stuck with the same style year after year because she didn’t want people to know she was wearing a wig.
For someone with total hair loss who chooses to wear a wig, the wig needs to do it all. Long-term wig-wearing needs to be secure, comfortable, convenient and most of all, natural. There’s nothing wrong with a little luxury too! The best wig is the one you reach for over and over again and the one you feel most like yourself when wearing. When you know your wig is secure, comfortable, and natural, you exude confidence.
We are proud to have played a part in Ashley’s story. We truly believe you don’t have to compromise comfort and security for quality and a natural look. We’re confident our wigs can offer it all. If you want to find out more about our Gripper wigs that were designed for people with total hair loss, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts for a free consultation.
