Custom Wig Salon Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages to buying a wig in person vs online?

When you buy online, you just get the wig or toupee straight out of the box. But in person, you can see the fibers and colors in real life and action. Either way, though, when I am involved and you’re working with me one-on-one as your alternative hair specialist, I take the hair (human or synthetic) and make it YOU! I customize every piece with the greatest detail. Synthetic or human hair gets the same amount of attention. I can also order pieces in for you to ‘sample’ to ensure your best investment.

If we’re working remotely and you order the hair piece from me, I’ll ‘show you’ via Zoom all the options and we can collaborate on a customization that suits you to a T! When working together, either in my studio or via Zoom, custom cutting and thinning is included in the price of your purchase.

Please note: if buying online direct from a third party, before you even try on the piece, make sure you have read the fine print of their return policy.

What are the different types of wigs that you offer for sale?

I offer a range from light density, synthetic and human hair to premium human hair to more voluminous synthetics. All the constructions differ from stages of hair loss, growing back in or permanent hair loss. I’ll discuss the cap construction options, try them on you and see which one suits your hair loss situation the best. I only carry what I would wear myself.

How do I care for a synthetic wig vs a human hair wig?

Great question! For an everyday wearer, I recommend human hair and a synthetic back up for more intense physical activities, for no fuss - no muss moments, and also to increase the longevity of your human hair investment.

It may help those who have hair loss as a result of cancer treatments to know that your ‘real hair’ takes longer than you think to grow back. So often my cancer patients think they should just buy a synthetic wig for the short term – the time it takes to recover. BUT they should still be prepared to wear a hair piece for longer than the treatments. It’s going to take quite a bit of time for your hair to grow back in. Given that, I suggest you invest in a human hair piece as the ultimate choice. There’s so many hits against you that I feel like your hair should be a big win! Therefore, I recommend human hair. It will last for the duration and beyond. And you’ll lift your spirits every day you put a human hair piece on. It will feel natural. Massive benefit to a human hair wig is that it’s going to feel far more like you.

I always encourage my clients on their “good weeks“ to wash and style their human hair wigs so they are ready for the not-so-great times. It’s nice to know you can have the feeling of normality while going through treatment.

What is the average lifespan of a synthetic wig vs human hair?

That all depends on the quality of the fibers. A typical synthetic piece is going to last you 6 to 9 months, possibly longer, with excellent care. The human hair pieces I carry are going to last you anywhere from 2-3 to 5 years.

Do you offer wig customizing?

It’s my passion and specialty! Whether it’s synthetic or human hair, customization is key!

How long do people usually wear a hair piece when going through chemo treatment?

I feel that all depends on your level of comfort. If you feel comfortable presenting a very cropped pixie, then you could probably drop your alternative hairpiece a few months after radiation. Other clients feel they need to hang on to their desired style and their biological hair aligns.

Can I style a synthetic wig with heat?

No. Traditional synthetic fibers do not play nicely with heat. Even opening the oven or sitting by a campfire can cause some damage to your fibers. Luckily, most manufacturers that I partner with are really upping the game and have come out with heat-friendly, synthetic fiber hairpieces. These are the modern pieces I happily carry.

How do I know I have a good fit?

A full wig should feel like a nice hug to your head. The ear tabs on literally every style can be higher or lower, but in general lace and monofilament area should lay flat and there should be minimal rising up in the nape. If you have existing biological hair, the fit can be a little harder to differentiate. Here is when a wig grip really comes into play so that your cap construction isn’t slipping on your strands.

Where can I wear my piece? Can I wear it swimming?

My philosophy and encouragement is always just to wear your piece! We need more alternative hair wearing in the world! Synthetic fiber can take a little bit of damage with a dip in the pool; but if you have a wig grip on, and you’re not swimming like an Olympic athlete, I’d recommend going with synthetic. Perhaps take the synthetic ‘spare’ you have that’s not in your regular rotation and use that one in the pool.

Human hair wig fibers hold up with swimming, but just like your biological hair, will need to be rinsed and does run the risk of color fading.

Will my wig set off metal detectors at the airport?

That’s a hit or miss. Most likely you will not set off the detector, but if you do, I think you’ll find your experience to be pleasant. Typically, you just need to state that you are wearing a wig or alternative hairpiece/including topper and you will just be on your way.

I’m noticing a lot more biological hair shed and I don’t know what I should do?

My best advice is to wash the hair gently; hair is the most vulnerable when it is wet. Comb through halfway dry or dry strands with a wide tooth comb. Limit your color processing and make an appointment with the dermatologist. Also, a consultation with me can help you feel like you can take a deep breath again and have a game plan for a potentially fluctuating process.

I have biological curly hair that’s thinning. Can I wear a wig or topper?

100%! Finding your curl pattern in a synthetic or human hair can often leave you feeling a little discouraged about maintaining your curl pattern. I’m here to help. Two options; I custom create your curl pattern or we can do a custom order with human hair. Another option is I can reestablish the curl pattern in a synthetic or heat-friendly synthetic wig to match your biological curls.

I have tried almost every shade of red in a wig and topper, is there any way for me to wear an alternative hairpiece that’s close to my natural red?

Absolutely! In this case, I most often will recommend a human hairpiece and doing a custom color. You may get your color in a synthetic fiber, but often it lacks the natural dimension of your biological hair. Either way we can explore options.

Before my hair loss, I colored my hair and it was medium brown. Now that my hair is growing back and I am much more gray…I’m actually liking it. Do I have options with a topper?

You sure do! Across the board, manufacturers are making beautiful, gray blends in synthetic fibers. For those who prefer human hair, I custom color gray tones all the time.

Will a wig look wiggy or feel hot?

I’m not gonna lie - there’s an adjustment with wearing alternative hair. I have the skill set to customize to the most natural feel and look; and then you sprinkle it with confidence. And sometimes we all must fake it till we make it. I give that ‘fake it make it’ stage about a week as a rule of thumb. It’s time to reclaim yourself.

HELP! My synthetic wig is so shiny!

Trust me, it’s going to be OK. The best tool you can have in your back pocket is dry shampoo. And I’m not talking costly and professional; a dry shampoo that you get at your local drugstore will do just fine. Use a reasonable amount, let it set for a few minutes, then work it through with your hands and a wide tooth comb, repeat the process if necessary. Also, keep in mind that the shine of a synthetic fiber will settle over time with wear and washing.

I have found Audrey to be very compassionate, hard working and she's a very talented colorist!

Audrey Catherine is a talented alternative hair artist! She took the time to get to know me and my goals for my wig, including style and color. I have significant hair thinning from an autoimmune condition and I’ve purchased several wigs in the past through online stores and other wig shops. They never fit correctly, and the color was always off. Audrey measured my head and ordered a wig that fit my budget, fit my head perfectly, and came in the perfect base color. She customized the color and included a cut. I feel like myself again!

- Caroline B.

Denver, CO