Meeting with a highly qualified professional like me can ease the uncertainty of choosing the right alternative hair option. During the consultation, we will assess the stability of your biological hair and discuss your comfort level with a clipping system or topper.
Absolutely! Wigs and toppers are not just for those experiencing hair loss. They’re perfect for:
I always consider long-term solutions when recommending bondable systems. If you find the process uncomfortable or not what you expected, I can convert the system into a clip-in topper. Typically, I advise starting with a clip-in system to adjust to the new look before transitioning to a bondable option if desired.
Definitely. For topper candidates, switching between a topper and a full wig system is a great idea. This allows your hair to rest from the clips while enjoying the ease and security of a full wig on other days.
Synthetic: These are pre-styled and ready to wear, made of synthetic plastic fibers that maintain their shape through wear and washing. They come in an established color pattern and offer options for adjusting the length, density, and cut.
Human Hair: Made from real human hair, these systems allow for flexibility in styling with heat tools and adjusting or refreshing the color. They are the most similar to natural hair and can be cut, styled, and colored like biological hair.
No, wearing a wig or topper will not damage your natural hair as long as it is installed properly and your biological hair is maintained with care.
You can expect to make an investment when entering into alternative hair.
Synthetic or heat-friendly synthetic: These are more affordable but have a shorter lifespan (you may need to replace 2–4 synthetic systems for every one human hair system).
Human hair: These systems have a higher upfront cost but last longer and offer the most natural appearance.
It’s also important to consider the cost of maintenance and styling products as part of your investment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes! I build detailed client files for every guest I work with. If you’re moving and need a new system or want to change your current one, we can discuss everything through my virtual studio to ensure your needs are met.
Most definitely. Human hair systems typically need a color refresh annually. I’m happy to revamp your piece and restore it to its original vibrancy, keeping it as good as new.
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.
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.
Synthetic or heat friendly synthetic can last 6-9 months.
Human hair typically lasts 1-4 years depending on the fiber and craftsmanship of cap construction.
In general, the answer is no. Though if you are wearing a bondable system, whether it is a toupee, shorter style, or longer length; sleeping in it is possible.
Regardless of whether it’s synthetic or human hair, wig or topper, the general rule is to wash and condition it every 6–8 wears. Between washes, use detanglers, leave-in conditioners, or hair oils as needed, depending on the fiber type.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To prepare:
If you’re unsure of what you want, don’t worry—we’ll work through it together to find the perfect solution for you!
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
Alternative hair by audrey - Sonder Salon
3491 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80528, United States
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