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Tips for Buying a Wig as an Alopecia Sufferer


Alopecia is the loss of hair from parts of the body. More than 50% of women will have experienced noticeable hair loss by age 40.    Some 30 million women have experienced hair loss in the United States. By age 60, 80% of women will have experienced noticeable hair loss.  Natural life events such as pregnancy and menopause can also bring about hair loss in women.  The facts surrounding hair loss in men are a bit more surprising.  One in four men begin balding before age 21 and 66% of men experience hair loss by age 35.


What Are The Types of Alopecia and What Causes It?

Age, genetics, hormone and other lifestyle factors are the culprits in those who’ve been diagnosed with Alopecia.  The most common form of alopecia is known as “androgenetic alopecia.”  This type of alopecia is hereditary.  Individuals may notice prolonged thinning of hair around the crown of the head or on the hairline.   Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Noticeable patches are seen in the scalp in those with alopecia areata.  This form of alopecia only affects 2% of individuals worldwide.  The form of alopecia which leads to total hair loss not just on the head but body and face is alopecia universalis.

Poor hair or scalp health can also lead to alopecia.  Hair loss can happen as a result of medical conditions such as PCOS, lupus, cancer, and severe eczema or psoriasis.  Traction alopecia can result from frequent wearing of styles that cause tension on the scalp (tight cornrow braids or braid extensions, tight ponytails, itips, tape ins, etc).  This is the worst form of alopecia because it can cause irreversible hair loss if follicles are severely damaged.  Last but not least, hair loss can result from the use of chemical based products such as relaxers and hair dye. Stress, injuries and inadequate nutrition are also factors that can lead to hair loss. 

Buying Your Wig  

True beauty is inside however, when experiencing hair loss or alopecia, wigs can act as hair replacement and help to restore confidence in the hair loss sufferer.  Some individuals wear wigs for fashion and versatility and others wear wigs to replace hair that they’ve lost.  When purchasing a wig for hair replacement, it helps to purchase from a wig store with sufficient knowledge about hair and hair loss.  The wig store should be able to what alopecia is and all that can contribute to it. Rest in knowing that Essence Wigs is totally aware of hair loss conditions such as alopecia and will be able to provide the hair and wig replacement options that you desire. If you are dealing with alopecia, know that your condition can change and there can be growth after loss.

 What to Think About Before Buying a Wig as An Alopecia Sufferer

You’ve experienced or have been experiencing hair loss and need hair replacement options.  Some hair replacement options can be rather pricy (hair transplant surgery, hair restoration clubs, dermatologist visits if uninsured).  Wigs provide the hair loss sufferer with hair replacement options at prices within a budget. They also act as a low maintenance style that can allow your hair and scalp the rest it needs to grow back. While your hair grows back, you’ll want to stay away from hair replacement styles that can contribute to additional hair loss or damage.  Styles like tape-ins, sew-ins, braided extensions, and itips can stress the head and scalp even further. If you are experiencing hair loss, be sure that you stay away from chemical treatments and processes. Want to try out a new color? Purchase a wig with that color. Don’t bleach and color your own hair.



      Photos courtesy essencewigs.com


Essence Wigs has various wigs made with materials that are suitable for the hair loss sufferer.  Whether you are experiencing patches or full hair loss, full wigs or wigs which allow you to blend in some of your own hair may be a desired choice.




When purchasing a wig three factors to consider are :
 
Wig Type (synthetic, human, lace, non lace)

Hair Pattern (afro, curly, wavy, afro curly, kinky straight, wavy)

Wig Fit 

Are you looking for a wig that can mimic your own hair pattern? Want to experiment with other textures?  Essence Wigs has many textures of hair that can resemble your own hair if you have textured hair.  






Human Hair or Synthetic Hair?

There is a general misconception that human hair wigs are better than synthetic wigs.  Both human and synthetic hair have their pros and cons.  Synthetic hair can be a much more sustainable option and so we’ll usually say the hair is made with sustainable fibers.  












Our sustainable fiber wigs are long lasting and do not require much maintenance.  Human hair wigs on the other hand requires more maintenance and time to maintain the hair.  Remember not all human hair wigs are created equal. To learn more about these synthetic and human hair wig be sure to purchase our book, “Get Wiggy with It: A Mini Guide to Maintaining and Wearing Wigs.




Hair made with synthetic or sustainable fibers look the most realistic when the result is to mimic type 3 and 4 hair.  Most human hair wigs are naturally straight and processed in order to achieve a curly look.  






Our wigs will arrive styled and ready to go onto your head.  




However, you are still afforded the ability to change a look and have it revert back to its original texture (human hair).  Human hair wigs can be dyed or straightened and they’ll revert back to the texture that you received it in. Afro or kinky textured synthetic wigs can last for years due to the durability and sustainability of the materials used.  We have wigs in a variety of styles and patterns such as twist out, braid out, blow out, afro, afro curly, kinky, kinky curly, etc.  






As an alopecia sufferer, thinking about the type of wig that you want is important.  There are wigs made with lace and wigs that aren’t.  Some can be made with silk bases and others may be made with monofilament bases. All these options differ, and can be suitable depending on your desired look. Wigs should be breathable allowing the hair and scalp underneath to air and they should also be comfortable as well.  




Great Fit

Finding a wig that fits and stays on is important.  If you are an alopecia sufferer, glue and tape should be avoided at all times as this can lead to more hair loss or damage. Essence Wigs provides hair replacement options that do not require glue or tape. The stretch in a cap is what makes the difference for secure fit.  This will allow the cap to take the shape of your head and ensure the cap fits just right.  Adjustable straps can be helpful for additional staying power.  If you are an alopecia sufferer, you might now desire a wig with combs.  When purchasing from a wig store, it helps to be able to speak with customer service to inform them about any special needs.

Visit our website to view all our wigs and use the code  ESSENCELOVE5 at checkout to receive 5% off your order.


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