Why a Poorly Constructed Remy (or any hair) Wig Is Not Worth It.

We've all made some bad purchases when it comes to hair replacement products. I know I have in the past, and only through some expensive education did I learn how to spot a poorly contructed wig. The first thing I learned to look at, when considering a wig that is wefted, is how well the hair is sewn onto the weft. Are there a lot of stray hairs at the seam? Is the "return", (where the hair is folded over the weft on the underside) even? Is the density of the hair distributed evenly along the length of the weft? Is the stitching along the weft tight, or can hair be easily pulled out?

If the wig has a monofilament top, is the underside of the mono area protected by a second layer of material? The second layer serves to protect the knots against friction from rubbing against your head, which will loosen the hair and cause it to shed more quickly. Is the hair distribution even across the monofilament area? Are the knots visible from the top? Are the knots tight and hold the hair well? What kind of fabric or material is used for the monofilament area? Silk is a very dense fabric and tends to hold the knots more tightly than nylon or polyester. Is the material soft and non-irritating?

Finally, consider how well the cap is constructed. Are the wefts evenly sewn across the cap? Are the vertical lines evenly spaced? Is there any slackness noted when comparing one vertical line against the others? Do the sides sit evenly on your head, or is one side longer than the other? Are there little stays in the sides to help mold the sides to the contour of your face? Is the nape even?

These are all questions to consider when evaluating if a wefted wig is properly constructed. Of course, there are many other types of wig caps to consider and you can view some of these options here:

examples of wig caps

We'll discuss the merits of other types of wig caps in another post. Please feel free to leave comments on your experience and how you judge the quality of a wig!

Have a blessed and wonderful day!
Kimberly
www.belkwigs.com

How to differentiate human from synthetic hair

Today's wig manufacturers are very good at making synthetic hair look and feel like human hair. When comparing a synthetic wig with a human hair wig, taking into consideration that both are made on the same style cap, are the same length and otherwise identical in every way, the main difference you will notice is the weight. Human hair weighs more. Think of an acrylic sweater versus a wool sweater... it's the same principle. Acrylic is man made, wool is made from the hair of sheep.

If the retailer will allow this, the next difference is how easily the style can be changed. A synthetic wig will not change the "curl" pattern by gentle combing, but a human hair wig can be changed easily simply by combing it a little. Try parting the wig in a different place. The synthetic wig will resist this change more so than a human hair.

Finally, if you have a really good sense of smell.... wet the hair a little bit. The synthetic will not have an odor at all, the human hair wig will smell like your own, and Yak hair can smell like a wet dog to me!

Synthetic wigs have their place in the wig industry as good options just as European hair wigs have their place. Again, the best advice I can give you is to educate yourself. Really think about why you need, or want a wig, how long you will need it and what you are willing, or able to afford to get one.

For more information, check out the answers to frquently asked questions at Belk Wigs Online

May your day be filled with joy and love!

Till next time...
Kimberly
www.belkwigs.com

What is Remy Hair?

Frequently, I am asked for "Remy", sometimes spelled "remi", hair wigs or hairpieces. This always gets a reaction from me that ranges from amused to angry. Hair replacement retailers will often use this term to indicate that the hair is a higher quality. This is not always true. Some people even think it is a racial term, and honestly, I've never seen someone who is a Remian, have you? Hair used in wigs and hairpieces can come from virtually any race, even animals called Yaks. What the term "remy" really means is that, in the processing of hair to make a wig or hairpiece, the cuticle of the hair has not been stripped completely away and the hair is kept in the direction as it grew on the head of the person from whom the hair is collected. This may or may not be a good thing.

Seen under a microscope, the hair shaft has cuticles on it that resemble how shingles lay on a roof, one after the other, down the length of the hair. When hair is being colored or permed, the cuticle must lift up to allow the color or waving solution to penetrate into hair shaft and effect the change desired. Once the color or wave has been done, the cuticle lays back down on the hair shaft, but not always completely flat, and this is where problems can arise. The cuticle layer of the hair protects the hair shaft from damage due to sun exposure, heat and pollutants in the environment.

Wig manufacturers know this to be a significant problem, and most of the hair used in the industry comes from Asian and Oriental people. The hair is commonly black or very dark brown. So what do the manufacturers do to make it blond? They remove the cuticle, and sometimes the entire cuticle is not removed. Then the batch of "stripped" hair is processed to remove the color, then processed again to become various colors. After the hair is colored, it's made into a wig or hairpiece, and conditioned so that in the store, it is soft, shiny, silky to the touch and beautiful... until it's shampooed a few times and that conditioning done at the factory has been washed away. Without that protective cuticle layer the hair can become brittle and break easily.

There are significant differences in the quality of hair used in the wig industry. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself. Do not let yourself be intimidated by pushy salespeople who are not willing to discuss your questions or concerns with you. You have the right to know everything you want to know before you make an investment in hair replacement options.

My next posts will discuss how you can tell the difference between human and synthetic hair and how a poorly constructed "Remy" hair wig is not worth the trouble or the cost!

Blessings!
Kimberly
www.belkwigs.com

About Belk Wigs

Kimberly Belk, the chief consultant for Belk Wigs, is someone who truly understands your needs; she has suffered hair loss herself. In her efforts to solve her own problem, she learned about the many options available to treat hair loss, and tried many of those options herself. She wears a wig daily and can personally discuss how it feels to wear a wig.

Ms. Belk is a Registered Nurse. She has been a Certified Case Management Nurse (since 1993-2003) and a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (1990-2005). She has served in various capacities in her greater than twenty-year career in the medical profession, including working with cancer patients in the areas of home health, hospice and insurance case management. Kimberly continues to work as a RN full time; however she devotes as much time as possible to helping those with hair loss issues. Patience with her busy schedule will reward you with her expertise in the area of hair replacement options.

Kimberly has three goals for Belk Wigs: giving thanks to God for His love and support, providing attractive, affordable quality hair replacement options and providing education for those experiencing hair loss. Because of the trials and tribulations she has overcome with God's guidance, Kimberly is an empathetic advocate for you.

Check out our website for really good prices on exceptional quality wigs at www.belkwigs.com